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+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by Clair W. Hayes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+       Or, Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+Author: Clair W. Hayes
+
+Release Date: February 16, 2010 [EBook #12870]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, D Alexander, Suzanne Shell,
+Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The Boy Allies
+ On The Firing Line
+
+ OR
+
+ Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+ By CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+ AUTHOR OF
+ "The Boy Allies at Liège"
+ "The Boy Allies With the Cossacks"
+ "The Boy Allies In the Trenches"
+
+ A.L.BURT COMPANY
+ NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ Copyright, 1915
+ BY A. L. BURT COMPANY
+
+ THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE
+
+
+
+
+ THE BOY ALLIES ON THE
+ FIRING LINE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+TERRIBLE ODDS.
+
+
+"Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn't it, Hal?" asked
+Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly
+along.
+
+"Great!" replied his friend enthusiastically. "And it looks as if we
+were to see action soon."
+
+"Yes, it does look that way."
+
+The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all
+told, with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were
+reconnoitering ten miles in advance of the main army along the river
+Marne in the great war between Germany and the allied armies. For
+several hours they had been riding slowly without encountering the
+enemy, when, suddenly, as the little squad topped a small hill and the
+two boys gained an unobstructed view of the little plain below, Hal
+pulled up his horse with an exclamation.
+
+Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an
+abrupt halt.
+
+"Germans!" he said laconically.
+
+"And thousands of 'em," said Chester. "They haven't seen us yet. What
+is best to be done?"
+
+The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of
+fire broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily
+ducked their heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.
+
+"Well, they have seen us now," said Hal; then turning to the men: "To
+the woods," pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.
+
+Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.
+
+"Up in the trees," ordered Hal, "and pick them off as they come!"
+
+Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among the
+branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming German
+horde.
+
+Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they
+approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their
+answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British
+troopers, accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton
+cavalry went down in heaps.
+
+There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching
+horsemen. Then, as the English continued their work, firing with
+machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a
+halt.
+
+"What are they stopping for?" cried Chester. "There are enough of them
+to overwhelm us!"
+
+"I believe they fear a trap," replied Hal. "They are afraid we are
+trying to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the
+delusion if we expect to get away."
+
+So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force
+advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been
+even wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had
+climbed into the trees, had aimed too low.
+
+From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and
+then, as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly,
+firing as they flitted from tree to tree.
+
+Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy's
+indecision. They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally
+gained the edge of the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from
+further in among the trees the leaden messengers of death still struck
+the Germans, and man after man fell in his tracks.
+
+Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to
+the ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed
+him with a word, and the little body of English continued their
+retreat, firing as they went.
+
+Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance
+of half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this
+half a mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the
+Germans were approaching nearer every second.
+
+Hal did not hesitate.
+
+"We shall have to make a dash for it!" he cried. "One more volley,
+men, and then run!"
+
+One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then
+the little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed
+scarcely half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the
+woods, and poured a volley into them.
+
+Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were
+left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees,
+but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.
+
+Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.
+
+"We may as well fight it out here," he told them. "We will hold them
+off if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind
+whatever cover offers."
+
+A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
+determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
+Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
+marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
+enemy halted.
+
+Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
+were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
+or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
+accounted for.
+
+For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
+darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure
+them into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a
+charge, but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as
+they flitted from one tree to another.
+
+But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little
+troop of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten
+men. The two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been
+struck once. They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had
+the troopers, but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.
+
+And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and
+two more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a
+last dash for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered
+him, and Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they
+turned and sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the
+direction of their own lines.
+
+Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans
+halted, puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether
+the enemy had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the
+approach of a larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the
+lives of Hal and Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans
+advanced they would have experienced little difficulty in killing or
+capturing them.
+
+Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when
+at length they once more emerged into the open country they were
+completely exhausted.
+
+"Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate," said
+Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. "It's terrible to
+think of those poor fellows we left behind."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Hal; "but I don't think they would complain.
+The British soldier is not that kind."
+
+"You are right," agreed Chester. "And each accounted for more than one
+of his country's foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?"
+
+"No. Were you?"
+
+"No. But come, we had better be pushing on again."
+
+With the loss of their comrades still preying upon their minds, the
+little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward
+we shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those
+who have not met them before, and to relate how it came about that
+they were serving in such an important capacity with the British army
+in France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.
+
+
+Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester
+Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable
+military service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the
+heroic defense of the Belgian city of Liège, which had held out for
+days against the overwhelming horde of Teutons.
+
+In Berlin with Hal's mother when the war broke out, they had been
+separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a
+gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British
+army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate
+experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told
+in the first book of this series, entitled "The Boy Allies at Liège."
+They had reached Liège in time to take an active part in the defense
+of that city.
+
+In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and
+each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they
+remained some time, while Hal's wound healed sufficiently to continue
+his homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the
+Belgian commander at Liège had mentioned them so favorably in his
+report to King Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as
+lieutenants in the Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their
+bravery.
+
+It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered
+Lieutenant Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was
+through his inducement that they now found themselves attached to the
+staff of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British
+forces on the continent, engaged in scout duty.
+
+At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the
+main army on a reconnaissance.
+
+The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had
+been steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the
+ground. Day after day and night after night the hard pressed British
+troops, to which Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of
+the fighting. But for the heroism of these comparatively few English,
+slightly more than one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably
+would have marched to the very gates of Paris.
+
+But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the
+gallant command of Sir John French, they had checked the overwhelming
+numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English
+troops under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the
+greatest military achievements of the world's history.
+
+Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great
+Britain always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours,
+without sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the
+fearful fire of the great German guns miles away. While the French,
+farther south, gave way more rapidly, these few English stood their
+ground.
+
+Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the
+point of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These
+bayonet charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester, in spite of
+the fact that they had been in the midst of similar actions before
+Liège.
+
+As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the
+English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though
+with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more
+coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges
+was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle
+and artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time
+after time were driven back in disorder.
+
+And as the British charged, always the words of their battle-song,
+fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the
+sounds of battle:
+
+     "It's a long way to Tipperary.
+       It's a long way to go;
+     It's a long way to Tipperary,
+       To the sweetest girl I know.
+     Good-by, Piccadilly,
+       Farewell, Leicester square.
+     It's a long, long way to Tipperary,
+       But my heart's right there!"
+
+Liège had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several
+of the forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its
+beautiful buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested
+by the Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to
+relinquish the spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau,
+after a stubborn resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre,
+commander-in-chief of the French army, also had been forced to retire.
+
+So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government,
+the day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes
+and other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that
+the great French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town
+unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in the world,
+was being prepared to withstand a siege.
+
+And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy's war aviators
+flew over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon
+several days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring
+sky fighters. After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.
+
+But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that
+time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was
+excellent.
+
+In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had
+succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of
+English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned,
+their number much smaller than when they had charged.
+
+For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and
+Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy's line to
+reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
+attacked by the Germans in force.
+
+Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty
+who had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on
+horses; they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of
+the enemy. From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of
+firing.
+
+"Evidently they have not given up the pursuit," said Hal.
+
+"No; and they are probably mounted. Let's turn off into this little
+woods," replied Chester.
+
+They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
+their way.
+
+As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in
+advance, stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party
+halted.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in a whisper.
+
+"Germans!" replied Hal briefly.
+
+Chester approached closer and peered over his friend's shoulder. Less
+than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.
+
+"Perhaps they are not Germans," said Chester hopefully. "How did they
+manage to get behind us?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "But I am sure they are Germans. Some
+way, I can feel it."
+
+"Well, what are we going to do?"
+
+"We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us.
+Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured."
+
+Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an
+hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost
+directly before them, came a cry, in German:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.
+
+
+In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at
+first, could not see the man who had accosted them.
+
+At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.
+
+"Who goes there?" came the question from the darkness.
+
+"Friends!" replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.
+
+"Advance!" came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with
+his rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.
+
+It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms
+until the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.
+
+"English!" he exclaimed in surprise.
+
+His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
+staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
+fell with stunning force upon the German's head. The soldier dropped
+to the ground with a slight moan.
+
+"We'll have to get away from here quick!" exclaimed Chester. "Come
+on, men, follow us!"
+
+Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
+forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he whispered. "Look! We are right in the middle of
+them!"
+
+It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction,
+the boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German
+force sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut.
+Here and there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry
+flitting about.
+
+"We have certainly got into a mess," whispered Hal.
+
+"We have that," replied Chester. "Shall we make another detour?"
+
+Hal thought for a few moments.
+
+"I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without
+being seen," he replied at length. "There is no telling how far this
+line stretches out, and if we didn't get around them by daylight it
+would be all off with us."
+
+"But the sentries?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being
+heard. That's all there is about it."
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "We might as well move at once."
+
+The plan was outlined to the men and they went forward. A moment and
+they were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that
+the line of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was
+not very deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through
+safely.
+
+Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a
+certain amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was
+unlikely, should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them
+for English; and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash
+with some hope of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely
+exhausted, slept heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.
+
+The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as
+Hal, believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a
+breath of relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before
+them. It was a German sentry.
+
+Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward.
+The former's hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the
+sound of his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the
+man's face. The German fell limply into Chester's arms, and the boy
+laid him quietly on the ground.
+
+Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused
+no one. But suddenly there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning
+his head quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which
+caused such a racket in the stillness of the night.
+
+One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping
+German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was
+the German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his
+slumber.
+
+Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman
+dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the
+noise had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a
+rifle, and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched
+to the ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a
+smoking rifle in his hands.
+
+At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by
+magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:
+
+"Run!"
+
+At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The
+other man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry
+of command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the
+woods. No man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The
+darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.
+
+Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
+through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
+Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
+Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their
+chance of safety.
+
+But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible,
+so it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along
+as well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or
+tumbling into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length
+emerged into the open, and broke into a weary run.
+
+"We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the
+edge of the woods, or we are gone goslings," panted Hal.
+
+Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and
+as they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
+groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
+into the woods.
+
+"We'll stop here a moment and pick off a few of 'em," said Hal grimly.
+
+The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
+ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
+wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.
+
+"They don't know how many of us there are," said Hal, "and they are
+afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for
+it again."
+
+A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English
+sprang to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave
+them a parting shot, but there was no pursuit.
+
+"That was pretty close," said Chester.
+
+"It was, indeed," replied Hal, "and there is one more of our men gone.
+Was anyone wounded?" he asked, turning to the others.
+
+"Shot in the shoulder, sir," replied a man named Brown.
+
+"They got me in the arm," said another.
+
+"Anyone else?" questioned Hal.
+
+There was no reply, and Hal asked:
+
+"Are you two men able to go on without assistance?"
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"Good! Then come on."
+
+All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was
+not until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance,
+the first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.
+
+Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their
+quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice
+exclaimed:
+
+"Well, boys, how are you?"
+
+The lads turned quickly about; then each gave a cry of delight and
+grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.
+
+"Captain Derevaux!" they exclaimed in a single voice.
+
+"No," replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. "Major Derevaux, if
+you please!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.
+
+
+Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the
+hand.
+
+"Major, eh," ejaculated Hal. "I'm glad to hear that!"
+
+"So am I," declared Chester. "I am sure no one deserved promotion more
+than you."
+
+"Thanks," laughed the major.
+
+"Tell us," said Hal, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with
+the Southern army."
+
+"I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake
+not, they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought
+to a head and that we shall take the offensive soon."
+
+"Good!" cried Chester. "We have been retreating long enough."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "we can hardly advance in the face of such odds;
+we must have reinforcements."
+
+"Well," said Major Derevaux, "strong reinforcements already are
+arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our
+whole line."
+
+"That will mean severe fighting," said Chester.
+
+"Indeed it will," replied the major. "It will mean fighting such as
+the world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands
+upon thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back."
+
+"And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own
+way," said Hal.
+
+"Exactly," returned the major. "But I must leave you now, boys. I must
+return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!"
+
+"Good luck!" exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and
+strode rapidly away.
+
+The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to
+rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they
+again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then
+had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.
+
+Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were
+ready to move--whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet.
+It was evident, however, that something was afoot.
+
+Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and
+joined the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was
+sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally
+one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic
+command.
+
+The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said
+quietly:
+
+"Order a general advance!"
+
+A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in
+motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops
+perceived that they were going forward--that the retreat had ended.
+
+Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the
+crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged
+with the enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of
+the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men
+began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.
+
+But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.
+Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to
+halt. A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view,
+retreating before a large force of Germans.
+
+Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their
+faces toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been
+discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to
+fire rang out.
+
+There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their
+messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this
+deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans
+could recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon
+them, striking, cutting, slashing.
+
+It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed.
+But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the
+English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of
+infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British
+cavalry was forced to retire.
+
+All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in
+the very center of the British line. On the right and left the
+engagement was of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of
+rifles and artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the
+British were engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.
+
+Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center.
+Then General French turned suddenly to Hal:
+
+"Tell General Mayo to advance in force!" he commanded.
+
+The general turned to Chester:
+
+"Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!"
+
+The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost
+immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.
+
+As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the
+British came to sudden life. Flame burst out from all along the
+center and the Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into
+the wavering ranks of the enemy, and they turned to flee.
+
+A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as
+they advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut
+in the advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From
+their rear reinforcements were coming continually.
+
+The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by
+the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the
+accuracy of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were
+dropping on all sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the
+British, singing and cheering, continued their advance.
+
+The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men
+engaged in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense
+left--that of sight--and their rifles continued to deal out death.
+
+At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to fall
+back.
+
+There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more
+rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the
+English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.
+
+But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still
+closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the
+enemy's infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their
+comrades, close enough to come into action.
+
+The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did
+not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.
+
+General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick
+command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out
+along the British line:
+
+"With the bayonet! Charge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHARGE.
+
+
+For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence,
+and then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets
+from the thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns
+of the German field batteries checked them.
+
+The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost
+less time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy,
+who stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.
+
+The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work,
+encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for
+the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.
+
+As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce
+volley; but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English
+in struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued
+their deadly work.
+
+All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies
+pursuing them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated.
+The engagement became a slaughter.
+
+Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in
+the fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found
+themselves in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to
+turn back, but they managed to single each other out and soon were
+fighting side by side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal's cheek,
+where a German bayonet had pricked him slightly. Chester was
+unwounded.
+
+Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift
+move he swept aside his opponent's blade and felled him to the earth.
+At the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad
+of his weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal's sword.
+
+But the boy's grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt.
+Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could
+recover himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then,
+stooping, he picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of
+the German officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely
+engaged with two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.
+
+One swift stroke of the boy's sword and the soldier was laid low. At
+the same instant Chester's sword slipped through his opponent's guard
+and the latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.
+
+"Good work!" Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later
+both lads were once more too busy for speech.
+
+Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel.
+The latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At
+sword play the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester
+was giving a good account of himself.
+
+Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon
+came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face.
+Chester's opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death
+thrust. But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed
+harmlessly over his head.
+
+From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the
+knees before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at
+him, and, with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head.
+The German hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick
+himself up an English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of
+his bayonet.
+
+Chester seized the officer's sword and sprang forward into the thick
+of the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the
+victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing their way
+through the dense bodies of the enemy.
+
+Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling
+men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the
+head. Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his
+friend's plight, and jumped back.
+
+With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant
+would have been buried in Chester's prostrate form, but as he did so a
+heavy blow fell upon the lad's head and he was sent to his knees.
+Above him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.
+
+Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was
+impossible for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust.
+Quickly he threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German
+toppled on top of him, lifeless.
+
+Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his
+life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.
+
+"Just in time," said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now
+struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them,
+unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his
+friend.
+
+Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not
+seriously hurt, and with Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again
+plunged into the conflict.
+
+But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to
+stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way
+on all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon
+hundreds of the enemy were cut down in their flight.
+
+Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke
+and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British
+pursued them, and then a halt was called.
+
+The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so
+great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.
+
+Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be
+used while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action
+again, shelling the fleeing Germans.
+
+The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant
+Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb
+over the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for
+life. But the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared
+for with the greatest possible haste and gentleness.
+
+"That was some fight, if you ask me," said Hal to Chester, as they
+continued their way to the part of the field where they could see
+General French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to
+rejoin his own men, from whom he had become separated.
+
+"It was all of that," replied Chester, "and I can't imagine how we
+escaped with our lives."
+
+"Nor I. It doesn't seem possible that anyone in the midst of such
+terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly
+wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?"
+
+"No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?"
+
+"I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his
+rifle butt."
+
+"Look at the dead and wounded lying about," said Hal. "It is a
+terrible thing--this modern warfare."
+
+"It is, indeed," returned Chester, and the two continued on their way
+in silence.
+
+General French noticed their approach. The British commander was
+standing as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed
+to the fire of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BRIDGE IS HELD.
+
+
+At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.
+
+"Where have you been, sirs?" demanded the British commander.
+
+Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.
+
+"And you were in the midst of the charge?" questioned General French,
+when the lad concluded.
+
+"Yes, sir!"
+
+"And are not even badly wounded?"
+
+"No, sir!"
+
+"Wonderful!" exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments'
+silence: "You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two
+for my mission."
+
+"Yes, sir!" exclaimed Hal eagerly.
+
+"Both of you report to me in an hour," ordered General French.
+
+The two lads saluted again and moved away.
+
+"Wonder what he wants?" said Chester.
+
+"Too deep for me," was Hal's reply.
+
+"He said something about a mission. I guess that means more excitement
+for us."
+
+"I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it,
+no matter what it may be."
+
+"We can try, anyhow. That's the best anyone can do."
+
+At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French's
+headquarters.
+
+"I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will
+be attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?" asked
+the British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.
+
+"We shall do our best, sir," replied Hal.
+
+"Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and
+drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be
+not anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to
+lead one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The
+enemy must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the
+bridge as well as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been
+selected. They have volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show
+you where to find them. Hold the bridge! That is all!"
+
+The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee,
+and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had
+volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army,
+if necessary.
+
+It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced
+through the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme
+front. A long range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of
+the darkness, but little damage was being done by either side.
+
+Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their
+artillery again and the British were replying. The little band of
+English, with Hal and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the
+bridge described by General French, and there took up their positions.
+
+The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
+abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible
+for one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other
+end. It was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high
+and thus precluded any attempt to ford it.
+
+All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for
+battle on a moment's notice. All night long the shells of both the
+Germans and British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near
+them.
+
+With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
+British were awake. At Hal's suggestion they cut down trees, and
+dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind
+this they lay down.
+
+It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to
+the bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:
+
+"They are coming!"
+
+"All right," replied Hal. "We're ready for 'em!"
+
+Under Hal's direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all,
+appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been
+divided into three bodies--each containing twenty-five men--each body
+directly behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps
+made by the German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his
+place would immediately be filled by another, the second by the third,
+the third by the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front
+line would be still intact, although the fourth line would have
+disappeared.
+
+Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line,
+where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.
+
+"Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn," Capt. Lee
+instructed his men. "Then mow them down, and make every shot count!"
+
+Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The
+first line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down
+behind them. All was in readiness to repulse the attack.
+
+Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge,
+marching five abreast.
+
+"Fire!" cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.
+
+Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.
+
+A sudden idea struck Hal.
+
+"There's no use wasting five bullets on each German," he told his men.
+"Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve
+your fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take
+his man, and so on!"
+
+The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had
+just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.
+
+Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans
+fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five
+more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and
+still another five.
+
+The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a
+burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade
+dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for
+their rash attack.
+
+In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the
+dust. Then they drew off.
+
+"Good work, men!" cried Chester. "We can hold them off indefinitely,"
+he added to Hal.
+
+"Looks like it," was Hal's reply. "But if they make a concerted rush
+we shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?"
+
+"Very bad," answered one of the men. "I am afraid he's done for."
+
+And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate
+that had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and
+still more.
+
+As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and
+continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were
+beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn
+upon more rapidly each minute.
+
+Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of the
+fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on. The
+bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did not
+hesitate.
+
+Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went
+to death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both
+sides fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind
+the barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he
+himself went to his death.
+
+Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no
+cessation of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now
+formed a barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind
+them, using their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep
+they stood behind their dead, and poured volley after volley into the
+defenders.
+
+The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a
+German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and
+almost every time a German fell.
+
+All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the
+fierce fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead,
+being unable to rush the defenders.
+
+There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and
+Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the
+shoulder. But neither was badly hurt.
+
+"Hadn't we better retreat, sir?" asked one soldier of Hal, when there
+was a let up in the firing.
+
+"What chance would we have?" demanded Hal. "The minute we broke and
+ran we would be shot down like dogs."
+
+"Then we might surrender."
+
+"Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold
+it as long as we can."
+
+The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There
+was a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.
+
+"Wonder what that means?" demanded Hal of Chester. "They certainly are
+not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?"
+
+"I can't imagine," replied Chester. "But they have something up their
+sleeves."
+
+"Well, we'll soon see," said Hal.
+
+But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared
+around the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a
+sudden deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and
+Chester and the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble
+cheer.
+
+Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British
+cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of
+infantry, advancing swiftly.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Hal. "Saved! Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah!" repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over
+in a heap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.
+
+
+Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he exclaimed anxiously. "Are you wounded?"
+
+There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly
+alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.
+
+"Here, lend a hand some of you," he commanded. "One of you fetch some
+water!"
+
+Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head
+gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later
+returned with his cap filled with water.
+
+Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend's face, and soon
+noticed signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his
+eyes and smiled feebly.
+
+"Are you much hurt, old fellow?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the feeble response. "I don't think so. A bullet just
+grazed my side. I don't know how I came to topple over like that."
+
+Quickly Hal unloosened his friend's coat, tore open his shirt and
+examined his wound.
+
+"It's only a scratch," he said, straightening up at last. "Here,"
+pulling out his handkerchief, "I'll fix it up until we can have a
+surgeon look at it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes."
+
+"I'm able right now," said Chester, struggling to his feet.
+
+Leaning heavily on Hal's arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river
+bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing
+steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The
+approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a
+rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of
+smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and
+here and there men fell to the ground.
+
+"They arrived just in time, didn't they, Hal?" said Chester.
+
+"You bet they did," was the reply. "But come, we will try to make our
+way back to our station."
+
+With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going
+very slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under
+an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.
+
+"You have done well," was the general's only comment when Hal had
+concluded his recital.
+
+Hal saluted and left.
+
+"Guess I'll go back and keep Chester company," he said to himself.
+
+He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came
+suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had
+collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at
+the same time exclaiming:
+
+"What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can't you see where
+you are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners."
+
+Hal's face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who
+proved to be a French lieutenant.
+
+"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"
+
+"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.
+
+The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across
+the face.
+
+Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and
+knocked him down.
+
+The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from
+his nose, approached Hal.
+
+"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you this
+evening."
+
+"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French," Hal said
+calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."
+
+The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned to
+Chester.
+
+"Back so soon?" said Chester.
+
+"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.
+
+"Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands."
+
+"A duel?"
+
+"Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
+lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He
+then informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds
+like a duel to me."
+
+"Yes," said Chester, "unless it can be patched up."
+
+"I am afraid it can't. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
+concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the
+Frenchman feels he has a grievance. He'll probably demand a fight or
+an apology."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a
+duel."
+
+"Not if I can prevent it," exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.
+
+"But you can't," replied Hal grimly. "And you had better lie down
+again. You are liable to strain your wound."
+
+"Oh, I am not worrying about the wound," exclaimed Chester. "The
+doctor said there was no danger. It's you I am worrying about. Why,
+you are likely to be killed."
+
+"Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself," returned Hal. "I've
+been pretty fortunate thus far. I don't figure I am going to fall
+before any Frenchman's sword or pistol. I'll probably be saved for a
+German bullet some of these days."
+
+Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides,
+he knew that in Hal's position his own actions would be the same.
+
+It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers
+made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.
+
+"Choose swords," said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet the
+callers.
+
+"Mr. Paine," queried one of the Frenchmen politely.
+
+"No," replied Chester; "but I shall act for him."
+
+"Good," returned the Frenchman. "I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,"
+indicating his companion, "is Lieutenant Lamont."
+
+"I am Chester Crawford," said the lad briefly.
+
+"Then, to get down to business," said Lieutenant Mercer. "Mr. Paine
+has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an
+apology."
+
+"There'll be no apology," said Chester shortly.
+
+"Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction
+from Mr. Paine."
+
+"It seems to me he has had satisfaction," said Chester.
+
+"Ah!" replied the Frenchman cheerfully. "You no doubt refer to the
+blow passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands
+satisfaction."
+
+"He had that coming to him," declared Chester.
+
+"So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to
+the arrangements----"
+
+"Look here," said Chester, interrupting. "With the whole German army
+lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able
+to find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is
+all nonsense."
+
+"But my friend's honor----" began the Frenchman.
+
+"Bosh!" declared Chester. "It wasn't your friend's honor that was
+hurt. It was his face."
+
+"Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?"
+
+"No!" shouted Chester. "He doesn't refuse to fight. He just doesn't
+see the necessity of fighting. That's all. But if you insist, he will
+give your friend all the satisfaction he wants."
+
+"I must insist," replied Lieutenant Mercer.
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "I am not familiar with dueling
+etiquette, but as the challenged party I believe the choice of
+weapons lies with us."
+
+The Frenchman bowed in assent.
+
+"Then let it be swords!"
+
+"Good! And the time and place?"
+
+"I'll leave that to you."
+
+"In the morning at half-past five--provided we are all alive--in the
+little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?"
+
+"Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?"
+
+"I shall be delighted," replied the Frenchman. "Until the morning,
+then," and the two French officers bowed themselves out.
+
+"Well, you are into it now," said Chester to Hal, after their visitors
+had gone. "Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the
+Happy Hunting Grounds before six o'clock to-morrow."
+
+Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door
+of the tent.
+
+"Am I intruding?" he asked.
+
+"Lieutenant Anderson!" exclaimed Chester. "Just the man I wanted to
+see."
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded the lieutenant.
+
+"Matter is that Hal's mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the
+morning."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.
+
+"Fact," said Hal. "I bumped into some little whipper-snapper of a
+French lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked
+him down. Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to
+him in the morning, at half-past five."
+
+The lieutenant sat down heavily.
+
+"Well, you are the limit," he said. "You are always in a scrape of
+some kind. I suppose it's up to me to prevent the duel."
+
+"No chance," said Hal briefly.
+
+"No," agreed Chester, "and it's up to you to make the third party on
+our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon."
+
+"Do you know what will happen if you are found out?" demanded the
+lieutenant.
+
+"No," said Hal.
+
+"Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The
+regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent."
+
+"I can't help that," said Hal. "I can't back out now."
+
+"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," replied the lieutenant,
+"I'll help you as best I can. I'll stay here to-night and go along to
+see that you get fair play."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DUEL.
+
+
+It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his
+eyes, aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before
+rousing Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking
+him up. Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.
+
+"What's the matter," muttered Hal drowsily. "Time to get up already? I
+just went to sleep. What's up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I'm to fight a
+duel this morning. All right, I'll be ready in a jiffy."
+
+"How did you sleep?" demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.
+
+"Fine. Never slept better in my life."
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal's pulse.
+
+"You'll do," he said quietly.
+
+"I haven't any nerves, if that is what you mean," said Hal with a
+smile.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.
+
+"I believe it," he replied. "But come, we had better be on our way."
+
+Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the
+early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared
+above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.
+
+"Not a very cheerful morning to die," commented Hal lightly, as they
+made their way quietly along.
+
+"You are not afraid, are you?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"What, after yesterday? Not a little bit."
+
+"I don't believe you know what fear is," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the
+ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised
+their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss
+the details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime
+discarding their coats and rolling up their sleeves.
+
+The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last face
+to face.
+
+"On guard!" came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+The swords flashed aloft.
+
+A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants
+were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized
+that he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.
+
+"I must be very careful," he told himself. "Perhaps I can wear him
+down a bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don't want to
+kill him. And I don't want to be killed myself."
+
+The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in
+and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had
+been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the
+foil.
+
+Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an
+attempt did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left
+several openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at
+last began to grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.
+
+He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad
+was not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not
+penetrate the other's guard angered him.
+
+Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped
+being impaled on the other's sword by a quick leap aside. Before the
+Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward again,
+his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon with a
+muttered imprecation. Hal's point had pierced his arm just below the
+shoulder.
+
+The Frenchman's seconds immediately leaped forward, and Hal stepped
+over to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"I guess that ends it," he said. "I suppose his honor is appeased
+now."
+
+"Don't be too sure," replied Lieutenant Anderson. "He is likely to be
+more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
+of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
+counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
+handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
+dropping him."
+
+The lieutenant's predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
+his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal
+was not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords' points
+again.
+
+But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could
+read in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him.
+Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman
+would be more wary.
+
+In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
+foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
+Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
+under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.
+
+The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and
+the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage.
+With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's
+days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his
+sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the
+Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.
+
+The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
+forward.
+
+"Kill me," he said quietly.
+
+"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
+unfairly."
+
+Slowly Hal lowered his sword.
+
+"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
+turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he
+said.
+
+The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then
+with his two friends he walked away.
+
+The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.
+
+"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
+right in a moment."
+
+The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
+
+"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you.
+Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness
+is a thing to be admired."
+
+Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself
+off.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
+
+"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it
+was all up with you."
+
+"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I
+would have killed him myself."
+
+The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat
+down and talked the duel over.
+
+"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal
+finally, "is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will
+not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will
+be all right in a day or two."
+
+"Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
+better," said Hal.
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "Can't you even keep still
+for a day?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "there is likely to be some real fighting to-day,
+and we don't want to miss anything, do we Chester?"
+
+"I should say not," was Chester's reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"It looks rather awesome, doesn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," was Hal's reply.
+
+The object of the boys' conversation was a long armored train, which
+stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads,
+after having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by
+the express command of General French, had strolled up to the
+temporary siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and
+snorting.
+
+It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this
+rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected
+by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns
+and rapid-firers.
+
+These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in
+other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in
+the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the
+German troops.
+
+The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant
+action. The gunners were at their posts, ready to go forward at a
+moment's notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge
+engine.
+
+In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a
+shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been
+through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these
+messengers of death.
+
+"They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden
+raids on the enemy," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," agreed Hal, "and it is easy to see that among light armed
+troops they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy
+artillery fire to make an impression on those steel sides.
+Besides----"
+
+He broke off with a sudden exclamation.
+
+"Look out," he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.
+
+A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had
+burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.
+
+A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the
+train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had
+cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to
+atoms.
+
+The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the
+sound of a sudden cry, and, turning their faces up the track, they
+beheld a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer
+dropped off one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not
+been touched by the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.
+
+"Who is in charge of this train?" demanded the horseman, throwing
+himself from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a
+stop.
+
+"I am," was the officer's brief response.
+
+"You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed," was the
+command. "The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000
+Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all
+be slaughtered."
+
+The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.
+
+"Hicks!" he called loudly. "Hicks!"
+
+There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal stepped
+forward.
+
+"If Hicks was your engineer," he said, "there is no use calling him.
+He is dead."
+
+"Dead?" exclaimed the officer.
+
+"Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was
+killed."
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the officer. "Then what am I to do? Hicks was
+the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their
+quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late."
+
+"Well," said Hal quietly, "if you want a volunteer, I am willing to
+tackle it for you."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have
+never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab
+of an engine in lumber camps in the United States."
+
+"And I can fire the engine," Chester broke in.
+
+"Well," said the officer, "something has to be done at once; and, if
+you are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard."
+
+He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester
+leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released
+the brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to
+forge slowly ahead.
+
+Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive
+commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like
+some mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.
+
+A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose
+above the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against
+the armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the
+engine seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.
+
+From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal's firm
+hand, the terrific speed of the train was checked. Then also from the
+rear there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had
+been unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the
+ranks of the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.
+
+Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it
+quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in
+that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.
+
+A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British,
+almost surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand
+directly on the railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A
+clump of small trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but
+from the other three directions the Germans were pouring in their
+deadly fire.
+
+The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley
+for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot
+up the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an
+abrupt stop.
+
+Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire,
+mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and,
+as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with
+high piles of the dead.
+
+The little troop of British received this unexpected aid with a great
+cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of
+Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.
+
+But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and
+Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer
+when there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash,
+and both lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.
+
+Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first
+to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a
+sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was
+still clear.
+
+He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on
+his elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.
+
+"Great Scott! What was that?" he gasped.
+
+Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced
+back over the train--or rather where the train had been. And what a
+sight met his gaze!
+
+The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of
+wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine
+guns.
+
+Hal peered over Chester's shoulder.
+
+"Another shell," he said slowly. "But how does it happen we were not
+killed also?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the shell must have struck
+in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the
+engine."
+
+It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
+free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of
+the cab, made a startling discovery.
+
+"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We
+are goners, now, sure."
+
+But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
+released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge
+locomotive leaped suddenly forward.
+
+"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is
+covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."
+
+That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
+shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and
+bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.
+
+"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.
+
+He opened the throttle even wider.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A WILD RIDE.
+
+
+The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
+whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot
+with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the
+rails.
+
+"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his
+voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
+locomotive.
+
+"I don't know," Hal shouted back.
+
+"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and
+we would certainly be killed."
+
+"You are right," shouted Hal.
+
+Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
+trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon
+slackened.
+
+Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far
+in the rear, and both breathed more freely.
+
+"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded.
+"Don't you think we had better get off and walk back?"
+
+"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much.
+Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other
+end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on
+going and see what happens."
+
+"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it
+in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."
+
+The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen
+eye ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident;
+then suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, "opened her up"
+again.
+
+Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.
+
+"What's the matter now?" cried Chester, springing to Hal's side.
+
+"Matter!" shouted Hal. "Look ahead."
+
+Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.
+
+"More Germans, eh!" he muttered, and then shouted. "You do the driving
+and I'll keep her hot."
+
+"Good!" Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.
+
+Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the
+locomotive, for they did not even glance in its direction. Troopers
+stood beside either side of the track, and several groups were
+standing between the rails.
+
+Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move.
+A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a
+sudden shout, but it was too late--for some, at any rate.
+
+The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the
+track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low
+inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine
+shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more
+flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close
+work, and no mistake.
+
+"Whew!" breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of
+the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the
+locomotive. "That was close."
+
+"Too close for comfort," Hal agreed.
+
+"I wonder how many we killed back there," said Chester.
+
+"I don't know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their
+lives or ours."
+
+"It's only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken
+cause," said Chester slowly. "But, as you say, it was either they or
+us. There was nothing else we could do."
+
+"No," said Hal, "there wasn't; but, just the same, it gave me a cold
+chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible."
+
+Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its
+way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed
+of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a
+wary eye ahead for Germans.
+
+Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little
+better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to
+discontinue his reckless driving.
+
+From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost
+instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive
+came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.
+
+"What's up now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I don't know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were
+something wrong ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if the Germans had
+dynamited the bridge."
+
+"By George! I believe you are right," exclaimed Chester. "I wouldn't
+have thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle
+the chances are we would have gone over if such is the case."
+
+"Well," said Hal, "I'll climb down, take a walk ahead and
+investigate."
+
+"I'll go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"No, you won't. You stay here and watch the engine."
+
+"You are right, as usual," said Chester. "But don't be any longer than
+you can help."
+
+Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the
+darkness.
+
+Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved
+stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion
+became apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had
+detected the meaning of the explosion and none too soon.
+
+Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a
+deep chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown
+up. Had Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in
+spite of the fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys
+probably would have been carried over the embankment to certain death;
+for it is doubtful that either, in the darkness, would have noticed
+the absence of the bridge in time to leap to safety.
+
+And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his
+dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned
+quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously
+awaiting his return.
+
+"Out here, quick!" he cried, and Chester, in response to his command,
+leaped to the ground.
+
+Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester's cry of
+wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he
+dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down
+the track.
+
+Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in alarm.
+
+"Matter is that the Germans are coming this way," answered Hal. "Come,
+let's get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to
+escape in the darkness."
+
+"But why did you start that engine down the track like that?"
+
+"Well, I couldn't see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may
+dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in
+force."
+
+This appealed to Chester.
+
+"Good!" he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.
+
+A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout,
+followed by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.
+
+"Good-by engine," said Hal. "That's a good job done. You perished
+nobly. Now," to Chester, "let's get away from this spot as fast as we
+can."
+
+They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and
+set out at a brisk pace. They plodded along for an hour through the
+open country, finally coming to a dense woods.
+
+"Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here," said Chester.
+
+"Right you are," agreed Hal.
+
+They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced
+to travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the
+end of another hour had covered considerable distance.
+
+"I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods," said
+Chester.
+
+"Don't be too sure," declared Hal. "It's the unexpected that always
+happens."
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was
+proved. As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a
+little clearing a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt
+stop.
+
+"Halt!" came a voice. "Halt, or I fire!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his
+head; Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that
+there was not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier
+had his rifle pointed squarely at them.
+
+Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the
+lads might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably
+would have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized
+that it was no time to take such a chance.
+
+"We surrender," called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier
+lowered his weapon and approached them.
+
+He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets
+of their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:
+
+"Right about; forward, march!"
+
+The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them,
+keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners
+attempt to escape.
+
+But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were
+fully aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they
+make even one false move.
+
+They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared
+to be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to
+the tent of the commanding officer.
+
+"What are you doing within our lines?" was the latter's first question
+after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.
+
+"Well," said Hal, "we were accidentally carried through your lines by
+a locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the
+train was blown up. We couldn't get back, so we went ahead. We finally
+lost the engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines."
+
+"Lost the engine? What do you mean?" asked the officer.
+
+"Why," Chester broke in, "we sent it over a precipice that it might
+not fall into the hands of the Germans."
+
+"You did, eh?" said the German officer. "Well, I shall attend to your
+case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully
+guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning.
+Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require."
+
+"You won't get any information out of us," said Chester angrily.
+
+"Won't I?" replied the officer, with a sneer. "We shall see. Take them
+away."
+
+The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a
+guard on the outside.
+
+"Well, here we are again," said Chester, with a faint smile. "What do
+you suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the
+general wants to know?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," was Hal's reply, "but I am afraid we are
+in for it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I
+have heard of the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their
+prisoners, but one look at the general's face was enough to convince
+me that he would stop at nothing to gain his end."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too," agreed Chester. "But, one thing is
+certain, he'll get no information out of me."
+
+"Nor out of me, either," declared Hal.
+
+Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness he
+stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in
+his pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark
+interior of the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.
+
+"Bicycles," he muttered.
+
+"What?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?"
+
+"Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
+scouting expedition," said Hal.
+
+"By George!" exclaimed Chester suddenly.
+
+"What is it now?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.
+
+"Have you a knife?" he asked at length.
+
+Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend's hand, Chester
+stepped to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made
+a neat incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square.
+Then he put his eye to the hole and peered out.
+
+There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro
+in front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.
+
+Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal's side.
+
+"If we can get two of these bicycles out here," he whispered, "we may
+be able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a
+chance?"
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal. "Anything is better than sitting here and waiting
+for I know not what. But do you think we can make it?"
+
+"Well, we can at least try. There doesn't seem to be a guard in the
+rear. I am going to cut a big slit in the back. Then we'll slip the
+bicycles through it, mount and make a dash."
+
+"Good!" said Hal.
+
+Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole
+large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected
+a bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.
+
+Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.
+
+"We'll have to depend on our luck now," whispered Chester. "Come on!"
+
+The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding
+through the heart of the German camp.
+
+In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety,
+for the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of
+the allied armies to be riding through their midst.
+
+They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning
+this way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents
+before a hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been
+discovered.
+
+"We must be careful," cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside
+Chester. "There is still the outpost to pass."
+
+But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they
+pedaled faster; and then the outpost came into sight--a long line of
+men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while
+others sat upon the ground.
+
+The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles
+sped between the German troopers. A cry of "halt!" went unheeded, and
+the Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a
+volley after the lads.
+
+But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim
+carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did
+not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared
+in the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their
+ammunition foolishly.
+
+The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode
+on swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.
+
+"I'm tired out," said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.
+
+"And so am I," replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to
+stretch his legs.
+
+Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint
+"chug-chug."
+
+Chester pricked up his ears.
+
+"What's that?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal
+sprang toward his bicycle.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped into the saddle. "Motorcycles! We are
+pursued!"
+
+Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again
+riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the
+highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them
+from any great distance.
+
+Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the
+ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester
+immediately did likewise.
+
+The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees,
+and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them
+from sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close
+behind him, dashed back in the direction from which they had come,
+taking care to keep well within the shelter of the trees.
+
+And now Chester made out the object of his friend's wild dash. It was
+a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected
+it as they sped by, but Hal's keen eyes had singled it out as a
+possible refuge.
+
+"We'll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly," Hal
+told his friend, as they ran toward the house. "If they will allow us
+to hide here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines
+safely."
+
+The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped sharply upon the rear
+door. A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway.
+She started back at the appearance of the two lads.
+
+"Are the English coming?" she demanded, after a quick glance at the
+lads' uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: "At
+last! At last!"
+
+"No, madam," Hal undeceived her, "the English are not coming--yet. We
+are trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle
+squad is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until
+nightfall."
+
+The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and
+motioned them into the house.
+
+"Come," she said quietly. "The Germans will not learn you are here
+through me."
+
+The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at
+that very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road,
+their motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A TRAITOR APPEARS.
+
+
+Hal turned to Chester.
+
+"When they fail to find us," he said, "they'll come back, inquiring
+all along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here." He turned
+to the woman. "Have you a place where we can hide?"
+
+"Yes," she replied, "there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may
+go up there and no one will be the wiser."
+
+"Then we had better get up there at once," said Chester, "for there is
+no telling how soon they may return."
+
+A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
+top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good woman
+departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with water and
+food.
+
+"You'll need it," she said, when Hal protested against putting her to
+so much trouble. "And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I
+not aid the friends of my own country."
+
+She was back in a few moments, and the lads ate hungrily of the food
+she brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had
+passed their lips.
+
+After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:
+
+"This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put
+it in sleeping. Besides, we'll need all the rest we can get for our
+journey to-night."
+
+"Just what I was thinking," said Chester, "and I'm ready to go to
+sleep right this instant."
+
+He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast
+asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.
+
+How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened
+by the sound of voices directly below them.
+
+"No, I have seen nothing of them," came the voice of the woman who had
+given them refuge.
+
+"But we have searched every place else," came another voice, speaking
+in French, but with a heavy German accent. "They must be here. We
+found the bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured
+the woods. They must be here."
+
+"I say they are not," came the woman's voice, raised in anger.
+
+"Well, I must search the house, at any rate," said the German, "and,
+if I find that you have been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will
+go hard with you. Stand aside, please."
+
+"I tell you there is no one here," cried the woman.
+
+"Stand aside!" came the German's voice again, and there was the sound
+of a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: "Search the house,
+men."
+
+Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and
+Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an
+hour the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and
+there was the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.
+
+And finally came the voice of the woman again: "I told you there was
+no one here."
+
+But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.
+
+"Have you searched the attic?" he demanded of his men; "and the
+cellar?"
+
+"There is no one in the cellar," came a voice in reply, "and there is
+no attic."
+
+"I'll have a look for myself," came the reply, and heavy footsteps
+ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester.
+There came to the lads' ears the sounds of heavy blows against the
+floor on which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure
+that there was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But
+after a while he desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and
+a few moments later the sound of his voice:
+
+"There is no one up there."
+
+Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door
+gave evidence that the Germans had departed.
+
+"I was afraid he would locate the trap-door," said Hal to Chester,
+after they had gone.
+
+"Same here," replied Chester. "But I wasn't going to let them take me
+without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we
+could certainly dispose of him."
+
+"Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or
+something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we
+couldn't let the woman who has aided us come to harm."
+
+"No, that's so, too," agreed Chester. "I hadn't thought of that."
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the
+trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready
+above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove
+to be an enemy.
+
+But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress
+appeared through the opening.
+
+"You can come down now, if you want to," she said. "The Germans have
+been here and gone. I am sure they will not return."
+
+Chester turned to Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he asked. "Shall we go down, or had we better
+stay up here?"
+
+Hal considered for a moment.
+
+"I guess we might as well go down," he replied at length. "I don't
+believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it's
+too cramped and stuffy up here for comfort."
+
+Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments
+later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.
+
+"We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us," Chester
+told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.
+
+"No, indeed; we can never thank you enough," agreed Hal. "Had it not
+been for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans
+right now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us."
+
+The good woman waved aside their thanks.
+
+"Pooh! pooh!" she said. "And why shouldn't I help you? Surely no
+thanks are necessary because I did my duty."
+
+"But women----" Hal began, when she interrupted him.
+
+"I have a son of my own in the war," she said, her voice growing very
+low and tears dimming her eyes.
+
+"And I hope," said Hal gently, "should he ever be in a situation
+similar to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving
+his life, and that some day he may return to you."
+
+"Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied," said the woman, who
+now introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. "He has been a very
+wild boy, but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight
+to the last for his country, as did his father before him."
+
+"And I am sure of it, too," said Chester. "When we return to our lines
+we shall make it our business to hunt him up."
+
+And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the
+room in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in
+civilian garb, burst in.
+
+Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the
+newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the
+young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.
+
+Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"My son," she said proudly, "of whom I was just talking to you."
+
+Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded, pointing to the two lads.
+
+Mrs. Dersi explained.
+
+"And we were just talking of you," she added; then stopped and
+surveyed her son critically. "Why are you not in uniform?" she
+demanded.
+
+"Why, I--I--I----" stuttered young Dersi, "I am on a scout, and it was
+thought best for me not to go in uniform." He turned suddenly to Hal:
+"Are you expecting any of your men here?" he demanded.
+
+"Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to
+our lines to-night."
+
+Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost
+upon either Hal or Chester.
+
+"Well," he said, after a pause, "I haven't time to stay here. I just
+dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went
+north? How long have they been gone?"
+
+"About an hour," said Chester.
+
+"Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way."
+
+He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had
+left the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.
+
+"There is something queer about him," said Chester to Hal, as Mrs.
+Dersi and her son left the room. "He's not telling the truth."
+
+"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief
+he is fleeing from the French lines to give information to the
+Germans."
+
+"You mean you think he is a traitor?"
+
+"I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am
+afraid you have hit the nail on the head."
+
+"In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried
+Chester.
+
+"I'm sure he'll tell," said Hal quietly.
+
+"Then what shall we do?"
+
+"We shall leave at once--or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is
+the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her
+heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country."
+
+"It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was
+prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.
+
+"And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable
+pride.
+
+"He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the
+truth.
+
+"Mrs. Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be
+better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no
+Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we
+shall reach our own lines."
+
+"But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. "We
+think we had better take our departure at once."
+
+Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that
+they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell,
+enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her
+should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving
+the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on
+their weary journey toward the British lines.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A FIGHT IN THE DARK.
+
+
+Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed.
+They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and
+the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little
+doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that
+he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.
+
+Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
+they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
+their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists
+who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
+instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
+was with them.
+
+Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young
+man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively
+and inquired the cause of his sudden return.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have
+learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my
+own regiment. But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone?
+If not, we can all continue our journey together."
+
+"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.
+
+"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
+direction did they go?"
+
+The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
+thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment
+later young Dersi left the house; and soon the Germans were once more
+upon the trail of the two lads.
+
+Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them.
+It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that
+they were that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and
+still the two lads plodded onward.
+
+At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
+quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
+Chester when from the rear once more came the faint "chug-chug" of a
+motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.
+
+Chester sprang to his feet.
+
+"Here they come again," he cried. "We were right. It is the traitor
+Dersi who has put them on our trail. Hustle!"
+
+Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
+directly ahead. They reached their friendly shelter just before the
+glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
+their pursuers.
+
+Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
+absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by
+at terrific speed.
+
+The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in
+among the trees.
+
+"We must be very careful," Hal warned Chester. "When they fail to
+overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we'll
+climb up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go
+ahead as far as we can."
+
+"That seems the best way to me," Chester agreed.
+
+They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a
+sound of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the
+presence of the enemy.
+
+Chester's cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard
+the hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both
+dropped to the ground.
+
+They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and
+for that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the
+ground they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could
+locate the man who had fired.
+
+But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the
+ground as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the
+suspense as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:
+
+"We can't stay here. I'll wriggle my way to that tree," pointing, "and
+you creep behind that one," pointing again, this time to a tree
+perhaps a hundred yards distant from the first.
+
+"All right," Chester whispered back.
+
+Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for
+his own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness
+of the night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from
+him.
+
+In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward
+Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.
+
+"The dog!" said Hal angrily to himself. "I'll fix him."
+
+Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated
+when they were captured by the Germans.
+
+On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy
+from behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up
+like a giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as
+he did so, he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.
+
+The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal's enemy
+turned suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he
+could bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.
+
+The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now
+attempted to bring it down on the lad's head. But Hal was too quick
+for him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in
+the face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other
+hand.
+
+As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the
+weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the
+force of Hal's blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A
+moment later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.
+
+Hal saw his enemy's move and sprang back. But the man was after him in
+an instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together
+for Hal to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that
+he probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and
+ran.
+
+But it was not Hal's intention to run very far from his enemy. He was
+not that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the
+man so that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust
+of air pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by
+him.
+
+The German, realizing the boy's purpose, and also that he could not
+overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment
+the knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.
+
+In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder
+him, Hal could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood.
+Therefore, even as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his
+head, and, holding it tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.
+
+In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force
+behind it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung,
+brought the heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German's
+head with a crack. The man dropped limp at the boy's feet.
+
+Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy,
+wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other
+weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once
+more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the
+terrible fight that had just occurred.
+
+Hal whistled softly--the whistle of the old days in America--and,
+listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.
+
+Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy
+behind, and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his
+feet.
+
+Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another
+shot, and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to
+the ground.
+
+Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely
+taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His
+effort was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to
+run to where his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal
+felt a bullet whiz by his head.
+
+Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist
+would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire
+at the first sight of his enemy.
+
+But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had
+heard of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some
+moments, and then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he
+crawled slowly toward the spot where Chester had fallen.
+
+What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment
+Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low
+whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a
+large tree.
+
+A moment later Hal was beside his friend.
+
+"Are you hurt much?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Not even touched," was the reply. "I dropped to the ground when the
+bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time."
+
+Hal seized Chester's hand and squeezed it warmly.
+
+"I was afraid it was all up with you," he said. "I----"
+
+The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet flew
+past.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.
+
+
+"Great Scott!" Hal ejaculated. "We've got to get out of here some way.
+We can't stand here and be shot down."
+
+"Wait," said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the
+latter to the ground, where he had dropped himself.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Let me look at that gun you have a moment."
+
+Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as
+possible in the dark.
+
+"I don't believe there is more than one man in these woods," he
+finally said. "Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round
+behind him."
+
+Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not
+directly toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from,
+but bearing off well toward the right.
+
+Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words,
+Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some
+time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously
+out from behind the tree, where it was silhouetted against the
+opening between the trees.
+
+A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.
+
+"Good thing it wasn't my head," said Hal ruefully. "But if I can keep
+that fellow's attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab
+him."
+
+Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there
+was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a
+second report, and Hal heard his friend's voice raised in almost a
+shout:
+
+"I got him."
+
+Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his
+friend's voice.
+
+When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide
+detour, came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the
+man had fired at Hal's hat, Chester was almost upon him.
+
+Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of
+the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon
+loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing,
+the enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that
+Chester fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly
+have been a death wound--for Chester was a crack shot--and received
+the ball in his pistol hand.
+
+His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.
+
+Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon
+him, and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded
+though he was, the man put up a hard fight.
+
+Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a
+mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent
+turned to grope for his revolver.
+
+But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in
+the situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester's assailant.
+
+Hal's first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy
+twisted one hand around the man's throat. But, if he thought to
+overcome his opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host.
+Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist
+straight upward into Hal's face. The lad released his hold upon his
+enemy's throat and fell back.
+
+It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him,
+Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi!
+
+"Dersi!" gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of
+defense.
+
+"Yes," gritted his opponent, "and I am going to kill you both, right
+here and now."
+
+With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad
+was not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort,
+wriggled from beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.
+
+This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he
+allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This
+he now pointed full at Hal.
+
+But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying
+unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the
+situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.
+
+This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi's finger pressed
+the trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His
+revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal's
+right ear.
+
+Quickly Hal jumped to Chester's side and raised his chum in his arms.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he said anxiously. "Tell me, are you much hurt?"
+
+"Not much, I think," was his friend's reply. "But he gave me an awful
+wallop. I shall be all right presently."
+
+Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced that
+his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With Hal's
+assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side of his
+head.
+
+"He kicked like a mule," said Chester. "Great Scott! I never had
+anything hurt like that."
+
+At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.
+
+Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi's voice was very indistinct, and
+the boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.
+
+Hal placed his ear close to the dying man's lips. The voice came
+faintly.
+
+"Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She
+thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was," and his voice became
+stronger, "until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to
+gamble. I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered
+a chance to cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to
+the Germans. I did. Then I was discovered."
+
+"How?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior's coat,
+which he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to
+death. Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in
+this piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the
+confidence of General Joffre."
+
+"His name?" demanded Hal quickly.
+
+The wounded man was silent for some time.
+
+"I have never betrayed a comrade," he said at length, "but I am at the
+door of death. I must make what reparation I can. His name is General
+Emil Tromp."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.
+
+"It is true," continued the wounded man. "But listen," and his voice
+grew fainter. The end was not far off now. "Listen! Will you do me one
+favor, you whom I have tried to kill?"
+
+Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.
+
+"Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in
+battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as
+you Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your
+death?"
+
+"We will," promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.
+
+"Promise," said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one
+elbow.
+
+"We promise," said both lads solemnly.
+
+The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him,
+thinking that he was dead. But the voice came again:
+
+"I wouldn't have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but
+who would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When
+you see General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you
+concerning the traitor. Immediately, do you understand?"
+
+"We understand," said Hal.
+
+"And my mother, you will do as you have promised?"
+
+"We have promised," said Chester simply.
+
+"Then I may die in peace," said the wounded traitor.
+
+He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and
+lay still.
+
+Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.
+
+"He is dead," he said quietly. "May he rest in peace."
+
+"Amen to that," said Chester, also standing with bared head. "And his
+mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she
+does not know."
+
+"And so we shall," declared Hal. "It will be a lie for which I am sure
+we shall be forgiven."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.
+
+
+"What shall we do with him?" questioned Chester. "We can't go away and
+leave him here like this."
+
+"No," Hal agreed. "I know we should, for our own safety may depend
+upon it, but just the same it goes against the grain."
+
+"If we had something to dig with," said Chester.
+
+"But we haven't," Hal interrupted.
+
+But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the
+traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping
+feet.
+
+For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal
+by the arm.
+
+"Come," he said in a hoarse whisper, "we must find a place of safety."
+
+Hal drew back.
+
+"Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun," he said.
+
+He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second
+revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he
+passed to Chester.
+
+"We'll probably need these," he said grimly. "Now, let's see if we
+can't find a place to hide."
+
+Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could
+hear the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being
+detected in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same
+distance between themselves and the Germans.
+
+But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier
+had flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely
+upon the crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any
+other place of refuge.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.
+
+Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their
+presence had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a
+rifle. Neither boy was touched, although the bullet passed
+uncomfortably close to Chester's head.
+
+Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys
+made a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such
+easy fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and
+exposed them to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the
+ground, and thus avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.
+
+As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum,
+and, glancing quickly about, he could see no sign of him. The lad was
+non-plussed, but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal's
+voice, apparently below him:
+
+"Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come."
+
+Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend's voice. But
+he was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly
+for some means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what
+seemed to be a steep embankment.
+
+He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal's hand upon his
+arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Where are we? Down in the bottomless
+pit?"
+
+Hal clapped his hand over Chester's mouth, for his keen ears had
+detected the sounds of footsteps above.
+
+"Quiet!" he whispered.
+
+Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above
+came the sound of a voice:
+
+"I wonder where they went?"
+
+"I don't know," answered another voice, "but we had best be careful.
+They are probably armed."
+
+Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and
+crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling
+Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some
+minutes. Finally, raising his head, Hal dropped quickly again with a
+muttered exclamation.
+
+In arising his head had come in contact with something above him.
+Raising an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above.
+Then he reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet
+each way were solid walls.
+
+"A cave," he muttered.
+
+"What?" asked Chester.
+
+"We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after
+they learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and
+starve us out. But, if they try to come in--well, I don't think they
+will get very far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here
+until I see how far back this thing goes."
+
+Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three
+minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a
+sudden exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for,
+apparently, the cave had two openings.
+
+Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one.
+Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him
+of what he had learned.
+
+"Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick," was
+Chester's decision. "Let's go."
+
+Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the
+opening again, poked his head out. This time he was doomed to a
+disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the
+ground when he drew it in quickly again.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter is," said Hal quietly, "that there are six Germans standing
+about five yards from the entrance."
+
+"What!" cried Chester, in consternation.
+
+"Exactly," said Hal; "if you don't believe it have a look for
+yourself."
+
+"Oh, I don't want to look," said Chester, bitterly disappointed. "I
+can take your word for it. What are we going to do now?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "it looks to me like a good time to get out the
+other end."
+
+"Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there,
+also," said Chester.
+
+"That's so, too," agreed Hal. "Well, I'll tell you what: You sneak
+back there and investigate, and I'll stay here and guard this end, in
+case one of them tries to get in."
+
+Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he
+cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he
+could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal--his voice
+might be overheard--so he took his tedious way back to where he had
+left his friend.
+
+"All O. K.," he whispered.
+
+"Good," said Hal. "Let's get out of here, then."
+
+They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness
+and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their
+place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.
+
+And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance
+of the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester
+drew back in again.
+
+"Three of 'em out there," he informed Hal briefly. "What are we going
+to do now?"
+
+"You've got me," replied Hal. "Can't you pick 'em off with your gun?"
+
+"Oh, I can pick a couple of 'em off, all right. But what then? We
+would probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb's
+tail."
+
+"I guess you are right," Hal agreed. "But we have got to do
+something."
+
+"So we have," replied Chester; "but the question is, what?"
+
+Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:
+
+"Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens.
+Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this
+cave. In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and
+guard this end, and don't move unless I call. I'll do the same at the
+other end."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "We'll keep our posts till daylight,
+whether they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we
+can at least see what we are doing."
+
+Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful
+not to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust
+out before him.
+
+Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with
+another moving object with an audible crack.
+
+He had bumped into a second crawling figure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.
+
+
+In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact,
+Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his
+head hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.
+
+His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry,
+or it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the
+latter were his thought he was quickly undeceived.
+
+As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly
+forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy's
+movements, fell on top of him.
+
+He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could
+cry out, one of the lad's hands sank deep into his throat. But the
+latter was a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the
+lad from him with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the
+wrist of the hand that gripped his throat.
+
+The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold.
+But again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive,
+and this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German
+uttered a cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at
+the face so close to his own.
+
+But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the
+blow perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge
+fist, and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow
+had passed over the lad's head and the German's fist had crashed into
+the solid wall.
+
+And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester's
+end of the cave.
+
+This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that
+their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt
+certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors
+into the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.
+
+Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the
+self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck
+out in the direction of a muttered curse.
+
+He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the
+sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon
+held ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow.
+The German was unconscious.
+
+By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his wounded adversary over
+and pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in
+case he encountered another of the enemy.
+
+At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his
+prisoner out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he
+heard the crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back
+into his hiding place.
+
+But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet
+came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and
+went skimming over his head.
+
+With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and
+throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the
+first sign of an advancing foe.
+
+He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some
+moments heard the sound of voices.
+
+"I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance," said
+one. "And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure," came a second voice. "He's liable to be
+there waiting for you."
+
+"Well, I am going in after him anyhow," said the first speaker.
+
+A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his
+knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.
+
+Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking
+careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man's
+head would be, Hal pressed the trigger.
+
+There was a terrific roar that echoed and reechoed through the
+passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal waited,
+for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly made his way
+forward. Presently he came in contact with a man's body. It was the
+enemy.
+
+Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.
+
+"It will be daylight soon," he said to himself, "and they can't get in
+here without me seeing them And one man here is as good as a hundred."
+
+Raising his voice, Hal shouted:
+
+"Are you all right, Chester?"
+
+"All right," came back the answer. "One man tried to get in here, but
+I got him," for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had
+been having troubles of his own.
+
+After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact
+position of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible,
+their number, had ventured too close to the opening.
+
+A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a
+cigarette, and Chester's form was clearly outlined in the glare of it.
+With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped his match and
+cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.
+
+But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the
+darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from
+him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.
+
+Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer's distance by the
+sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well
+within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
+
+The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was
+frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with
+his opponent.
+
+Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his
+revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the
+German, Chester slowly moved forward.
+
+His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers
+sought out the German's face.
+
+"He'll do no more fighting," was Chester's only comment.
+
+Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to
+await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard
+the sound of the shot.
+
+And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match
+appeared in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his
+automatic.
+
+There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the
+exact result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had
+disappeared and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the
+cave, having serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard
+this last shot.
+
+And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any
+further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by
+the sound of a shot from Hal's end of the cave.
+
+Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the
+point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal's
+voice came to him.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed softly, "Hal is still alive."
+
+He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move
+of the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at
+his end of the cave.
+
+For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for
+an occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began
+to give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each
+boy, at his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.
+
+"It's getting light here, Hal," called Chester.
+
+"And here, too," Hal shouted back.
+
+And both lads were struck with the same thought.
+
+"At least, we can see what we are doing now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot
+into Hal's end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil,
+being afraid to leave their places of concealment, and believing that
+the Germans on the outside were still on the watch for them.
+
+Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least
+standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting
+for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly
+surmised that they would not remain idle long after daylight.
+
+At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted
+his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his
+friend.
+
+"What's up?" was Chester's greeting.
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "The Germans may have gone away, but
+I believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this
+inaction is getting monotonous. We've got to do something, and
+we've got to do it right away."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," Chester agreed. "But what?"
+
+"Well, I don't know exactly. We shall have to figure out something."
+
+There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.
+
+"There is but one way I can think of," he said.
+
+"What is that?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go.
+Those guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to
+escape, and will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run
+back into the cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a
+run for it out the other end."
+
+Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk,
+in which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally
+decided to act upon Chester's suggestion.
+
+Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the
+entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.
+
+"No one in sight," he whispered to his friend. "Perhaps they have
+gone."
+
+"Be very careful," cautioned Hal. "They are likely to be lurking
+around here some place."
+
+Quietly the boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But
+they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come,
+and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.
+
+The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to
+spout fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly
+back to the cave, into which they disappeared before their startled
+foe could realize what had happened.
+
+Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying
+dizzily on his feet.
+
+With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and
+soon emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind,
+for the lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the
+retreat were by this time on the way to aid their companions.
+
+Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for
+instant use in the event that their plan had miscarried.
+
+But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys
+were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them.
+At length Hal pulled up, panting.
+
+"I guess we have given them the slip this time," he panted.
+
+"Let us hope so," replied Chester fervently. "If we ever get back to
+our own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future."
+
+Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.
+
+"Anybody that didn't know you would believe you meant that," he said.
+"But I know you better, so I don't."
+
+"Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong," said Chester with a
+smile, "but that's the way I feel about it right now."
+
+The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed
+their journey, walking at a brisk pace.
+
+Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps
+200 yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started
+across the open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken
+by the Germans where there was nothing to offer protection.
+
+They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was
+mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when
+a shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.
+
+"Quick!" said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side
+as he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately.
+Chester did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the
+protection of the great trees.
+
+But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be
+a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes
+until the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and
+give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their
+pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in
+the darkness.
+
+Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had
+not lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the
+better part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at
+breakneck speed, until again came to their ears the first faint
+sounds of the pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more
+distinct, this telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining
+rapidly, although the rough condition of the ground made it impossible
+for the motorcycles to travel very fast.
+
+Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground,
+and Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they
+lay there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out
+dogs.
+
+Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the
+right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense.
+Here Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester
+by his side he rushed for it.
+
+Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung
+himself up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads
+climbed, the close set branches affording an excellent screen.
+
+Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a
+hundred yards from where the boys were perched.
+
+Chester's fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed
+the set expression on his friend's face, uttered a low warning.
+
+And the sound of Hal's voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans
+had come to a pause and Hal's words carried plainly in the silence to
+their ears.
+
+For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their
+prey. Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to
+fire. They had not yet discovered the boys' hiding place, and were
+fearful of a shot from ambush.
+
+Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But
+Hal's eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger
+Hal's revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.
+
+Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German
+clapped his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers
+could raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a
+loud "Hurrah" from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead
+run, came a small body of British infantry.
+
+Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles and turned to run.
+But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of
+command rang out:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen
+than those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and
+tumbled to the ground.
+
+Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON A NEW MISSION.
+
+
+The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English
+troops.
+
+"You arrived just in time," cried Hal, grasping the hand the officer
+extended.
+
+"I should say you did," declared Chester, also shaking the officer's
+hand. "A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure."
+
+"Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely," said the officer,
+laughing a little. "We heard shooting in this direction last night,
+but we did not get an order to advance until this morning. As you may
+perhaps have surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army."
+
+"Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in
+force?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Exactly," replied the British officer. "We are not far in front, and
+are pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if
+possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the
+German position and strength?"
+
+This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to
+answer in the affirmative.
+
+"We have not learned a whole lot," Chester continued, "but we have a
+little information that may be of value."
+
+"Then you had better hasten back to General French and report," said
+the officer. "I am sure he will be glad to have any information you
+may be able to give him."
+
+The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the
+advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite
+direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a
+detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at
+least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long
+line of the British advance.
+
+It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men,
+marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful
+of it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they
+themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.
+
+They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been
+challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had
+been allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line
+of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.
+
+Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.
+
+"What is your business here?" he demanded.
+
+Briefly Hal explained, and added:
+
+"We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?"
+
+The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
+indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
+the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
+of Britain.
+
+For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
+them warmly.
+
+"I had made sure that you two lads were lost," he said. "Come, give an
+account of yourselves."
+
+Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to
+the lad's recital in unfeigned amazement.
+
+"And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
+enemy," he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
+adventures. "I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine
+had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that
+you two were aboard it."
+
+Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
+Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp,
+of General Joffre's staff.
+
+"What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
+Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his
+ability and integrity."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal
+quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
+was repentant at the end."
+
+"Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it
+seems impossible. Something must be done at once."
+
+"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?" asked Hal respectfully.
+
+"By all means," was the general's reply.
+
+"Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp's treachery
+to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
+wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
+make his escape."
+
+"An excellent idea," said General French. "It shall be acted upon at
+once." He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.
+
+But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
+his fingers.
+
+"If you please, general," he said. "Chester and I would like to carry
+the message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter."
+
+The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his
+face.
+
+"And so you shall," he said at length. "Refresh yourselves with food
+and drink first, and then report to me."
+
+Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the
+general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French
+had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal's hand.
+
+"General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this
+message," the general told the lads, "and he probably will demand all
+details from you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he
+will be convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as
+possible, for I may have other work for you."
+
+The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been
+furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had
+asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.
+
+"Those things are likely to break down any time," Hal had confided to
+Chester, "and you can always depend upon a good horse."
+
+Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and
+riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they
+should reach the French commander-in-chief.
+
+It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might
+have perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement
+of the French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the
+rear of his army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and
+upon informing his orderly that they bore important communications
+from General French, were admitted to his presence at once.
+
+The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by
+members of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted;
+then the former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre's
+hand.
+
+Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned
+back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position,
+uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.
+
+Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff,
+motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the general
+spoke:
+
+"Now tell me your story," he said briefly.
+
+Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a
+single question until Hal had concluded his story.
+
+"It must be true," he said at length, half to himself. "I remember
+well that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi's
+escape. It was never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true."
+
+He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:
+
+"And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp's honor. He has
+uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about
+him. Yes, it must be true."
+
+Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and
+Chester had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon
+his desk a sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.
+
+"Have my car brought here instantly," commanded the general briefly.
+
+The orderly saluted and withdrew.
+
+Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the
+general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.
+
+"I must act at once," said the general, again half to himself. "Never
+would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than
+at this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without
+publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France,
+nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause."
+
+He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.
+
+"And you two shall come with me," he said. "You shall confront Tromp.
+If he is guilty, we shall find it out some way."
+
+At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.
+
+"Your car is ready, sir," he said.
+
+The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow
+him.
+
+"Come," he said. "We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is
+in command and meditating mischief."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.
+
+
+So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
+happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief
+of the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never
+been told, and never will find its way into history; an interview
+between a gallant French officer and another who, were his actions
+known, would be likened to the greatest of American traitors--Benedict
+Arnold.
+
+Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word
+and entered his car behind him.
+
+"To General Tromp's command," said General Joffre briefly. "Hurry!"
+
+The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
+was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
+moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.
+
+Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general's
+car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously
+was also furnished as an office, that the general might still be at
+work while he hurried from one part of the field to another when
+events demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery
+threatening, and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre,
+probably because of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps
+and other drawings.
+
+For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
+pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal
+and Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.
+
+General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and
+Hal and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.
+
+"My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
+immediately," ordered General Joffre.
+
+The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
+nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
+head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right
+up to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a
+bugle rang out, ordering a general advance.
+
+"Sir----" began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
+General Tromp.
+
+General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
+
+"Why this sudden advance?" he demanded coldly.
+
+General Tromp started back.
+
+"Why, sir," he explained, "I have word that a large force of the enemy
+is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him."
+
+"Order a halt," said General Joffre abruptly.
+
+"But, but----" began General Tromp in some confusion.
+
+"Order a halt, sir!" commanded General Joffre sternly. "Or," as he saw
+that General Tromp still hesitated, "shall I do it myself?"
+
+General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
+immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
+army came to a pause.
+
+"Now, sir," said General Joffre to General Tromp, "you will please
+dismiss your staff."
+
+Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
+moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
+Chester, were alone together.
+
+"What is the meaning of this, sir?" demanded General Tromp, with some
+dignity.
+
+"The meaning, General Tromp," said General Joffre calmly, "is that you
+are a traitor!"
+
+General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if
+to ward off a blow.
+
+"What!" he cried in well simulated surprise. "Have a care, sir. I
+shall allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer."
+
+"Tush, tush," chided the commander-in-chief gently. "Why keep up the
+pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?"
+
+"Sir!" cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. "I demand an
+explanation of your strange conduct."
+
+"And you shall have it, sir!" thundered General Joffre, now very
+angry, as he took a step forward.
+
+General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his
+injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.
+
+"I accuse you," continued General Joffre, "of being a traitor to
+France. I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another
+traitor, one Dersi. And I also accuse you," and here the general
+pointed an accusing finger at General Tromp, "of even now playing into
+the hands of the enemy by ordering an advance, when you knew very well
+that such an advance could mean only the extermination of our troops."
+
+By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his
+commander.
+
+"I deny it," he said in a thick voice.
+
+"A denial is useless," said General Joffre quietly.
+
+But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to
+a certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.
+
+"Who accuses me?" he demanded, with well assumed bravado.
+
+"I do," said Hal, stepping forward.
+
+"And I," cried Chester, also advancing a step.
+
+General Tromp turned to General Joffre.
+
+"And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?"
+he demanded.
+
+"I do," said the general quietly, "upon the advice of General Sir
+John French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your
+actions just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is
+useless. Dersi has confessed."
+
+"Dersi!" exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. "If I could just get
+my hands on him for one minute----"
+
+"But you can't," said General Joffre. "He is dead. And he died with a
+clear conscience, as I hope you will do."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Tromp, starting back.
+
+"Exactly what I say," was General Joffre's chilling reply. "You have
+your choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a
+traitor. If possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?"
+
+General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands
+twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.
+
+"I wouldn't do that," said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw
+the lad's revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.
+
+His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor
+stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his
+eyes and looked his commander straight in the eyes.
+
+"It shall be as you say, sir," he said calmly. "You are right. I
+am a traitor. I would not have been, but--but--well that makes no
+difference now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not
+afraid to die. Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you
+command. Thus shall I atone for my sin."
+
+"I do not fear you will disobey," said the general softly.
+
+"I am sorry, sir," continued General Tromp, "sorry because of you,
+more so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your
+forgiveness."
+
+"For your treachery toward me," said General Joffre softly, "I forgive
+you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot."
+
+The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and
+slowly his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.
+
+"Good-by, sir," he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked
+away, his carriage erect, and without a tremor.
+
+For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim.
+Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and
+Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.
+
+"A good man--and an excellent officer," he muttered to himself, "if he
+had but gone straight."
+
+The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside
+General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into
+the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went
+up to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.
+
+Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head
+away. Chester, leaning over his friend's shoulder, read the words the
+message contained:
+
+"The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front
+this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head."
+
+"Evidently came by field wireless," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," replied Hal.
+
+General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote.
+Then he read aloud to Hal and Chester:
+
+"General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front
+this afternoon. He died almost instantly."
+
+"I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard
+to-day," he said quietly.
+
+"You may, sir," said Hal and Chester in one breath.
+
+General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and
+came to a salute.
+
+"Orderly," said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just
+written, "have this sent to the war office immediately."
+
+The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the
+orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the
+moisture from his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OFF ON A RAID.
+
+
+Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre's offer of an automobile to
+make their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much
+time as their journey to the headquarters of the French
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General
+French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:
+
+"I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre's
+injunction concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be
+forgotten."
+
+The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of
+their own, for the great army had again come to a halt.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces,
+which after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of
+Paris, had forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A
+word of the situation is here necessary.
+
+From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the
+offensive, after being driven back for days by the Germans, they had
+continued their steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never
+known was in progress continually, for the Germans contested every
+inch of the ground.
+
+Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of
+communication, and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect
+them, or to be cut off and eventually annihilated, or forced to
+surrender. The strategy of General Joffre, condemned by many in the
+earlier days of the war, now was beginning to bear fruit, and he was
+praised on every hand.
+
+The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling
+block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were
+proving their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to
+the enemy, they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the
+whole world realized that they were the real fighting strength of the
+allied army.
+
+Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the walls of
+Paris. Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The
+great battle line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in
+constant contact with the enemy. Almost hourly there was such severe
+fighting as in former wars would have earned the designation of
+battles. But along this great line they were but skirmishes.
+
+The losses on both sides had been tremendous, although the Germans,
+because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive,
+and also because of the massed formation they had used in their
+advance, had suffered considerably more than the Allies.
+
+Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans,
+pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon
+another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer
+state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the
+battleground of European wars.
+
+The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by
+the heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind
+to withdraw from the conflict. Possibly Belgium had more at stake than
+any other country in the war. She was fighting for life and
+freedom--from possible absorption into the German Empire.
+
+And now the German forces had been pushed clear across the River
+Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore of
+the little river was held by the Kaiser's troops, the western shore by
+the Allies.
+
+So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed
+breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was
+checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the ranks, there to remain
+until the battle should be resumed.
+
+But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery
+continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had
+come into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the
+troops on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the
+main portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to
+move forward again.
+
+The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in
+the allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever
+known, their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the
+smaller guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was
+far superior to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up
+to this time, the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German
+gunners was the cause of much comment and surprise.
+
+So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts,
+they found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne;
+or rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army
+occasionally riding right up to the river's edge, while the great
+shells continued to burst on both sides of the river.
+
+Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after
+a long search. Through an orderly they also reported to General
+French, apprising him of where to find them should he desire their
+presence. After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had
+insisted that they make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in,
+for they had been many hours without sleep, and were tired out.
+
+How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by
+Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.
+
+"Get up," commanded the lieutenant. "You are ordered to report to
+General French immediately."
+
+Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight
+streamed through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.
+
+Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently
+waited for him to speak--to tell them the reason he had summoned them
+so suddenly.
+
+At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and spoke:
+
+"You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I
+should not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts
+are in the success of the arms of France and England. But you have so
+often proved your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the
+ones needed."
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it
+is," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we shall," agreed Chester.
+
+"What I must know," said General French, "is the approximate strength
+of the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his
+troops and so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the
+flying corps; but in that event the enemy would know that I had
+learned. It must be done some other way. Are you lads willing to
+undertake this task?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.
+
+"Good," said General French. "I shall leave the means to you, for I
+have already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one
+injunction: Be back at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to
+Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work
+before them.
+
+"You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck," said the
+lieutenant, "while we old heads sit back here and do nothing."
+
+"It seems to me that you have been doing your share," said Hal.
+
+"And to me, too," Chester agreed.
+
+"Oh, well," laughed the lieutenant. "I have seen considerable action.
+I don't suppose I should complain. But how do you propose to gather
+this information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable
+job on your hands?"
+
+"Yes, we realize that," Hal replied, "and we thought perhaps you could
+help us with an idea or two."
+
+The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:
+
+"I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy
+will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make
+quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding
+right into the heart of the enemy's country, at whatever point it
+might be practically unprotected."
+
+"A good idea," said Hal. "But, in that event, we should have to have a
+larger party."
+
+"Exactly," said Lieutenant Anderson. "And I, for one, offer my
+services. I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men."
+
+A few moments later Hal was back in General French's headquarters.
+
+"General," he said, "I should like to have your permission to pick
+twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power
+automobiles in the army."
+
+The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but
+finally said:
+
+"You have my permission. Here," turning to his desk and writing a few
+words, "is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan.
+Good luck to you."
+
+"I shall let you pick the men," said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when
+he was again back in the latter's quarters, "and, so far as they know,
+you are in command."
+
+"Very well," was the reply; "but remember that it is not so. On this
+expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders."
+
+Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by
+Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A
+likely body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them
+under six feet in height.
+
+"Look like they could give a good account of themselves," muttered
+Chester to himself.
+
+At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later,
+in response to Hal's directions were speeding southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ACROSS THE MARNE.
+
+
+For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at
+top speed. Then Hal called a halt.
+
+Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the
+direction of the river.
+
+The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have
+been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though
+Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between
+the German forces.
+
+The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as
+there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along
+the shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently
+having been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.
+
+"We'll appropriate these," said Hal. "Luckily they were here or we
+should have been forced to swim across."
+
+The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the
+opposite side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank
+were soon hidden from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called
+another halt, until he was able to decide upon his next move.
+
+The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return
+trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the
+party had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now
+bethought himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.
+
+After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as
+possible in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of
+the little woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.
+
+The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal,
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it,
+their men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered,
+the Germans did not put up a fight.
+
+The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them
+called out in German:
+
+"We surrender."
+
+"Dismount!" ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.
+
+"This is what I call luck," said Hal to his friends.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Why," said Hal, "here we have three horses and three German
+uniforms. If that isn't luck, I don't know what is."
+
+Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound and
+gagged.
+
+When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German
+uniforms, Hal called three of the British troopers to him.
+
+"You men," he said, "will leave all your weapons here, except your
+revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will
+accompany us, afoot, apparently as prisoners."
+
+He called a fourth trooper to him.
+
+"Your name?" he demanded.
+
+"Bristow, sir."
+
+"Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The
+rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it
+necessary to retreat across the river."
+
+"Very good, sir," said Bristow, and fell back and informed his
+companions of the situation.
+
+"Do you realize," asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, "that if we are
+captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy's death for all
+of us?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal, "but we shall have to take that chance. I
+believe that having three English soldiers with us, apparently
+prisoners, will be a means of avoiding detection."
+
+"All right," said Chester, "only we shall have to be careful."
+
+Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them
+started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they
+continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops.
+But they were not molested, not even challenged.
+
+At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.
+
+"Perhaps we can learn something here," said Chester.
+
+Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened
+by a young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.
+
+"Have no fear," said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. "We are
+simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us
+with a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here."
+
+Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them
+to enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a
+hearty repast was spread on the table.
+
+"We have been on a mission south," Hal said to the woman. "Can you
+tell me just how far the German staff is from here?"
+
+"It can't be very far," the woman replied, "for some of the officers
+often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than
+the regular army fare. I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of them
+were to come along soon."
+
+"Good," said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed. He
+did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German staff
+officers.
+
+Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing
+around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in
+gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.
+
+"Great Scott," he said, "we got out of there just in time. Look."
+
+The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the
+shelter of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.
+
+"There must be something up," he declared, "or the German staff would
+not be this far south. I don't suppose General French has been
+informed of this. In some way we must find out what is going on."
+
+"And I wouldn't be surprised," said Chester, "if they were using that
+farmhouse for a certain purpose."
+
+"By Jove! I never thought of that," said Hal. "I believe you have hit
+it. That is where they are making their plans. I wonder"--and he grew
+greatly excited. "I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in
+that party."
+
+"He is probably pretty near the whole party," said Lieutenant Anderson
+dryly. "Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this
+close to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also."
+
+"Then it's a wonder the woman didn't say something about the Kaiser
+being near."
+
+"She probably didn't know him," said the lieutenant.
+
+Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.
+
+"Do you know what I am going to do?" he said at length, dismounting.
+
+"No. What?" demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single
+voice.
+
+"I'm going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or
+crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another
+chance of overhearing the German plans."
+
+"Great Scott!" said Lieutenant Anderson, "that certainly is a bold
+plan. You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do," was the reply.
+
+"Then I shall go, too," said Chester.
+
+"And me," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"No you won't," said Hal, positively. "The rest of you will stay here.
+If I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then
+the rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them,
+the Kaiser included."
+
+Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.
+
+"Why can't we get the rest of our men, and capture the whole crowd?"
+he demanded in great excitement.
+
+"I had thought of that," replied Hal, "but something tells me it can't
+be done--a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt
+such a thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can't explain just
+what I mean, but I feel it."
+
+"And I too," declared Lieutenant Anderson. "I don't know why, but I
+know it's true."
+
+"Bosh!" said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had
+created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.
+
+"Well, if you must go by yourself, all right," said Lieutenant
+Anderson. "But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better."
+
+Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side,
+where he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he
+walked slowly toward the house.
+
+He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that
+such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would
+probably mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little
+fear of detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.
+
+Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did
+not wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him,
+so, keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.
+
+His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window,
+apparently halfway between the first and second floors.
+
+"Evidently, at a turn in the steps," Hal told himself.
+
+Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength
+slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the
+lad put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening,
+and then disappeared inside the house.
+
+Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location
+of the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at
+one end of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.
+
+Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his
+eyes. Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just
+a little crack that he might not be suffocated.
+
+Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below
+came the faint sound of German voices.
+
+Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger
+felt a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small
+opening in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered down, and
+as he made out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to
+himself.
+
+The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke,
+commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one
+occasion, had saved him from death before a firing squad.
+
+"Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?" Hal asked himself.
+
+His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an
+imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his
+knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.
+
+There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of
+Germany!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE KAISER.
+
+
+In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm
+would be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him
+as he made out the imposing figure of "The War Lord of Europe." He
+whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.
+
+"To think," he said to himself after a long pause, "that he is
+primarily responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands
+of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of dollars."
+
+Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight
+at the War Lord's breast.
+
+"With one little movement of my finger," said the lad softly to
+himself, "I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent
+thousands to their death. One shot, and----"
+
+His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he
+lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his pocket,
+while he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had gathered on
+his brow.
+
+"It's no use," he told himself, "I couldn't do it if I wanted to."
+
+Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will
+never know how close he was to death at that moment!
+
+Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by
+straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.
+
+"If," came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count
+Von Moltke, "if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them
+off from their French support and annihilate them. And----"
+
+"And," came the voice of the Kaiser himself, "we can, then, by a quick
+turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be
+complete."
+
+"Exactly, sire," came Count Von Moltke's voice again.
+
+"But, sire," said a third voice, "what have we to warrant that the
+English will accept our bait?"
+
+The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in
+again.
+
+"We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne," he
+said, "and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on,
+flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them on the left
+flank. We shall cut them to pieces."
+
+"The plan sounds well to me," came the voice of the Kaiser again.
+"General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute this
+coup?"
+
+"Not before day after to-morrow, sire," was the reply. "It will take
+me that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time
+keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal."
+
+"And how many men will you be able to bring?" asked the Kaiser.
+
+"Half a million, sire."
+
+"Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?"
+
+"Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men."
+
+The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his
+mustache. Then he spoke aloud:
+
+"If the British were aware of that," he said, "by a quick advance they
+would place us at a tremendous disadvantage."
+
+"So they would, sire," agreed General Von Kluck. "But it must be seen
+that they do not anticipate our plan."
+
+"In that event," came the Emperor's reply, "it will be necessary for
+that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at
+the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn."
+
+"Exactly what I had figured upon, sire."
+
+"Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day
+after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their
+present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part,
+while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our
+coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak."
+
+"There shall be none, sire," came a chorus of officers.
+
+"Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this.
+Had it not been for the interference of these English--and these
+starving Belgians, I would be there now," and the Kaiser's voice grew
+harsh. "They must be crushed," and he struck the table a heavy blow
+with his clenched fist.
+
+"And crushed they shall be, sire," said Count Von Moltke soothingly.
+"It is only a question of time."
+
+"Well, you have been long enough doing it," came the Emperor's angry
+voice. "See that you do not fail me again. If you do----"
+
+He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he
+might have uttered.
+
+There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment
+later of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the
+German officers were leaving the house.
+
+"By George!" the lad muttered to himself, "Wilhelm must be a holy
+terror. I'll bet Von Kluck, Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a
+terrible wigging, for I'm here to see that this plot fails."
+
+Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling
+certain that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He
+was just lowering himself from the window by which he had entered
+when, from almost below him, there was a loud scream.
+
+Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given
+them food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his
+officers might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the
+ground, and an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman's
+mouth.
+
+"Quiet!" he commanded in a harsh voice. "If you make no noise you
+shall not be harmed. Otherwise----" he paused significantly.
+
+The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.
+
+"Go into the house," Hal commanded, and followed her.
+
+"I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping," the lad muttered
+to himself. "I can't afford to be interfered with now."
+
+He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged
+and bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.
+
+"You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you," he
+told her. "I hope it won't be long, for your sake, but I can't afford
+to take any chances with you."
+
+He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he
+had so lately left his friends, his heart sank.
+
+Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running
+toward him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by
+a band of mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out
+the forms of Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!
+
+With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers,
+evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance
+behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the
+farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the
+fugitives.
+
+Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his
+friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and
+ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not
+pause to reply.
+
+"Just wait till we get back to our own men," thought Hal to himself as
+he ran along, "that is, if we can make it."
+
+But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in
+charge of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had
+crawled forward to investigate. He made out the figures flying toward
+him and recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.
+
+Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward.
+This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen
+were overhauling the fugitives rapidly.
+
+When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their
+mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost
+a single movement.
+
+The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on
+their haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A
+moment later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.
+
+Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he
+was forced to hold his sides.
+
+"What on earth is the matter with you?" demanded Chester in great
+surprise. "What are you laughing at?"
+
+"Why," explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, "I am laughing at
+the sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the
+evil one himself were after him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in
+the farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied
+armies. When he had concluded he said:
+
+"Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you,
+Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?"
+
+"Certainly," said the lieutenant.
+
+"You know I will, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to
+General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you.
+That's all."
+
+"But you?" demanded Chester; "aren't you coming, too? Surely you have
+accomplished the mission successfully."
+
+"No," replied Hal. "In this German uniform I believe I shall be
+perfectly safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further
+information. It may be that I can learn something that will be
+important."
+
+"Then I shall go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"And I, too," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Oh, no you won't," said Hal grimly. "Didn't you just promise to obey
+my commands, both of you?"
+
+"But we didn't know what you planned to do," said Chester.
+
+"I know you didn't," said Hal. "That is why I asked your promises
+before I told you."
+
+"But I don't think it is fair," protested Chester.
+
+"I don't care what you think," replied Hal. "You have both promised,
+so that's all there is about it."
+
+In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.
+
+"Come, now," he said at last. "You are making it more dangerous for me
+every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and
+return at once."
+
+Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The
+men already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row
+away.
+
+"I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning," he called to
+Chester; "but," and he smiled grimly to himself, "if I were you, I
+wouldn't wait up for me."
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with
+one last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the
+farmhouse.
+
+He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger
+long in that vicinity.
+
+"The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of
+the officers the better off I shall be," he told himself.
+
+He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot.
+Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad
+trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of
+perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in
+greeting as they went by.
+
+"So far, so good," muttered the lad to himself.
+
+Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But
+feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of
+captain, the lad continued boldly on.
+
+At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.
+
+"Guess this is the place I am headed for," he told himself.
+
+He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who
+were taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts.
+The place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a
+large body of troops on parade.
+
+He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once,
+although once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.
+
+"Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant
+and courteous set," the lad told himself. "However, I didn't come here
+to learn how they behave themselves. I won't get any information this
+way. I wonder who is in command here, but I can't afford to ask."
+
+Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who
+were idling about talking.
+
+"I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward
+within a few hours," said one of the group of officers.
+
+"So?" questioned another. "I had forgotten that you are now a member
+of his staff."
+
+"What's up, do you know?"
+
+"Nothing that I can talk about," replied the other with a pleasant
+smile.
+
+"All right," said another. "The sooner the better."
+
+The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.
+
+"Good," he said to himself. "At least I have learned that General
+Beulow is in command here."
+
+And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.
+
+At that moment an officer approached him.
+
+"I can't seem to place you," he said. "Is your regiment here?"
+
+"No," returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent.
+"I am attached to General Von Kluck's command. I came here with him
+to-day."
+
+"Oh," said the German officer, "then you are on his staff?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have
+been sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?"
+
+Hal took a long chance.
+
+"Yes," he replied.
+
+"Good," said the German officer. "Come to my quarters. I have
+documents to deliver to you."
+
+Hal followed the German officer to the latter's tent. There the German
+took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he
+placed in the lad's hands.
+
+"These," he said, "you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose
+you knew that he had already returned to his command?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal firmly. "I was simply waiting for these. My horse
+is yonder," and he waved his hand.
+
+"Oh," continued the German. "Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von
+Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or
+French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed
+that information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals
+were hurried back to their posts to see that everything was
+shipshape."
+
+"Yes," said Hal briefly; "I know."
+
+He placed the papers in his pocket.
+
+"Auf Wiedersehen," said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent.
+"Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck's hands at
+the earliest possible moment."
+
+"It shall be done," said Hal as he walked rapidly away.
+
+"Great Scott!" he said to himself. "I am in luck. I wouldn't be
+surprised if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I
+overheard in the farmhouse."
+
+Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It
+was even as he had expected--only more. For the papers contained the
+present troop positions, their expected movements and the number of
+men and how stationed.
+
+Hal whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Won't General French be surprised when he sees these?" he said
+softly. "Now to get back."
+
+It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in
+the direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely
+to himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no
+means egotistical, was well aware of it.
+
+He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, and made off
+in the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and
+more confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the
+German camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.
+
+A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to
+start back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the
+pair who had accosted him were a man and woman.
+
+And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had
+so recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that
+she had recognized him as well.
+
+"It is he!" she exclaimed in a loud voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A COLD SWIM.
+
+
+Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so
+suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck,
+pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose
+without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was
+unable to do so.
+
+The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the
+struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But
+the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt
+of the weapon down on the lad's head without the imminent risk of
+injuring the woman.
+
+Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he
+had decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands,
+and awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.
+
+It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal
+leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out
+swiftly with his bare fist. There was a sharp "spat" and the man fell
+to the ground.
+
+Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed
+the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and
+the lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly
+impossible.
+
+"Hands up!" commanded the woman.
+
+Hal temporized.
+
+"Now see here----" he began.
+
+The woman interrupted.
+
+"Hands up!" she commanded again.
+
+This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman's
+voice that she was not to be trifled with.
+
+"About face," commanded his captor.
+
+Hal did as ordered.
+
+"Now," continued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and,
+remember, at the first false move I shall fire."
+
+Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
+behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German
+camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.
+
+His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon
+a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just
+as well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.
+
+As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
+attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
+time was right upon him.
+
+Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
+she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
+spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand,
+and with a quick leap seized it himself.
+
+"Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to
+get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance
+between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be
+forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I
+am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one
+life stand in the way."
+
+The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.
+
+"I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I
+could have brought myself to shoot."
+
+He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
+opponents hors de combat.
+
+The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
+sprang forward.
+
+"What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated
+surprise. "Well, here's some more then."
+
+He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his
+right fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh
+and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground,
+where he remained, unconscious.
+
+"Now to get back across the river," said Hal to himself. "Wonder if I
+can find a boat of some kind."
+
+He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind
+of a craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from
+the direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited
+voices and the trampling of many feet.
+
+"Great Scott! Here they come," exclaimed Hal aloud. "I guess it's up
+to me to get away from here pretty quick."
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he advanced to the water's edge and
+plunged into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal's breath was
+taken away by the suddenness of the shock.
+
+He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
+opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
+shore immediately behind him.
+
+"I don't believe there is anyone there," said a voice.
+
+"The woman is a spy herself, that's my belief," said a second. "She
+has concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this
+hour. I certainly don't believe there is a spy on this side of the
+river."
+
+"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
+searchlight. Turn yours on."
+
+Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
+well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
+across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
+and forth across the water. He could see no one.
+
+"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get
+away from here."
+
+"Good," returned the other. "Come on."
+
+Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
+surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
+breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he
+rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in
+their search anyhow, had gone.
+
+Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made
+out the sound of retreating footsteps.
+
+"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to
+get out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."
+
+With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon
+the farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance
+away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:
+
+"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and
+get thawed out before I continue my journey."
+
+He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence
+was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing
+footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.
+
+"Halt!" he commanded.
+
+"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."
+
+"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not
+lowering his weapon.
+
+Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German
+uniform and his rifle leaped up again.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you?
+You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man."
+
+"Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell
+you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I
+am? A German?"
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in
+that German uniform?"
+
+Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.
+
+"I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I
+can assure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little
+information."
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he
+represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March
+ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your
+back."
+
+"All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for
+it, I suppose I shall have to go with you."
+
+He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with
+leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of
+what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.
+
+"My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the
+river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have
+accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I
+can show credentials," and he showed the officer a pass signed by the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The officer shook hands with him.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked.
+
+"I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you
+a fast auto?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it."
+
+"It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire
+while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen."
+
+"Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please
+have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver
+I shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car
+any great distance."
+
+"You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal
+huddled up close to the little fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.
+
+
+Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted
+on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile
+as it sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters.
+
+The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the
+ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of
+British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore,
+before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment
+and he once more stood before his commander.
+
+"So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young
+Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be
+captured. Did you learn anything further?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each
+command, their positions and all details."
+
+"What!" exclaimed General French in great surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Hal, and reaching in his pocket he drew out the
+documents given him by the German officer. "Here they are, sir."
+
+General French took the papers from the lad's hand, and glanced at
+them quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal's
+shoulder.
+
+"You have done well," he said quietly. "I shall not forget it. You
+may go now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over
+you. I will say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to
+England--one that the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps
+to thwart this German coup, and if we are successful the credit will
+be mainly due you."
+
+Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general's tent.
+
+"Now to find Chester," he said.
+
+He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making
+his quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant's
+tent, Hal walked up cautiously.
+
+"I want to surprise them," he told himself.
+
+Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.
+
+"I'm afraid he won't ever get back," came Chester's voice. "I should
+have insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn't have let him go alone."
+
+"Still," said Lieutenant Anderson, "he was in command. We had to obey
+him."
+
+"That is true," replied Chester, "but just the same if ill befalls
+him I shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the
+information we went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting
+himself in the enemy's power?"
+
+Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he
+was observed.
+
+"A whole lot, Chester," he said quietly.
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant,
+and one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.
+
+"Stop it, stop it," laughed Hal. "You'll wring my arms off."
+
+"And so you are back safely," said Chester, looking long at his
+friend.
+
+"Yes, I'm back," said Hal.
+
+"And what did you learn? Anything else?"
+
+"Lots," replied Hal, "but let me get out of this wet German uniform;"
+having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after
+they had left until his return to General French's tent.
+
+"And General French says," he concluded, "that steps have been taken
+to spoil the Kaiser's plan."
+
+"Good," said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.
+
+"Well," said Chester, after some further talk, "I guess we might as
+well turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
+returned. We can rest easier now."
+
+Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon slumbering deeply.
+The day's work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how
+long they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling
+"To arms!" roused them.
+
+Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
+removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at
+a moment's notice.
+
+The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
+command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster,
+the great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
+cavalry leading the way.
+
+There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
+enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
+engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
+magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on,
+several thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.
+
+These--advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans,
+rushed forward to check them--fought off the enemy while other British
+troops were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to
+drive them back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back
+again by the British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time
+to form after crossing the river.
+
+Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across
+the little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught
+unprepared. Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending
+some of his men south to take their places in the force with which the
+Kaiser and his generals expected to execute their great coup.
+
+Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by
+the German general staff. That the British, without the support of
+their French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive,
+was a factor that had apparently been overlooked.
+
+The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the
+continent at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men.
+Probably two-thirds of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in
+this battle, which, starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the
+fiercest and bloodiest struggles of history.
+
+Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from
+India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the
+English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and
+driving back the foe.
+
+But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the
+British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat,
+the British pursuing them relentlessly.
+
+Apparently it was not General French's plan to push the battle too
+strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as
+would make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.
+
+For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne
+continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as
+the Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The
+British fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and
+preparing to resist an attack should one be delivered.
+
+This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly
+unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of
+the greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.
+
+Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side
+they did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the
+Kaiser's troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the
+stream for the rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for
+the English, already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the
+Germans as reinforcements crossed.
+
+And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the
+offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due
+largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives,
+enabled the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.
+
+That the boys' value in this important battle was recognized, is
+evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a
+halt, General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:
+
+"You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+TRAPPED.
+
+
+It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely. On all sides
+men were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since
+early morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the
+British line, the struggle had continued without a minute's breathing
+space.
+
+Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops
+fell back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field
+where the fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful
+of their support on either side, the British still pressed forward,
+until now they were far beyond either flank.
+
+Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering
+volley. Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men
+tumbled to the earth on every hand.
+
+Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a
+force of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them
+off from any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand men
+were in this little force now completely surrounded.
+
+But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to
+surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other
+than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the
+Marne had raised him to that rank.
+
+Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer
+still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared
+his quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the
+conflict alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific
+carnage, in spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had
+so far escaped injury.
+
+Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a
+possible escape. With a loud cry of "Forward!" to his men, he dashed
+right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.
+
+Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column
+halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain
+Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the
+Germans, and they now pressed forward at a run.
+
+Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men,
+that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power,
+and still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of
+overwhelming odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.
+
+That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson's strategy.
+At the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line,
+dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the
+Germans rallied, but it was too late.
+
+The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken
+refuge behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain's
+sudden charge became apparent.
+
+Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British
+dashed madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door
+was locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the
+sharp crack of rifles.
+
+There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt,
+the British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the
+troops poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the
+house and performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to
+tell it injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground
+outside, however, was strewn with their companions.
+
+Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And
+the British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which
+they knew would come in a very few minutes.
+
+"If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place
+indefinitely," said Captain Anderson.
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester; "or, if we can manage to hold out till night,
+we may be able to get away."
+
+"It is possible, too," said Hal, "that our absence will be noticed and
+aid sent to us."
+
+"I'm not banking much on that," replied Captain Anderson, "for, if we
+are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war.
+It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in
+this house."
+
+"That's so," said Chester. "Well, we will have to hold on as long as
+we can. That's the best we can do."
+
+"Exactly," agreed Hal quietly.
+
+The three approached the window in front of the house on the second
+floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier guarding
+it spoke.
+
+"Evidently the siege has begun," said Hal grimly. "Poor fellow!" he
+added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet
+in his head.
+
+His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The
+firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the
+windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture
+they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their
+rifles through.
+
+But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets. Still
+men fell, though not as fast as before. Captain Anderson assigned Hal
+to direct the fire of the British in the front of the first floor and
+Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the second floor
+himself.
+
+The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all
+over their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell,
+Hal or Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until
+relieved by another soldier.
+
+Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus
+far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to
+pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could
+take it without this trouble.
+
+And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the
+defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy's loss,
+exposed as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been
+enormous.
+
+Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage
+of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As
+they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the
+floor below.
+
+Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the
+commotion. Struggling in Chester's arms was a man in civilian garb.
+
+"I caught him just as he was about to open the front door," Chester
+explained.
+
+The man's struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain
+Anderson, pale and trembling.
+
+"What are you doing here?" demanded the latter.
+
+"I was hiding in the cellar," said the man in a shaking voice. "When
+you English burst in I didn't know what to do. I remained in my
+hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I
+would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I
+thought I had a chance."
+
+Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.
+
+"Surely you are not a German?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "I am French."
+
+"Then what need had you to be afraid of us?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," was the nervous reply, "I am a peace-loving man.
+I don't want to fight, and I won't fight if I can help it."
+
+"A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure," said the captain, with a
+sneer. "If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find
+you here? Why haven't you fled with the rest of the old women and
+children?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," quavered the man, "I have been hiding here. I
+was afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight."
+
+"And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs," and he rubbed his
+hands in satisfaction.
+
+"And you were not discovered by the Germans?"
+
+"No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday."
+
+"Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us
+important information?"
+
+"I could, yes, sir," was the reply. "But, if I do, will there be any
+pay for me?"
+
+The captain was taken by surprise.
+
+"And you call yourself a Frenchman," he said in contempt. He took a
+threatening step forward. "No," he said angrily, "there will be no
+pay, but I can promise you that if you don't tell what you know you
+will be shot right here and now."
+
+"Oh, sir, you wouldn't do that," said the man in a wheedling voice.
+
+"Wouldn't I?" exclaimed the captain. "You shall see."
+
+He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them
+approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man
+that the officer meant what he said.
+
+"I'll tell, sir," he cried, falling on his knees.
+
+Captain Anderson waved his men away.
+
+"Very well," he said coldly, "and see that you make no mistake. If
+your information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow."
+
+"But it is, sir," protested the Frenchman.
+
+"All right. Then let's have it."
+
+"The Germans are planning an aëroplane raid on the English," said the
+man, in a low voice. "There is a park of aëroplanes hardly two miles
+from here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant
+flight."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Captain Anderson. "Are you sure?"
+
+"Perfectly," was the reply. "I heard the German officers talking of it
+only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English."
+
+"And so it would," said the captain, "unless it can be stopped."
+
+Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.
+
+"Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines
+out to us?" he asked.
+
+"Easily, sir."
+
+"What's your idea?" asked Captain Anderson.
+
+"Simply this," said Hal. "I believe that by a dash we can get through
+the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not
+expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not
+likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful
+raid on these machines and destroy them."
+
+"A first-class idea," said the captain. "We'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A DEED OF DARING.
+
+
+Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his
+men behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops
+were a few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these
+he placed at the extreme rear of the little body.
+
+When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal
+and Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was
+no light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable
+distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at
+first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.
+
+Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed
+by a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a
+word from Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.
+
+Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of
+the fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men
+spread out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard
+upon this, charged with the bayonet.
+
+Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of
+the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with
+success to the British.
+
+The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found
+the Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two
+miles were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in
+the darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed
+that this what it was.
+
+"Must be a temporary affair," said Captain Anderson, in a low voice.
+"And what are those objects nearby?"
+
+Hal peered through the darkness.
+
+"Look like armored automobiles to me," he said.
+
+"And so they are," declared Chester. "And there must be twenty of
+them. Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We
+couldn't want anything better to escape in."
+
+"You are right," declared the captain.
+
+The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he
+commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.
+
+The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles
+before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.
+
+At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged
+with fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently
+had been on the alert against a possible surprise.
+
+A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first
+column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself
+going to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the
+troopers reached the automobile.
+
+Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were
+more wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the
+machine-gun could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the
+enemy.
+
+A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this
+weapon spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who
+stood near to guard their machines.
+
+Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce
+interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who
+were crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire
+with great bravery and vigor.
+
+While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers,
+which had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with
+improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the aëroplanes. With sure
+blows from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they
+could lay hands on nearby, they destroyed the motors, the gasoline
+reservoirs and the running gear of the German machines.
+
+At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A
+fierce red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of
+carnage with great brilliancy.
+
+While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short
+distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might
+find Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few
+remaining men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which
+stood a German officer, directing his men.
+
+The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic
+revolver. Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not
+before he had discharged his own weapon against the chest of his
+opponent, who fell to the ground, fatally wounded.
+
+A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before,
+brought his rifle butt down over Hal's head. But the lad's quick eye
+had seen the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the
+blow. His left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled
+and fell to the ground.
+
+He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still
+hanging by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his
+rifle to bear, but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck up the
+weapon, even as the German pressed the trigger.
+
+With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with
+the German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close
+quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew
+back with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the
+car, and his arm was now useless.
+
+The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted
+to entwine his fingers in Hal's throat, but the lad was too quick for
+him. Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other's chin, and sent him
+spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could
+see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or
+were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight,
+for they had no way of determining the strength of the British
+attacking party.
+
+In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping
+from the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting
+automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable
+of driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.
+
+He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of their
+friend.
+
+"Hurry, Chester, get him into this car," he ordered. "We'll have to
+get out of here at once."
+
+He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the
+automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.
+
+Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty
+men, all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the
+farmhouse in the morning.
+
+Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.
+
+"Follow me, single file," he called to his men, "until I give the word
+to close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly
+as possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight,
+if by any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick
+dash and fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow
+right into the enemy. Do you understand?"
+
+The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal
+started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were
+moving along at a brisk pace.
+
+Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:
+
+"How is the captain?"
+
+"I fear he is in pretty bad shape," was the reply; but, even at that
+moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.
+
+He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.
+
+"Where am I?" he demanded.
+
+Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.
+
+"And was the raid a success?" he asked. "Were the German aëroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes, every one of them," replied Chester.
+
+"Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we
+can't get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my
+part."
+
+In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length
+Chester was forced to comply.
+
+As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British
+all told, approached the center of the German force, each man
+determined to get through to the allied lines or to die in the
+attempt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DASH FOR LIBERTY.
+
+
+Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer
+and closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from
+within their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this
+spectacular dash, and so were caught unprepared.
+
+Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed
+and drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they
+increased their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.
+
+The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more
+or less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters
+were upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached
+the first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines
+opened fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good.
+Germans tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to
+rise.
+
+Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on
+all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.
+
+But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the
+speed of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the
+British did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to
+the left of the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the
+bottom of the car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his
+hands and tumbled from the car.
+
+Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had
+Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.
+
+Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost
+bumped into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal's
+promptness in turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car
+had been struck by a German bullet and killed.
+
+The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward
+ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged
+straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still
+shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it
+was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to
+certain death.
+
+All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed
+beyond, and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.
+
+Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant
+machine leaped upon them like a thing of life, hurling them off on
+all sides, and running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with
+another sudden turn to the left, it sped directly toward a group of
+officers, who stood nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this
+unexpected turn that the officers were run down before they could move
+from their tracks.
+
+Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.
+
+It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward--there was a
+fearful roar--a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke
+had cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen--nothing but
+wreckage and a few maimed bodies scattered about.
+
+But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at
+the moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a
+second sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped
+for air, and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and
+crashed into its nearest neighbor.
+
+There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry
+of triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other
+remaining car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped
+ahead faster than before.
+
+But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too
+much. In spite of the fact that the Germans had been taken by
+surprise, their numbers were so great that the success of such a
+dash was impossible.
+
+Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled
+rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the
+driver of the other car dashed into them.
+
+A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the
+second car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning
+round and round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning
+its occupants beneath it.
+
+A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite
+of the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked
+from side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.
+
+Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the
+lad threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center
+of a large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad
+stood up in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of
+threatening rifles was lowered.
+
+"Come out of there," called the officer, "and be quick about it."
+
+Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the
+ground. Turning back to the machine, they tenderly lifted Captain
+Anderson out and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the
+wild ride.
+
+Hal turned to the German officer.
+
+"Will you please see that my friend," indicating the captain,
+"receives medical attention at once?"
+
+"It shall be done immediately," returned the German officer gravely,
+and motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a
+nearby hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?" he
+demanded.
+
+Hal smiled grimly.
+
+"That is what we intended to do," he made reply. "However, we wouldn't
+have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace."
+
+The German officer also smiled faintly.
+
+"You are bold lads," he said quietly. "Come, I will take you to
+General Von Kluck."
+
+The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German
+commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved
+his wing of the army from probable annihilation.
+
+Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat
+younger, recognizing whom, Hal's heart leaped into his throat. This
+second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had
+placed in Hal's hands dispatches for General Von Kluck--papers that,
+through Hal's bravery, had been turned over to General French, and
+had thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.
+
+The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British
+uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:
+
+"How do you do, Captain Dersam?"
+
+General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads,
+turned to the officer.
+
+"You know these prisoners?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, I know one of them," was the reply. "That is, I thought I did
+once. It seems that I was mistaken."
+
+"Explain yourself."
+
+"This," said the German, pointing to Hal, "is the young man to whom I
+told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented
+himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain
+Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this
+officer must be a traitor."
+
+General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.
+
+"So," he exclaimed, "you are the man whom we have to thank for the
+defeat of our plan, eh?" He turned to the officer. "And you say he
+was in German uniform?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The general turned to Hal.
+
+"Do you know what that means?" he asked.
+
+Hal nodded his head.
+
+"It means," continued the general, "that you are a spy. You shall pay
+the penalty."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "I was not captured within your lines in German
+uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy."
+
+"I can't, eh?" cried General Von Kluck angrily. "Well, you shall see."
+
+"The boy is right," came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning,
+Hal started back in amazement.
+
+"The Emperor!" he cried.
+
+And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:
+
+"_Hoch der Kaiser!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GERMAN HOSPITALITY.
+
+
+"Yes," continued the Emperor of Germany, "the boy is right. He has
+spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander
+into our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in
+the armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to
+raid right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five
+aëroplanes, as I have no doubt he did."
+
+"What," exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, "the aëroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes," continued the emperor, "and with them another opportunity to
+deal a death-blow to the English." Then, turning to Hal: "I have no
+doubt that you were concerned in that--am I right?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," said the lad.
+
+"I thought so," said the emperor, and he turned again to General Von
+Kluck.
+
+"The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in
+disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as
+he was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you
+understand?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck, bowing low.
+
+"It seems to me," went on the Kaiser, "that rather than spend so much
+time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if
+some of my officers would expend their energies in looking more
+carefully after my interests."
+
+Once more the emperor turned to Hal.
+
+"If I mistake not," he said, "you are an American. Am I right?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said Hal.
+
+"Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?"
+
+Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany,
+and of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.
+
+"And who is your friend?" asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.
+
+"Chester Crawford, sire," replied Hal, "my boyhood chum."
+
+"And the wounded man?"
+
+"An English officer, your majesty," said Hal, "and a brave one."
+
+"I have found that all the British are brave," said the Kaiser grimly.
+"I was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis," and the
+Kaiser's voice grew harsh; "it was not the only subject on which I was
+misinformed."
+
+His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.
+
+He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:
+
+"General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to
+question them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will
+send a guard for them in two hours."
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck.
+
+The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Follow me," he commanded.
+
+Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close
+behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious
+field quarters.
+
+Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.
+
+"Now, tell me," he said, "what is the general sentiment in America
+toward Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?"
+
+He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a
+discreet silence.
+
+"We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty," he
+said, "but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies
+of the United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies."
+
+The Kaiser nodded his head.
+
+"I was afraid so," he said. "But why?"
+
+"As to why, I can't say," replied Hal. "Chiefly, I suppose, because
+it is an English-speaking country."
+
+"I suppose that is true," said the emperor, "and still there are many
+more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other
+nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany
+brought about this war?"
+
+"From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am
+afraid they do, your majesty," said Hal.
+
+"It is not true," thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist
+down heavily on the table. "I tell you it is not true. Do you
+understand? It is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war.
+It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would
+overrun Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will
+not be called the War Lord of Europe for nothing!"
+
+Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither
+realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand
+before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the
+sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the
+greatest war of all history.
+
+Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and
+he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:
+
+"They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that
+few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I
+thought they lied then. I am sure of it now."
+
+Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
+engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
+disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they
+venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later General
+Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When
+the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the
+emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no
+further words to Hal or Chester.
+
+"I am commanded," said the German officer, "to take you to my tent and
+see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is
+to be made of you."
+
+In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
+guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away
+to make his report to the general.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "they have got us this time, and I don't see any
+way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and
+we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances
+go of getting back to our own lines."
+
+"Don't be so downhearted," said Hal. "More peculiar things have
+happened. We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we
+should be thankful for that."
+
+"Yes, I suppose we should," Chester agreed. "But just the same I would
+like to be back where we belong."
+
+"Well, you can't tell," said Hal. "We may be able to give them the
+slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good
+chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us
+without compunction."
+
+"There is no doubt of that," said Chester. "Von Kluck would do it
+anyhow, if he didn't fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way,
+what do you think of the Kaiser, anyhow?"
+
+"Well," said Hal slowly, "I believe, in the first place, that he takes
+himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen
+instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the
+French and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of
+destiny."
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester, "there is no doubt that he thinks he is right
+and the whole world wrong."
+
+Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.
+
+"You are to remain here for the next few days," he informed them. "As
+the emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck
+is awaiting further word from him as to what to do with you. Right
+now the emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers,
+and, when he is busy, no one dare disturb him."
+
+"And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?" asked
+Chester.
+
+"Why," was the reply, "I suppose you will be treated as all other
+prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin."
+
+"Back to Berlin!" exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.
+
+"Back to Berlin!" repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with
+a long whistle. "Great Scott!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A NEW FRIEND.
+
+
+It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads.
+As Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the
+outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German
+capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would
+be an inglorious finish to their military careers.
+
+"I would rather go to any one other spot on the map," Chester told his
+chum. "Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even
+knowing what is going on?"
+
+"It would be tough," Hal agreed. "And, once there, I am afraid we
+would have to stay until after the war. I don't imagine there is much
+danger of anyone escaping from that place now."
+
+"Nor I," said Chester. "If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it
+before we get to Berlin."
+
+But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were
+doomed to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they
+were made comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not
+beneath some watchful eye.
+
+Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and
+stroll about outside, but on each of these excursions the German
+officer in whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and
+finally from General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to
+Berlin.
+
+"I sort of hate to see you go," the German officer told them, upon
+informing them of their fate. "We have gotten along famously together.
+However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when
+you are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some
+of the tales of German cruelty to their prisoners."
+
+"From the treatment we already have received we can deny them now,"
+said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we can," Chester agreed.
+
+"Come," continued the officer, "what do you say to a little walk
+around? You will not start on your journey until to-night."
+
+Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
+through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
+discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
+them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started
+back toward their temporary prison.
+
+As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding
+toward them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.
+
+Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the
+dog's tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also
+stretched forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.
+
+"He must be one of your French war dogs," said the German with a
+laugh, quickly withdrawing his hand. "We have captured a large number
+of them, and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we
+know how, they will have nothing to do with us."
+
+At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
+came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew
+back his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal
+sharply in the ribs.
+
+But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound,
+the dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to
+the ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly
+forward, and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off,
+though not until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even
+drawing blood from a wound in his throat.
+
+With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew
+it quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the
+trigger, Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his
+arm, knocked the weapon from the German's hand.
+
+The German turned angrily on the lad.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he demanded, in a rage.
+
+"You won't shoot him while I am here," cried Chester, also aroused.
+
+"What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?"
+
+"You try it again and I'll show you what business it is of mine, if
+the whole German army is standing round," shouted Chester furiously.
+
+Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but
+Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the
+German threateningly.
+
+At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to
+interfere.
+
+"Come, come," he said to Chester. "That's enough of this. I am sure
+Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I'm sure he'll apologize if he has
+said or done anything to displease you."
+
+"What! Me apologize?" demanded the German. "And what for, pray?"
+
+"I don't want any apology," declared Chester. "All I want is for him
+to understand he can't shoot a dumb animal while I'm around."
+
+"Is that so?" sneered the German, but the boys' guard cut him short.
+
+"Lieutenant Dennig," he said sharply, "you forget yourself. These
+prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted."
+
+The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer,
+and walked rapidly away.
+
+"One more enemy," said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.
+
+"Oh, he'll get over it," laughed the boys' guard. "He knows he is in
+the wrong--that's what makes him so angry."
+
+The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his
+tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk
+toward their tent, he calmly followed them.
+
+The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the
+tent, and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking
+its way in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one
+side of the tent, sleeping.
+
+"Looks like there are three of you to guard now, instead of two,"
+said the officer. "However, I guess it is all right."
+
+"I wonder if it would be possible," said Chester, struck with a sudden
+thought, "for us to take him to Berlin with us?"
+
+"I'll see what can be done about it," replied the officer. "I believe
+that I can arrange it all right."
+
+"We certainly would appreciate it," continued Chester, "and, if the
+time ever comes when we may be of service to you, you may command
+us." The officer smiled.
+
+"I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity," he said. "Present
+circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it."
+
+"Well, you never can tell," said Hal, "the fortunes of war, you know."
+
+"True," said the German, "and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take
+you at your word."
+
+He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention
+to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The
+dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air
+eagerly.
+
+"A real war dog, all right," said Chester. "What shall we call him,
+Hal?"
+
+"Perhaps he has a name already," said Hal. "Try him."
+
+Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a
+few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at
+thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names
+in the boys' vocabulary.
+
+Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog's head. Then, for the
+first time, he noticed the collar he wore.
+
+"Hello!" he said, in some surprise.
+
+"What is it?" said Chester, also approaching.
+
+"Collar," said Hal briefly. "Perhaps his name is on it."
+
+Both boys bent over the dog.
+
+"Here it is, sure enough," cried Chester.
+
+"Can you make it out?" asked Hal.
+
+"It's a little dark," replied the lad. "Bring him over here nearer the
+light."
+
+This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.
+
+"Well?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Yes, I can read it," replied Chester.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester read aloud:
+
+"Marquis--Twenty-third French Infantry."
+
+"A dispatch dog, eh?" said Hal.
+
+"Yes," said Chester; "and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition
+to our party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BERLIN ONCE MORE.
+
+
+By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the
+consent of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with
+them. That Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have
+him, was plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time,
+and whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.
+
+The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not
+leave until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other
+prisoners, British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled
+aboard early. Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or
+description, there was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the
+large number of prisoners.
+
+The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and
+took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of
+misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and
+chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.
+
+Finally, after much delay, the train started with a jolt, tumbling
+men all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were
+hurled hither and yon, but they only laughed.
+
+The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was
+switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop
+trains carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east,
+or from the east to the west.
+
+Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally
+pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the
+leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground,
+and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German
+officer in command, were marched away.
+
+Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As
+the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German
+officer.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, approaching the boys. "A dog, eh?
+Well, we haven't time to fool with dogs," and he leveled his pistol at
+Marquis.
+
+Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to
+stay the German's hand.
+
+"This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General
+Von Kluck," he said quietly.
+
+"So you say," was the reply. "But how am I to know that you speak the
+truth?"
+
+"The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient
+proof of that," said Hal quietly.
+
+The German officer lowered his weapon.
+
+"I guess you are right," he said. "I beg your pardon."
+
+He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more
+friendly.
+
+"You are British officers?" he asked.
+
+"We are attached to the staff of General French," Chester replied.
+
+"So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?"
+
+"Considerable," replied Hal, with a smile; "at Liège, Louvain, the
+battle of the Marne, and some other skirmishes."
+
+"You have been in luck," said the officer. "And here I have been, ever
+since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.
+Worse luck!"
+
+"Cheer up," said Chester, smilingly, "you probably will get your
+chance before the war is over."
+
+"I hope so," replied the German, and continued: "I am going to arrange
+for you to come with me--yes, and the dog, too," as he saw Hal glance
+at his canine friend. "You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I
+am interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so
+much fighting."
+
+"If I may make so bold," said Hal, "you are not so old yourself."
+
+"True," said the German, with a pleasant smile. "But I am twenty," he
+added proudly.
+
+"Then we are not much younger than you," said Chester.
+
+"Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun."
+
+His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.
+
+"Come with me," he said, and the boys followed him.
+
+"I am at liberty to accept your parole," said the young German, "if
+you are prepared to give it."
+
+Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.
+
+"We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we
+would give our parole to no one."
+
+"Oh, well," said the German, with a laugh, "it doesn't matter. There
+is no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you
+refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you."
+
+The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they
+were soon riding along the streets.
+
+"I am taking you to my home," said the young officer. "While there,
+you will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be
+guarded."
+
+"We understand," said Chester quietly.
+
+"Looks natural along here," said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that
+moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and
+Captain Derevaux had met for the first time--the spot where the French
+and British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.
+
+"What, you have been in Berlin before?" questioned the German officer
+in some surprise.
+
+"Oh, yes," said Hal. "We spent one vacation here with my mother."
+
+He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped
+from the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester
+also made no reference to this.
+
+All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys
+now, and they pointed out different places of interest to each other
+as they sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.
+
+The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the
+boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
+commodious house.
+
+"My home," said the lieutenant simply, "and yours, so long as you are
+forced to remain in Berlin."
+
+The lads followed their captor up the steps, and into a prettily
+furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
+with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
+officer now introduced himself to the boys.
+
+A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The
+boys were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome,
+adding:
+
+"I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us."
+
+Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened to
+explain.
+
+"General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it
+not for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You
+would have to have gone with the other prisoners."
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I am sure we both appreciate it."
+
+"Indeed we do," agreed Hal.
+
+Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there
+came a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown
+quickly open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in
+his uniform, draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two
+boys he came to a sudden pause.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, in a great, booming voice.
+
+"Two of my prisoners, sir," said the lieutenant, stepping forward and
+saluting.
+
+"Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
+captured in Berlin?"
+
+"No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners."
+
+"Then, why are they not with the others?" demanded General Strauss
+sternly.
+
+"Why, sir," stammered the lieutenant, "I--I----"
+
+"Enough," said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling
+although this he endeavored in vain to hide. "You mean that you are up
+to some of your old tricks--that your sympathies have gotten the upper
+hand of your better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you,
+sir?"
+
+The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:
+
+"I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
+superior officer. But I won't do it this time. However, it is a very
+good thing that our emperor--God bless him--is a very good friend of
+your father. Otherwise----"
+
+He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:
+
+"Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside--and which
+almost bit me--is the property of your prisoners."
+
+Hal stepped forward and saluted.
+
+"He is, sir," he said.
+
+The old general eyed the lad for some minutes in silence. Hal bore
+the scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and
+repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his
+son.
+
+"When you have introduced us," he said, "we shall all go in and have
+something to eat!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A PIECE OF PAPER.
+
+
+Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young
+German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of
+the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore
+naught but signs of war.
+
+Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither
+and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the
+city upon every hand--some preparing to entrain for the west, and some
+for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the
+Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers
+would permit.
+
+It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost
+upon the two lads.
+
+"It's going to be an awful job to lick these fellows," Chester
+confided to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.
+
+"There is no question about that," was Hal's reply. "Still, it has to
+be done."
+
+"And will be done eventually," declared Chester grimly. "The trouble
+is that we are not likely to see it done."
+
+"Don't lose heart," said Hal. "Something may turn up. You never can
+tell."
+
+And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could
+possibly have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of
+German soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes.
+Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.
+
+As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a
+halt.
+
+"What have we here?" asked Lieutenant Strauss.
+
+"A spy, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where was he found?"
+
+"About thirty miles west of the city."
+
+"How does he account for his presence there?"
+
+"He has not had much to say," replied the officer, "but he did tell me
+that he fell from an aëroplane."
+
+"Does he deny being a spy?"
+
+"He does, sir."
+
+"Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?"
+
+"He doesn't account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on
+that score."
+
+Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the
+prisoner as the armed guard would permit.
+
+"Looks like an Englishman," said Hal.
+
+"That's what he is, all right," declared Chester.
+
+The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these words, spoken in
+English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and,
+apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.
+
+Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester,
+throwing up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt
+a little piece of paper slipped into his hand.
+
+In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily;
+and, at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they
+struggled, the lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:
+
+"Don't lose it. It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at
+once. Much depends upon it."
+
+Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad's grasp, and Chester realized
+what was expected of him.
+
+"I've got him," he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on
+top of him.
+
+The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner
+was closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he
+desired no further information and the squad of soldiers marched away,
+the prisoner meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.
+
+"A nice pair of Englishmen you are," he cried. "Traitors, that's what
+you are. If you hadn't stopped me I would have got away."
+
+"Never mind him," said Lieutenant Strauss. "He's naturally angry at
+being foiled in his attempt to escape."
+
+Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand,
+was now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason
+pleaded fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant's attention was
+directed elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared
+that, upon close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was
+concealing something in his hand.
+
+Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:
+
+"What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He
+might have got away if it hadn't been for you. No wonder he called us
+traitors."
+
+Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled
+forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could see it,
+he said:
+
+"I didn't know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know
+that there was something up."
+
+"Something up!" exclaimed Hal. "What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, simply that the prisoner's attempt to escape was a ruse."
+
+"A ruse?"
+
+"Exactly. That's why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, losing his temper, "I don't. Quit beating around
+the bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it."
+
+"Well, then," said Chester, "you see this piece of paper?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of
+handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you
+were. That's why I got it."
+
+"You mean----" began Hal.
+
+"Exactly," Chester interrupted. "Now, let's see what it says."
+
+Both lads bent over the paper.
+
+"It's written so finely I can hardly make it out," said Chester, after
+looking over the paper.
+
+"Bring it over to the window," replied Hal. "Under a strong light we
+may be able to read it."
+
+Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what they
+read:
+
+     "For the success of military operations in the western
+     theater of war, it is essential that the Russian campaign be
+     pushed with immediate vigor, particularly in the north.
+     Knowing that we are all working in sympathy and accord,
+     without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this
+     suggestion will be acted upon."
+
+"No address and no signature," said Hal. "What's it all about?"
+
+Chester bent closer over the paper.
+
+"What's this at the bottom?" he said.
+
+Hal looked again.
+
+"Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me," he said, after a careful
+scrutiny. "By Jove, I have it! It's a secret sign, that's what it is.
+The man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it."
+
+"I believe you have hit it," exclaimed Chester.
+
+"But how are we to know for whom it is intended?" said Hal. "It
+carries no address."
+
+"It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the
+Russian armies," replied Chester.
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so," was Chester's
+reply.
+
+"Well, then," said Hal, "we know for whom it is intended, but what did
+the man give it to you for?"
+
+"Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs."
+
+"I hope he didn't expect us to deliver it."
+
+"I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way."
+
+"Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?"
+
+"No," said Chester, "I can't. But something has got to be done. I
+imagine that General French and General Joffre figured that it would
+be delivered without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route
+as commanded, or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden
+dash."
+
+"Well, I can't see that that part makes any difference. The question
+now is, what are we going to do with it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "that's the question."
+
+For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode,
+each suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.
+
+Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.
+
+"What is it?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"We'll take it ourselves!" he exclaimed.
+
+"We will, eh?" said Hal incredulously. "Would you mind telling me
+how?"
+
+"I won't tell you anything," was Chester's reply. "But are you willing
+to do as I say?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal, after some consideration.
+
+"Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand
+Duke Nicholas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+TAKING A CHANCE.
+
+
+"The first thing to do," said Chester, "is to appropriate two of
+Lieutenant Strauss's uniforms. That's your job."
+
+"That's right--pick out the easy work for me," replied Hal
+sarcastically. "How do you figure I'm going to get 'em?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester. "That's up to you. My job, and a much
+harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general's big
+maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know
+where we are going."
+
+"I take back what I said," exclaimed Hal. "I'll try to get those
+uniforms."
+
+"Trying is not enough," said Chester. "You've got to get 'em!"
+
+"All right, then," replied Hal, "I'll get 'em!"
+
+Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home,
+a detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders
+not to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the
+lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the
+house. The lieutenant had demurred at the placing of a guard around
+the house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys
+escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point,
+remarking:
+
+"I know these Americans better than you do. They're slippery. You have
+to watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers."
+
+Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped
+unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.
+
+He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.
+
+"It's up to me to see if I can't pick that lock," he told himself, and
+set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from his
+pocket.
+
+In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and
+viewed the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of
+footsteps from without. Then an idea struck him.
+
+Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door.
+A moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
+lieutenant's uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
+the door and tightened the bolts.
+
+Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
+room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not
+there.
+
+"Hope he has things as easy as I did," said Hal to himself, and sat
+down to await his friend's return.
+
+When Chester entered the general's private room, which he found
+unlocked, he went straight to the general's desk. He knew that maps
+and valuable papers were kept there, because the general had once
+referred to them as being there while at supper.
+
+The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
+expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always
+carried from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
+unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly
+threw up the top.
+
+Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
+returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
+and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what
+he was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.
+
+He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
+general's desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which
+he also thrust into his pocket.
+
+There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
+lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out.
+There was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him,
+Chester walked rapidly down the hall to his own room, where Hal was
+waiting for his return.
+
+"Did you get it?" asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "and you?"
+
+"They are under the bed," said Hal, with a grin. "I believe I would
+make a first-class burglar."
+
+"And I," agreed Chester. "However, 'All's fair in love and war,' you
+know."
+
+"I am glad I do know it," said Hal. "Otherwise I wouldn't think much
+of myself now."
+
+"We had better hide these things," said Chester. "Their loss might be
+discovered and a search made."
+
+"Where shall we put them?"
+
+Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened
+the door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small
+opening, apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the
+ceiling.
+
+"Put 'em in here," he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his
+pocket, he suited the action to the word.
+
+Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of
+hard squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark
+cloth made the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.
+
+"All we need now are swords and pistols," said Chester.
+
+"Pistols," agreed Hal. "I don't know that we need swords."
+
+"You don't," said Chester, in contempt. "We would make a couple of
+fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn't we?"
+
+"You're right," Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. "Where are we going
+to get them?"
+
+"The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the
+hall before retiring," said Chester. "Then I noticed another pair of
+swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably
+leaves his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for
+us."
+
+Chester's thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated
+stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General
+Strauss, upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office,
+saying that he would be in to dinner in a few moments.
+
+Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without
+waiting for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the
+room.
+
+"My maps!" he cried. "My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?"
+
+The lieutenant jumped to his feet.
+
+"Have you lost them, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Lost 'em? Lost 'em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where
+they were?"
+
+"Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir."
+
+"No, I didn't leave 'em at headquarters," raged the general. "Someone
+has stolen them!"
+
+"Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know
+that none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing
+them."
+
+"I tell you they have been stolen!" cried the general. "I want the
+house searched at once--every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of
+these two Americans also."
+
+"Father!" admonished the lieutenant. "Surely you are not accusing
+them?"
+
+"I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must
+I call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?"
+
+"I'll help, sir," replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said
+softly: "Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces
+something."
+
+The old general's sharp ears caught this remark.
+
+"Irritable, am I?" he cried. "Well, maybe I am, but I don't need to
+have my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that
+demands an apology I'll apologize myself."
+
+Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:
+
+"I'll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?"
+
+"Yes," snapped the general, "and see that you make a thorough job of
+it."
+
+At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.
+
+"If you think we have your papers, sir," he said quietly, "we are
+willing to submit to a search."
+
+"And searched you shall be," said the general. He turned to his son.
+"Search them!"
+
+The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The lads submitted to the
+search in silence.
+
+"They have nothing, sir," said the lieutenant.
+
+"Then search the second floor," commanded the general.
+
+An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later
+the old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.
+
+"I found nothing, sir," reported the lieutenant.
+
+"Nor I," said the general slowly. "Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps,
+after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters." He turned to Hal and
+Chester. "I hope you will pardon me for my outburst," he said gravely,
+"but I am easily excited."
+
+"Say no more about it, sir," replied both lads together, but to each
+came the same thought:
+
+"We are in luck."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+SAFE AGAIN.
+
+
+Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant
+Strauss said to the boys:
+
+"There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would
+you care to accompany me to the play to-night?"
+
+Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they
+could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too
+tired.
+
+"Some other evening, if that will do as well," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, all right, whatever you say," replied the lieutenant. "I hope
+there are no hard feelings--that you will overlook my father's show of
+temper?"
+
+"Of course," said Hal. "Anyone would have done the same under the
+circumstances."
+
+After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads,
+bidding his mother good night, and announcing their intention of
+retiring early, made their way to their room.
+
+There their air of leisure gave way to haste.
+
+"We'll have to hurry," said Hal. "The general will fail to find his
+maps at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb's
+tail."
+
+Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant's uniforms, and Chester
+placed the maps in his pocket.
+
+"We will have to go without revolvers," said Chester, "for we
+certainly can't afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come
+home."
+
+"I should say not," Hal agreed. "The sooner we get out of here now the
+better, providing we can get out."
+
+Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and
+descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the
+two swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts,
+and, leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.
+
+Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they
+opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a
+swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into
+one of the guards.
+
+The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," he said, addressing Chester. "I saw you go
+out once before, but I didn't see you return."
+
+"You must be more careful," said Chester, imitating the lieutenant's
+voice. "My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn't see you
+anywhere."
+
+"But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,"
+protested the soldier.
+
+"Well, I'll pass over it this time," said Chester, "but don't let it
+happen again. The prisoners might escape."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the soldier, saluting again. "But the
+prisoners will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir."
+
+The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once
+around the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon
+had put considerable distance between them and the Strauss home,
+where, even now, the old general, having failed to find his maps at
+headquarters, was again raging about, swearing that his documents had
+been stolen.
+
+Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers.
+Also, while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it
+carefully.
+
+"I want to impress this firmly on my mind," he said to Hal, "for we
+may not have a chance to look at it again for some time."
+
+Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later
+they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the
+ugly-looking Colt each carried in his pocket.
+
+As the boys walked along one of the dark streets, they became aware of
+the soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to
+face whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a
+laugh.
+
+"Marquis!" he cried aloud.
+
+Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to
+the boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but
+with reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.
+
+"Good old Marquis," said Chester, patting his head. "You didn't want
+to be left behind among all these Germans, did you?"
+
+Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.
+
+"What are we going to do with him?" asked Hal. "Won't he be in the
+way?"
+
+"No, I don't think so," replied Chester. "Not if the plan I have in
+mind works."
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"You'll know soon enough," said Chester calmly. "Come on."
+
+For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city
+at the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they
+walked along, but were not molested nor even challenged.
+
+Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys
+and the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.
+
+"I thought I was right," said Chester to himself. "But I was beginning
+to doubt it."
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal. "What is that building?"
+
+"That," said Chester calmly, "is an aëroplane station. We shall now go
+in and get one."
+
+"Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer
+who happens along?"
+
+"No, they don't," said Chester. "But, among other things in General
+Strauss's desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one
+calling upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Hal.
+
+"I wanted to save it as a surprise," said Chester.
+
+As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a
+long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a
+sentry.
+
+"I have an order for the commandant," called Chester.
+
+"Approach," said the sentry.
+
+A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.
+
+"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked.
+
+Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated
+from General Strauss's desk from his pocket and passed it to the
+commandant. The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.
+
+"You shall have the machine in five minutes," he said, and left them.
+
+True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood
+before them.
+
+"You will have to run this thing," Chester whispered to Hal.
+
+"Well, it won't be the first time," Hal whispered back.
+
+Hal took the aviator's seat and Chester also took his place. Then the
+latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat
+down calmly between Chester's feet.
+
+"Surely you are not going to take that dog," protested the commandant.
+
+"Yes," said Chester. "He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the
+French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch."
+
+"I see," exclaimed the commandant. "A good idea."
+
+"Isn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"All ready?" demanded the commandant of Hal.
+
+"All ready," was the lad's reply.
+
+"Let her go, then," the commandant ordered the two men who had
+appeared to give the aëroplane a start.
+
+A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.
+
+"Good luck," called the commandant.
+
+Chester waved his hand in reply.
+
+Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the aëroplane left the
+ground, and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.
+
+"Which way, Chester?" Hal called back over his shoulder.
+
+"Due east," replied Chester, "but first rise as high as you can."
+
+Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were
+thousands of feet above the earth.
+
+"What's your altitude?" called Chester.
+
+Hal told him.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Keep her there, and now head due east."
+
+Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a
+direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of
+war, would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies
+of Russia were rushing upon the German legions.
+
+"I know we shall get through safely," called Chester, as they sped
+along. "Some way I feel it."
+
+"And so do I," Hal called back.
+
+They were right, and before another night had fallen these two
+young American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas,
+commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which
+had so strangely fallen into their hands--the paper which, later on,
+brought about more than one serious check to German arms.
+
+But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their
+further adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, "The
+Boy Allies With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian
+Mountains."
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author's words and
+intent.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by 
+Clair W. Hayes
+
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+    .centerbox {width: 400px;         /* heading box */
+                margin: 0 auto;
+                text-align: center;}
+
+    .center   {text-align: center;}
+    .smcap    {font-variant: small-caps;}
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+    .figcenter   {margin: auto; text-align: center;}
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+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by Clair W. Hayes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+       Or, Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+Author: Clair W. Hayes
+
+Release Date: February 16, 2010 [EBook #12870]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, D Alexander, Suzanne Shell,
+Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox">
+<h1>The Boy Allies<br />
+On The Firing Line</h1>
+
+<h3>OR</h3>
+
+<h3>Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne</h3>
+
+<h2>By CLAIR W. HAYES</h2>
+
+<p class="center">AUTHOR OF<br />
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12656">&#8220;The Boy Allies at Li&egrave;ge&#8221;</a><br />
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/30951">&#8220;The Boy Allies With the Cossacks&#8221;</a><br />
+<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12571">&#8220;The Boy Allies In the Trenches&#8221;</a></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 355px;">
+<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="355" height="254" alt="" title="A. L. BURT COMPANY" />
+</div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<p class="center">
+Copyright, 1915<br />
+<span class="smcap">By A. L. Burt Company</span></p>
+
+<hr class="small" />
+
+<p class="center">THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE</p>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h2>Contents</h2>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="70%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS">
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">I.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Terrible Odds</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#Page_3">3</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">II.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Two Young Lieutenants</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">10</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">III.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">With The Army Again</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">16</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The German Retreat Begun</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">23</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">V.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Charge</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">29</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Bridge Is Held</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">35</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Hal Makes An Enemy</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">43</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">VIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Duel</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">51</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">IX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">To The Rescue</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">57</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">X.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Wild Ride</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">64</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Captured</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">71</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Traitor Appears</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">79</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Fight In The Dark</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">88</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Death Of A Traitor</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">96</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Attacked By The Enemy</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">103</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Struggle In The Cave</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">110</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Safe</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">117</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">On A New Mission</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">124</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Bit Of Unwritten History</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">132</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Off On A Raid</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XX">140</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Across The Marne</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">148</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Kaiser</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">157</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Within The Enemy&#8217;s Lines</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">164</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Cold Swim</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">171</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">The German Coup Fails</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXV">179</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Trapped</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVI">186</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Deed Of Daring</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVII">194</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXVIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Dash For Liberty</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXVIII">201</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXIX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">German Hospitality</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXIX">208</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXX.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A New Friend</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXX">215</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXI.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Berlin Once More</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXI">222</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Piece Of Paper</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXII">230</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIII.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Taking A Chance</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIII">237</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="right">XXXIV.</td>
+<td align="left"><span class="smcap">Safe Again</span></td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XXXIV">244</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[Pg 3]</a></span></p><h1>THE BOY ALLIES ON THE<br />
+FIRING LINE.</h1>
+
+<hr class="small" />
+
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3>TERRIBLE ODDS.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn&#8217;t it, Hal?&#8221; asked
+Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly
+along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great!&#8221; replied his friend enthusiastically. &#8220;And it looks as if we
+were to see action soon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, it does look that way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all
+told, with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were
+reconnoitering ten miles in advance of the main army along the river
+Marne in the great war between Germany and the allied armies. For
+several hours they had been riding slowly without encountering the
+enemy, when, suddenly, as the little squad topped a small hill and the
+two boys gained an unobstructed view of the little plain below, Hal
+pulled up his horse with an exclamation.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[Pg 4]</a></span></p><p>Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an
+abrupt halt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Germans!&#8221; he said laconically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And thousands of &#8217;em,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;They haven&#8217;t seen us yet. What
+is best to be done?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of
+fire broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily
+ducked their heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, they have seen us now,&#8221; said Hal; then turning to the men: &#8220;To
+the woods,&#8221; pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.</p>
+
+<p>Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Up in the trees,&#8221; ordered Hal, &#8220;and pick them off as they come!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among the
+branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming German
+horde.</p>
+
+<p>Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they
+approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their
+answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British
+troopers, accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton
+cavalry went down in heaps.</p>
+
+<p>There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching
+horsemen. Then, as the English <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span>continued their work, firing with
+machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a
+halt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are they stopping for?&#8221; cried Chester. &#8220;There are enough of them
+to overwhelm us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believe they fear a trap,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;They are afraid we are
+trying to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the
+delusion if we expect to get away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force
+advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been
+even wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had
+climbed into the trees, had aimed too low.</p>
+
+<p>From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and
+then, as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly,
+firing as they flitted from tree to tree.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy&#8217;s
+indecision. They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally
+gained the edge of the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from
+further in among the trees the leaden messengers of death still struck
+the Germans, and man after man fell in his tracks.</p>
+
+<p>Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to
+the ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed
+him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>with a word, and the little body of English continued their
+retreat, firing as they went.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance
+of half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this
+half a mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the
+Germans were approaching nearer every second.</p>
+
+<p>Hal did not hesitate.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We shall have to make a dash for it!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;One more volley,
+men, and then run!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then
+the little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed
+scarcely half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the
+woods, and poured a volley into them.</p>
+
+<p>Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were
+left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees,
+but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.</p>
+
+<p>Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We may as well fight it out here,&#8221; he told them. &#8220;We will hold them
+off if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind
+whatever cover offers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
+determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span>Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
+marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
+enemy halted.</p>
+
+<p>Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
+were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
+or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
+accounted for.</p>
+
+<p>For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
+darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure
+them into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a
+charge, but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as
+they flitted from one tree to another.</p>
+
+<p>But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little
+troop of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten
+men. The two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been
+struck once. They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had
+the troopers, but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.</p>
+
+<p>And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and
+two more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a
+last dash for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered
+him, and Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span>turned and sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the
+direction of their own lines.</p>
+
+<p>Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans
+halted, puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether
+the enemy had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the
+approach of a larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the
+lives of Hal and Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans
+advanced they would have experienced little difficulty in killing or
+capturing them.</p>
+
+<p>Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when
+at length they once more emerged into the open country they were
+completely exhausted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate,&#8221; said
+Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. &#8220;It&#8217;s terrible to
+think of those poor fellows we left behind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is, indeed,&#8221; replied Hal; &#8220;but I don&#8217;t think they would complain.
+The British soldier is not that kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; agreed Chester. &#8220;And each accounted for more than one
+of his country&#8217;s foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. Were you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. But come, we had better be pushing on again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With the loss of their comrades still preying <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span>upon their minds, the
+little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward
+we shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those
+who have not met them before, and to relate how it came about that
+they were serving in such an important capacity with the British army
+in France.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3>TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.</h3>
+
+<p>Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester
+Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable
+military service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the
+heroic defense of the Belgian city of Li&egrave;ge, which had held out for
+days against the overwhelming horde of Teutons.</p>
+
+<p>In Berlin with Hal&#8217;s mother when the war broke out, they had been
+separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a
+gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British
+army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate
+experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told
+in the first book of this series, entitled <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/12656">&#8220;The Boy Allies at Li&egrave;ge.&#8221;</a>
+They had reached Li&egrave;ge in time to take an active part in the defense
+of that city.</p>
+
+<p>In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and
+each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they
+remained some time, while Hal&#8217;s wound healed sufficiently <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span>to continue
+his homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the
+Belgian commander at Li&egrave;ge had mentioned them so favorably in his
+report to King Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as
+lieutenants in the Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their
+bravery.</p>
+
+<p>It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered
+Lieutenant Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was
+through his inducement that they now found themselves attached to the
+staff of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British
+forces on the continent, engaged in scout duty.</p>
+
+<p>At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the
+main army on a reconnaissance.</p>
+
+<p>The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had
+been steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the
+ground. Day after day and night after night the hard pressed British
+troops, to which Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of
+the fighting. But for the heroism of these comparatively few English,
+slightly more than one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably
+would have marched to the very gates of Paris.</p>
+
+<p>But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the
+gallant command of Sir John <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>French, they had checked the overwhelming
+numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English
+troops under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the
+greatest military achievements of the world&#8217;s history.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great
+Britain always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours,
+without sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the
+fearful fire of the great German guns miles away. While the French,
+farther south, gave way more rapidly, these few English stood their
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the
+point of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These
+bayonet charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester, in spite of
+the fact that they had been in the midst of similar actions before
+Li&egrave;ge.</p>
+
+<p>As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the
+English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though
+with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more
+coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges
+was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle
+and artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time
+after time were driven back in disorder.</p>
+
+<p>And as the British charged, always the words <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>of their battle-song,
+fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the
+sounds of battle:</p>
+
+<div class="bbox2 centerbox"><p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a long way to Tipperary.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">It&#8217;s a long way to go;</span><br />
+It&#8217;s a long way to Tipperary,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">To the sweetest girl I know.</span><br />
+Good-by, Piccadilly,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Farewell, Leicester square.</span><br />
+It&#8217;s a long, long way to Tipperary,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">But my heart&#8217;s right there!&#8221;</span></p></div>
+
+<p>Li&egrave;ge had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several of
+the forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its beautiful
+buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested by the
+Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to relinquish
+the spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau, after a
+stubborn resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre,
+commander-in-chief of the French army, also had been forced to retire.</p>
+
+<p>So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government,
+the day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes
+and other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that
+the great French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town
+unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>the world,
+was being prepared to withstand a siege.</p>
+
+<p>And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy&#8217;s war aviators
+flew over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon
+several days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring
+sky fighters. After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.</p>
+
+<p>But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that
+time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was
+excellent.</p>
+
+<p>In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had
+succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of
+English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned,
+their number much smaller than when they had charged.</p>
+
+<p>For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and
+Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy&#8217;s line to
+reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
+attacked by the Germans in force.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty
+who had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on
+horses; they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of
+the enemy. From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of
+firing.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Evidently they have not given up the pursuit,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; and they are probably mounted. Let&#8217;s turn off into this little
+woods,&#8221; replied Chester.</p>
+
+<p>They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
+their way.</p>
+
+<p>As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in
+advance, stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party
+halted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; asked Chester in a whisper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Germans!&#8221; replied Hal briefly.</p>
+
+<p>Chester approached closer and peered over his friend&#8217;s shoulder. Less
+than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps they are not Germans,&#8221; said Chester hopefully. &#8220;How did they
+manage to get behind us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;But I am sure they are Germans. Some
+way, I can feel it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, what are we going to do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us.
+Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an
+hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost
+directly before them, came a cry, in German:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3>WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.</h3>
+
+<p>In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at
+first, could not see the man who had accosted them.</p>
+
+<p>At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who goes there?&#8221; came the question from the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Friends!&#8221; replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Advance!&#8221; came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with
+his rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.</p>
+
+<p>It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms
+until the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;English!&#8221; he exclaimed in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
+staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
+fell with stunning force upon the German&#8217;s head. The soldier dropped
+to the ground with a slight moan.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll have to get away from here quick!&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>exclaimed Chester. &#8220;Come
+on, men, follow us!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
+forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; he whispered. &#8220;Look! We are right in the middle of
+them!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction,
+the boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German
+force sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut.
+Here and there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry
+flitting about.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have certainly got into a mess,&#8221; whispered Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have that,&#8221; replied Chester. &#8220;Shall we make another detour?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal thought for a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without
+being seen,&#8221; he replied at length. &#8220;There is no telling how far this
+line stretches out, and if we didn&#8217;t get around them by daylight it
+would be all off with us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But the sentries?&#8221; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being
+heard. That&#8217;s all there is about it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, then,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;We might as well move at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The plan was outlined to the men and they went <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>forward. A moment and
+they were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that
+the line of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was
+not very deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through
+safely.</p>
+
+<p>Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a certain
+amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was
+unlikely, should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them
+for English; and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash
+with some hope of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely
+exhausted, slept heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.</p>
+
+<p>The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as
+Hal, believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a
+breath of relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before
+them. It was a German sentry.</p>
+
+<p>Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward.
+The former&#8217;s hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the
+sound of his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the
+man&#8217;s face. The German fell limply into Chester&#8217;s arms, and the boy
+laid him quietly on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused
+no one. But suddenly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning
+his head quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which
+caused such a racket in the stillness of the night.</p>
+
+<p>One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping
+German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was
+the German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his
+slumber.</p>
+
+<p>Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman
+dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the
+noise had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a
+rifle, and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched
+to the ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a
+smoking rifle in his hands.</p>
+
+<p>At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by
+magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Run!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The
+other man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry
+of command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the
+woods. No man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The
+darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span></p><p>Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
+through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
+Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
+Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their
+chance of safety.</p>
+
+<p>But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible,
+so it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along
+as well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or
+tumbling into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length
+emerged into the open, and broke into a weary run.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the
+edge of the woods, or we are gone goslings,&#8221; panted Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and
+as they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
+groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
+into the woods.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll stop here a moment and pick off a few of &#8217;em,&#8221; said Hal grimly.</p>
+
+<p>The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
+ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
+wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They don&#8217;t know how many of us there are,&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>said Hal, &#8220;and they are
+afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for
+it again.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English
+sprang to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave
+them a parting shot, but there was no pursuit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was pretty close,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was, indeed,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;and there is one more of our men gone.
+Was anyone wounded?&#8221; he asked, turning to the others.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Shot in the shoulder, sir,&#8221; replied a man named Brown.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They got me in the arm,&#8221; said another.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anyone else?&#8221; questioned Hal.</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply, and Hal asked:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you two men able to go on without assistance?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! Then come on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was
+not until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance,
+the first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.</p>
+
+<p>Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their
+quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice
+exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, boys, how are you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads turned quickly about; then each gave <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>a cry of delight and
+grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Captain Derevaux!&#8221; they exclaimed in a single voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. &#8220;Major Derevaux, if
+you please!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.</h3>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Major, eh,&#8221; ejaculated Hal. &#8220;I&#8217;m glad to hear that!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So am I,&#8221; declared Chester. &#8220;I am sure no one deserved promotion more
+than you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; laughed the major.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell us,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;what are you doing here? I thought you were with
+the Southern army.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake
+not, they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought
+to a head and that we shall take the offensive soon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; cried Chester. &#8220;We have been retreating long enough.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; Hal protested, &#8220;we can hardly advance in the face of such odds;
+we must have reinforcements.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Major Derevaux, &#8220;strong reinforcements already are
+arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our
+whole line.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That will mean severe fighting,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Indeed it will,&#8221; replied the major. &#8220;It will mean fighting such as
+the world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands
+upon thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own
+way,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; returned the major. &#8220;But I must leave you now, boys. I must
+return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good luck!&#8221; exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and
+strode rapidly away.</p>
+
+<p>The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to
+rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they
+again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then
+had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.</p>
+
+<p>Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were
+ready to move&mdash;whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet.
+It was evident, however, that something was afoot.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and
+joined the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was
+sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally
+one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic
+command.</p>
+
+<p>The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said
+quietly:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Order a general advance!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in
+motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops
+perceived that they were going forward&mdash;that the retreat had ended.</p>
+
+<p>Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the
+crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged
+with the enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of
+the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men
+began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.</p>
+
+<p>But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.
+Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to
+halt. A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view,
+retreating before a large force of Germans.</p>
+
+<p>Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their
+faces toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been
+discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to
+fire rang out.</p>
+
+<p>There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their
+messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this
+deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans
+could recover from their surprise the English <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>horsemen were upon
+them, striking, cutting, slashing.</p>
+
+<p>It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed.
+But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the
+English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of
+infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British
+cavalry was forced to retire.</p>
+
+<p>All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in
+the very center of the British line. On the right and left the
+engagement was of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of
+rifles and artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the
+British were engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.</p>
+
+<p>Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center.
+Then General French turned suddenly to Hal:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell General Mayo to advance in force!&#8221; he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>The general turned to Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost
+immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.</p>
+
+<p>As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the
+British came to sudden life. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>Flame burst out from all along the
+center and the Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into
+the wavering ranks of the enemy, and they turned to flee.</p>
+
+<p>A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as
+they advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut
+in the advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From
+their rear reinforcements were coming continually.</p>
+
+<p>The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by
+the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the
+accuracy of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were
+dropping on all sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the
+British, singing and cheering, continued their advance.</p>
+
+<p>The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men
+engaged in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense
+left&mdash;that of sight&mdash;and their rifles continued to deal out death.</p>
+
+<p>At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to fall
+back.</p>
+
+<p>There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more
+rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the
+English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p><p>But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still
+closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the
+enemy&#8217;s infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their
+comrades, close enough to come into action.</p>
+
+<p>The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did
+not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.</p>
+
+<p>General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick
+command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out
+along the British line:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;With the bayonet! Charge!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE CHARGE.</h3>
+
+<p>For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence,
+and then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets
+from the thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns
+of the German field batteries checked them.</p>
+
+<p>The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost
+less time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy,
+who stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.</p>
+
+<p>The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work,
+encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for
+the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.</p>
+
+<p>As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce
+volley; but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English
+in struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued
+their deadly work.</p>
+
+<p>All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies
+pursuing them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated.
+The engagement became a slaughter.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in
+the fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found
+themselves in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to
+turn back, but they managed to single each other out and soon were
+fighting side by side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal&#8217;s cheek,
+where a German bayonet had pricked him slightly. Chester was
+unwounded.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift
+move he swept aside his opponent&#8217;s blade and felled him to the earth.
+At the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad
+of his weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal&#8217;s sword.</p>
+
+<p>But the boy&#8217;s grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt.
+Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could
+recover himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then,
+stooping, he picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of
+the German officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely
+engaged with two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.</p>
+
+<p>One swift stroke of the boy&#8217;s sword and the soldier was laid low. At
+the same instant Chester&#8217;s sword slipped through his opponent&#8217;s guard
+and the latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Good work!&#8221; Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later
+both lads were once more too busy for speech.</p>
+
+<p>Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel.
+The latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At
+sword play the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester
+was giving a good account of himself.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon
+came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face.
+Chester&#8217;s opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death
+thrust. But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed
+harmlessly over his head.</p>
+
+<p>From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the
+knees before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at
+him, and, with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head.
+The German hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick
+himself up an English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of
+his bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>Chester seized the officer&#8217;s sword and sprang forward into the thick
+of the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the
+victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>their way
+through the dense bodies of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling
+men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the
+head. Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his
+friend&#8217;s plight, and jumped back.</p>
+
+<p>With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant
+would have been buried in Chester&#8217;s prostrate form, but as he did so a
+heavy blow fell upon the lad&#8217;s head and he was sent to his knees.
+Above him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was
+impossible for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust.
+Quickly he threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German
+toppled on top of him, lifeless.</p>
+
+<p>Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his
+life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just in time,&#8221; said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now
+struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them,
+unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not
+seriously hurt, and with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again
+plunged into the conflict.</p>
+
+<p>But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to
+stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way
+on all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon
+hundreds of the enemy were cut down in their flight.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke
+and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British
+pursued them, and then a halt was called.</p>
+
+<p>The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so
+great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.</p>
+
+<p>Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be
+used while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action
+again, shelling the fleeing Germans.</p>
+
+<p>The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant
+Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb
+over the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for
+life. But the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared
+for with the greatest possible haste and gentleness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That was some fight, if you ask me,&#8221; said Hal to Chester, as they
+continued their way to the part of the field where they could see
+General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to
+rejoin his own men, from whom he had become separated.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It was all of that,&#8221; replied Chester, &#8220;and I can&#8217;t imagine how we
+escaped with our lives.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I. It doesn&#8217;t seem possible that anyone in the midst of such
+terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly
+wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his
+rifle butt.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look at the dead and wounded lying about,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;It is a
+terrible thing&mdash;this modern warfare.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is, indeed,&#8221; returned Chester, and the two continued on their way
+in silence.</p>
+
+<p>General French noticed their approach. The British commander was
+standing as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed
+to the fire of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE BRIDGE IS HELD.</h3>
+
+<p>At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where have you been, sirs?&#8221; demanded the British commander.</p>
+
+<p>Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you were in the midst of the charge?&#8221; questioned General French,
+when the lad concluded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And are not even badly wounded?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, sir!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonderful!&#8221; exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments&#8217;
+silence: &#8220;You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two
+for my mission.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir!&#8221; exclaimed Hal eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Both of you report to me in an hour,&#8221; ordered General French.</p>
+
+<p>The two lads saluted again and moved away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonder what he wants?&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Too deep for me,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He said something about a mission. I guess that means more excitement
+for us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it,
+no matter what it may be.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can try, anyhow. That&#8217;s the best anyone can do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French&#8217;s
+headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will
+be attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?&#8221; asked
+the British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We shall do our best, sir,&#8221; replied Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and
+drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be
+not anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to
+lead one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The
+enemy must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the
+bridge as well as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been
+selected. They have volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show
+you where to find them. Hold the bridge! That is all!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee,
+and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had
+volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army,
+if necessary.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p><p>It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced
+through the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme
+front. A long range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of
+the darkness, but little damage was being done by either side.</p>
+
+<p>Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their
+artillery again and the British were replying. The little band of
+English, with Hal and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the
+bridge described by General French, and there took up their positions.</p>
+
+<p>The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
+abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible
+for one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other
+end. It was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high
+and thus precluded any attempt to ford it.</p>
+
+<p>All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for
+battle on a moment&#8217;s notice. All night long the shells of both the
+Germans and British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near
+them.</p>
+
+<p>With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
+British were awake. At Hal&#8217;s suggestion they cut down trees, and
+dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind
+this they lay down.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p><p>It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to
+the bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are coming!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;We&#8217;re ready for &#8217;em!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Under Hal&#8217;s direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all,
+appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been
+divided into three bodies&mdash;each containing twenty-five men&mdash;each body
+directly behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps
+made by the German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his
+place would immediately be filled by another, the second by the third,
+the third by the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front
+line would be still intact, although the fourth line would have
+disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line,
+where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn,&#8221; Capt. Lee
+instructed his men. &#8220;Then mow them down, and make every shot count!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The
+first line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down
+behind them. All was in readiness to repulse the attack.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge,
+marching five abreast.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Fire!&#8221; cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.</p>
+
+<p>Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.</p>
+
+<p>A sudden idea struck Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There&#8217;s no use wasting five bullets on each German,&#8221; he told his men.
+&#8220;Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve
+your fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take
+his man, and so on!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had
+just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.</p>
+
+<p>Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans
+fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five
+more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and
+still another five.</p>
+
+<p>The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a
+burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade
+dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for
+their rash attack.</p>
+
+<p>In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the
+dust. Then they drew off.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good work, men!&#8221; cried Chester. &#8220;We can hold them off indefinitely,&#8221;
+he added to Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks like it,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply. &#8220;But if they make a concerted rush
+we shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Very bad,&#8221; answered one of the men. &#8220;I am afraid he&#8217;s done for.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate
+that had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and
+still more.</p>
+
+<p>As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and
+continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were
+beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn
+upon more rapidly each minute.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of the
+fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on. The
+bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did not
+hesitate.</p>
+
+<p>Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went
+to death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both
+sides fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind
+the barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he
+himself went to his death.</p>
+
+<p>Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no
+cessation of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now
+formed a barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind
+them, using their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep
+they stood behind <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>their dead, and poured volley after volley into the
+defenders.</p>
+
+<p>The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a
+German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and
+almost every time a German fell.</p>
+
+<p>All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the
+fierce fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead,
+being unable to rush the defenders.</p>
+
+<p>There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and
+Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the
+shoulder. But neither was badly hurt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hadn&#8217;t we better retreat, sir?&#8221; asked one soldier of Hal, when there
+was a let up in the firing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What chance would we have?&#8221; demanded Hal. &#8220;The minute we broke and
+ran we would be shot down like dogs.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then we might surrender.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold
+it as long as we can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There
+was a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonder what that means?&#8221; demanded Hal of Chester. &#8220;They certainly are
+not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t imagine,&#8221; replied Chester. &#8220;But they have something up their
+sleeves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we&#8217;ll soon see,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared
+around the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a
+sudden deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and
+Chester and the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble
+cheer.</p>
+
+<p>Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British
+cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of
+infantry, advancing swiftly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah!&#8221; shouted Hal. &#8220;Saved! Hurrah!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hurrah!&#8221; repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over
+in a heap.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3>HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.</h3>
+
+<p>Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chester! Chester!&#8221; he exclaimed anxiously. &#8220;Are you wounded?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly
+alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here, lend a hand some of you,&#8221; he commanded. &#8220;One of you fetch some
+water!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head
+gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later
+returned with his cap filled with water.</p>
+
+<p>Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend&#8217;s face, and soon
+noticed signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his
+eyes and smiled feebly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you much hurt, old fellow?&#8221; asked Hal anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; came the feeble response. &#8220;I don&#8217;t think so. A bullet just
+grazed my side. I don&#8217;t know how I came to topple over like that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p><p>Quickly Hal unloosened his friend&#8217;s coat, tore open his shirt and
+examined his wound.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s only a scratch,&#8221; he said, straightening up at last. &#8220;Here,&#8221;
+pulling out his handkerchief, &#8220;I&#8217;ll fix it up until we can have a
+surgeon look at it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m able right now,&#8221; said Chester, struggling to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>Leaning heavily on Hal&#8217;s arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river
+bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing
+steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The
+approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a
+rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of
+smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and
+here and there men fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They arrived just in time, didn&#8217;t they, Hal?&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You bet they did,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;But come, we will try to make our
+way back to our station.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going
+very slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under
+an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have done well,&#8221; was the general&#8217;s only comment when Hal had
+concluded his recital.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p><p>Hal saluted and left.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Guess I&#8217;ll go back and keep Chester company,&#8221; he said to himself.</p>
+
+<p>He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came
+suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had
+collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at
+the same time exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can&#8217;t you see where
+you are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal&#8217;s face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who
+proved to be a French lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t try it if I were you,&#8221; the lad advised him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed the Frenchman. &#8220;You dare to talk to me like that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course I dare,&#8221; was the lad&#8217;s heated response.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across
+the face.</p>
+
+<p>Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other&#8217;s face and
+knocked him down.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from
+his nose, approached Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am Lieutenant Dupree,&#8221; he said. &#8220;My friend shall call on you this
+evening.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>French,&#8221; Hal said
+calmly, &#8220;and your friend may call any time he so desires.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned to
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Back so soon?&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply; &#8220;and back with more trouble.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; demanded Chester in some consternation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A duel?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
+lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He
+then informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds
+like a duel to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;unless it can be patched up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am afraid it can&#8217;t. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
+concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the
+Frenchman feels he has a grievance. He&#8217;ll probably demand a fight or
+an apology.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a
+duel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not if I can prevent it,&#8221; exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you can&#8217;t,&#8221; replied Hal grimly. &#8220;And you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>had better lie down
+again. You are liable to strain your wound.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I am not worrying about the wound,&#8221; exclaimed Chester. &#8220;The
+doctor said there was no danger. It&#8217;s you I am worrying about. Why,
+you are likely to be killed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself,&#8221; returned Hal. &#8220;I&#8217;ve
+been pretty fortunate thus far. I don&#8217;t figure I am going to fall
+before any Frenchman&#8217;s sword or pistol. I&#8217;ll probably be saved for a
+German bullet some of these days.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides,
+he knew that in Hal&#8217;s position his own actions would be the same.</p>
+
+<p>It was shortly after 6 o&#8217;clock that evening when two French officers
+made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Choose swords,&#8221; said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet the
+callers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mr. Paine,&#8221; queried one of the Frenchmen politely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Chester; &#8220;but I shall act for him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; returned the Frenchman. &#8220;I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,&#8221;
+indicating his companion, &#8220;is Lieutenant Lamont.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am Chester Crawford,&#8221; said the lad briefly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, to get down to business,&#8221; said Lieutenant Mercer. &#8220;Mr. Paine
+has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an
+apology.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;There&#8217;ll be no apology,&#8221; said Chester shortly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction
+from Mr. Paine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me he has had satisfaction,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Ah!&#8221; replied the Frenchman cheerfully. &#8220;You no doubt refer to the
+blow passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands
+satisfaction.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He had that coming to him,&#8221; declared Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to
+the arrangements&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look here,&#8221; said Chester, interrupting. &#8220;With the whole German army
+lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able
+to find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is
+all nonsense.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But my friend&#8217;s honor&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bosh!&#8221; declared Chester. &#8220;It wasn&#8217;t your friend&#8217;s honor that was
+hurt. It was his face.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No!&#8221; shouted Chester. &#8220;He doesn&#8217;t refuse to fight. He just doesn&#8217;t
+see the necessity of fighting. That&#8217;s all. But if you insist, he will
+give your friend all the satisfaction he wants.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must insist,&#8221; replied Lieutenant Mercer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, then,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;I am not familiar with dueling
+etiquette, but as the challenged <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>party I believe the choice of
+weapons lies with us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman bowed in assent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then let it be swords!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! And the time and place?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll leave that to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In the morning at half-past five&mdash;provided we are all alive&mdash;in the
+little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be delighted,&#8221; replied the Frenchman. &#8220;Until the morning,
+then,&#8221; and the two French officers bowed themselves out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you are into it now,&#8221; said Chester to Hal, after their visitors
+had gone. &#8220;Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the
+Happy Hunting Grounds before six o&#8217;clock to-morrow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door
+of the tent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Am I intruding?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lieutenant Anderson!&#8221; exclaimed Chester. &#8220;Just the man I wanted to
+see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter now?&#8221; demanded the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Matter is that Hal&#8217;s mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the
+morning.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fact,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I bumped into some little <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>whipper-snapper of a
+French lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked
+him down. Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to
+him in the morning, at half-past five.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant sat down heavily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you are the limit,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You are always in a scrape of
+some kind. I suppose it&#8217;s up to me to prevent the duel.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No chance,&#8221; said Hal briefly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; agreed Chester, &#8220;and it&#8217;s up to you to make the third party on
+our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know what will happen if you are found out?&#8221; demanded the
+lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The
+regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t help that,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I can&#8217;t back out now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if that&#8217;s the way you feel about it,&#8221; replied the lieutenant,
+&#8220;I&#8217;ll help you as best I can. I&#8217;ll stay here to-night and go along to
+see that you get fair play.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DUEL.</h3>
+
+<p>It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his
+eyes, aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before
+rousing Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking
+him up. Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter,&#8221; muttered Hal drowsily. &#8220;Time to get up already? I
+just went to sleep. What&#8217;s up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I&#8217;m to fight a
+duel this morning. All right, I&#8217;ll be ready in a jiffy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How did you sleep?&#8221; demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fine. Never slept better in my life.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal&#8217;s pulse.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll do,&#8221; he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I haven&#8217;t any nerves, if that is what you mean,&#8221; said Hal with a
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believe it,&#8221; he replied. &#8220;But come, we had better be on our way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p><p>Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the
+early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared
+above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not a very cheerful morning to die,&#8221; commented Hal lightly, as they
+made their way quietly along.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are not afraid, are you?&#8221; asked Chester anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What, after yesterday? Not a little bit.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe you know what fear is,&#8221; declared Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the
+ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised
+their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss
+the details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime
+discarding their coats and rolling up their sleeves.</p>
+
+<p>The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last face
+to face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;On guard!&#8221; came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>The swords flashed aloft.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants
+were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized
+that he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I must be very careful,&#8221; he told himself. &#8220;Perhaps I can wear him
+down a bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don&#8217;t want to
+kill him. And I don&#8217;t want to be killed myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in
+and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had
+been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the
+foil.</p>
+
+<p>Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an
+attempt did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left
+several openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at
+last began to grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.</p>
+
+<p>He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad
+was not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not
+penetrate the other&#8217;s guard angered him.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped
+being impaled on the other&#8217;s sword by a quick leap aside. Before the
+Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward again,
+his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon with a
+muttered imprecation. Hal&#8217;s point had pierced his arm just below the
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman&#8217;s seconds immediately leaped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>forward, and Hal stepped
+over to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess that ends it,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I suppose his honor is appeased
+now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be too sure,&#8221; replied Lieutenant Anderson. &#8220;He is likely to be
+more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
+of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
+counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
+handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
+dropping him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant&#8217;s predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
+his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal
+was not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords&#8217; points
+again.</p>
+
+<p>But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could
+read in his opponent&#8217;s eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him.
+Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman
+would be more wary.</p>
+
+<p>In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent&#8217;s sword, Hal&#8217;s
+foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
+Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman&#8217;s sword flashed up
+under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span>the accident and
+the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage.
+With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal&#8217;s
+days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his
+sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the
+Frenchman&#8217;s hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Kill me,&#8221; he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Run him through!&#8221; shouted Lieutenant Anderson. &#8220;He tried to kill you
+unfairly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Hal lowered his sword.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I can&#8217;t do it. Neither will I continue the fight.&#8221; He
+turned to his late opponent. &#8220;I hope your honor is satisfied,&#8221; he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then
+with his two friends he walked away.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeon hurried to Hal&#8217;s side and peered at his wound.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not serious,&#8221; he said, after an examination. &#8220;I&#8217;ll have it fixed all
+right in a moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are a gallant youngster,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and I am proud to know you.
+Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness
+is a thing to be admired.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself
+off.</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are all right,&#8221; he said, emphasizing each word. &#8220;I was afraid it
+was all up with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so was I,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;But, if you had fallen unfairly, I
+would have killed him myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The three made their way back to the boys&#8217; quarters, where they sat
+down and talked the duel over.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The best thing you can do now,&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal
+finally, &#8220;is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will
+not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will
+be all right in a day or two.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
+better,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; exclaimed the lieutenant. &#8220;Can&#8217;t you even keep still
+for a day?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;there is likely to be some real fighting to-day,
+and we don&#8217;t want to miss anything, do we Chester?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should say not,&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3>TO THE RESCUE.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;It looks rather awesome, doesn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It certainly does,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>The object of the boys&#8217; conversation was a long armored train, which
+stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads,
+after having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by
+the express command of General French, had strolled up to the
+temporary siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and
+snorting.</p>
+
+<p>It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this
+rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected
+by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns
+and rapid-firers.</p>
+
+<p>These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in
+other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in
+the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the
+German troops.</p>
+
+<p>The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant
+action. The gunners were at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>their posts, ready to go forward at a
+moment&#8217;s notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge
+engine.</p>
+
+<p>In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a
+shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been
+through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these
+messengers of death.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden
+raids on the enemy,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; agreed Hal, &#8220;and it is easy to see that among light armed
+troops they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy
+artillery fire to make an impression on those steel sides.
+Besides&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He broke off with a sudden exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look out,&#8221; he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.</p>
+
+<p>A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had
+burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.</p>
+
+<p>A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the
+train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had
+cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to
+atoms.</p>
+
+<p>The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the
+sound of a sudden cry, and, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span>turning their faces up the track, they
+beheld a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer
+dropped off one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not
+been touched by the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who is in charge of this train?&#8221; demanded the horseman, throwing
+himself from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a
+stop.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am,&#8221; was the officer&#8217;s brief response.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed,&#8221; was the
+command. &#8220;The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000
+Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all
+be slaughtered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hicks!&#8221; he called loudly. &#8220;Hicks!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal stepped
+forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If Hicks was your engineer,&#8221; he said, &#8220;there is no use calling him.
+He is dead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dead?&#8221; exclaimed the officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was
+killed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; exclaimed the officer. &#8220;Then what am I to do? Hicks was
+the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their
+quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal quietly, &#8220;if you want a volunteer, I am willing to
+tackle it for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have
+never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab
+of an engine in lumber camps in the United States.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I can fire the engine,&#8221; Chester broke in.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said the officer, &#8220;something has to be done at once; and, if
+you are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester
+leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released
+the brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to
+forge slowly ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive
+commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like
+some mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.</p>
+
+<p>A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose
+above the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against
+the armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the
+engine seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.</p>
+
+<p>From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal&#8217;s firm
+hand, the terrific speed of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>the train was checked. Then also from the
+rear there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had
+been unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the
+ranks of the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.</p>
+
+<p>Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it
+quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in
+that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.</p>
+
+<p>A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British,
+almost surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand
+directly on the railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A
+clump of small trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but
+from the other three directions the Germans were pouring in their
+deadly fire.</p>
+
+<p>The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley
+for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot
+up the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an
+abrupt stop.</p>
+
+<p>Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire,
+mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and,
+as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with
+high piles of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>The little troop of British received this unexpected <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>aid with a great
+cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of
+Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.</p>
+
+<p>But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and
+Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer
+when there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash,
+and both lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.</p>
+
+<p>Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first
+to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a
+sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was
+still clear.</p>
+
+<p>He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on
+his elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott! What was that?&#8221; he gasped.</p>
+
+<p>Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced
+back over the train&mdash;or rather where the train had been. And what a
+sight met his gaze!</p>
+
+<p>The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of
+wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine
+guns.</p>
+
+<p>Hal peered over Chester&#8217;s shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Another shell,&#8221; he said slowly. &#8220;But how does it happen we were not
+killed also?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;but I judge the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>shell must have struck
+in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the
+engine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
+free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of
+the cab, made a startling discovery.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wow!&#8221; he shouted. &#8220;Here come the Germans again&mdash;thousands of &#8217;em. We
+are goners, now, sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
+released the brakes and threw the throttle wide&mdash;and the huge
+locomotive leaped suddenly forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s our only chance,&#8221; Hal shouted to Chester. &#8220;The track behind is
+covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
+shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and
+bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we&#8217;ll give &#8217;em a chase, anyhow,&#8221; said Hal grimly.</p>
+
+<p>He opened the throttle even wider.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3>A WILD RIDE.</h3>
+
+<p>The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
+whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot
+with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the
+rails.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where is the end of this road?&#8221; asked Chester of Hal, raising his
+voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
+locomotive.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; Hal shouted back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and
+we would certainly be killed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; shouted Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
+trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon
+slackened.</p>
+
+<p>Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far
+in the rear, and both breathed more freely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?&#8221; <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>Chester demanded.
+&#8220;Don&#8217;t you think we had better get off and walk back?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much.
+Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other
+end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We&#8217;ll just keep on
+going and see what happens.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, something will happen, all right,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;I can feel it
+in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen
+eye ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident;
+then suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, &#8220;opened her up&#8221;
+again.</p>
+
+<p>Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter now?&#8221; cried Chester, springing to Hal&#8217;s side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Matter!&#8221; shouted Hal. &#8220;Look ahead.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;More Germans, eh!&#8221; he muttered, and then shouted. &#8220;You do the driving
+and I&#8217;ll keep her hot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the
+locomotive, for they did not <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>even glance in its direction. Troopers
+stood beside either side of the track, and several groups were
+standing between the rails.</p>
+
+<p>Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move.
+A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a
+sudden shout, but it was too late&mdash;for some, at any rate.</p>
+
+<p>The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the
+track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low
+inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine
+shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more
+flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close
+work, and no mistake.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Whew!&#8221; breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of
+the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the
+locomotive. &#8220;That was close.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Too close for comfort,&#8221; Hal agreed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder how many we killed back there,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their
+lives or ours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken
+cause,&#8221; said Chester slowly. &#8220;But, as you say, it was either they or
+us. There was nothing else we could do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;there wasn&#8217;t; but, just the same, it gave me a cold
+chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its
+way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed
+of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a
+wary eye ahead for Germans.</p>
+
+<p>Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little
+better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to
+discontinue his reckless driving.</p>
+
+<p>From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost
+instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive
+came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up now?&#8221; demanded Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were
+something wrong ahead. I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if the Germans had
+dynamited the bridge.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By George! I believe you are right,&#8221; exclaimed Chester. &#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t
+have thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle
+the chances are we would have gone over if such is the case.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;I&#8217;ll climb down, take a walk ahead and
+investigate.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll go with you,&#8221; declared Chester.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No, you won&#8217;t. You stay here and watch the engine.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right, as usual,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;But don&#8217;t be any longer than
+you can help.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the
+darkness.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved
+stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion
+became apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had
+detected the meaning of the explosion and none too soon.</p>
+
+<p>Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a
+deep chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown
+up. Had Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in
+spite of the fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys
+probably would have been carried over the embankment to certain death;
+for it is doubtful that either, in the darkness, would have noticed
+the absence of the bridge in time to leap to safety.</p>
+
+<p>And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his
+dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned
+quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously
+awaiting his return.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Out here, quick!&#8221; he cried, and Chester, in response to his command,
+leaped to the ground.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span></p><p>Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester&#8217;s cry of
+wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he
+dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down
+the track.</p>
+
+<p>Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter?&#8221; asked Chester in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Matter is that the Germans are coming this way,&#8221; answered Hal. &#8220;Come,
+let&#8217;s get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to
+escape in the darkness.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But why did you start that engine down the track like that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I couldn&#8217;t see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may
+dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in
+force.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This appealed to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.</p>
+
+<p>A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout,
+followed by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-by engine,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;That&#8217;s a good job done. You perished
+nobly. Now,&#8221; to Chester, &#8220;let&#8217;s get away from this spot as fast as we
+can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and
+set out at a brisk pace. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>They plodded along for an hour through the
+open country, finally coming to a dense woods.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right you are,&#8221; agreed Hal.</p>
+
+<p>They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced
+to travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the
+end of another hour had covered considerable distance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods,&#8221; said
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be too sure,&#8221; declared Hal. &#8220;It&#8217;s the unexpected that always
+happens.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was
+proved. As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a
+little clearing a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt
+stop.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221; came a voice. &#8220;Halt, or I fire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3>CAPTURED.</h3>
+
+<p>Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his
+head; Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that
+there was not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier
+had his rifle pointed squarely at them.</p>
+
+<p>Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the
+lads might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably
+would have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized
+that it was no time to take such a chance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We surrender,&#8221; called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier
+lowered his weapon and approached them.</p>
+
+<p>He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets
+of their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Right about; forward, march!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them,
+keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners
+attempt to escape.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p><p>But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were
+fully aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they
+make even one false move.</p>
+
+<p>They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared
+to be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to
+the tent of the commanding officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you doing within our lines?&#8221; was the latter&#8217;s first question
+after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;we were accidentally carried through your lines by
+a locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the
+train was blown up. We couldn&#8217;t get back, so we went ahead. We finally
+lost the engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lost the engine? What do you mean?&#8221; asked the officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; Chester broke in, &#8220;we sent it over a precipice that it might
+not fall into the hands of the Germans.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You did, eh?&#8221; said the German officer. &#8220;Well, I shall attend to your
+case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully
+guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning.
+Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You won&#8217;t get any information out of us,&#8221; said Chester angrily.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Won&#8217;t I?&#8221; replied the officer, with a sneer. &#8220;We shall see. Take them
+away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a
+guard on the outside.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, here we are again,&#8221; said Chester, with a faint smile. &#8220;What do
+you suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the
+general wants to know?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply, &#8220;but I am afraid we are in
+for it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I have
+heard of the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their
+prisoners, but one look at the general&#8217;s face was enough to convince
+me that he would stop at nothing to gain his end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The same thought struck me, too,&#8221; agreed Chester. &#8220;But, one thing is
+certain, he&#8217;ll get no information out of me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor out of me, either,&#8221; declared Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness he
+stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in
+his pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark
+interior of the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bicycles,&#8221; he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
+scouting expedition,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By George!&#8221; exclaimed Chester suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it now?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you a knife?&#8221; he asked at length.</p>
+
+<p>Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend&#8217;s hand, Chester
+stepped to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made
+a neat incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square.
+Then he put his eye to the hole and peered out.</p>
+
+<p>There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro
+in front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.</p>
+
+<p>Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal&#8217;s side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If we can get two of these bicycles out here,&#8221; he whispered, &#8220;we may
+be able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a
+chance?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sure,&#8221; agreed Hal. &#8220;Anything is better than sitting here and waiting
+for I know not what. But do you think we can make it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, we can at least try. There doesn&#8217;t seem to be a guard in the
+rear. I am going to cut a big <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>slit in the back. Then we&#8217;ll slip the
+bicycles through it, mount and make a dash.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole
+large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected
+a bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.</p>
+
+<p>Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll have to depend on our luck now,&#8221; whispered Chester. &#8220;Come on!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding
+through the heart of the German camp.</p>
+
+<p>In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety,
+for the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of
+the allied armies to be riding through their midst.</p>
+
+<p>They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning
+this way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents
+before a hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been
+discovered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We must be careful,&#8221; cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside
+Chester. &#8220;There is still the outpost to pass.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they
+pedaled faster; and then the outpost <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>came into sight&mdash;a long line of
+men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while
+others sat upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles
+sped between the German troopers. A cry of &#8220;halt!&#8221; went unheeded, and
+the Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a
+volley after the lads.</p>
+
+<p>But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim
+carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did
+not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared
+in the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their
+ammunition foolishly.</p>
+
+<p>The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode
+on swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m tired out,&#8221; said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so am I,&#8221; replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to
+stretch his legs.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint
+&#8220;chug-chug.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester pricked up his ears.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s that?&#8221; he demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal
+sprang toward his bicycle.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Come on!&#8221; he cried, and leaped into the saddle. &#8220;Motorcycles! We are
+pursued!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again
+riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the
+highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them
+from any great distance.</p>
+
+<p>Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the
+ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester
+immediately did likewise.</p>
+
+<p>The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees,
+and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them
+from sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close
+behind him, dashed back in the direction from which they had come,
+taking care to keep well within the shelter of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>And now Chester made out the object of his friend&#8217;s wild dash. It was
+a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected
+it as they sped by, but Hal&#8217;s keen eyes had singled it out as a
+possible refuge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly,&#8221; Hal
+told his friend, as they ran toward the house. &#8220;If they will allow us
+to hide here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines
+safely.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>sharply upon the rear
+door. A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway.
+She started back at the appearance of the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are the English coming?&#8221; she demanded, after a quick glance at the
+lads&#8217; uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: &#8220;At
+last! At last!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, madam,&#8221; Hal undeceived her, &#8220;the English are not coming&mdash;yet. We
+are trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle
+squad is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until
+nightfall.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and
+motioned them into the house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; she said quietly. &#8220;The Germans will not learn you are here
+through me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at
+that very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road,
+their motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A TRAITOR APPEARS.</h3>
+
+<p>Hal turned to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When they fail to find us,&#8221; he said, &#8220;they&#8217;ll come back, inquiring
+all along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here.&#8221; He turned
+to the woman. &#8220;Have you a place where we can hide?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; she replied, &#8220;there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may
+go up there and no one will be the wiser.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then we had better get up there at once,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;for there is
+no telling how soon they may return.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
+top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good woman
+departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with water and
+food.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll need it,&#8221; she said, when Hal protested against putting her to
+so much trouble. &#8220;And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I
+not aid the friends of my own country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>She was back in a few moments, and the lads <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>ate hungrily of the food
+she brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had
+passed their lips.</p>
+
+<p>After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put
+it in sleeping. Besides, we&#8217;ll need all the rest we can get for our
+journey to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just what I was thinking,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;and I&#8217;m ready to go to
+sleep right this instant.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast
+asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.</p>
+
+<p>How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened
+by the sound of voices directly below them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I have seen nothing of them,&#8221; came the voice of the woman who had
+given them refuge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we have searched every place else,&#8221; came another voice, speaking
+in French, but with a heavy German accent. &#8220;They must be here. We
+found the bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured
+the woods. They must be here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I say they are not,&#8221; came the woman&#8217;s voice, raised in anger.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I must search the house, at any rate,&#8221; said the German, &#8220;and,
+if I find that you have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will
+go hard with you. Stand aside, please.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I tell you there is no one here,&#8221; cried the woman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stand aside!&#8221; came the German&#8217;s voice again, and there was the sound
+of a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: &#8220;Search the house,
+men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and
+Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an
+hour the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and
+there was the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.</p>
+
+<p>And finally came the voice of the woman again: &#8220;I told you there was
+no one here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you searched the attic?&#8221; he demanded of his men; &#8220;and the
+cellar?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no one in the cellar,&#8221; came a voice in reply, &#8220;and there is
+no attic.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll have a look for myself,&#8221; came the reply, and heavy footsteps
+ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester.
+There came to the lads&#8217; ears the sounds of heavy blows against the
+floor on which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure
+that there was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>after a while he desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and
+a few moments later the sound of his voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no one up there.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door
+gave evidence that the Germans had departed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was afraid he would locate the trap-door,&#8221; said Hal to Chester,
+after they had gone.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Same here,&#8221; replied Chester. &#8220;But I wasn&#8217;t going to let them take me
+without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we
+could certainly dispose of him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or
+something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we
+couldn&#8217;t let the woman who has aided us come to harm.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, that&#8217;s so, too,&#8221; agreed Chester. &#8220;I hadn&#8217;t thought of that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the
+trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready
+above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove
+to be an enemy.</p>
+
+<p>But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress
+appeared through the opening.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You can come down now, if you want to,&#8221; she <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>said. &#8220;The Germans have
+been here and gone. I am sure they will not return.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester turned to Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you think?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;Shall we go down, or had we better
+stay up here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal considered for a moment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess we might as well go down,&#8221; he replied at length. &#8220;I don&#8217;t
+believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it&#8217;s
+too cramped and stuffy up here for comfort.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments
+later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us,&#8221; Chester
+told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, indeed; we can never thank you enough,&#8221; agreed Hal. &#8220;Had it not
+been for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans
+right now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The good woman waved aside their thanks.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Pooh! pooh!&#8221; she said. &#8220;And why shouldn&#8217;t I help you? Surely no
+thanks are necessary because I did my duty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But women&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; Hal began, when she interrupted him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have a son of my own in the war,&#8221; she said, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>her voice growing very
+low and tears dimming her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I hope,&#8221; said Hal gently, &#8220;should he ever be in a situation
+similar to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving
+his life, and that some day he may return to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied,&#8221; said the woman, who
+now introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. &#8220;He has been a very
+wild boy, but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight
+to the last for his country, as did his father before him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I am sure of it, too,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;When we return to our lines
+we shall make it our business to hunt him up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the
+room in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in
+civilian garb, burst in.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the
+newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the
+young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.</p>
+
+<p>Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My son,&#8221; she said proudly, &#8220;of whom I was just talking to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Who are these?&#8221; he demanded, pointing to the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dersi explained.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And we were just talking of you,&#8221; she added; then stopped and
+surveyed her son critically. &#8220;Why are you not in uniform?&#8221; she
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, I&mdash;I&mdash;I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; stuttered young Dersi, &#8220;I am on a scout, and it was
+thought best for me not to go in uniform.&#8221; He turned suddenly to Hal:
+&#8220;Are you expecting any of your men here?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, no,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;We are going to try and make our way back to
+our lines to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost
+upon either Hal or Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; he said, after a pause, &#8220;I haven&#8217;t time to stay here. I just
+dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went
+north? How long have they been gone?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About an hour,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had
+left the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is something queer about him,&#8221; said Chester to Hal, as Mrs.
+Dersi and her son left the room. &#8220;He&#8217;s not telling the truth.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know it,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I don&#8217;t like to say it, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>but it is my belief
+he is fleeing from the French lines to give information to the
+Germans.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean you think he is a traitor?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told you I didn&#8217;t like to say anything,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;but I am
+afraid you have hit the nail on the head.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here,&#8221; cried
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m sure he&#8217;ll tell,&#8221; said Hal quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then what shall we do?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We shall leave at once&mdash;or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is
+the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her
+heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would, indeed,&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s reply; but further talk was
+prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And is not my son a fine, brave man?&#8221; she asked, with justifiable
+pride.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is,&#8221; said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the
+truth.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Mrs. Dersi,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;we have decided that it probably will be
+better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no
+Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we
+shall reach our own lines.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But would it not be safer to wait until dark?&#8221; questioned the woman
+anxiously.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I am afraid not,&#8221; replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. &#8220;We
+think we had better take our departure at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they
+were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell,
+enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her
+should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving
+the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman&#8217;s home, continued on
+their weary journey toward the British lines.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A FIGHT IN THE DARK.</h3>
+
+<p>Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed.
+They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and
+the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little
+doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that
+he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
+they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
+their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists
+who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
+instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
+was with them.</p>
+
+<p>Just out of sight of Dersi&#8217;s home the Germans halted, and the young
+man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively
+and inquired the cause of his sudden return.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, mother,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I have accomplished my mission. I have
+learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my
+own regiment. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone?
+If not, we can all continue our journey together.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They departed several hours ago,&#8221; his mother informed him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then perhaps I can overtake them,&#8221; said the young man. &#8220;In which
+direction did they go?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
+thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment
+later young Dersi left the house; and soon the Germans were once more
+upon the trail of the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them.
+It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that
+they were that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and
+still the two lads plodded onward.</p>
+
+<p>At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
+quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
+Chester when from the rear once more came the faint &#8220;chug-chug&#8221; of a
+motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.</p>
+
+<p>Chester sprang to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here they come again,&#8221; he cried. &#8220;We were right. It is the traitor
+Dersi who has put them on our trail. Hustle!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
+directly ahead. They reached their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span>friendly shelter just before the
+glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
+their pursuers.</p>
+
+<p>Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
+absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by
+at terrific speed.</p>
+
+<p>The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in
+among the trees.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We must be very careful,&#8221; Hal warned Chester. &#8220;When they fail to
+overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we&#8217;ll
+climb up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go
+ahead as far as we can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That seems the best way to me,&#8221; Chester agreed.</p>
+
+<p>They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a
+sound of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the
+presence of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Chester&#8217;s cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard
+the hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both
+dropped to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and
+for that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the
+ground they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could
+locate the man who had fired.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p><p>But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the
+ground as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the
+suspense as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We can&#8217;t stay here. I&#8217;ll wriggle my way to that tree,&#8221; pointing, &#8220;and
+you creep behind that one,&#8221; pointing again, this time to a tree
+perhaps a hundred yards distant from the first.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; Chester whispered back.</p>
+
+<p>Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for
+his own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness
+of the night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from
+him.</p>
+
+<p>In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward
+Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The dog!&#8221; said Hal angrily to himself. &#8220;I&#8217;ll fix him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated
+when they were captured by the Germans.</p>
+
+<p>On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy
+from behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up
+like a giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as
+he did so, he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p><p>The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal&#8217;s enemy
+turned suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he
+could bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.</p>
+
+<p>The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now
+attempted to bring it down on the lad&#8217;s head. But Hal was too quick
+for him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in
+the face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the
+weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the
+force of Hal&#8217;s blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A
+moment later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.</p>
+
+<p>Hal saw his enemy&#8217;s move and sprang back. But the man was after him in
+an instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together
+for Hal to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that
+he probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and
+ran.</p>
+
+<p>But it was not Hal&#8217;s intention to run very far from his enemy. He was
+not that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the
+man so that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust
+of air pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The German, realizing the boy&#8217;s purpose, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>also that he could not
+overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment
+the knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder him,
+Hal could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood.
+Therefore, even as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his head,
+and, holding it tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.</p>
+
+<p>In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force
+behind it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung,
+brought the heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German&#8217;s
+head with a crack. The man dropped limp at the boy&#8217;s feet.</p>
+
+<p>Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy,
+wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other
+weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once
+more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the
+terrible fight that had just occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Hal whistled softly&mdash;the whistle of the old days in America&mdash;and,
+listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.</p>
+
+<p>Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy
+behind, and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span></p><p>Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another
+shot, and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to
+the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely
+taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His
+effort was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to
+run to where his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal
+felt a bullet whiz by his head.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist
+would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire
+at the first sight of his enemy.</p>
+
+<p>But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had
+heard of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some
+moments, and then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he
+crawled slowly toward the spot where Chester had fallen.</p>
+
+<p>What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment
+Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low
+whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a
+large tree.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later Hal was beside his friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you hurt much?&#8221; he demanded anxiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not even touched,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;I dropped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>to the ground when the
+bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal seized Chester&#8217;s hand and squeezed it warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was afraid it was all up with you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet flew
+past.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; Hal ejaculated. &#8220;We&#8217;ve got to get out of here some way.
+We can&#8217;t stand here and be shot down.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait,&#8221; said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the
+latter to the ground, where he had dropped himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let me look at that gun you have a moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as
+possible in the dark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe there is more than one man in these woods,&#8221; he
+finally said. &#8220;Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round
+behind him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not
+directly toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from,
+but bearing off well toward the right.</p>
+
+<p>Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words,
+Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some
+time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously
+out from behind the tree, where it was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>silhouetted against the
+opening between the trees.</p>
+
+<p>A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good thing it wasn&#8217;t my head,&#8221; said Hal ruefully. &#8220;But if I can keep
+that fellow&#8217;s attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there
+was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a
+second report, and Hal heard his friend&#8217;s voice raised in almost a
+shout:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I got him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his
+friend&#8217;s voice.</p>
+
+<p>When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide
+detour, came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the
+man had fired at Hal&#8217;s hat, Chester was almost upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of
+the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon
+loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing,
+the enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that
+Chester fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly
+have been a death wound&mdash;for Chester was a crack shot&mdash;and received
+the ball in his pistol hand.</p>
+
+<p>His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p><p>Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon
+him, and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded
+though he was, the man put up a hard fight.</p>
+
+<p>Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a
+mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent
+turned to grope for his revolver.</p>
+
+<p>But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in
+the situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester&#8217;s assailant.</p>
+
+<p>Hal&#8217;s first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy
+twisted one hand around the man&#8217;s throat. But, if he thought to
+overcome his opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host.
+Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist
+straight upward into Hal&#8217;s face. The lad released his hold upon his
+enemy&#8217;s throat and fell back.</p>
+
+<p>It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him,
+Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi!</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dersi!&#8221; gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of
+defense.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; gritted his opponent, &#8220;and I am going to kill you both, right
+here and now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad
+was not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort,
+wriggled <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>from beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.</p>
+
+<p>This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he
+allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This
+he now pointed full at Hal.</p>
+
+<p>But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying
+unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the
+situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.</p>
+
+<p>This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi&#8217;s finger pressed
+the trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His
+revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal&#8217;s
+right ear.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly Hal jumped to Chester&#8217;s side and raised his chum in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chester! Chester!&#8221; he said anxiously. &#8220;Tell me, are you much hurt?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not much, I think,&#8221; was his friend&#8217;s reply. &#8220;But he gave me an awful
+wallop. I shall be all right presently.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced that
+his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With Hal&#8217;s
+assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side of his
+head.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;He kicked like a mule,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Great Scott! I never had
+anything hurt like that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi&#8217;s voice was very indistinct, and
+the boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.</p>
+
+<p>Hal placed his ear close to the dying man&#8217;s lips. The voice came
+faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She
+thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was,&#8221; and his voice became
+stronger, &#8220;until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to
+gamble. I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered
+a chance to cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to
+the Germans. I did. Then I was discovered.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How?&#8221; demanded Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior&#8217;s coat,
+which he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to
+death. Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in
+this piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the
+confidence of General Joffre.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;His name?&#8221; demanded Hal quickly.</p>
+
+<p>The wounded man was silent for some time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have never betrayed a comrade,&#8221; he said at length, &#8220;but I am at the
+door of death. I must <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>make what reparation I can. His name is General
+Emil Tromp.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is true,&#8221; continued the wounded man. &#8220;But listen,&#8221; and his voice
+grew fainter. The end was not far off now. &#8220;Listen! Will you do me one
+favor, you whom I have tried to kill?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in
+battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as
+you Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your
+death?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will,&#8221; promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Promise,&#8221; said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one
+elbow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We promise,&#8221; said both lads solemnly.</p>
+
+<p>The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him,
+thinking that he was dead. But the voice came again:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but
+who would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When
+you see General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you
+concerning the traitor. Immediately, do you understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We understand,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And my mother, you will do as you have promised?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have promised,&#8221; said Chester simply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I may die in peace,&#8221; said the wounded traitor.</p>
+
+<p>He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and
+lay still.</p>
+
+<p>Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is dead,&#8221; he said quietly. &#8220;May he rest in peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Amen to that,&#8221; said Chester, also standing with bared head. &#8220;And his
+mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she
+does not know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so we shall,&#8221; declared Hal. &#8220;It will be a lie for which I am sure
+we shall be forgiven.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3>ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;What shall we do with him?&#8221; questioned Chester. &#8220;We can&#8217;t go away and
+leave him here like this.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; Hal agreed. &#8220;I know we should, for our own safety may depend
+upon it, but just the same it goes against the grain.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If we had something to dig with,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we haven&#8217;t,&#8221; Hal interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the
+traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal
+by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; he said in a hoarse whisper, &#8220;we must find a place of safety.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal drew back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second
+revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he
+passed to Chester.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll probably need these,&#8221; he said grimly. &#8220;Now, let&#8217;s see if we
+can&#8217;t find a place to hide.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could
+hear the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being
+detected in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same
+distance between themselves and the Germans.</p>
+
+<p>But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier
+had flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely
+upon the crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any
+other place of refuge.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Run!&#8221; cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their
+presence had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a
+rifle. Neither boy was touched, although the bullet passed
+uncomfortably close to Chester&#8217;s head.</p>
+
+<p>Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys
+made a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such
+easy fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and
+exposed them to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the
+ground, and thus avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.</p>
+
+<p>As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum,
+and, glancing quickly about, he could see no sign of him. The lad was
+non-plussed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal&#8217;s
+voice, apparently below him:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend&#8217;s voice. But
+he was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly
+for some means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what
+seemed to be a steep embankment.</p>
+
+<p>He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal&#8217;s hand upon his
+arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; he ejaculated. &#8220;Where are we? Down in the bottomless
+pit?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal clapped his hand over Chester&#8217;s mouth, for his keen ears had
+detected the sounds of footsteps above.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quiet!&#8221; he whispered.</p>
+
+<p>Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above
+came the sound of a voice:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder where they went?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; answered another voice, &#8220;but we had best be careful.
+They are probably armed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and
+crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling
+Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some
+minutes. Finally, raising his head, Hal <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>dropped quickly again with a
+muttered exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>In arising his head had come in contact with something above him.
+Raising an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above.
+Then he reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet
+each way were solid walls.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A cave,&#8221; he muttered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What?&#8221; asked Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after
+they learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and
+starve us out. But, if they try to come in&mdash;well, I don&#8217;t think they
+will get very far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here
+until I see how far back this thing goes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three
+minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a
+sudden exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for,
+apparently, the cave had two openings.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one.
+Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him
+of what he had learned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick,&#8221; was
+Chester&#8217;s decision. &#8220;Let&#8217;s go.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the
+opening again, poked his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>head out. This time he was doomed to a
+disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the
+ground when he drew it in quickly again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s the matter now?&#8221; demanded Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Matter is,&#8221; said Hal quietly, &#8220;that there are six Germans standing
+about five yards from the entrance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; cried Chester, in consternation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; said Hal; &#8220;if you don&#8217;t believe it have a look for
+yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I don&#8217;t want to look,&#8221; said Chester, bitterly disappointed. &#8220;I
+can take your word for it. What are we going to do now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;it looks to me like a good time to get out the
+other end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there,
+also,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s so, too,&#8221; agreed Hal. &#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll tell you what: You sneak
+back there and investigate, and I&#8217;ll stay here and guard this end, in
+case one of them tries to get in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he
+cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he
+could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal&mdash;his voice
+might be overheard&mdash;so he took his tedious way back to where he had
+left his friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All O. K.,&#8221; he whispered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Let&#8217;s get out of here, then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p><p>They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness
+and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their
+place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.</p>
+
+<p>And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance
+of the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester
+drew back in again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Three of &#8217;em out there,&#8221; he informed Hal briefly. &#8220;What are we going
+to do now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ve got me,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;Can&#8217;t you pick &#8217;em off with your gun?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I can pick a couple of &#8217;em off, all right. But what then? We
+would probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb&#8217;s
+tail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess you are right,&#8221; Hal agreed. &#8220;But we have got to do
+something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So we have,&#8221; replied Chester; &#8220;but the question is, what?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens.
+Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this
+cave. In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and
+guard this end, and don&#8217;t move unless I call. I&#8217;ll do the same at the
+other end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;We&#8217;ll keep our posts <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>till daylight,
+whether they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we
+can at least see what we are doing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful
+not to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust
+out before him.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with
+another moving object with an audible crack.</p>
+
+<p>He had bumped into a second crawling figure.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.</h3>
+
+<p>In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact,
+Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his
+head hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.</p>
+
+<p>His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry,
+or it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the
+latter were his thought he was quickly undeceived.</p>
+
+<p>As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly
+forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy&#8217;s
+movements, fell on top of him.</p>
+
+<p>He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could
+cry out, one of the lad&#8217;s hands sank deep into his throat. But the
+latter was a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the
+lad from him with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the
+wrist of the hand that gripped his throat.</p>
+
+<p>The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold.
+But again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive,
+and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German
+uttered a cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at
+the face so close to his own.</p>
+
+<p>But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the
+blow perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge
+fist, and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow
+had passed over the lad&#8217;s head and the German&#8217;s fist had crashed into
+the solid wall.</p>
+
+<p>And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester&#8217;s
+end of the cave.</p>
+
+<p>This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that
+their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt
+certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors
+into the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the
+self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck
+out in the direction of a muttered curse.</p>
+
+<p>He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the
+sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon
+held ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow.
+The German was unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>wounded adversary over
+and pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in
+case he encountered another of the enemy.</p>
+
+<p>At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his
+prisoner out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he
+heard the crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back
+into his hiding place.</p>
+
+<p>But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet
+came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and
+went skimming over his head.</p>
+
+<p>With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and
+throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the
+first sign of an advancing foe.</p>
+
+<p>He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some
+moments heard the sound of voices.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance,&#8221; said
+one. &#8220;And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t be too sure,&#8221; came a second voice. &#8220;He&#8217;s liable to be
+there waiting for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I am going in after him anyhow,&#8221; said the first speaker.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his
+knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span></p><p>Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking
+careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man&#8217;s
+head would be, Hal pressed the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>There was a terrific roar that echoed and reechoed through the
+passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal waited,
+for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly made his way
+forward. Presently he came in contact with a man&#8217;s body. It was the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It will be daylight soon,&#8221; he said to himself, &#8220;and they can&#8217;t get in
+here without me seeing them And one man here is as good as a hundred.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Raising his voice, Hal shouted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Are you all right, Chester?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; came back the answer. &#8220;One man tried to get in here, but
+I got him,&#8221; for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had
+been having troubles of his own.</p>
+
+<p>After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact
+position of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible,
+their number, had ventured too close to the opening.</p>
+
+<p>A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a
+cigarette, and Chester&#8217;s form was clearly outlined in the glare of it.
+With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>his match and
+cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.</p>
+
+<p>But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the
+darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from
+him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.</p>
+
+<p>Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer&#8217;s distance by the
+sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well
+within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.</p>
+
+<p>The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was
+frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with
+his opponent.</p>
+
+<p>Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his
+revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the
+German, Chester slowly moved forward.</p>
+
+<p>His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers
+sought out the German&#8217;s face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He&#8217;ll do no more fighting,&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s only comment.</p>
+
+<p>Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to
+await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard
+the sound of the shot.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match
+appeared in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his
+automatic.</p>
+
+<p>There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the exact
+result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had
+disappeared and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the
+cave, having serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard
+this last shot.</p>
+
+<p>And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any
+further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by
+the sound of a shot from Hal&#8217;s end of the cave.</p>
+
+<p>Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the
+point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal&#8217;s
+voice came to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank God,&#8221; he exclaimed softly, &#8220;Hal is still alive.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move
+of the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at
+his end of the cave.</p>
+
+<p>For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for
+an occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began
+to give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each
+boy, at his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;It&#8217;s getting light here, Hal,&#8221; called Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And here, too,&#8221; Hal shouted back.</p>
+
+<p>And both lads were struck with the same thought.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;At least, we can see what we are doing now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>SAFE.</h3>
+
+<p>Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot
+into Hal&#8217;s end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil,
+being afraid to leave their places of concealment, and believing that
+the Germans on the outside were still on the watch for them.</p>
+
+<p>Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least
+standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting
+for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly
+surmised that they would not remain idle long after daylight.</p>
+
+<p>At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted
+his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up?&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s greeting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;The Germans may have gone away, but I
+believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this
+inaction is getting monotonous. We&#8217;ve got to do something, and we&#8217;ve
+got to do it right away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;My sentiments exactly,&#8221; Chester agreed. &#8220;But what?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I don&#8217;t know exactly. We shall have to figure out something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is but one way I can think of,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is that?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go.
+Those guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to
+escape, and will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run
+back into the cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a
+run for it out the other end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk, in
+which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally
+decided to act upon Chester&#8217;s suggestion.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the
+entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No one in sight,&#8221; he whispered to his friend. &#8220;Perhaps they have
+gone.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Be very careful,&#8221; cautioned Hal. &#8220;They are likely to be lurking
+around here some place.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quietly the boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But
+they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come,
+and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.</p>
+
+<p>The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to
+spout fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly
+back to the cave, into which they disappeared before their startled
+foe could realize what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying
+dizzily on his feet.</p>
+
+<p>With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and
+soon emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind,
+for the lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the
+retreat were by this time on the way to aid their companions.</p>
+
+<p>Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for
+instant use in the event that their plan had miscarried.</p>
+
+<p>But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys
+were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them.
+At length Hal pulled up, panting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess we have given them the slip this time,&#8221; he panted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let us hope so,&#8221; replied Chester fervently. &#8220;If we ever get back to
+our own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p><p>Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Anybody that didn&#8217;t know you would believe you meant that,&#8221; he said.
+&#8220;But I know you better, so I don&#8217;t.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong,&#8221; said Chester with a
+smile, &#8220;but that&#8217;s the way I feel about it right now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed
+their journey, walking at a brisk pace.</p>
+
+<p>Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps
+200 yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started
+across the open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken
+by the Germans where there was nothing to offer protection.</p>
+
+<p>They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was
+mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when
+a shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quick!&#8221; said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side
+as he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately.
+Chester did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the
+protection of the great trees.</p>
+
+<p>But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be
+a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes
+until <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and
+give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their
+pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in
+the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had
+not lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the
+better part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at
+breakneck speed, until again came to their ears the first faint sounds
+of the pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more
+distinct, this telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining
+rapidly, although the rough condition of the ground made it impossible
+for the motorcycles to travel very fast.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground,
+and Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they
+lay there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out
+dogs.</p>
+
+<p>Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the
+right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense.
+Here Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester
+by his side he rushed for it.</p>
+
+<p>Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung
+himself up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads
+climbed, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>the close set branches affording an excellent screen.</p>
+
+<p>Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a
+hundred yards from where the boys were perched.</p>
+
+<p>Chester&#8217;s fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed
+the set expression on his friend&#8217;s face, uttered a low warning.</p>
+
+<p>And the sound of Hal&#8217;s voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans
+had come to a pause and Hal&#8217;s words carried plainly in the silence to
+their ears.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their
+prey. Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to
+fire. They had not yet discovered the boys&#8217; hiding place, and were
+fearful of a shot from ambush.</p>
+
+<p>Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But
+Hal&#8217;s eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger
+Hal&#8217;s revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German
+clapped his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers
+could raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a
+loud &#8220;Hurrah&#8221; from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead
+run, came a small body of British infantry.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>and turned to run.
+But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of
+command rang out:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Fire!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen
+than those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and
+tumbled to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>ON A NEW MISSION.</h3>
+
+<p>The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English
+troops.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You arrived just in time,&#8221; cried Hal, grasping the hand the officer
+extended.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should say you did,&#8221; declared Chester, also shaking the officer&#8217;s
+hand. &#8220;A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely,&#8221; said the officer,
+laughing a little. &#8220;We heard shooting in this direction last night,
+but we did not get an order to advance until this morning. As you may
+perhaps have surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in
+force?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; replied the British officer. &#8220;We are not far in front, and
+are pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if
+possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the
+German position and strength?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to
+answer in the affirmative.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We have not learned a whole lot,&#8221; Chester continued, &#8220;but we have a
+little information that may be of value.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then you had better hasten back to General French and report,&#8221; said
+the officer. &#8220;I am sure he will be glad to have any information you
+may be able to give him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the
+advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite
+direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a
+detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at
+least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long
+line of the British advance.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men,
+marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful
+of it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they
+themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.</p>
+
+<p>They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been
+challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had
+been allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line
+of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.</p>
+
+<p>Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What is your business here?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Briefly Hal explained, and added:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
+indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
+the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
+of Britain.</p>
+
+<p>For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
+them warmly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had made sure that you two lads were lost,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Come, give an
+account of yourselves.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to
+the lad&#8217;s recital in unfeigned amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
+enemy,&#8221; he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
+adventures. &#8220;I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine
+had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that
+you two were aboard it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
+Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp,
+of General Joffre&#8217;s staff.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; cried General French, springing to his feet. &#8220;Tromp a traitor!
+Why, it is unbelievable. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>General Joffre has entire confidence in his
+ability and integrity.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that,&#8221; said Hal
+quietly. &#8220;Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
+was repentant at the end.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, I do not doubt your word,&#8221; General French assured Hal, &#8220;but it
+seems impossible. Something must be done at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?&#8221; asked Hal respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By all means,&#8221; was the general&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp&#8217;s treachery
+to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
+wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
+make his escape.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An excellent idea,&#8221; said General French. &#8220;It shall be acted upon at
+once.&#8221; He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.</p>
+
+<p>But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
+his fingers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you please, general,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Chester and I would like to carry
+the message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so you shall,&#8221; he said at length. &#8220;Refresh <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>yourselves with food
+and drink first, and then report to me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the
+general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French
+had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal&#8217;s hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this
+message,&#8221; the general told the lads, &#8220;and he probably will demand all
+details from you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he
+will be convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as
+possible, for I may have other work for you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been
+furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had
+asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Those things are likely to break down any time,&#8221; Hal had confided to
+Chester, &#8220;and you can always depend upon a good horse.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and
+riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they
+should reach the French commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might
+have perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement
+of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the
+rear of his army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and
+upon informing his orderly that they bore important communications
+from General French, were admitted to his presence at once.</p>
+
+<p>The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by
+members of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted;
+then the former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre&#8217;s
+hand.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned
+back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position,
+uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.</p>
+
+<p>Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff,
+motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the general
+spoke:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now tell me your story,&#8221; he said briefly.</p>
+
+<p>Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a
+single question until Hal had concluded his story.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It must be true,&#8221; he said at length, half to himself. &#8220;I remember
+well that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi&#8217;s
+escape. It was never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp&#8217;s honor. He has
+uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about
+him. Yes, it must be true.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and
+Chester had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon
+his desk a sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have my car brought here instantly,&#8221; commanded the general briefly.</p>
+
+<p>The orderly saluted and withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the
+general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must act at once,&#8221; said the general, again half to himself. &#8220;Never
+would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than
+at this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without
+publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France,
+nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you two shall come with me,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You shall confront Tromp.
+If he is guilty, we shall find it out some way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your car is ready, sir,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span></p><p>The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow
+him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is in
+command and meditating mischief.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.</h3>
+
+<p>So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
+happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief
+of the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never
+been told, and never will find its way into history; an interview
+between a gallant French officer and another who, were his actions
+known, would be likened to the greatest of American traitors&mdash;Benedict
+Arnold.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word
+and entered his car behind him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To General Tromp&#8217;s command,&#8221; said General Joffre briefly. &#8220;Hurry!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
+was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
+moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general&#8217;s
+car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously
+was also furnished as an office, that the general might <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>still be at
+work while he hurried from one part of the field to another when
+events demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery
+threatening, and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre,
+probably because of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps
+and other drawings.</p>
+
+<p>For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
+pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal
+and Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.</p>
+
+<p>General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and
+Hal and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
+immediately,&#8221; ordered General Joffre.</p>
+
+<p>The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
+nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
+head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right
+up to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a
+bugle rang out, ordering a general advance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
+General Tromp.</p>
+
+<p>General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why this sudden advance?&#8221; he demanded coldly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p><p>General Tromp started back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, sir,&#8221; he explained, &#8220;I have word that a large force of the enemy
+is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Order a halt,&#8221; said General Joffre abruptly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, but&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began General Tromp in some confusion.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Order a halt, sir!&#8221; commanded General Joffre sternly. &#8220;Or,&#8221; as he saw
+that General Tromp still hesitated, &#8220;shall I do it myself?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
+immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
+army came to a pause.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, sir,&#8221; said General Joffre to General Tromp, &#8220;you will please
+dismiss your staff.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
+moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
+Chester, were alone together.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is the meaning of this, sir?&#8221; demanded General Tromp, with some
+dignity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The meaning, General Tromp,&#8221; said General Joffre calmly, &#8220;is that you
+are a traitor!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if
+to ward off a blow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; he cried in well simulated surprise. &#8220;Have a care, sir. I
+shall allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Tush, tush,&#8221; chided the commander-in-chief gently. &#8220;Why keep up the
+pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Sir!&#8221; cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. &#8220;I demand an
+explanation of your strange conduct.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you shall have it, sir!&#8221; thundered General Joffre, now very
+angry, as he took a step forward.</p>
+
+<p>General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his
+injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I accuse you,&#8221; continued General Joffre, &#8220;of being a traitor to
+France. I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another
+traitor, one Dersi. And I also accuse you,&#8221; and here the general
+pointed an accusing finger at General Tromp, &#8220;of even now playing into
+the hands of the enemy by ordering an advance, when you knew very well
+that such an advance could mean only the extermination of our troops.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his
+commander.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I deny it,&#8221; he said in a thick voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A denial is useless,&#8221; said General Joffre quietly.</p>
+
+<p>But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to
+a certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Who accuses me?&#8221; he demanded, with well assumed bravado.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I do,&#8221; said Hal, stepping forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I,&#8221; cried Chester, also advancing a step.</p>
+
+<p>General Tromp turned to General Joffre.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?&#8221;
+he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do,&#8221; said the general quietly, &#8220;upon the advice of General Sir John
+French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your
+actions just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is
+useless. Dersi has confessed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dersi!&#8221; exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. &#8220;If I could just get
+my hands on him for one minute&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you can&#8217;t,&#8221; said General Joffre. &#8220;He is dead. And he died with a
+clear conscience, as I hope you will do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; cried Tromp, starting back.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly what I say,&#8221; was General Joffre&#8217;s chilling reply. &#8220;You have
+your choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a
+traitor. If possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands
+twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wouldn&#8217;t do that,&#8221; said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw
+the lad&#8217;s revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p><p>His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor
+stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his
+eyes and looked his commander straight in the eyes.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It shall be as you say, sir,&#8221; he said calmly. &#8220;You are right. I am a
+traitor. I would not have been, but&mdash;but&mdash;well that makes no
+difference now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not
+afraid to die. Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you
+command. Thus shall I atone for my sin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I do not fear you will disobey,&#8221; said the general softly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sorry, sir,&#8221; continued General Tromp, &#8220;sorry because of you,
+more so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your
+forgiveness.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;For your treachery toward me,&#8221; said General Joffre softly, &#8220;I forgive
+you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and
+slowly his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good-by, sir,&#8221; he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked
+away, his carriage erect, and without a tremor.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim.
+Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A good man&mdash;and an excellent officer,&#8221; he muttered to himself, &#8220;if he
+had but gone straight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside
+General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into
+the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went
+up to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head
+away. Chester, leaning over his friend&#8217;s shoulder, read the words the
+message contained:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front
+this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Evidently came by field wireless,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Hal.</p>
+
+<p>General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote.
+Then he read aloud to Hal and Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front
+this afternoon. He died almost instantly.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard
+to-day,&#8221; he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;You may, sir,&#8221; said Hal and Chester in one breath.</p>
+
+<p>General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and
+came to a salute.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Orderly,&#8221; said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just
+written, &#8220;have this sent to the war office immediately.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the
+orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the
+moisture from his eyes.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+<h3>OFF ON A RAID.</h3>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre&#8217;s offer of an automobile to
+make their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much
+time as their journey to the headquarters of the French
+commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General
+French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre&#8217;s
+injunction concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be
+forgotten.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of
+their own, for the great army had again come to a halt.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces,
+which after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of
+Paris, had forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A
+word of the situation is here necessary.</p>
+
+<p>From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the
+offensive, after being driven back <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>for days by the Germans, they had
+continued their steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never
+known was in progress continually, for the Germans contested every
+inch of the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of
+communication, and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect
+them, or to be cut off and eventually annihilated, or forced to
+surrender. The strategy of General Joffre, condemned by many in the
+earlier days of the war, now was beginning to bear fruit, and he was
+praised on every hand.</p>
+
+<p>The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling
+block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were
+proving their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to
+the enemy, they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the
+whole world realized that they were the real fighting strength of the
+allied army.</p>
+
+<p>Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the walls of
+Paris. Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The
+great battle line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in
+constant contact with the enemy. Almost hourly there was such severe
+fighting as in former wars would have earned the designation of
+battles. But along this great line they were but skirmishes.</p>
+
+<p>The losses on both sides had been tremendous, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>although the Germans,
+because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive,
+and also because of the massed formation they had used in their
+advance, had suffered considerably more than the Allies.</p>
+
+<p>Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans,
+pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon
+another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer
+state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the
+battleground of European wars.</p>
+
+<p>The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by
+the heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind
+to withdraw from the conflict. Possibly Belgium had more at stake than
+any other country in the war. She was fighting for life and
+freedom&mdash;from possible absorption into the German Empire.</p>
+
+<p>And now the German forces had been pushed clear across the River
+Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore of
+the little river was held by the Kaiser&#8217;s troops, the western shore by
+the Allies.</p>
+
+<p>So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed
+breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was
+checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span>ranks, there to remain
+until the battle should be resumed.</p>
+
+<p>But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery
+continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had
+come into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the
+troops on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the
+main portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to
+move forward again.</p>
+
+<p>The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in
+the allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever
+known, their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the
+smaller guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was
+far superior to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up
+to this time, the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German
+gunners was the cause of much comment and surprise.</p>
+
+<p>So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts,
+they found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne;
+or rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army
+occasionally riding right up to the river&#8217;s edge, while the great
+shells continued to burst on both sides of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after
+a long search. Through <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>an orderly they also reported to General
+French, apprising him of where to find them should he desire their
+presence. After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had
+insisted that they make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in,
+for they had been many hours without sleep, and were tired out.</p>
+
+<p>How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by
+Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Get up,&#8221; commanded the lieutenant. &#8220;You are ordered to report to
+General French immediately.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight
+streamed through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.</p>
+
+<p>Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently
+waited for him to speak&mdash;to tell them the reason he had summoned them
+so suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and spoke:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I
+should not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts
+are in the success of the arms of France and England. But you have so
+often proved your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the
+ones needed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it
+is,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed we shall,&#8221; agreed Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What I must know,&#8221; said General French, &#8220;is the approximate strength
+of the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his
+troops and so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the
+flying corps; but in that event the enemy would know that I had
+learned. It must be done some other way. Are you lads willing to
+undertake this task?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said General French. &#8220;I shall leave the means to you, for I
+have already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one
+injunction: Be back at the earliest possible moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to
+Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work
+before them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck,&#8221; said the
+lieutenant, &#8220;while we old heads sit back here and do nothing.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me that you have been doing your share,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And to me, too,&#8221; Chester agreed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, well,&#8221; laughed the lieutenant. &#8220;I have seen considerable action.
+I don&#8217;t suppose I should complain. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>But how do you propose to gather
+this information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable
+job on your hands?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, we realize that,&#8221; Hal replied, &#8220;and we thought perhaps you could
+help us with an idea or two.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy
+will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make
+quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding
+right into the heart of the enemy&#8217;s country, at whatever point it
+might be practically unprotected.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A good idea,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;But, in that event, we should have to have a
+larger party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson. &#8220;And I, for one, offer my
+services. I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later Hal was back in General French&#8217;s headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General,&#8221; he said, &#8220;I should like to have your permission to pick
+twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power
+automobiles in the army.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but
+finally said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have my permission. Here,&#8221; turning to his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>desk and writing a few
+words, &#8220;is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan.
+Good luck to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall let you pick the men,&#8221; said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when
+he was again back in the latter&#8217;s quarters, &#8220;and, so far as they know,
+you are in command.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; was the reply; &#8220;but remember that it is not so. On this
+expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by
+Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A
+likely body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them
+under six feet in height.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look like they could give a good account of themselves,&#8221; muttered
+Chester to himself.</p>
+
+<p>At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later,
+in response to Hal&#8217;s directions were speeding southward.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>ACROSS THE MARNE.</h3>
+
+<p>For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at
+top speed. Then Hal called a halt.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the
+direction of the river.</p>
+
+<p>The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have
+been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though
+Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between
+the German forces.</p>
+
+<p>The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as
+there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along
+the shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently
+having been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll appropriate these,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Luckily they were here or we
+should have been forced to swim across.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the
+opposite side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank
+were soon hidden <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called
+another halt, until he was able to decide upon his next move.</p>
+
+<p>The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return
+trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the
+party had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now
+bethought himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.</p>
+
+<p>After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as
+possible in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of
+the little woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.</p>
+
+<p>The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal,
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it,
+their men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered,
+the Germans did not put up a fight.</p>
+
+<p>The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them
+called out in German:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We surrender.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Dismount!&#8221; ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This is what I call luck,&#8221; said Hal to his friends.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221; demanded Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;here we have three horses <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>and three German
+uniforms. If that isn&#8217;t luck, I don&#8217;t know what is.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound and
+gagged.</p>
+
+<p>When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German
+uniforms, Hal called three of the British troopers to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You men,&#8221; he said, &#8220;will leave all your weapons here, except your
+revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will
+accompany us, afoot, apparently as prisoners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He called a fourth trooper to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Your name?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bristow, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The
+rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it
+necessary to retreat across the river.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very good, sir,&#8221; said Bristow, and fell back and informed his
+companions of the situation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you realize,&#8221; asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, &#8220;that if we are
+captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy&#8217;s death for all
+of us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perfectly,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;but we shall have to take that chance. I
+believe that having three English soldiers with us, apparently
+prisoners, will be a means of avoiding detection.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;only we shall have to be careful.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p><p>Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them
+started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they
+continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops.
+But they were not molested, not even challenged.</p>
+
+<p>At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps we can learn something here,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened
+by a young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have no fear,&#8221; said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. &#8220;We are
+simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us
+with a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them
+to enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a
+hearty repast was spread on the table.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We have been on a mission south,&#8221; Hal said to the woman. &#8220;Can you
+tell me just how far the German staff is from here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It can&#8217;t be very far,&#8221; the woman replied, &#8220;for some of the officers
+often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than
+the regular army fare. I wouldn&#8217;t be at all surprised if some of them
+were to come along soon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed. He
+did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German staff
+officers.</p>
+
+<p>Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing
+around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in
+gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott,&#8221; he said, &#8220;we got out of there just in time. Look.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the
+shelter of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There must be something up,&#8221; he declared, &#8220;or the German staff would
+not be this far south. I don&#8217;t suppose General French has been
+informed of this. In some way we must find out what is going on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;if they were using that
+farmhouse for a certain purpose.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By Jove! I never thought of that,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I believe you have hit
+it. That is where they are making their plans. I wonder&#8221;&mdash;and he grew
+greatly excited. &#8220;I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in
+that party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is probably pretty near the whole party,&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson
+dryly. &#8220;Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this
+close <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then it&#8217;s a wonder the woman didn&#8217;t say something about the Kaiser
+being near.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;She probably didn&#8217;t know him,&#8221; said the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know what I am going to do?&#8221; he said at length, dismounting.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No. What?&#8221; demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single
+voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or
+crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another
+chance of overhearing the German plans.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson, &#8220;that certainly is a bold
+plan. You don&#8217;t mean it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I certainly do,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I shall go, too,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And me,&#8221; declared Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No you won&#8217;t,&#8221; said Hal, positively. &#8220;The rest of you will stay here.
+If I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then
+the rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them,
+the Kaiser included.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why can&#8217;t we get the rest of our men, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>capture the whole crowd?&#8221;
+he demanded in great excitement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I had thought of that,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;but something tells me it can&#8217;t
+be done&mdash;a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt
+such a thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can&#8217;t explain just
+what I mean, but I feel it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I too,&#8221; declared Lieutenant Anderson. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know why, but I
+know it&#8217;s true.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bosh!&#8221; said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had
+created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, if you must go by yourself, all right,&#8221; said Lieutenant
+Anderson. &#8220;But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side,
+where he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he
+walked slowly toward the house.</p>
+
+<p>He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that
+such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would
+probably mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little
+fear of detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.</p>
+
+<p>Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did
+not wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span>so, keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.</p>
+
+<p>His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window,
+apparently halfway between the first and second floors.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Evidently, at a turn in the steps,&#8221; Hal told himself.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength
+slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the
+lad put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening,
+and then disappeared inside the house.</p>
+
+<p>Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location
+of the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at
+one end of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.</p>
+
+<p>Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his
+eyes. Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just
+a little crack that he might not be suffocated.</p>
+
+<p>Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below
+came the faint sound of German voices.</p>
+
+<p>Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger
+felt a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small
+opening in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>down, and
+as he made out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke,
+commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one
+occasion, had saved him from death before a firing squad.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?&#8221; Hal asked himself.</p>
+
+<p>His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an
+imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his
+knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.</p>
+
+<p>There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of
+Germany!</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE KAISER.</h3>
+
+<p>In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm
+would be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him
+as he made out the imposing figure of &#8220;The War Lord of Europe.&#8221; He
+whistled softly to himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;To think,&#8221; he said to himself after a long pause, &#8220;that he is
+primarily responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands
+of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of dollars.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight
+at the War Lord&#8217;s breast.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;With one little movement of my finger,&#8221; said the lad softly to
+himself, &#8220;I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent
+thousands to their death. One shot, and&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he
+lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his pocket,
+while <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had gathered on
+his brow.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s no use,&#8221; he told himself, &#8220;I couldn&#8217;t do it if I wanted to.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will
+never know how close he was to death at that moment!</p>
+
+<p>Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by
+straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If,&#8221; came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count
+Von Moltke, &#8220;if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them
+off from their French support and annihilate them. And&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And,&#8221; came the voice of the Kaiser himself, &#8220;we can, then, by a quick
+turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be
+complete.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly, sire,&#8221; came Count Von Moltke&#8217;s voice again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But, sire,&#8221; said a third voice, &#8220;what have we to warrant that the
+English will accept our bait?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in
+again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne,&#8221; he
+said, &#8220;and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on,
+flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>on the left
+flank. We shall cut them to pieces.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The plan sounds well to me,&#8221; came the voice of the Kaiser again.
+&#8220;General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute this
+coup?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Not before day after to-morrow, sire,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;It will take
+me that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time
+keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And how many men will you be able to bring?&#8221; asked the Kaiser.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Half a million, sire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his
+mustache. Then he spoke aloud:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If the British were aware of that,&#8221; he said, &#8220;by a quick advance they
+would place us at a tremendous disadvantage.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So they would, sire,&#8221; agreed General Von Kluck. &#8220;But it must be seen
+that they do not anticipate our plan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that event,&#8221; came the Emperor&#8217;s reply, &#8220;it will be necessary for
+that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at
+the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly what I had figured upon, sire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good; but you say it is impossible for you to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>be ready until the day
+after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their
+present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part,
+while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our
+coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There shall be none, sire,&#8221; came a chorus of officers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this.
+Had it not been for the interference of these English&mdash;and these
+starving Belgians, I would be there now,&#8221; and the Kaiser&#8217;s voice grew
+harsh. &#8220;They must be crushed,&#8221; and he struck the table a heavy blow
+with his clenched fist.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And crushed they shall be, sire,&#8221; said Count Von Moltke soothingly.
+&#8220;It is only a question of time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you have been long enough doing it,&#8221; came the Emperor&#8217;s angry
+voice. &#8220;See that you do not fail me again. If you do&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he
+might have uttered.</p>
+
+<p>There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment
+later of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the
+German officers were leaving the house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;By George!&#8221; the lad muttered to himself, &#8220;Wilhelm must be a holy
+terror. I&#8217;ll bet Von Kluck, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a
+terrible wigging, for I&#8217;m here to see that this plot fails.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling
+certain that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He
+was just lowering himself from the window by which he had entered
+when, from almost below him, there was a loud scream.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given
+them food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his
+officers might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the
+ground, and an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman&#8217;s
+mouth.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Quiet!&#8221; he commanded in a harsh voice. &#8220;If you make no noise you
+shall not be harmed. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Otherwise&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span> he paused significantly.</p>
+
+<p>The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Go into the house,&#8221; Hal commanded, and followed her.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping,&#8221; the lad muttered
+to himself. &#8220;I can&#8217;t afford to be interfered with now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged
+and bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you,&#8221; he
+told her. &#8220;I hope it won&#8217;t <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>be long, for your sake, but I can&#8217;t afford
+to take any chances with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he
+had so lately left his friends, his heart sank.</p>
+
+<p>Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running
+toward him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by
+a band of mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out
+the forms of Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!</p>
+
+<p>With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers,
+evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance
+behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the
+farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the
+fugitives.</p>
+
+<p>Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his
+friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and
+ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not
+pause to reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Just wait till we get back to our own men,&#8221; thought Hal to himself as
+he ran along, &#8220;that is, if we can make it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in
+charge of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had
+crawled forward to investigate. He made out the figures <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>flying toward
+him and recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward.
+This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen
+were overhauling the fugitives rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their
+mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost
+a single movement.</p>
+
+<p>The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on
+their haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A
+moment later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.</p>
+
+<p>Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he
+was forced to hold his sides.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What on earth is the matter with you?&#8221; demanded Chester in great
+surprise. &#8220;What are you laughing at?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, &#8220;I am laughing at
+the sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the
+evil one himself were after him!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>WITHIN THE ENEMY&#8217;S LINES.</h3>
+
+<p>Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in
+the farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied
+armies. When he had concluded he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you,
+Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Certainly,&#8221; said the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know I will, Hal,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to
+General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you.
+That&#8217;s all.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But you?&#8221; demanded Chester; &#8220;aren&#8217;t you coming, too? Surely you have
+accomplished the mission successfully.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;In this German uniform I believe I shall be
+perfectly safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further
+information. It may be that I can learn something that will be
+important.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I shall go with you,&#8221; declared Chester.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And I, too,&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, no you won&#8217;t,&#8221; said Hal grimly. &#8220;Didn&#8217;t you just promise to obey
+my commands, both of you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But we didn&#8217;t know what you planned to do,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know you didn&#8217;t,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;That is why I asked your promises
+before I told you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I don&#8217;t think it is fair,&#8221; protested Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t care what you think,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;You have both promised,
+so that&#8217;s all there is about it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, now,&#8221; he said at last. &#8220;You are making it more dangerous for me
+every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and
+return at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The
+men already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row
+away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning,&#8221; he called to
+Chester; &#8220;but,&#8221; and he smiled grimly to himself, &#8220;if I were you, I
+wouldn&#8217;t wait up for me.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with
+one last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the
+farmhouse.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span></p><p>He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger
+long in that vicinity.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of
+the officers the better off I shall be,&#8221; he told himself.</p>
+
+<p>He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot.
+Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad
+trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of
+perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in
+greeting as they went by.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So far, so good,&#8221; muttered the lad to himself.</p>
+
+<p>Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But
+feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of
+captain, the lad continued boldly on.</p>
+
+<p>At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Guess this is the place I am headed for,&#8221; he told himself.</p>
+
+<p>He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who
+were taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts.
+The place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a
+large body of troops on parade.</p>
+
+<p>He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once,
+although once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant
+and courteous set,&#8221; the lad told himself. &#8220;However, I didn&#8217;t come here
+to learn how they behave themselves. I won&#8217;t get any information this
+way. I wonder who is in command here, but I can&#8217;t afford to ask.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who
+were idling about talking.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward
+within a few hours,&#8221; said one of the group of officers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So?&#8221; questioned another. &#8220;I had forgotten that you are now a member
+of his staff.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s up, do you know?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nothing that I can talk about,&#8221; replied the other with a pleasant
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said another. &#8220;The sooner the better.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; he said to himself. &#8220;At least I have learned that General
+Beulow is in command here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment an officer approached him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t seem to place you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Is your regiment here?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent.
+&#8220;I am attached to General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>Von Kluck&#8217;s command. I came here with him
+to-day.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh,&#8221; said the German officer, &#8220;then you are on his staff?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have
+been sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal took a long chance.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; he replied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said the German officer. &#8220;Come to my quarters. I have
+documents to deliver to you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal followed the German officer to the latter&#8217;s tent. There the German
+took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he
+placed in the lad&#8217;s hands.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;These,&#8221; he said, &#8220;you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose
+you knew that he had already returned to his command?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Hal firmly. &#8220;I was simply waiting for these. My horse
+is yonder,&#8221; and he waved his hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh,&#8221; continued the German. &#8220;Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von
+Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or
+French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed
+that information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>were hurried back to their posts to see that everything was
+shipshape.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Hal briefly; &#8220;I know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He placed the papers in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Auf Wiedersehen,&#8221; said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent.
+&#8220;Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck&#8217;s hands at
+the earliest possible moment.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It shall be done,&#8221; said Hal as he walked rapidly away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott!&#8221; he said to himself. &#8220;I am in luck. I wouldn&#8217;t be
+surprised if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I
+overheard in the farmhouse.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It
+was even as he had expected&mdash;only more. For the papers contained the
+present troop positions, their expected movements and the number of
+men and how stationed.</p>
+
+<p>Hal whistled softly to himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Won&#8217;t General French be surprised when he sees these?&#8221; he said
+softly. &#8220;Now to get back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in
+the direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely
+to himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no
+means egotistical, was well aware of it.</p>
+
+<p>He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>and made off
+in the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and
+more confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the
+German camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.</p>
+
+<p>A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to
+start back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the
+pair who had accosted him were a man and woman.</p>
+
+<p>And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had
+so recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that
+she had recognized him as well.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is he!&#8221; she exclaimed in a loud voice.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>A COLD SWIM.</h3>
+
+<p>Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so
+suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck,
+pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose
+without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was
+unable to do so.</p>
+
+<p>The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the
+struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But
+the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt
+of the weapon down on the lad&#8217;s head without the imminent risk of
+injuring the woman.</p>
+
+<p>Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he
+had decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands,
+and awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.</p>
+
+<p>It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal
+leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out
+swiftly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>with his bare fist. There was a sharp &#8220;spat&#8221; and the man fell
+to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed
+the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and
+the lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly
+impossible.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hands up!&#8221; commanded the woman.</p>
+
+<p>Hal temporized.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now see here&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; he began.</p>
+
+<p>The woman interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hands up!&#8221; she commanded again.</p>
+
+<p>This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman&#8217;s
+voice that she was not to be trifled with.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About face,&#8221; commanded his captor.</p>
+
+<p>Hal did as ordered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now,&#8221; continued the woman, &#8220;you will march on ahead of me, and,
+remember, at the first false move I shall fire.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
+behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German
+camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.</p>
+
+<p>His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon
+a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just
+as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.</p>
+
+<p>As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
+attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
+time was right upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
+she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
+spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand,
+and with a quick leap seized it himself.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, madam,&#8221; he said calmly. &#8220;I shall give you just thirty seconds to
+get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance
+between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be
+forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I
+am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one
+life stand in the way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am glad she believed me,&#8221; said Hal to himself. &#8220;I don&#8217;t believe I
+could have brought myself to shoot.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
+opponents hors de combat.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p><p>The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
+sprang forward.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What! haven&#8217;t you had enough yet?&#8221; asked the lad in well simulated
+surprise. &#8220;Well, here&#8217;s some more then.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his
+right fist squarely into the German&#8217;s mouth. It was more than flesh
+and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground,
+where he remained, unconscious.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now to get back across the river,&#8221; said Hal to himself. &#8220;Wonder if I
+can find a boat of some kind.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind
+of a craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from
+the direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited
+voices and the trampling of many feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Great Scott! Here they come,&#8221; exclaimed Hal aloud. &#8220;I guess it&#8217;s up
+to me to get away from here pretty quick.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment&#8217;s hesitation he advanced to the water&#8217;s edge and
+plunged into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal&#8217;s breath was
+taken away by the suddenness of the shock.</p>
+
+<p>He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
+opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
+shore immediately behind him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t believe there is anyone there,&#8221; said a voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The woman is a spy herself, that&#8217;s my belief,&#8221; said a second. &#8220;She
+has concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this
+hour. I certainly don&#8217;t believe there is a spy on this side of the
+river.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
+searchlight. Turn yours on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
+well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
+across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
+and forth across the water. He could see no one.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I told you so,&#8221; he said. &#8220;There is no one out there. Come, let&#8217;s get
+away from here.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; returned the other. &#8220;Come on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
+surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
+breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he
+rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in
+their search anyhow, had gone.</p>
+
+<p>Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made
+out the sound of retreating footsteps.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; he said to himself at last, &#8220;I guess they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>have gone. Now to
+get out of here as soon as I can. I&#8217;ll be frozen if I don&#8217;t hurry.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon
+the farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance
+away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks like a sentinel. I&#8217;ll get a match from him and build a fire and
+get thawed out before I continue my journey.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence
+was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing
+footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Halt!&#8221; he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s all right,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I&#8217;m English.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come a little closer and let me look at you,&#8221; said the sentinel, not
+lowering his weapon.</p>
+
+<p>Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German
+uniform and his rifle leaped up again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So,&#8221; he exclaimed. &#8220;You Dutchman! You thought you&#8217;d fool me, did you?
+You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be a chump,&#8221; said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. &#8220;I tell
+you I&#8217;m English. Can&#8217;t you <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>tell that by my talk? What do you think I
+am? A German?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said the sentinel, &#8220;what do you think I would take you for in
+that German uniform?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t blame you,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I forgot all about this uniform. But I
+can assure you I&#8217;m English. I&#8217;ve been over the river getting a little
+information.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he
+represented himself. &#8220;I&#8217;ll let the colonel decide that point. March
+ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your
+back.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right,&#8221; said Hal shortly, &#8220;as long as you can&#8217;t take my word for
+it, I suppose I shall have to go with you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with
+leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of
+what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My name is Paine,&#8221; he informed the colonel. &#8220;I have been across the
+river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have
+accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I
+can show credentials,&#8221; and he showed the officer a pass signed by the
+commander-in-chief.</p>
+
+<p>The officer shook hands with him.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;What can I do for you?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I must be back at the earliest possible moment,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Have you
+a fast auto?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It shall be done,&#8221; said the officer. &#8220;Now you sit here by the fire
+while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;I am. But I haven&#8217;t very long to stay. Please
+have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver
+I shall be glad of his services. I don&#8217;t believe I could drive the car
+any great distance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You shall have him,&#8221; agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal
+huddled up close to the little fire.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXV" id="CHAPTER_XXV"></a>CHAPTER XXV.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.</h3>
+
+<p>Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted
+on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile
+as it sped over the ground toward General French&#8217;s headquarters.</p>
+
+<p>The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the
+ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of
+British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore,
+before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment
+and he once more stood before his commander.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So, you got back safely, eh,&#8221; exclaimed General French. &#8220;Young
+Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be
+captured. Did you learn anything further?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; Hal made reply. &#8220;I have learned the number of men in each
+command, their positions and all details.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed General French in great surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir,&#8221; continued Hal, and reaching in his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>pocket he drew out the
+documents given him by the German officer. &#8220;Here they are, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General French took the papers from the lad&#8217;s hand, and glanced at
+them quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal&#8217;s
+shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have done well,&#8221; he said quietly. &#8220;I shall not forget it. You may
+go now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over you.
+I will say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to
+England&mdash;one that the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps
+to thwart this German coup, and if we are successful the credit will
+be mainly due you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general&#8217;s tent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now to find Chester,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making
+his quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant&#8217;s
+tent, Hal walked up cautiously.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to surprise them,&#8221; he told himself.</p>
+
+<p>Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m afraid he won&#8217;t ever get back,&#8221; came Chester&#8217;s voice. &#8220;I should
+have insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn&#8217;t have let him go alone.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Still,&#8221; said Lieutenant Anderson, &#8220;he was in command. We had to obey
+him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is true,&#8221; replied Chester, &#8220;but just the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>same if ill befalls
+him I shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the
+information we went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting
+himself in the enemy&#8217;s power?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he
+was observed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A whole lot, Chester,&#8221; he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p>Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant,
+and one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stop it, stop it,&#8221; laughed Hal. &#8220;You&#8217;ll wring my arms off.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so you are back safely,&#8221; said Chester, looking long at his
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I&#8217;m back,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what did you learn? Anything else?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lots,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;but let me get out of this wet German uniform;&#8221;
+having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after
+they had left until his return to General French&#8217;s tent.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And General French says,&#8221; he concluded, &#8220;that steps have been taken
+to spoil the Kaiser&#8217;s plan.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good,&#8221; said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Chester, after some further talk, &#8220;I guess we might as
+well turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
+returned. We can rest easier now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>slumbering deeply.
+The day&#8217;s work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how
+long they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling
+&#8220;To arms!&#8221; roused them.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
+removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at
+a moment&#8217;s notice.</p>
+
+<p>The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
+command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster,
+the great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
+cavalry leading the way.</p>
+
+<p>There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
+enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
+engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
+magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on,
+several thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.</p>
+
+<p>These&mdash;advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans,
+rushed forward to check them&mdash;fought off the enemy while other British
+troops were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to
+drive them back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back
+again by the British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time
+to form after crossing the river.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span></p><p>Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across the
+little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught
+unprepared. Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending
+some of his men south to take their places in the force with which the
+Kaiser and his generals expected to execute their great coup.</p>
+
+<p>Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by
+the German general staff. That the British, without the support of
+their French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive,
+was a factor that had apparently been overlooked.</p>
+
+<p>The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the
+continent at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men.
+Probably two-thirds of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in
+this battle, which, starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the
+fiercest and bloodiest struggles of history.</p>
+
+<p>Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from
+India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the
+English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and
+driving back the foe.</p>
+
+<p>But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the
+British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat,
+the British pursuing them relentlessly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span></p><p>Apparently it was not General French&#8217;s plan to push the battle too
+strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as
+would make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.</p>
+
+<p>For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne
+continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as
+the Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The
+British fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and
+preparing to resist an attack should one be delivered.</p>
+
+<p>This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly
+unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of
+the greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.</p>
+
+<p>Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side
+they did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the
+Kaiser&#8217;s troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the
+stream for the rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for
+the English, already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the
+Germans as reinforcements crossed.</p>
+
+<p>And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the
+offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due
+largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives,
+enabled the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p><p>That the boys&#8217; value in this important battle was recognized, is
+evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a
+halt, General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVI" id="CHAPTER_XXVI"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.</h2>
+
+<h3>TRAPPED.</h3>
+
+<p>It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely. On all sides
+men were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since
+early morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the
+British line, the struggle had continued without a minute&#8217;s breathing
+space.</p>
+
+<p>Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops
+fell back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field
+where the fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful
+of their support on either side, the British still pressed forward,
+until now they were far beyond either flank.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering
+volley. Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men
+tumbled to the earth on every hand.</p>
+
+<p>Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a
+force of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them
+off from any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>men
+were in this little force now completely surrounded.</p>
+
+<p>But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to
+surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other
+than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the
+Marne had raised him to that rank.</p>
+
+<p>Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer
+still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared
+his quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the
+conflict alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific
+carnage, in spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had
+so far escaped injury.</p>
+
+<p>Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a
+possible escape. With a loud cry of &#8220;Forward!&#8221; to his men, he dashed
+right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.</p>
+
+<p>Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column
+halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain
+Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the
+Germans, and they now pressed forward at a run.</p>
+
+<p>Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men,
+that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power,
+and still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of
+overwhelming <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.</p>
+
+<p>That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson&#8217;s strategy.
+At the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line,
+dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the
+Germans rallied, but it was too late.</p>
+
+<p>The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken
+refuge behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain&#8217;s
+sudden charge became apparent.</p>
+
+<p>Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British
+dashed madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door
+was locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the
+sharp crack of rifles.</p>
+
+<p>There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt,
+the British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the
+troops poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the
+house and performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to
+tell it injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground
+outside, however, was strewn with their companions.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And
+the British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which
+they knew would come in a very few minutes.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place
+indefinitely,&#8221; said Captain Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; agreed Chester; &#8220;or, if we can manage to hold out till night,
+we may be able to get away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is possible, too,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;that our absence will be noticed and
+aid sent to us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not banking much on that,&#8221; replied Captain Anderson, &#8220;for, if we
+are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war.
+It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in
+this house.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s so,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Well, we will have to hold on as long as
+we can. That&#8217;s the best we can do.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; agreed Hal quietly.</p>
+
+<p>The three approached the window in front of the house on the second
+floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier guarding
+it spoke.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Evidently the siege has begun,&#8221; said Hal grimly. &#8220;Poor fellow!&#8221; he
+added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet
+in his head.</p>
+
+<p>His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The
+firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the
+windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture
+they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their
+rifles through.</p>
+
+<p>But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets. Still
+men fell, though not as fast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>as before. Captain Anderson assigned Hal
+to direct the fire of the British in the front of the first floor and
+Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the second floor
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all
+over their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell,
+Hal or Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until
+relieved by another soldier.</p>
+
+<p>Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus
+far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to
+pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could
+take it without this trouble.</p>
+
+<p>And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the
+defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy&#8217;s loss,
+exposed as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been
+enormous.</p>
+
+<p>Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage
+of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As
+they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the
+floor below.</p>
+
+<p>Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the
+commotion. Struggling in Chester&#8217;s arms was a man in civilian garb.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I caught him just as he was about to open the front door,&#8221; Chester
+explained.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p><p>The man&#8217;s struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain
+Anderson, pale and trembling.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are you doing here?&#8221; demanded the latter.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was hiding in the cellar,&#8221; said the man in a shaking voice. &#8220;When
+you English burst in I didn&#8217;t know what to do. I remained in my
+hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I
+would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I
+thought I had a chance.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you are not a German?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, sir,&#8221; was the reply, &#8220;I am French.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then what need had you to be afraid of us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you see, sir,&#8221; was the nervous reply, &#8220;I am a peace-loving man.
+I don&#8217;t want to fight, and I won&#8217;t fight if I can help it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure,&#8221; said the captain, with a
+sneer. &#8220;If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find
+you here? Why haven&#8217;t you fled with the rest of the old women and
+children?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you see, sir,&#8221; quavered the man, &#8220;I have been hiding here. I
+was afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs,&#8221; and he rubbed his
+hands in satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;And you were not discovered by the Germans?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us
+important information?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I could, yes, sir,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;But, if I do, will there be any
+pay for me?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The captain was taken by surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And you call yourself a Frenchman,&#8221; he said in contempt. He took a
+threatening step forward. &#8220;No,&#8221; he said angrily, &#8220;there will be no
+pay, but I can promise you that if you don&#8217;t tell what you know you
+will be shot right here and now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, sir, you wouldn&#8217;t do that,&#8221; said the man in a wheedling voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Wouldn&#8217;t I?&#8221; exclaimed the captain. &#8220;You shall see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them
+approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man
+that the officer meant what he said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll tell, sir,&#8221; he cried, falling on his knees.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Anderson waved his men away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Very well,&#8221; he said coldly, &#8220;and see that you make no mistake. If
+your information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But it is, sir,&#8221; protested the Frenchman.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right. Then let&#8217;s have it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Germans are planning an a&euml;roplane raid <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>on the English,&#8221; said the
+man, in a low voice. &#8220;There is a park of a&euml;roplanes hardly two miles
+from here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant
+flight.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What!&#8221; exclaimed Captain Anderson. &#8220;Are you sure?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perfectly,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;I heard the German officers talking of it
+only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so it would,&#8221; said the captain, &#8220;unless it can be stopped.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines
+out to us?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Easily, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s your idea?&#8221; asked Captain Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Simply this,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;I believe that by a dash we can get through
+the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not
+expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not
+likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful
+raid on these machines and destroy them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A first-class idea,&#8221; said the captain. &#8220;We&#8217;ll do it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVII" id="CHAPTER_XXVII"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A DEED OF DARING.</h3>
+
+<p>Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his
+men behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops
+were a few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these
+he placed at the extreme rear of the little body.</p>
+
+<p>When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal
+and Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was
+no light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable
+distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at
+first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.</p>
+
+<p>Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed
+by a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a
+word from Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.</p>
+
+<p>Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of
+the fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men
+spread <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span>out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard
+upon this, charged with the bayonet.</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of
+the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with
+success to the British.</p>
+
+<p>The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found
+the Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two
+miles were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in
+the darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed
+that this what it was.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Must be a temporary affair,&#8221; said Captain Anderson, in a low voice.
+&#8220;And what are those objects nearby?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal peered through the darkness.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Look like armored automobiles to me,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so they are,&#8221; declared Chester. &#8220;And there must be twenty of
+them. Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We
+couldn&#8217;t want anything better to escape in.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are right,&#8221; declared the captain.</p>
+
+<p>The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he
+commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles
+before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span></p><p>At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged
+with fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently
+had been on the alert against a possible surprise.</p>
+
+<p>A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first
+column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself
+going to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the
+troopers reached the automobile.</p>
+
+<p>Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were
+more wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the
+machine-gun could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the
+enemy.</p>
+
+<p>A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this
+weapon spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who
+stood near to guard their machines.</p>
+
+<p>Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce
+interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who
+were crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire
+with great bravery and vigor.</p>
+
+<p>While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers,
+which had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with
+improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the a&euml;roplanes. With sure
+blows from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they could
+lay hands on nearby, they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>destroyed the motors, the gasoline
+reservoirs and the running gear of the German machines.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A
+fierce red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of
+carnage with great brilliancy.</p>
+
+<p>While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short
+distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might find
+Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few
+remaining men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which
+stood a German officer, directing his men.</p>
+
+<p>The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic
+revolver. Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not
+before he had discharged his own weapon against the chest of his
+opponent, who fell to the ground, fatally wounded.</p>
+
+<p>A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before,
+brought his rifle butt down over Hal&#8217;s head. But the lad&#8217;s quick eye
+had seen the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the
+blow. His left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled
+and fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still
+hanging by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his
+rifle to bear, but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>up the
+weapon, even as the German pressed the trigger.</p>
+
+<p>With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with
+the German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close
+quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew
+back with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the
+car, and his arm was now useless.</p>
+
+<p>The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted
+to entwine his fingers in Hal&#8217;s throat, but the lad was too quick for
+him. Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other&#8217;s chin, and sent him
+spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.</p>
+
+<p>Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could
+see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or
+were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight,
+for they had no way of determining the strength of the British
+attacking party.</p>
+
+<p>In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping
+from the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting
+automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable
+of driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.</p>
+
+<p>He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of their
+friend.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Hurry, Chester, get him into this car,&#8221; he ordered. &#8220;We&#8217;ll have to
+get out of here at once.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the
+automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.</p>
+
+<p>Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty
+men, all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the
+farmhouse in the morning.</p>
+
+<p>Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me, single file,&#8221; he called to his men, &#8220;until I give the word
+to close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly
+as possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight,
+if by any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick
+dash and fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow
+right into the enemy. Do you understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal
+started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were
+moving along at a brisk pace.</p>
+
+<p>Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How is the captain?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I fear he is in pretty bad shape,&#8221; was the reply; but, even at that
+moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span></p><p>He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where am I?&#8221; he demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And was the raid a success?&#8221; he asked. &#8220;Were the German a&euml;roplanes
+destroyed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, every one of them,&#8221; replied Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we
+can&#8217;t get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my
+part.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length
+Chester was forced to comply.</p>
+
+<p>As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British
+all told, approached the center of the German force, each man
+determined to get through to the allied lines or to die in the
+attempt.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXVIII" id="CHAPTER_XXVIII"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A DASH FOR LIBERTY.</h3>
+
+<p>Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer
+and closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from
+within their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this
+spectacular dash, and so were caught unprepared.</p>
+
+<p>Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed
+and drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they
+increased their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.</p>
+
+<p>The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more
+or less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters
+were upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached
+the first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines
+opened fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good.
+Germans tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to
+rise.</p>
+
+<p>Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on
+all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span></p><p>But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the
+speed of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the
+British did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to
+the left of the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the
+bottom of the car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his
+hands and tumbled from the car.</p>
+
+<p>Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had
+Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost
+bumped into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal&#8217;s
+promptness in turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car had
+been struck by a German bullet and killed.</p>
+
+<p>The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward
+ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged
+straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still
+shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it
+was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to
+certain death.</p>
+
+<p>All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed
+beyond, and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.</p>
+
+<p>Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant
+machine leaped upon them like a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>thing of life, hurling them off on
+all sides, and running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with
+another sudden turn to the left, it sped directly toward a group of
+officers, who stood nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this
+unexpected turn that the officers were run down before they could move
+from their tracks.</p>
+
+<p>Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.</p>
+
+<p>It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward&mdash;there was a
+fearful roar&mdash;a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke
+had cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen&mdash;nothing but
+wreckage and a few maimed bodies scattered about.</p>
+
+<p>But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at
+the moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a
+second sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped
+for air, and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and
+crashed into its nearest neighbor.</p>
+
+<p>There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry of
+triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other
+remaining car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped
+ahead faster than before.</p>
+
+<p>But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too
+much. In spite of the fact that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>the Germans had been taken by
+surprise, their numbers were so great that the success of such a dash
+was impossible.</p>
+
+<p>Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled
+rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the
+driver of the other car dashed into them.</p>
+
+<p>A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the
+second car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning
+round and round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning its
+occupants beneath it.</p>
+
+<p>A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite
+of the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked
+from side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the
+lad threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center
+of a large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad
+stood up in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We surrender!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of
+threatening rifles was lowered.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come out of there,&#8221; called the officer, &#8220;and be quick about it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the
+ground. Turning back to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>machine, they tenderly lifted Captain
+Anderson out and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the
+wild ride.</p>
+
+<p>Hal turned to the German officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Will you please see that my friend,&#8221; indicating the captain,
+&#8220;receives medical attention at once?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It shall be done immediately,&#8221; returned the German officer gravely,
+and motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a
+nearby hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?&#8221; he
+demanded.</p>
+
+<p>Hal smiled grimly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That is what we intended to do,&#8221; he made reply. &#8220;However, we wouldn&#8217;t
+have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The German officer also smiled faintly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are bold lads,&#8221; he said quietly. &#8220;Come, I will take you to
+General Von Kluck.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German
+commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved
+his wing of the army from probable annihilation.</p>
+
+<p>Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat
+younger, recognizing whom, Hal&#8217;s heart leaped into his throat. This
+second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had
+placed in Hal&#8217;s hands dispatches for General Von Kluck&mdash;papers that,
+through Hal&#8217;s <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>bravery, had been turned over to General French, and
+had thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.</p>
+
+<p>The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British
+uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do you do, Captain Dersam?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads,
+turned to the officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You know these prisoners?&#8221; he questioned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I know one of them,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;That is, I thought I did
+once. It seems that I was mistaken.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Explain yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This,&#8221; said the German, pointing to Hal, &#8220;is the young man to whom I
+told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented
+himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain
+Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this
+officer must be a traitor.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So,&#8221; he exclaimed, &#8220;you are the man whom we have to thank for the
+defeat of our plan, eh?&#8221; He turned to the officer. &#8220;And you say he was
+in German uniform?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The general turned to Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Do you know what that means?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p><p>Hal nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It means,&#8221; continued the general, &#8220;that you are a spy. You shall pay
+the penalty.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But,&#8221; Hal protested, &#8220;I was not captured within your lines in German
+uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I can&#8217;t, eh?&#8221; cried General Von Kluck angrily. &#8220;Well, you shall see.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The boy is right,&#8221; came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning,
+Hal started back in amazement.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The Emperor!&#8221; he cried.</p>
+
+<p>And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;<i>Hoch der Kaiser!</i>&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIX" id="CHAPTER_XXIX"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.</h2>
+
+<h3>GERMAN HOSPITALITY.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; continued the Emperor of Germany, &#8220;the boy is right. He has
+spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander
+into our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in
+the armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to
+raid right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five
+a&euml;roplanes, as I have no doubt he did.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What,&#8221; exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, &#8220;the a&euml;roplanes
+destroyed?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; continued the emperor, &#8220;and with them another opportunity to
+deal a death-blow to the English.&#8221; Then, turning to Hal: &#8220;I have no
+doubt that you were concerned in that&mdash;am I right?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, your majesty,&#8221; said the lad.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought so,&#8221; said the emperor, and he turned again to General Von
+Kluck.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in
+disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as
+he was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you
+understand?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Yes, sire,&#8221; said General Von Kluck, bowing low.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It seems to me,&#8221; went on the Kaiser, &#8220;that rather than spend so much
+time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if
+some of my officers would expend their energies in looking more
+carefully after my interests.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Once more the emperor turned to Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If I mistake not,&#8221; he said, &#8220;you are an American. Am I right?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sire,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany,
+and of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And who is your friend?&#8221; asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Chester Crawford, sire,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;my boyhood chum.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And the wounded man?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;An English officer, your majesty,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;and a brave one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have found that all the British are brave,&#8221; said the Kaiser grimly.
+&#8220;I was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis,&#8221; and the
+Kaiser&#8217;s voice grew harsh; &#8220;it was not the only subject on which I was
+misinformed.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span></p><p>His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.</p>
+
+<p>He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to
+question them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will
+send a guard for them in two hours.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, sire,&#8221; said General Von Kluck.</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Follow me,&#8221; he commanded.</p>
+
+<p>Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close
+behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious
+field quarters.</p>
+
+<p>Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Now, tell me,&#8221; he said, &#8220;what is the general sentiment in America
+toward Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a
+discreet silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty,&#8221; he
+said, &#8220;but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies of
+the United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The Kaiser nodded his head.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I was afraid so,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But why?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;As to why, I can&#8217;t say,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;Chiefly, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>I suppose, because
+it is an English-speaking country.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I suppose that is true,&#8221; said the emperor, &#8220;and still there are many
+more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other
+nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany
+brought about this war?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am
+afraid they do, your majesty,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is not true,&#8221; thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist
+down heavily on the table. &#8220;I tell you it is not true. Do you
+understand? It is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war.
+It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would
+overrun Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will
+not be called the War Lord of Europe for nothing!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither
+realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand
+before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the
+sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the
+greatest war of all history.</p>
+
+<p>Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and
+he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that
+few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I
+thought they lied then. I am sure of it now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
+engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
+disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they
+venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later General
+Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When
+the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the
+emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no
+further words to Hal or Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am commanded,&#8221; said the German officer, &#8220;to take you to my tent and
+see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is
+to be made of you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
+guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away
+to make his report to the general.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;they have got us this time, and I don&#8217;t see any
+way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and
+we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances
+go of getting back to our own lines.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t be so downhearted,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;More peculiar things have
+happened. We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we
+should be thankful for that.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I suppose we should,&#8221; Chester agreed. &#8220;But just the same I would
+like to be back where we belong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you can&#8217;t tell,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;We may be able to give them the
+slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good
+chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us
+without compunction.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no doubt of that,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Von Kluck would do it
+anyhow, if he didn&#8217;t fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way,
+what do you think of the Kaiser, anyhow?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well,&#8221; said Hal slowly, &#8220;I believe, in the first place, that he takes
+himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen
+instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the
+French and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of
+destiny.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; agreed Chester, &#8220;there is no doubt that he thinks he is right
+and the whole world wrong.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are to remain here for the next few days,&#8221; he informed them. &#8220;As
+the emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck
+is awaiting <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>further word from him as to what to do with you. Right
+now the emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers,
+and, when he is busy, no one dare disturb him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?&#8221; asked
+Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why,&#8221; was the reply, &#8220;I suppose you will be treated as all other
+prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Back to Berlin!&#8221; exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Back to Berlin!&#8221; repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with
+a long whistle. &#8220;Great Scott!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXX" id="CHAPTER_XXX"></a>CHAPTER XXX.</h2>
+
+<h3>A NEW FRIEND.</h3>
+
+<p>It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads.
+As Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the
+outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German
+capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would
+be an inglorious finish to their military careers.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I would rather go to any one other spot on the map,&#8221; Chester told his
+chum. &#8220;Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even
+knowing what is going on?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It would be tough,&#8221; Hal agreed. &#8220;And, once there, I am afraid we
+would have to stay until after the war. I don&#8217;t imagine there is much
+danger of anyone escaping from that place now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it
+before we get to Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were
+doomed to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they
+were made comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not
+beneath some watchful eye.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p><p>Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and
+stroll about outside, but on each of these excursions the German
+officer in whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and
+finally from General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to
+Berlin.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I sort of hate to see you go,&#8221; the German officer told them, upon
+informing them of their fate. &#8220;We have gotten along famously together.
+However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when
+you are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some
+of the tales of German cruelty to their prisoners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;From the treatment we already have received we can deny them now,&#8221;
+said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed we can,&#8221; Chester agreed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come,&#8221; continued the officer, &#8220;what do you say to a little walk
+around? You will not start on your journey until to-night.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
+through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
+discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
+them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started
+back toward their temporary prison.</p>
+
+<p>As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding
+toward them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p><p>Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the
+dog&#8217;s tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also
+stretched forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He must be one of your French war dogs,&#8221; said the German with a
+laugh, quickly withdrawing his hand. &#8220;We have captured a large number
+of them, and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we
+know how, they will have nothing to do with us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
+came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew
+back his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal
+sharply in the ribs.</p>
+
+<p>But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound,
+the dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to
+the ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly
+forward, and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off,
+though not until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even
+drawing blood from a wound in his throat.</p>
+
+<p>With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew
+it quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the
+trigger, Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his
+arm, knocked the weapon from the German&#8217;s hand.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span></p><p>The German turned angrily on the lad.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What do you mean by that?&#8221; he demanded, in a rage.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You won&#8217;t shoot him while I am here,&#8221; cried Chester, also aroused.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You try it again and I&#8217;ll show you what business it is of mine, if
+the whole German army is standing round,&#8221; shouted Chester furiously.</p>
+
+<p>Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but
+Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the
+German threateningly.</p>
+
+<p>At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to
+interfere.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come, come,&#8221; he said to Chester. &#8220;That&#8217;s enough of this. I am sure
+Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I&#8217;m sure he&#8217;ll apologize if he has
+said or done anything to displease you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What! Me apologize?&#8221; demanded the German. &#8220;And what for, pray?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t want any apology,&#8221; declared Chester. &#8220;All I want is for him
+to understand he can&#8217;t shoot a dumb animal while I&#8217;m around.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Is that so?&#8221; sneered the German, but the boys&#8217; guard cut him short.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lieutenant Dennig,&#8221; he said sharply, &#8220;you forget <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>yourself. These
+prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer,
+and walked rapidly away.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;One more enemy,&#8221; said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, he&#8217;ll get over it,&#8221; laughed the boys&#8217; guard. &#8220;He knows he is in
+the wrong&mdash;that&#8217;s what makes him so angry.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his
+tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk
+toward their tent, he calmly followed them.</p>
+
+<p>The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the
+tent, and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking
+its way in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one
+side of the tent, sleeping.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks like there are three of you to guard now, instead of two,&#8221;
+said the officer. &#8220;However, I guess it is all right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wonder if it would be possible,&#8221; said Chester, struck with a sudden
+thought, &#8220;for us to take him to Berlin with us?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll see what can be done about it,&#8221; replied the officer. &#8220;I believe
+that I can arrange it all right.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We certainly would appreciate it,&#8221; continued Chester, &#8220;and, if the
+time ever comes when we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>may be of service to you, you may command
+us.&#8221; The officer smiled.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Present
+circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, you never can tell,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;the fortunes of war, you know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True,&#8221; said the German, &#8220;and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take
+you at your word.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention
+to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The
+dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air
+eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A real war dog, all right,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;What shall we call him,
+Hal?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps he has a name already,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Try him.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a
+few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at
+thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names
+in the boys&#8217; vocabulary.</p>
+
+<p>Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog&#8217;s head. Then, for the
+first time, he noticed the collar he wore.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hello!&#8221; he said, in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; said Chester, also approaching.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Collar,&#8221; said Hal briefly. &#8220;Perhaps his name is on it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both boys bent over the dog.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Here it is, sure enough,&#8221; cried Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Can you make it out?&#8221; asked Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s a little dark,&#8221; replied the lad. &#8220;Bring him over here nearer the
+light.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes, I can read it,&#8221; replied Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Chester read aloud:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marquis&mdash;Twenty-third French Infantry.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A dispatch dog, eh?&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Chester; &#8220;and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition
+to our party.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXI" id="CHAPTER_XXXI"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.</h2>
+
+<h3>BERLIN ONCE MORE.</h3>
+
+<p>By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the
+consent of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with
+them. That Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have
+him, was plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time,
+and whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not
+leave until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other
+prisoners, British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled
+aboard early. Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or
+description, there was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the
+large number of prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and
+took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of
+misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and
+chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, after much delay, the train started with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>a jolt, tumbling
+men all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were
+hurled hither and yon, but they only laughed.</p>
+
+<p>The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was
+switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop
+trains carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east,
+or from the east to the west.</p>
+
+<p>Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally
+pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the
+leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground,
+and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German
+officer in command, were marched away.</p>
+
+<p>Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As
+the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German
+officer.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What have we here?&#8221; he demanded, approaching the boys. &#8220;A dog, eh?
+Well, we haven&#8217;t time to fool with dogs,&#8221; and he leveled his pistol at
+Marquis.</p>
+
+<p>Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to
+stay the German&#8217;s hand.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General
+Von Kluck,&#8221; he said quietly.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;So you say,&#8221; was the reply. &#8220;But how am I to know that you speak the
+truth?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient
+proof of that,&#8221; said Hal quietly.</p>
+
+<p>The German officer lowered his weapon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess you are right,&#8221; he said. &#8220;I beg your pardon.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more
+friendly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You are British officers?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are attached to the staff of General French,&#8221; Chester replied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Considerable,&#8221; replied Hal, with a smile; &#8220;at Li&egrave;ge, Louvain, the
+battle of the Marne, and some other skirmishes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You have been in luck,&#8221; said the officer. &#8220;And here I have been, ever
+since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.
+Worse luck!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Cheer up,&#8221; said Chester, smilingly, &#8220;you probably will get your
+chance before the war is over.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope so,&#8221; replied the German, and continued: &#8220;I am going to arrange
+for you to come with me&mdash;yes, and the dog, too,&#8221; as he saw Hal glance
+at his canine friend. &#8220;You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I
+am interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so
+much fighting.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;If I may make so bold,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;you are not so old yourself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;True,&#8221; said the German, with a pleasant smile. &#8220;But I am twenty,&#8221; he
+added proudly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then we are not much younger than you,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Come with me,&#8221; he said, and the boys followed him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am at liberty to accept your parole,&#8221; said the young German, &#8220;if
+you are prepared to give it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we
+would give our parole to no one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, well,&#8221; said the German, with a laugh, &#8220;it doesn&#8217;t matter. There
+is no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you
+refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they
+were soon riding along the streets.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am taking you to my home,&#8221; said the young officer. &#8220;While there,
+you will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be
+guarded.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;We understand,&#8221; said Chester quietly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks natural along here,&#8221; said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It certainly does,&#8221; said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that
+moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and
+Captain Derevaux had met for the first time&mdash;the spot where the French
+and British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What, you have been in Berlin before?&#8221; questioned the German officer
+in some surprise.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, yes,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;We spent one vacation here with my mother.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped
+from the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester
+also made no reference to this.</p>
+
+<p>All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys
+now, and they pointed out different places of interest to each other
+as they sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.</p>
+
+<p>The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the
+boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
+commodious house.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My home,&#8221; said the lieutenant simply, &#8220;and yours, so long as you are
+forced to remain in Berlin.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads followed their captor up the steps, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>into a prettily
+furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
+with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
+officer now introduced himself to the boys.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The
+boys were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome,
+adding:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened to
+explain.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it
+not for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You
+would have to have gone with the other prisoners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thanks,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;I am sure we both appreciate it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Indeed we do,&#8221; agreed Hal.</p>
+
+<p>Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there
+came a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown
+quickly open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in
+his uniform, draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two
+boys he came to a sudden pause.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What have we here?&#8221; he demanded, in a great, booming voice.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Two of my prisoners, sir,&#8221; said the lieutenant, stepping forward and
+saluting.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
+captured in Berlin?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then, why are they not with the others?&#8221; demanded General Strauss
+sternly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, sir,&#8221; stammered the lieutenant, &#8220;I&mdash;I&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Enough,&#8221; said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling
+although this he endeavored in vain to hide. &#8220;You mean that you are up
+to some of your old tricks&mdash;that your sympathies have gotten the upper
+hand of your better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you,
+sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
+superior officer. But I won&#8217;t do it this time. However, it is a very
+good thing that our emperor&mdash;God bless him&mdash;is a very good friend of
+your father. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">Otherwise&mdash;&mdash;&#8221;</span></p>
+
+<p>He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside&mdash;and which
+almost bit me&mdash;is the property of your prisoners.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal stepped forward and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He is, sir,&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>The old general eyed the lad for some minutes <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>in silence. Hal bore
+the scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and
+repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Humph!&#8221; ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his
+son.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When you have introduced us,&#8221; he said, &#8220;we shall all go in and have
+something to eat!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXII" id="CHAPTER_XXXII"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.</h2>
+
+<h3>A PIECE OF PAPER.</h3>
+
+<p>Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young
+German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of
+the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore
+naught but signs of war.</p>
+
+<p>Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither
+and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the
+city upon every hand&mdash;some preparing to entrain for the west, and some
+for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the
+Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers
+would permit.</p>
+
+<p>It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost
+upon the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s going to be an awful job to lick these fellows,&#8221; Chester
+confided to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is no question about that,&#8221; was Hal&#8217;s reply. &#8220;Still, it has to
+be done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And will be done eventually,&#8221; declared Chester grimly. &#8220;The trouble
+is that we are not likely to see it done.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t lose heart,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Something may turn up. You never can
+tell.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could
+possibly have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of
+German soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes.
+Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.</p>
+
+<p>As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a
+halt.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What have we here?&#8221; asked Lieutenant Strauss.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A spy, sir,&#8221; was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where was he found?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;About thirty miles west of the city.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How does he account for his presence there?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He has not had much to say,&#8221; replied the officer, &#8220;but he did tell me
+that he fell from an a&euml;roplane.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Does he deny being a spy?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He does, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;He doesn&#8217;t account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on
+that score.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the
+prisoner as the armed guard would permit.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Looks like an Englishman,&#8221; said Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s what he is, all right,&#8221; declared Chester.</p>
+
+<p>The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>words, spoken in
+English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and,
+apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.</p>
+
+<p>Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester,
+throwing up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt
+a little piece of paper slipped into his hand.</p>
+
+<p>In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily;
+and, at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they
+struggled, the lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Don&#8217;t lose it. It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at
+once. Much depends upon it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad&#8217;s grasp, and Chester realized
+what was expected of him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ve got him,&#8221; he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on
+top of him.</p>
+
+<p>The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner
+was closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he
+desired no further information and the squad of soldiers marched away,
+the prisoner meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A nice pair of Englishmen you are,&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Traitors, that&#8217;s what
+you are. If you hadn&#8217;t stopped me I would have got away.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Never mind him,&#8221; said Lieutenant Strauss. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>&#8220;He&#8217;s naturally angry at
+being foiled in his attempt to escape.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand,
+was now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason
+pleaded fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant&#8217;s attention was
+directed elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared
+that, upon close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was
+concealing something in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He
+might have got away if it hadn&#8217;t been for you. No wonder he called us
+traitors.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled
+forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could see it,
+he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I didn&#8217;t know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know
+that there was something up.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Something up!&#8221; exclaimed Hal. &#8220;What do you mean?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why, simply that the prisoner&#8217;s attempt to escape was a ruse.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;A ruse?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly. That&#8217;s why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No,&#8221; replied Hal, losing his temper, &#8220;I don&#8217;t. Quit beating around
+the bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, then,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;you see this piece of paper?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of
+handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you
+were. That&#8217;s why I got it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You mean&mdash;&mdash;&#8221; began Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Exactly,&#8221; Chester interrupted. &#8220;Now, let&#8217;s see what it says.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads bent over the paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s written so finely I can hardly make it out,&#8221; said Chester, after
+looking over the paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Bring it over to the window,&#8221; replied Hal. &#8220;Under a strong light we
+may be able to read it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what they
+read:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>&#8220;For the success of military operations in the western
+theater of war, it is essential that the Russian campaign be
+pushed with immediate vigor, particularly in the north.
+Knowing that we are all working in sympathy and accord,
+without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this
+suggestion will be acted upon.&#8221;</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No address and no signature,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;What&#8217;s it all about?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester bent closer over the paper.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s this at the bottom?&#8221; he said.</p>
+
+<p>Hal looked again.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me,&#8221; he said, after a careful
+scrutiny. &#8220;By Jove, I have it! It&#8217;s a secret sign, that&#8217;s what it is.
+The man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I believe you have hit it,&#8221; exclaimed Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But how are we to know for whom it is intended?&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;It
+carries no address.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the
+Russian armies,&#8221; replied Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;How do you know that?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so,&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, then,&#8221; said Hal, &#8220;we know for whom it is intended, but what did
+the man give it to you for?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I hope he didn&#8217;t expect us to deliver it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;I can&#8217;t. But something has got to be done. I
+imagine that General French and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>General Joffre figured that it would
+be delivered without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route
+as commanded, or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden
+dash.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Well, I can&#8217;t see that that part makes any difference. The question
+now is, what are we going to do with it?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Chester; &#8220;that&#8217;s the question.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode,
+each suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.</p>
+
+<p>Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; asked Hal eagerly.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll take it ourselves!&#8221; he exclaimed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will, eh?&#8221; said Hal incredulously. &#8220;Would you mind telling me
+how?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I won&#8217;t tell you anything,&#8221; was Chester&#8217;s reply. &#8220;But are you willing
+to do as I say?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Hal, after some consideration.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand
+Duke Nicholas!&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h2>
+
+<h3>TAKING A CHANCE.</h3>
+
+<p>&#8220;The first thing to do,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;is to appropriate two of
+Lieutenant Strauss&#8217;s uniforms. That&#8217;s your job.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s right&mdash;pick out the easy work for me,&#8221; replied Hal
+sarcastically. &#8220;How do you figure I&#8217;m going to get &#8217;em?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;That&#8217;s up to you. My job, and a much
+harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general&#8217;s big
+maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know
+where we are going.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I take back what I said,&#8221; exclaimed Hal. &#8220;I&#8217;ll try to get those
+uniforms.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Trying is not enough,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;You&#8217;ve got to get &#8217;em!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All right, then,&#8221; replied Hal, &#8220;I&#8217;ll get &#8217;em!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home,
+a detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders
+not to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the
+lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the
+house. The lieutenant had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>demurred at the placing of a guard around
+the house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys
+escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point,
+remarking:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know these Americans better than you do. They&#8217;re slippery. You have
+to watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped
+unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.</p>
+
+<p>He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s up to me to see if I can&#8217;t pick that lock,&#8221; he told himself, and
+set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from his
+pocket.</p>
+
+<p>In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and
+viewed the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of
+footsteps from without. Then an idea struck him.</p>
+
+<p>Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door.
+A moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
+lieutenant&#8217;s uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
+the door and tightened the bolts.</p>
+
+<p>Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
+room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not
+there.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Hope he has things as easy as I did,&#8221; said Hal <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span>to himself, and sat
+down to await his friend&#8217;s return.</p>
+
+<p>When Chester entered the general&#8217;s private room, which he found
+unlocked, he went straight to the general&#8217;s desk. He knew that maps
+and valuable papers were kept there, because the general had once
+referred to them as being there while at supper.</p>
+
+<p>The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
+expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always
+carried from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
+unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly
+threw up the top.</p>
+
+<p>Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
+returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
+and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what
+he was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
+general&#8217;s desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which
+he also thrust into his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
+lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out.
+There was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him,
+Chester walked rapidly down the hall to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span>his own room, where Hal was
+waiting for his return.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Did you get it?&#8221; asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed
+the door behind him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; replied Chester; &#8220;and you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They are under the bed,&#8221; said Hal, with a grin. &#8220;I believe I would
+make a first-class burglar.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And I,&#8221; agreed Chester. &#8220;However, &#8216;All&#8217;s fair in love and war,&#8217; you
+know.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am glad I do know it,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Otherwise I wouldn&#8217;t think much
+of myself now.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We had better hide these things,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Their loss might be
+discovered and a search made.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Where shall we put them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened
+the door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small
+opening, apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the
+ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Put &#8217;em in here,&#8221; he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his
+pocket, he suited the action to the word.</p>
+
+<p>Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of
+hard squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark
+cloth made the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All we need now are swords and pistols,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Pistols,&#8221; agreed Hal. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know that we need swords.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You don&#8217;t,&#8221; said Chester, in contempt. &#8220;We would make a couple of
+fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn&#8217;t we?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;re right,&#8221; Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. &#8220;Where are we going
+to get them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the
+hall before retiring,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Then I noticed another pair of
+swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably
+leaves his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for
+us.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Chester&#8217;s thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated
+stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General
+Strauss, upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office,
+saying that he would be in to dinner in a few moments.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without
+waiting for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;My maps!&#8221; he cried. &#8220;My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant jumped to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Have you lost them, sir?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Lost &#8217;em? Lost &#8217;em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where
+they were?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;No, I didn&#8217;t leave &#8217;em at headquarters,&#8221; raged the general. &#8220;Someone
+has stolen them!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know
+that none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing
+them.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I tell you they have been stolen!&#8221; cried the general. &#8220;I want the
+house searched at once&mdash;every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of
+these two Americans also.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Father!&#8221; admonished the lieutenant. &#8220;Surely you are not accusing
+them?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must
+I call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll help, sir,&#8221; replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said
+softly: &#8220;Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces
+something.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The old general&#8217;s sharp ears caught this remark.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Irritable, am I?&#8221; he cried. &#8220;Well, maybe I am, but I don&#8217;t need to
+have my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that
+demands an apology I&#8217;ll apologize myself.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I&#8217;ll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; snapped the general, &#8220;and see that you make a thorough job of
+it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span></p><p>At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;If you think we have your papers, sir,&#8221; he said quietly, &#8220;we are
+willing to submit to a search.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And searched you shall be,&#8221; said the general. He turned to his son.
+&#8220;Search them!&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The lads submitted to the
+search in silence.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;They have nothing, sir,&#8221; said the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Then search the second floor,&#8221; commanded the general.</p>
+
+<p>An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later
+the old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I found nothing, sir,&#8221; reported the lieutenant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Nor I,&#8221; said the general slowly. &#8220;Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps,
+after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters.&#8221; He turned to Hal and
+Chester. &#8220;I hope you will pardon me for my outburst,&#8221; he said gravely,
+&#8220;but I am easily excited.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Say no more about it, sir,&#8221; replied both lads together, but to each
+came the same thought:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We are in luck.&#8221;</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h2>
+
+<h3>SAFE AGAIN.</h3>
+
+<p>Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant
+Strauss said to the boys:</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would
+you care to accompany me to the play to-night?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they
+could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too
+tired.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Some other evening, if that will do as well,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, all right, whatever you say,&#8221; replied the lieutenant. &#8220;I hope
+there are no hard feelings&mdash;that you will overlook my father&#8217;s show of
+temper?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Of course,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;Anyone would have done the same under the
+circumstances.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads,
+bidding his mother good night, and announcing their intention of
+retiring early, made their way to their room.</p>
+
+<p>There their air of leisure gave way to haste.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We&#8217;ll have to hurry,&#8221; said Hal. &#8220;The general will fail to find his
+maps at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb&#8217;s
+tail.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span></p><p>Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant&#8217;s uniforms, and Chester
+placed the maps in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;We will have to go without revolvers,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;for we
+certainly can&#8217;t afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come
+home.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I should say not,&#8221; Hal agreed. &#8220;The sooner we get out of here now the
+better, providing we can get out.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and
+descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the
+two swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts,
+and, leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.</p>
+
+<p>Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they
+opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a
+swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into
+one of the guards.</p>
+
+<p>The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I beg your pardon, sir,&#8221; he said, addressing Chester. &#8220;I saw you go
+out once before, but I didn&#8217;t see you return.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You must be more careful,&#8221; said Chester, imitating the lieutenant&#8217;s
+voice. &#8220;My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn&#8217;t see you
+anywhere.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,&#8221;
+protested the soldier.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well, I&#8217;ll pass over it this time,&#8221; said Chester, &#8220;but don&#8217;t let it
+happen again. The prisoners might escape.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Thank you, sir,&#8221; replied the soldier, saluting again. &#8220;But the
+prisoners will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once
+around the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon
+had put considerable distance between them and the Strauss home,
+where, even now, the old general, having failed to find his maps at
+headquarters, was again raging about, swearing that his documents had
+been stolen.</p>
+
+<p>Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers.
+Also, while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it
+carefully.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I want to impress this firmly on my mind,&#8221; he said to Hal, &#8220;for we
+may not have a chance to look at it again for some time.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later
+they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the
+ugly-looking Colt each carried in his pocket.</p>
+
+<p>As the boys walked along one of the dark streets, they became aware of
+the soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to
+face <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a
+laugh.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Marquis!&#8221; he cried aloud.</p>
+
+<p>Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to
+the boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but
+with reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good old Marquis,&#8221; said Chester, patting his head. &#8220;You didn&#8217;t want
+to be left behind among all these Germans, did you?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What are we going to do with him?&#8221; asked Hal. &#8220;Won&#8217;t he be in the
+way?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, I don&#8217;t think so,&#8221; replied Chester. &#8220;Not if the plan I have in
+mind works.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is your plan?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You&#8217;ll know soon enough,&#8221; said Chester calmly. &#8220;Come on.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city
+at the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they
+walked along, but were not molested nor even challenged.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys
+and the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I thought I was right,&#8221; said Chester to himself. &#8220;But I was beginning
+to doubt it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What is it?&#8221; demanded Hal. &#8220;What is that building?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;That,&#8221; said Chester calmly, &#8220;is an a&euml;roplane station. We shall now go
+in and get one.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer
+who happens along?&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;No, they don&#8217;t,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;But, among other things in General
+Strauss&#8217;s desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one
+calling upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Why didn&#8217;t you tell me before?&#8221; demanded Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I wanted to save it as a surprise,&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a
+long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a
+sentry.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I have an order for the commandant,&#8221; called Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Approach,&#8221; said the sentry.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What can I do for you, gentlemen?&#8221; he asked.</p>
+
+<p>Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated
+from General Strauss&#8217;s desk from his pocket and passed it to the
+commandant. The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You shall have the machine in five minutes,&#8221; he said, and left them.</p>
+
+<p>True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood
+before them.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;You will have to run this thing,&#8221; Chester whispered to Hal.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Well, it won&#8217;t be the first time,&#8221; Hal whispered back.</p>
+
+<p>Hal took the aviator&#8217;s seat and Chester also took his place. Then the
+latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat
+down calmly between Chester&#8217;s feet.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Surely you are not going to take that dog,&#8221; protested the commandant.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Yes,&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the
+French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I see,&#8221; exclaimed the commandant. &#8220;A good idea.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Isn&#8217;t it?&#8221; said Chester.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All ready?&#8221; demanded the commandant of Hal.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;All ready,&#8221; was the lad&#8217;s reply.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Let her go, then,&#8221; the commandant ordered the two men who had
+appeared to give the a&euml;roplane a start.</p>
+
+<p>A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good luck,&#8221; called the commandant.</p>
+
+<p>Chester waved his hand in reply.</p>
+
+<p>Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the a&euml;roplane left the
+ground, and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Which way, Chester?&#8221; Hal called back over his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span></p><p>&#8220;Due east,&#8221; replied Chester, &#8220;but first rise as high as you can.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were
+thousands of feet above the earth.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;What&#8217;s your altitude?&#8221; called Chester.</p>
+
+<p>Hal told him.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;Good!&#8221; said Chester. &#8220;Keep her there, and now head due east.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a
+direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of
+war, would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies
+of Russia were rushing upon the German legions.</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;I know we shall get through safely,&#8221; called Chester, as they sped
+along. &#8220;Some way I feel it.&#8221;</p>
+
+<p>&#8220;And so do I,&#8221; Hal called back.</p>
+
+<p>They were right, and before another night had fallen these two young
+American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas,
+commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which
+had so strangely fallen into their hands&mdash;the paper which, later on,
+brought about more than one serious check to German arms.</p>
+
+<p>But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their
+further adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/30951">&#8220;The
+Boy Allies With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian
+Mountains.&#8221;</a></p>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber&#8217;s Notes:</span></h3>
+
+<p>1. Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters&#8217; errors; otherwise
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author&#8217;s words and
+intent.</p>
+
+<p>2. The original of this book did not have a Table of Contents; one has been
+added for the reader&#8217;s convenience.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by 
+Clair W. Hayes
+
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+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by Clair W. Hayes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+       Or, Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+Author: Clair W. Hayes
+
+Release Date: February 16, 2010 [EBook #12870]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Edwards, D Alexander, Suzanne Shell,
+Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ The Boy Allies
+ On The Firing Line
+
+ OR
+
+ Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+ By CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+ AUTHOR OF
+ "The Boy Allies at Liege"
+ "The Boy Allies With the Cossacks"
+ "The Boy Allies In the Trenches"
+
+ A.L.BURT COMPANY
+ NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+ Copyright, 1915
+ BY A. L. BURT COMPANY
+
+ THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE
+
+
+
+
+ THE BOY ALLIES ON THE
+ FIRING LINE.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+TERRIBLE ODDS.
+
+
+"Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn't it, Hal?" asked
+Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly
+along.
+
+"Great!" replied his friend enthusiastically. "And it looks as if we
+were to see action soon."
+
+"Yes, it does look that way."
+
+The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all
+told, with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were
+reconnoitering ten miles in advance of the main army along the river
+Marne in the great war between Germany and the allied armies. For
+several hours they had been riding slowly without encountering the
+enemy, when, suddenly, as the little squad topped a small hill and the
+two boys gained an unobstructed view of the little plain below, Hal
+pulled up his horse with an exclamation.
+
+Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an
+abrupt halt.
+
+"Germans!" he said laconically.
+
+"And thousands of 'em," said Chester. "They haven't seen us yet. What
+is best to be done?"
+
+The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of
+fire broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily
+ducked their heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.
+
+"Well, they have seen us now," said Hal; then turning to the men: "To
+the woods," pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.
+
+Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.
+
+"Up in the trees," ordered Hal, "and pick them off as they come!"
+
+Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among the
+branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming German
+horde.
+
+Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they
+approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their
+answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British
+troopers, accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton
+cavalry went down in heaps.
+
+There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching
+horsemen. Then, as the English continued their work, firing with
+machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a
+halt.
+
+"What are they stopping for?" cried Chester. "There are enough of them
+to overwhelm us!"
+
+"I believe they fear a trap," replied Hal. "They are afraid we are
+trying to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the
+delusion if we expect to get away."
+
+So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force
+advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been
+even wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had
+climbed into the trees, had aimed too low.
+
+From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and
+then, as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly,
+firing as they flitted from tree to tree.
+
+Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy's
+indecision. They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally
+gained the edge of the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from
+further in among the trees the leaden messengers of death still struck
+the Germans, and man after man fell in his tracks.
+
+Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to
+the ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed
+him with a word, and the little body of English continued their
+retreat, firing as they went.
+
+Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance
+of half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this
+half a mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the
+Germans were approaching nearer every second.
+
+Hal did not hesitate.
+
+"We shall have to make a dash for it!" he cried. "One more volley,
+men, and then run!"
+
+One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then
+the little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed
+scarcely half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the
+woods, and poured a volley into them.
+
+Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were
+left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees,
+but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.
+
+Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.
+
+"We may as well fight it out here," he told them. "We will hold them
+off if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind
+whatever cover offers."
+
+A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
+determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
+Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
+marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
+enemy halted.
+
+Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
+were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
+or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
+accounted for.
+
+For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
+darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure
+them into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a
+charge, but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as
+they flitted from one tree to another.
+
+But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little
+troop of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten
+men. The two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been
+struck once. They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had
+the troopers, but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.
+
+And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and
+two more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a
+last dash for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered
+him, and Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they
+turned and sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the
+direction of their own lines.
+
+Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans
+halted, puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether
+the enemy had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the
+approach of a larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the
+lives of Hal and Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans
+advanced they would have experienced little difficulty in killing or
+capturing them.
+
+Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when
+at length they once more emerged into the open country they were
+completely exhausted.
+
+"Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate," said
+Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. "It's terrible to
+think of those poor fellows we left behind."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Hal; "but I don't think they would complain.
+The British soldier is not that kind."
+
+"You are right," agreed Chester. "And each accounted for more than one
+of his country's foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?"
+
+"No. Were you?"
+
+"No. But come, we had better be pushing on again."
+
+With the loss of their comrades still preying upon their minds, the
+little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward
+we shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those
+who have not met them before, and to relate how it came about that
+they were serving in such an important capacity with the British army
+in France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.
+
+
+Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester
+Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable
+military service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the
+heroic defense of the Belgian city of Liege, which had held out for
+days against the overwhelming horde of Teutons.
+
+In Berlin with Hal's mother when the war broke out, they had been
+separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a
+gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British
+army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate
+experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told
+in the first book of this series, entitled "The Boy Allies at Liege."
+They had reached Liege in time to take an active part in the defense
+of that city.
+
+In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and
+each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they
+remained some time, while Hal's wound healed sufficiently to continue
+his homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the
+Belgian commander at Liege had mentioned them so favorably in his
+report to King Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as
+lieutenants in the Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their
+bravery.
+
+It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered
+Lieutenant Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was
+through his inducement that they now found themselves attached to the
+staff of Field Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British
+forces on the continent, engaged in scout duty.
+
+At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the
+main army on a reconnaissance.
+
+The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had
+been steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the
+ground. Day after day and night after night the hard pressed British
+troops, to which Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of
+the fighting. But for the heroism of these comparatively few English,
+slightly more than one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably
+would have marched to the very gates of Paris.
+
+But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the
+gallant command of Sir John French, they had checked the overwhelming
+numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English
+troops under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the
+greatest military achievements of the world's history.
+
+Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great
+Britain always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours,
+without sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the
+fearful fire of the great German guns miles away. While the French,
+farther south, gave way more rapidly, these few English stood their
+ground.
+
+Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the
+point of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These
+bayonet charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester, in spite of
+the fact that they had been in the midst of similar actions before
+Liege.
+
+As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the
+English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though
+with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more
+coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges
+was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle
+and artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time
+after time were driven back in disorder.
+
+And as the British charged, always the words of their battle-song,
+fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the
+sounds of battle:
+
+     "It's a long way to Tipperary.
+       It's a long way to go;
+     It's a long way to Tipperary,
+       To the sweetest girl I know.
+     Good-by, Piccadilly,
+       Farewell, Leicester square.
+     It's a long, long way to Tipperary,
+       But my heart's right there!"
+
+Liege had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several
+of the forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its
+beautiful buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested
+by the Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to
+relinquish the spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau,
+after a stubborn resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre,
+commander-in-chief of the French army, also had been forced to retire.
+
+So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government,
+the day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes
+and other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that
+the great French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town
+unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in the world,
+was being prepared to withstand a siege.
+
+And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy's war aviators
+flew over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon
+several days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring
+sky fighters. After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.
+
+But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that
+time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was
+excellent.
+
+In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had
+succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of
+English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned,
+their number much smaller than when they had charged.
+
+For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and
+Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy's line to
+reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
+attacked by the Germans in force.
+
+Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty
+who had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on
+horses; they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of
+the enemy. From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of
+firing.
+
+"Evidently they have not given up the pursuit," said Hal.
+
+"No; and they are probably mounted. Let's turn off into this little
+woods," replied Chester.
+
+They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
+their way.
+
+As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in
+advance, stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party
+halted.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in a whisper.
+
+"Germans!" replied Hal briefly.
+
+Chester approached closer and peered over his friend's shoulder. Less
+than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.
+
+"Perhaps they are not Germans," said Chester hopefully. "How did they
+manage to get behind us?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "But I am sure they are Germans. Some
+way, I can feel it."
+
+"Well, what are we going to do?"
+
+"We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us.
+Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured."
+
+Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an
+hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost
+directly before them, came a cry, in German:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.
+
+
+In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at
+first, could not see the man who had accosted them.
+
+At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.
+
+"Who goes there?" came the question from the darkness.
+
+"Friends!" replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.
+
+"Advance!" came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with
+his rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.
+
+It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms
+until the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.
+
+"English!" he exclaimed in surprise.
+
+His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
+staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
+fell with stunning force upon the German's head. The soldier dropped
+to the ground with a slight moan.
+
+"We'll have to get away from here quick!" exclaimed Chester. "Come
+on, men, follow us!"
+
+Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
+forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he whispered. "Look! We are right in the middle of
+them!"
+
+It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction,
+the boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German
+force sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut.
+Here and there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry
+flitting about.
+
+"We have certainly got into a mess," whispered Hal.
+
+"We have that," replied Chester. "Shall we make another detour?"
+
+Hal thought for a few moments.
+
+"I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without
+being seen," he replied at length. "There is no telling how far this
+line stretches out, and if we didn't get around them by daylight it
+would be all off with us."
+
+"But the sentries?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being
+heard. That's all there is about it."
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "We might as well move at once."
+
+The plan was outlined to the men and they went forward. A moment and
+they were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that
+the line of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was
+not very deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through
+safely.
+
+Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a
+certain amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was
+unlikely, should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them
+for English; and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash
+with some hope of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely
+exhausted, slept heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.
+
+The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as
+Hal, believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a
+breath of relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before
+them. It was a German sentry.
+
+Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward.
+The former's hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the
+sound of his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the
+man's face. The German fell limply into Chester's arms, and the boy
+laid him quietly on the ground.
+
+Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused
+no one. But suddenly there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning
+his head quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which
+caused such a racket in the stillness of the night.
+
+One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping
+German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was
+the German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his
+slumber.
+
+Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman
+dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the
+noise had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a
+rifle, and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched
+to the ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a
+smoking rifle in his hands.
+
+At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by
+magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:
+
+"Run!"
+
+At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The
+other man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry
+of command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the
+woods. No man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The
+darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.
+
+Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
+through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
+Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
+Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their
+chance of safety.
+
+But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible,
+so it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along
+as well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or
+tumbling into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length
+emerged into the open, and broke into a weary run.
+
+"We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the
+edge of the woods, or we are gone goslings," panted Hal.
+
+Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and
+as they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
+groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
+into the woods.
+
+"We'll stop here a moment and pick off a few of 'em," said Hal grimly.
+
+The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
+ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
+wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.
+
+"They don't know how many of us there are," said Hal, "and they are
+afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for
+it again."
+
+A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English
+sprang to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave
+them a parting shot, but there was no pursuit.
+
+"That was pretty close," said Chester.
+
+"It was, indeed," replied Hal, "and there is one more of our men gone.
+Was anyone wounded?" he asked, turning to the others.
+
+"Shot in the shoulder, sir," replied a man named Brown.
+
+"They got me in the arm," said another.
+
+"Anyone else?" questioned Hal.
+
+There was no reply, and Hal asked:
+
+"Are you two men able to go on without assistance?"
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"Good! Then come on."
+
+All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was
+not until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance,
+the first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.
+
+Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their
+quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice
+exclaimed:
+
+"Well, boys, how are you?"
+
+The lads turned quickly about; then each gave a cry of delight and
+grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.
+
+"Captain Derevaux!" they exclaimed in a single voice.
+
+"No," replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. "Major Derevaux, if
+you please!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.
+
+
+Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the
+hand.
+
+"Major, eh," ejaculated Hal. "I'm glad to hear that!"
+
+"So am I," declared Chester. "I am sure no one deserved promotion more
+than you."
+
+"Thanks," laughed the major.
+
+"Tell us," said Hal, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with
+the Southern army."
+
+"I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake
+not, they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought
+to a head and that we shall take the offensive soon."
+
+"Good!" cried Chester. "We have been retreating long enough."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "we can hardly advance in the face of such odds;
+we must have reinforcements."
+
+"Well," said Major Derevaux, "strong reinforcements already are
+arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our
+whole line."
+
+"That will mean severe fighting," said Chester.
+
+"Indeed it will," replied the major. "It will mean fighting such as
+the world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands
+upon thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back."
+
+"And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own
+way," said Hal.
+
+"Exactly," returned the major. "But I must leave you now, boys. I must
+return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!"
+
+"Good luck!" exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and
+strode rapidly away.
+
+The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to
+rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they
+again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then
+had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.
+
+Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were
+ready to move--whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet.
+It was evident, however, that something was afoot.
+
+Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and
+joined the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was
+sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally
+one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic
+command.
+
+The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said
+quietly:
+
+"Order a general advance!"
+
+A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in
+motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops
+perceived that they were going forward--that the retreat had ended.
+
+Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the
+crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged
+with the enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of
+the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men
+began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.
+
+But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.
+Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to
+halt. A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view,
+retreating before a large force of Germans.
+
+Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their
+faces toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been
+discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to
+fire rang out.
+
+There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their
+messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this
+deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans
+could recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon
+them, striking, cutting, slashing.
+
+It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed.
+But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the
+English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of
+infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British
+cavalry was forced to retire.
+
+All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in
+the very center of the British line. On the right and left the
+engagement was of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of
+rifles and artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the
+British were engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.
+
+Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center.
+Then General French turned suddenly to Hal:
+
+"Tell General Mayo to advance in force!" he commanded.
+
+The general turned to Chester:
+
+"Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!"
+
+The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost
+immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.
+
+As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the
+British came to sudden life. Flame burst out from all along the
+center and the Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into
+the wavering ranks of the enemy, and they turned to flee.
+
+A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as
+they advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut
+in the advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From
+their rear reinforcements were coming continually.
+
+The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by
+the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the
+accuracy of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were
+dropping on all sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the
+British, singing and cheering, continued their advance.
+
+The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men
+engaged in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense
+left--that of sight--and their rifles continued to deal out death.
+
+At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to fall
+back.
+
+There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more
+rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the
+English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.
+
+But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still
+closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the
+enemy's infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their
+comrades, close enough to come into action.
+
+The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did
+not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.
+
+General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick
+command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out
+along the British line:
+
+"With the bayonet! Charge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHARGE.
+
+
+For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence,
+and then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets
+from the thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns
+of the German field batteries checked them.
+
+The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost
+less time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy,
+who stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.
+
+The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work,
+encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for
+the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.
+
+As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce
+volley; but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English
+in struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued
+their deadly work.
+
+All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies
+pursuing them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated.
+The engagement became a slaughter.
+
+Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in
+the fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found
+themselves in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to
+turn back, but they managed to single each other out and soon were
+fighting side by side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal's cheek,
+where a German bayonet had pricked him slightly. Chester was
+unwounded.
+
+Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift
+move he swept aside his opponent's blade and felled him to the earth.
+At the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad
+of his weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal's sword.
+
+But the boy's grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt.
+Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could
+recover himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then,
+stooping, he picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of
+the German officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely
+engaged with two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.
+
+One swift stroke of the boy's sword and the soldier was laid low. At
+the same instant Chester's sword slipped through his opponent's guard
+and the latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.
+
+"Good work!" Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later
+both lads were once more too busy for speech.
+
+Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel.
+The latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At
+sword play the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester
+was giving a good account of himself.
+
+Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon
+came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face.
+Chester's opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death
+thrust. But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed
+harmlessly over his head.
+
+From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the
+knees before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at
+him, and, with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head.
+The German hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick
+himself up an English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of
+his bayonet.
+
+Chester seized the officer's sword and sprang forward into the thick
+of the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the
+victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing their way
+through the dense bodies of the enemy.
+
+Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling
+men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the
+head. Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his
+friend's plight, and jumped back.
+
+With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant
+would have been buried in Chester's prostrate form, but as he did so a
+heavy blow fell upon the lad's head and he was sent to his knees.
+Above him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.
+
+Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was
+impossible for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust.
+Quickly he threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German
+toppled on top of him, lifeless.
+
+Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his
+life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.
+
+"Just in time," said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now
+struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them,
+unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his
+friend.
+
+Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not
+seriously hurt, and with Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again
+plunged into the conflict.
+
+But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to
+stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way
+on all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon
+hundreds of the enemy were cut down in their flight.
+
+Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke
+and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British
+pursued them, and then a halt was called.
+
+The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so
+great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.
+
+Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be
+used while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action
+again, shelling the fleeing Germans.
+
+The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant
+Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb
+over the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for
+life. But the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared
+for with the greatest possible haste and gentleness.
+
+"That was some fight, if you ask me," said Hal to Chester, as they
+continued their way to the part of the field where they could see
+General French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to
+rejoin his own men, from whom he had become separated.
+
+"It was all of that," replied Chester, "and I can't imagine how we
+escaped with our lives."
+
+"Nor I. It doesn't seem possible that anyone in the midst of such
+terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly
+wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?"
+
+"No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?"
+
+"I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his
+rifle butt."
+
+"Look at the dead and wounded lying about," said Hal. "It is a
+terrible thing--this modern warfare."
+
+"It is, indeed," returned Chester, and the two continued on their way
+in silence.
+
+General French noticed their approach. The British commander was
+standing as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed
+to the fire of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BRIDGE IS HELD.
+
+
+At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.
+
+"Where have you been, sirs?" demanded the British commander.
+
+Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.
+
+"And you were in the midst of the charge?" questioned General French,
+when the lad concluded.
+
+"Yes, sir!"
+
+"And are not even badly wounded?"
+
+"No, sir!"
+
+"Wonderful!" exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments'
+silence: "You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two
+for my mission."
+
+"Yes, sir!" exclaimed Hal eagerly.
+
+"Both of you report to me in an hour," ordered General French.
+
+The two lads saluted again and moved away.
+
+"Wonder what he wants?" said Chester.
+
+"Too deep for me," was Hal's reply.
+
+"He said something about a mission. I guess that means more excitement
+for us."
+
+"I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it,
+no matter what it may be."
+
+"We can try, anyhow. That's the best anyone can do."
+
+At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French's
+headquarters.
+
+"I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will
+be attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?" asked
+the British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.
+
+"We shall do our best, sir," replied Hal.
+
+"Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and
+drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be
+not anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to
+lead one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The
+enemy must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the
+bridge as well as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been
+selected. They have volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show
+you where to find them. Hold the bridge! That is all!"
+
+The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee,
+and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had
+volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army,
+if necessary.
+
+It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced
+through the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme
+front. A long range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of
+the darkness, but little damage was being done by either side.
+
+Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their
+artillery again and the British were replying. The little band of
+English, with Hal and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the
+bridge described by General French, and there took up their positions.
+
+The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
+abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible
+for one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other
+end. It was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high
+and thus precluded any attempt to ford it.
+
+All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for
+battle on a moment's notice. All night long the shells of both the
+Germans and British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near
+them.
+
+With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
+British were awake. At Hal's suggestion they cut down trees, and
+dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind
+this they lay down.
+
+It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to
+the bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:
+
+"They are coming!"
+
+"All right," replied Hal. "We're ready for 'em!"
+
+Under Hal's direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all,
+appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been
+divided into three bodies--each containing twenty-five men--each body
+directly behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps
+made by the German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his
+place would immediately be filled by another, the second by the third,
+the third by the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front
+line would be still intact, although the fourth line would have
+disappeared.
+
+Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line,
+where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.
+
+"Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn," Capt. Lee
+instructed his men. "Then mow them down, and make every shot count!"
+
+Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The
+first line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down
+behind them. All was in readiness to repulse the attack.
+
+Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge,
+marching five abreast.
+
+"Fire!" cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.
+
+Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.
+
+A sudden idea struck Hal.
+
+"There's no use wasting five bullets on each German," he told his men.
+"Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve
+your fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take
+his man, and so on!"
+
+The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had
+just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.
+
+Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans
+fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five
+more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and
+still another five.
+
+The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a
+burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade
+dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for
+their rash attack.
+
+In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the
+dust. Then they drew off.
+
+"Good work, men!" cried Chester. "We can hold them off indefinitely,"
+he added to Hal.
+
+"Looks like it," was Hal's reply. "But if they make a concerted rush
+we shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?"
+
+"Very bad," answered one of the men. "I am afraid he's done for."
+
+And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate
+that had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and
+still more.
+
+As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and
+continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were
+beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn
+upon more rapidly each minute.
+
+Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of the
+fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on. The
+bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did not
+hesitate.
+
+Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went
+to death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both
+sides fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind
+the barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he
+himself went to his death.
+
+Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no
+cessation of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now
+formed a barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind
+them, using their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep
+they stood behind their dead, and poured volley after volley into the
+defenders.
+
+The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a
+German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and
+almost every time a German fell.
+
+All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the
+fierce fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead,
+being unable to rush the defenders.
+
+There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and
+Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the
+shoulder. But neither was badly hurt.
+
+"Hadn't we better retreat, sir?" asked one soldier of Hal, when there
+was a let up in the firing.
+
+"What chance would we have?" demanded Hal. "The minute we broke and
+ran we would be shot down like dogs."
+
+"Then we might surrender."
+
+"Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold
+it as long as we can."
+
+The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There
+was a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.
+
+"Wonder what that means?" demanded Hal of Chester. "They certainly are
+not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?"
+
+"I can't imagine," replied Chester. "But they have something up their
+sleeves."
+
+"Well, we'll soon see," said Hal.
+
+But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared
+around the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a
+sudden deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and
+Chester and the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble
+cheer.
+
+Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British
+cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of
+infantry, advancing swiftly.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Hal. "Saved! Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah!" repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over
+in a heap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.
+
+
+Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he exclaimed anxiously. "Are you wounded?"
+
+There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly
+alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.
+
+"Here, lend a hand some of you," he commanded. "One of you fetch some
+water!"
+
+Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head
+gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later
+returned with his cap filled with water.
+
+Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend's face, and soon
+noticed signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his
+eyes and smiled feebly.
+
+"Are you much hurt, old fellow?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the feeble response. "I don't think so. A bullet just
+grazed my side. I don't know how I came to topple over like that."
+
+Quickly Hal unloosened his friend's coat, tore open his shirt and
+examined his wound.
+
+"It's only a scratch," he said, straightening up at last. "Here,"
+pulling out his handkerchief, "I'll fix it up until we can have a
+surgeon look at it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes."
+
+"I'm able right now," said Chester, struggling to his feet.
+
+Leaning heavily on Hal's arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river
+bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing
+steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The
+approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a
+rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of
+smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and
+here and there men fell to the ground.
+
+"They arrived just in time, didn't they, Hal?" said Chester.
+
+"You bet they did," was the reply. "But come, we will try to make our
+way back to our station."
+
+With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going
+very slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under
+an army wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.
+
+"You have done well," was the general's only comment when Hal had
+concluded his recital.
+
+Hal saluted and left.
+
+"Guess I'll go back and keep Chester company," he said to himself.
+
+He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came
+suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had
+collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at
+the same time exclaiming:
+
+"What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can't you see where
+you are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners."
+
+Hal's face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who
+proved to be a French lieutenant.
+
+"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"
+
+"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.
+
+The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly across
+the face.
+
+Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and
+knocked him down.
+
+The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from
+his nose, approached Hal.
+
+"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you this
+evening."
+
+"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French," Hal said
+calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."
+
+The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned to
+Chester.
+
+"Back so soon?" said Chester.
+
+"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.
+
+"Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands."
+
+"A duel?"
+
+"Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
+lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He
+then informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds
+like a duel to me."
+
+"Yes," said Chester, "unless it can be patched up."
+
+"I am afraid it can't. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
+concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the
+Frenchman feels he has a grievance. He'll probably demand a fight or
+an apology."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a
+duel."
+
+"Not if I can prevent it," exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.
+
+"But you can't," replied Hal grimly. "And you had better lie down
+again. You are liable to strain your wound."
+
+"Oh, I am not worrying about the wound," exclaimed Chester. "The
+doctor said there was no danger. It's you I am worrying about. Why,
+you are likely to be killed."
+
+"Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself," returned Hal. "I've
+been pretty fortunate thus far. I don't figure I am going to fall
+before any Frenchman's sword or pistol. I'll probably be saved for a
+German bullet some of these days."
+
+Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides,
+he knew that in Hal's position his own actions would be the same.
+
+It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers
+made their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.
+
+"Choose swords," said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet the
+callers.
+
+"Mr. Paine," queried one of the Frenchmen politely.
+
+"No," replied Chester; "but I shall act for him."
+
+"Good," returned the Frenchman. "I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,"
+indicating his companion, "is Lieutenant Lamont."
+
+"I am Chester Crawford," said the lad briefly.
+
+"Then, to get down to business," said Lieutenant Mercer. "Mr. Paine
+has insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an
+apology."
+
+"There'll be no apology," said Chester shortly.
+
+"Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction
+from Mr. Paine."
+
+"It seems to me he has had satisfaction," said Chester.
+
+"Ah!" replied the Frenchman cheerfully. "You no doubt refer to the
+blow passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands
+satisfaction."
+
+"He had that coming to him," declared Chester.
+
+"So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to
+the arrangements----"
+
+"Look here," said Chester, interrupting. "With the whole German army
+lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able
+to find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is
+all nonsense."
+
+"But my friend's honor----" began the Frenchman.
+
+"Bosh!" declared Chester. "It wasn't your friend's honor that was
+hurt. It was his face."
+
+"Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?"
+
+"No!" shouted Chester. "He doesn't refuse to fight. He just doesn't
+see the necessity of fighting. That's all. But if you insist, he will
+give your friend all the satisfaction he wants."
+
+"I must insist," replied Lieutenant Mercer.
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "I am not familiar with dueling
+etiquette, but as the challenged party I believe the choice of
+weapons lies with us."
+
+The Frenchman bowed in assent.
+
+"Then let it be swords!"
+
+"Good! And the time and place?"
+
+"I'll leave that to you."
+
+"In the morning at half-past five--provided we are all alive--in the
+little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?"
+
+"Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?"
+
+"I shall be delighted," replied the Frenchman. "Until the morning,
+then," and the two French officers bowed themselves out.
+
+"Well, you are into it now," said Chester to Hal, after their visitors
+had gone. "Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the
+Happy Hunting Grounds before six o'clock to-morrow."
+
+Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door
+of the tent.
+
+"Am I intruding?" he asked.
+
+"Lieutenant Anderson!" exclaimed Chester. "Just the man I wanted to
+see."
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded the lieutenant.
+
+"Matter is that Hal's mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the
+morning."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.
+
+"Fact," said Hal. "I bumped into some little whipper-snapper of a
+French lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked
+him down. Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to
+him in the morning, at half-past five."
+
+The lieutenant sat down heavily.
+
+"Well, you are the limit," he said. "You are always in a scrape of
+some kind. I suppose it's up to me to prevent the duel."
+
+"No chance," said Hal briefly.
+
+"No," agreed Chester, "and it's up to you to make the third party on
+our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon."
+
+"Do you know what will happen if you are found out?" demanded the
+lieutenant.
+
+"No," said Hal.
+
+"Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The
+regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent."
+
+"I can't help that," said Hal. "I can't back out now."
+
+"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," replied the lieutenant,
+"I'll help you as best I can. I'll stay here to-night and go along to
+see that you get fair play."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DUEL.
+
+
+It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his
+eyes, aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before
+rousing Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking
+him up. Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.
+
+"What's the matter," muttered Hal drowsily. "Time to get up already? I
+just went to sleep. What's up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I'm to fight a
+duel this morning. All right, I'll be ready in a jiffy."
+
+"How did you sleep?" demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.
+
+"Fine. Never slept better in my life."
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal's pulse.
+
+"You'll do," he said quietly.
+
+"I haven't any nerves, if that is what you mean," said Hal with a
+smile.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.
+
+"I believe it," he replied. "But come, we had better be on our way."
+
+Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the
+early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared
+above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.
+
+"Not a very cheerful morning to die," commented Hal lightly, as they
+made their way quietly along.
+
+"You are not afraid, are you?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"What, after yesterday? Not a little bit."
+
+"I don't believe you know what fear is," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the
+ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised
+their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss
+the details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime
+discarding their coats and rolling up their sleeves.
+
+The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last face
+to face.
+
+"On guard!" came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+The swords flashed aloft.
+
+A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants
+were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized
+that he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.
+
+"I must be very careful," he told himself. "Perhaps I can wear him
+down a bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don't want to
+kill him. And I don't want to be killed myself."
+
+The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in
+and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had
+been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the
+foil.
+
+Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an
+attempt did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left
+several openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at
+last began to grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.
+
+He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad
+was not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not
+penetrate the other's guard angered him.
+
+Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped
+being impaled on the other's sword by a quick leap aside. Before the
+Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward again,
+his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon with a
+muttered imprecation. Hal's point had pierced his arm just below the
+shoulder.
+
+The Frenchman's seconds immediately leaped forward, and Hal stepped
+over to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"I guess that ends it," he said. "I suppose his honor is appeased
+now."
+
+"Don't be too sure," replied Lieutenant Anderson. "He is likely to be
+more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
+of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
+counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
+handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
+dropping him."
+
+The lieutenant's predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
+his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal
+was not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords' points
+again.
+
+But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could
+read in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him.
+Touched once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman
+would be more wary.
+
+In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
+foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
+Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
+under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.
+
+The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and
+the calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage.
+With a grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's
+days; but, with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his
+sword, and, with a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the
+Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant Dupree was at his mercy.
+
+The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
+forward.
+
+"Kill me," he said quietly.
+
+"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
+unfairly."
+
+Slowly Hal lowered his sword.
+
+"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
+turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he
+said.
+
+The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then
+with his two friends he walked away.
+
+The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.
+
+"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
+right in a moment."
+
+The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
+
+"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you.
+Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness
+is a thing to be admired."
+
+Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself
+off.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
+
+"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it
+was all up with you."
+
+"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I
+would have killed him myself."
+
+The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat
+down and talked the duel over.
+
+"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal
+finally, "is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will
+not have to report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will
+be all right in a day or two."
+
+"Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
+better," said Hal.
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "Can't you even keep still
+for a day?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "there is likely to be some real fighting to-day,
+and we don't want to miss anything, do we Chester?"
+
+"I should say not," was Chester's reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"It looks rather awesome, doesn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," was Hal's reply.
+
+The object of the boys' conversation was a long armored train, which
+stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads,
+after having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by
+the express command of General French, had strolled up to the
+temporary siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and
+snorting.
+
+It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this
+rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected
+by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns
+and rapid-firers.
+
+These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in
+other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in
+the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the
+German troops.
+
+The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant
+action. The gunners were at their posts, ready to go forward at a
+moment's notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge
+engine.
+
+In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a
+shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been
+through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these
+messengers of death.
+
+"They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden
+raids on the enemy," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," agreed Hal, "and it is easy to see that among light armed
+troops they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy
+artillery fire to make an impression on those steel sides.
+Besides----"
+
+He broke off with a sudden exclamation.
+
+"Look out," he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.
+
+A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had
+burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.
+
+A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the
+train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had
+cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to
+atoms.
+
+The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the
+sound of a sudden cry, and, turning their faces up the track, they
+beheld a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer
+dropped off one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not
+been touched by the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.
+
+"Who is in charge of this train?" demanded the horseman, throwing
+himself from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a
+stop.
+
+"I am," was the officer's brief response.
+
+"You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed," was the
+command. "The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000
+Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all
+be slaughtered."
+
+The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.
+
+"Hicks!" he called loudly. "Hicks!"
+
+There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal stepped
+forward.
+
+"If Hicks was your engineer," he said, "there is no use calling him.
+He is dead."
+
+"Dead?" exclaimed the officer.
+
+"Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was
+killed."
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the officer. "Then what am I to do? Hicks was
+the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their
+quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late."
+
+"Well," said Hal quietly, "if you want a volunteer, I am willing to
+tackle it for you."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have
+never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab
+of an engine in lumber camps in the United States."
+
+"And I can fire the engine," Chester broke in.
+
+"Well," said the officer, "something has to be done at once; and, if
+you are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard."
+
+He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester
+leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released
+the brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to
+forge slowly ahead.
+
+Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive
+commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like
+some mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.
+
+A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose
+above the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against
+the armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the
+engine seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.
+
+From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal's firm
+hand, the terrific speed of the train was checked. Then also from the
+rear there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had
+been unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the
+ranks of the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.
+
+Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it
+quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in
+that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.
+
+A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British,
+almost surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand
+directly on the railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A
+clump of small trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but
+from the other three directions the Germans were pouring in their
+deadly fire.
+
+The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley
+for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot
+up the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an
+abrupt stop.
+
+Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire,
+mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and,
+as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with
+high piles of the dead.
+
+The little troop of British received this unexpected aid with a great
+cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of
+Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.
+
+But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and
+Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer
+when there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash,
+and both lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.
+
+Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first
+to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a
+sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was
+still clear.
+
+He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on
+his elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.
+
+"Great Scott! What was that?" he gasped.
+
+Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced
+back over the train--or rather where the train had been. And what a
+sight met his gaze!
+
+The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of
+wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine
+guns.
+
+Hal peered over Chester's shoulder.
+
+"Another shell," he said slowly. "But how does it happen we were not
+killed also?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the shell must have struck
+in the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the
+engine."
+
+It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
+free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of
+the cab, made a startling discovery.
+
+"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We
+are goners, now, sure."
+
+But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
+released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge
+locomotive leaped suddenly forward.
+
+"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is
+covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."
+
+That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
+shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and
+bullets began to spatter against the side of the engine.
+
+"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.
+
+He opened the throttle even wider.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A WILD RIDE.
+
+
+The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
+whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot
+with a lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the
+rails.
+
+"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his
+voice to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
+locomotive.
+
+"I don't know," Hal shouted back.
+
+"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and
+we would certainly be killed."
+
+"You are right," shouted Hal.
+
+Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
+trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon
+slackened.
+
+Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far
+in the rear, and both breathed more freely.
+
+"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded.
+"Don't you think we had better get off and walk back?"
+
+"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much.
+Besides, I am certain the British must control this road at the other
+end or it would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on
+going and see what happens."
+
+"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it
+in my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."
+
+The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen
+eye ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident;
+then suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, "opened her up"
+again.
+
+Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.
+
+"What's the matter now?" cried Chester, springing to Hal's side.
+
+"Matter!" shouted Hal. "Look ahead."
+
+Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.
+
+"More Germans, eh!" he muttered, and then shouted. "You do the driving
+and I'll keep her hot."
+
+"Good!" Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.
+
+Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the
+locomotive, for they did not even glance in its direction. Troopers
+stood beside either side of the track, and several groups were
+standing between the rails.
+
+Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move.
+A moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a
+sudden shout, but it was too late--for some, at any rate.
+
+The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the
+track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low
+inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine
+shot past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more
+flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close
+work, and no mistake.
+
+"Whew!" breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of
+the German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the
+locomotive. "That was close."
+
+"Too close for comfort," Hal agreed.
+
+"I wonder how many we killed back there," said Chester.
+
+"I don't know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their
+lives or ours."
+
+"It's only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken
+cause," said Chester slowly. "But, as you say, it was either they or
+us. There was nothing else we could do."
+
+"No," said Hal, "there wasn't; but, just the same, it gave me a cold
+chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible."
+
+Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its
+way. It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed
+of the engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a
+wary eye ahead for Germans.
+
+Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little
+better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to
+discontinue his reckless driving.
+
+From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost
+instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive
+came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.
+
+"What's up now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I don't know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were
+something wrong ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if the Germans had
+dynamited the bridge."
+
+"By George! I believe you are right," exclaimed Chester. "I wouldn't
+have thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle
+the chances are we would have gone over if such is the case."
+
+"Well," said Hal, "I'll climb down, take a walk ahead and
+investigate."
+
+"I'll go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"No, you won't. You stay here and watch the engine."
+
+"You are right, as usual," said Chester. "But don't be any longer than
+you can help."
+
+Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the
+darkness.
+
+Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved
+stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion
+became apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had
+detected the meaning of the explosion and none too soon.
+
+Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a
+deep chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown
+up. Had Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in
+spite of the fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys
+probably would have been carried over the embankment to certain death;
+for it is doubtful that either, in the darkness, would have noticed
+the absence of the bridge in time to leap to safety.
+
+And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his
+dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned
+quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously
+awaiting his return.
+
+"Out here, quick!" he cried, and Chester, in response to his command,
+leaped to the ground.
+
+Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester's cry of
+wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he
+dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down
+the track.
+
+Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in alarm.
+
+"Matter is that the Germans are coming this way," answered Hal. "Come,
+let's get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to
+escape in the darkness."
+
+"But why did you start that engine down the track like that?"
+
+"Well, I couldn't see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may
+dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in
+force."
+
+This appealed to Chester.
+
+"Good!" he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.
+
+A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout,
+followed by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.
+
+"Good-by engine," said Hal. "That's a good job done. You perished
+nobly. Now," to Chester, "let's get away from this spot as fast as we
+can."
+
+They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and
+set out at a brisk pace. They plodded along for an hour through the
+open country, finally coming to a dense woods.
+
+"Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here," said Chester.
+
+"Right you are," agreed Hal.
+
+They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced
+to travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the
+end of another hour had covered considerable distance.
+
+"I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods," said
+Chester.
+
+"Don't be too sure," declared Hal. "It's the unexpected that always
+happens."
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was
+proved. As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a
+little clearing a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt
+stop.
+
+"Halt!" came a voice. "Halt, or I fire!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his
+head; Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that
+there was not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier
+had his rifle pointed squarely at them.
+
+Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the
+lads might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably
+would have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized
+that it was no time to take such a chance.
+
+"We surrender," called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier
+lowered his weapon and approached them.
+
+He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets
+of their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:
+
+"Right about; forward, march!"
+
+The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them,
+keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners
+attempt to escape.
+
+But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were
+fully aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they
+make even one false move.
+
+They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared
+to be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to
+the tent of the commanding officer.
+
+"What are you doing within our lines?" was the latter's first question
+after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.
+
+"Well," said Hal, "we were accidentally carried through your lines by
+a locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the
+train was blown up. We couldn't get back, so we went ahead. We finally
+lost the engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines."
+
+"Lost the engine? What do you mean?" asked the officer.
+
+"Why," Chester broke in, "we sent it over a precipice that it might
+not fall into the hands of the Germans."
+
+"You did, eh?" said the German officer. "Well, I shall attend to your
+case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully
+guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning.
+Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require."
+
+"You won't get any information out of us," said Chester angrily.
+
+"Won't I?" replied the officer, with a sneer. "We shall see. Take them
+away."
+
+The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a
+guard on the outside.
+
+"Well, here we are again," said Chester, with a faint smile. "What do
+you suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the
+general wants to know?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," was Hal's reply, "but I am afraid we are
+in for it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I
+have heard of the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their
+prisoners, but one look at the general's face was enough to convince
+me that he would stop at nothing to gain his end."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too," agreed Chester. "But, one thing is
+certain, he'll get no information out of me."
+
+"Nor out of me, either," declared Hal.
+
+Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness he
+stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in
+his pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark
+interior of the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.
+
+"Bicycles," he muttered.
+
+"What?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?"
+
+"Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
+scouting expedition," said Hal.
+
+"By George!" exclaimed Chester suddenly.
+
+"What is it now?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.
+
+"Have you a knife?" he asked at length.
+
+Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend's hand, Chester
+stepped to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made
+a neat incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square.
+Then he put his eye to the hole and peered out.
+
+There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro
+in front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.
+
+Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal's side.
+
+"If we can get two of these bicycles out here," he whispered, "we may
+be able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a
+chance?"
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal. "Anything is better than sitting here and waiting
+for I know not what. But do you think we can make it?"
+
+"Well, we can at least try. There doesn't seem to be a guard in the
+rear. I am going to cut a big slit in the back. Then we'll slip the
+bicycles through it, mount and make a dash."
+
+"Good!" said Hal.
+
+Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole
+large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected
+a bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.
+
+Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.
+
+"We'll have to depend on our luck now," whispered Chester. "Come on!"
+
+The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding
+through the heart of the German camp.
+
+In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety,
+for the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of
+the allied armies to be riding through their midst.
+
+They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning
+this way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents
+before a hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been
+discovered.
+
+"We must be careful," cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside
+Chester. "There is still the outpost to pass."
+
+But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they
+pedaled faster; and then the outpost came into sight--a long line of
+men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while
+others sat upon the ground.
+
+The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles
+sped between the German troopers. A cry of "halt!" went unheeded, and
+the Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a
+volley after the lads.
+
+But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim
+carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did
+not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared
+in the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their
+ammunition foolishly.
+
+The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode
+on swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.
+
+"I'm tired out," said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.
+
+"And so am I," replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to
+stretch his legs.
+
+Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint
+"chug-chug."
+
+Chester pricked up his ears.
+
+"What's that?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal
+sprang toward his bicycle.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped into the saddle. "Motorcycles! We are
+pursued!"
+
+Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again
+riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the
+highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them
+from any great distance.
+
+Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the
+ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester
+immediately did likewise.
+
+The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees,
+and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them
+from sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close
+behind him, dashed back in the direction from which they had come,
+taking care to keep well within the shelter of the trees.
+
+And now Chester made out the object of his friend's wild dash. It was
+a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected
+it as they sped by, but Hal's keen eyes had singled it out as a
+possible refuge.
+
+"We'll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly," Hal
+told his friend, as they ran toward the house. "If they will allow us
+to hide here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines
+safely."
+
+The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped sharply upon the rear
+door. A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway.
+She started back at the appearance of the two lads.
+
+"Are the English coming?" she demanded, after a quick glance at the
+lads' uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: "At
+last! At last!"
+
+"No, madam," Hal undeceived her, "the English are not coming--yet. We
+are trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle
+squad is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until
+nightfall."
+
+The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and
+motioned them into the house.
+
+"Come," she said quietly. "The Germans will not learn you are here
+through me."
+
+The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at
+that very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road,
+their motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A TRAITOR APPEARS.
+
+
+Hal turned to Chester.
+
+"When they fail to find us," he said, "they'll come back, inquiring
+all along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here." He turned
+to the woman. "Have you a place where we can hide?"
+
+"Yes," she replied, "there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may
+go up there and no one will be the wiser."
+
+"Then we had better get up there at once," said Chester, "for there is
+no telling how soon they may return."
+
+A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
+top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good woman
+departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with water and
+food.
+
+"You'll need it," she said, when Hal protested against putting her to
+so much trouble. "And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I
+not aid the friends of my own country."
+
+She was back in a few moments, and the lads ate hungrily of the food
+she brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had
+passed their lips.
+
+After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:
+
+"This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put
+it in sleeping. Besides, we'll need all the rest we can get for our
+journey to-night."
+
+"Just what I was thinking," said Chester, "and I'm ready to go to
+sleep right this instant."
+
+He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast
+asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.
+
+How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened
+by the sound of voices directly below them.
+
+"No, I have seen nothing of them," came the voice of the woman who had
+given them refuge.
+
+"But we have searched every place else," came another voice, speaking
+in French, but with a heavy German accent. "They must be here. We
+found the bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured
+the woods. They must be here."
+
+"I say they are not," came the woman's voice, raised in anger.
+
+"Well, I must search the house, at any rate," said the German, "and,
+if I find that you have been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will
+go hard with you. Stand aside, please."
+
+"I tell you there is no one here," cried the woman.
+
+"Stand aside!" came the German's voice again, and there was the sound
+of a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: "Search the house,
+men."
+
+Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and
+Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an
+hour the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and
+there was the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.
+
+And finally came the voice of the woman again: "I told you there was
+no one here."
+
+But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.
+
+"Have you searched the attic?" he demanded of his men; "and the
+cellar?"
+
+"There is no one in the cellar," came a voice in reply, "and there is
+no attic."
+
+"I'll have a look for myself," came the reply, and heavy footsteps
+ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester.
+There came to the lads' ears the sounds of heavy blows against the
+floor on which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure
+that there was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But
+after a while he desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and
+a few moments later the sound of his voice:
+
+"There is no one up there."
+
+Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door
+gave evidence that the Germans had departed.
+
+"I was afraid he would locate the trap-door," said Hal to Chester,
+after they had gone.
+
+"Same here," replied Chester. "But I wasn't going to let them take me
+without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we
+could certainly dispose of him."
+
+"Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or
+something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we
+couldn't let the woman who has aided us come to harm."
+
+"No, that's so, too," agreed Chester. "I hadn't thought of that."
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the
+trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready
+above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove
+to be an enemy.
+
+But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress
+appeared through the opening.
+
+"You can come down now, if you want to," she said. "The Germans have
+been here and gone. I am sure they will not return."
+
+Chester turned to Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he asked. "Shall we go down, or had we better
+stay up here?"
+
+Hal considered for a moment.
+
+"I guess we might as well go down," he replied at length. "I don't
+believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it's
+too cramped and stuffy up here for comfort."
+
+Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments
+later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.
+
+"We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us," Chester
+told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.
+
+"No, indeed; we can never thank you enough," agreed Hal. "Had it not
+been for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans
+right now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us."
+
+The good woman waved aside their thanks.
+
+"Pooh! pooh!" she said. "And why shouldn't I help you? Surely no
+thanks are necessary because I did my duty."
+
+"But women----" Hal began, when she interrupted him.
+
+"I have a son of my own in the war," she said, her voice growing very
+low and tears dimming her eyes.
+
+"And I hope," said Hal gently, "should he ever be in a situation
+similar to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving
+his life, and that some day he may return to you."
+
+"Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied," said the woman, who
+now introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. "He has been a very
+wild boy, but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight
+to the last for his country, as did his father before him."
+
+"And I am sure of it, too," said Chester. "When we return to our lines
+we shall make it our business to hunt him up."
+
+And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the
+room in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in
+civilian garb, burst in.
+
+Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the
+newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the
+young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.
+
+Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"My son," she said proudly, "of whom I was just talking to you."
+
+Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded, pointing to the two lads.
+
+Mrs. Dersi explained.
+
+"And we were just talking of you," she added; then stopped and
+surveyed her son critically. "Why are you not in uniform?" she
+demanded.
+
+"Why, I--I--I----" stuttered young Dersi, "I am on a scout, and it was
+thought best for me not to go in uniform." He turned suddenly to Hal:
+"Are you expecting any of your men here?" he demanded.
+
+"Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to
+our lines to-night."
+
+Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost
+upon either Hal or Chester.
+
+"Well," he said, after a pause, "I haven't time to stay here. I just
+dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went
+north? How long have they been gone?"
+
+"About an hour," said Chester.
+
+"Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way."
+
+He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had
+left the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.
+
+"There is something queer about him," said Chester to Hal, as Mrs.
+Dersi and her son left the room. "He's not telling the truth."
+
+"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief
+he is fleeing from the French lines to give information to the
+Germans."
+
+"You mean you think he is a traitor?"
+
+"I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am
+afraid you have hit the nail on the head."
+
+"In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried
+Chester.
+
+"I'm sure he'll tell," said Hal quietly.
+
+"Then what shall we do?"
+
+"We shall leave at once--or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is
+the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her
+heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country."
+
+"It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was
+prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.
+
+"And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable
+pride.
+
+"He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the
+truth.
+
+"Mrs. Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be
+better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no
+Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we
+shall reach our own lines."
+
+"But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. "We
+think we had better take our departure at once."
+
+Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that
+they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell,
+enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her
+should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving
+the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on
+their weary journey toward the British lines.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A FIGHT IN THE DARK.
+
+
+Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed.
+They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and
+the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little
+doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that
+he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.
+
+Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
+they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
+their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists
+who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
+instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
+was with them.
+
+Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young
+man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively
+and inquired the cause of his sudden return.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have
+learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my
+own regiment. But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone?
+If not, we can all continue our journey together."
+
+"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.
+
+"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
+direction did they go?"
+
+The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
+thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment
+later young Dersi left the house; and soon the Germans were once more
+upon the trail of the two lads.
+
+Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them.
+It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that
+they were that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and
+still the two lads plodded onward.
+
+At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
+quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
+Chester when from the rear once more came the faint "chug-chug" of a
+motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.
+
+Chester sprang to his feet.
+
+"Here they come again," he cried. "We were right. It is the traitor
+Dersi who has put them on our trail. Hustle!"
+
+Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
+directly ahead. They reached their friendly shelter just before the
+glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
+their pursuers.
+
+Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
+absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by
+at terrific speed.
+
+The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in
+among the trees.
+
+"We must be very careful," Hal warned Chester. "When they fail to
+overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we'll
+climb up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go
+ahead as far as we can."
+
+"That seems the best way to me," Chester agreed.
+
+They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a
+sound of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the
+presence of the enemy.
+
+Chester's cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard
+the hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both
+dropped to the ground.
+
+They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and
+for that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the
+ground they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could
+locate the man who had fired.
+
+But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the
+ground as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the
+suspense as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:
+
+"We can't stay here. I'll wriggle my way to that tree," pointing, "and
+you creep behind that one," pointing again, this time to a tree
+perhaps a hundred yards distant from the first.
+
+"All right," Chester whispered back.
+
+Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for
+his own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness
+of the night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from
+him.
+
+In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward
+Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.
+
+"The dog!" said Hal angrily to himself. "I'll fix him."
+
+Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated
+when they were captured by the Germans.
+
+On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy
+from behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up
+like a giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as
+he did so, he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.
+
+The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal's enemy
+turned suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he
+could bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.
+
+The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now
+attempted to bring it down on the lad's head. But Hal was too quick
+for him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in
+the face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other
+hand.
+
+As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the
+weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the
+force of Hal's blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A
+moment later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.
+
+Hal saw his enemy's move and sprang back. But the man was after him in
+an instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together
+for Hal to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that
+he probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and
+ran.
+
+But it was not Hal's intention to run very far from his enemy. He was
+not that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the
+man so that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust
+of air pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by
+him.
+
+The German, realizing the boy's purpose, and also that he could not
+overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment
+the knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.
+
+In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder
+him, Hal could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood.
+Therefore, even as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his
+head, and, holding it tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.
+
+In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force
+behind it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung,
+brought the heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German's
+head with a crack. The man dropped limp at the boy's feet.
+
+Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy,
+wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other
+weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once
+more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the
+terrible fight that had just occurred.
+
+Hal whistled softly--the whistle of the old days in America--and,
+listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.
+
+Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy
+behind, and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his
+feet.
+
+Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another
+shot, and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to
+the ground.
+
+Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely
+taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His
+effort was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to
+run to where his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal
+felt a bullet whiz by his head.
+
+Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist
+would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire
+at the first sight of his enemy.
+
+But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had
+heard of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some
+moments, and then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he
+crawled slowly toward the spot where Chester had fallen.
+
+What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment
+Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low
+whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a
+large tree.
+
+A moment later Hal was beside his friend.
+
+"Are you hurt much?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Not even touched," was the reply. "I dropped to the ground when the
+bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time."
+
+Hal seized Chester's hand and squeezed it warmly.
+
+"I was afraid it was all up with you," he said. "I----"
+
+The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet flew
+past.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.
+
+
+"Great Scott!" Hal ejaculated. "We've got to get out of here some way.
+We can't stand here and be shot down."
+
+"Wait," said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the
+latter to the ground, where he had dropped himself.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Let me look at that gun you have a moment."
+
+Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as
+possible in the dark.
+
+"I don't believe there is more than one man in these woods," he
+finally said. "Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round
+behind him."
+
+Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not
+directly toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from,
+but bearing off well toward the right.
+
+Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words,
+Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some
+time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously
+out from behind the tree, where it was silhouetted against the
+opening between the trees.
+
+A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.
+
+"Good thing it wasn't my head," said Hal ruefully. "But if I can keep
+that fellow's attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab
+him."
+
+Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there
+was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a
+second report, and Hal heard his friend's voice raised in almost a
+shout:
+
+"I got him."
+
+Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his
+friend's voice.
+
+When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide
+detour, came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the
+man had fired at Hal's hat, Chester was almost upon him.
+
+Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of
+the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon
+loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing,
+the enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that
+Chester fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly
+have been a death wound--for Chester was a crack shot--and received
+the ball in his pistol hand.
+
+His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.
+
+Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon
+him, and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded
+though he was, the man put up a hard fight.
+
+Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a
+mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent
+turned to grope for his revolver.
+
+But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in
+the situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester's assailant.
+
+Hal's first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy
+twisted one hand around the man's throat. But, if he thought to
+overcome his opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host.
+Lying almost at full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist
+straight upward into Hal's face. The lad released his hold upon his
+enemy's throat and fell back.
+
+It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him,
+Hal recognized him. It was young Dersi!
+
+"Dersi!" gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of
+defense.
+
+"Yes," gritted his opponent, "and I am going to kill you both, right
+here and now."
+
+With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad
+was not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort,
+wriggled from beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.
+
+This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he
+allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This
+he now pointed full at Hal.
+
+But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying
+unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the
+situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.
+
+This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi's finger pressed
+the trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His
+revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal's
+right ear.
+
+Quickly Hal jumped to Chester's side and raised his chum in his arms.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he said anxiously. "Tell me, are you much hurt?"
+
+"Not much, I think," was his friend's reply. "But he gave me an awful
+wallop. I shall be all right presently."
+
+Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced that
+his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With Hal's
+assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side of his
+head.
+
+"He kicked like a mule," said Chester. "Great Scott! I never had
+anything hurt like that."
+
+At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.
+
+Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi's voice was very indistinct, and
+the boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.
+
+Hal placed his ear close to the dying man's lips. The voice came
+faintly.
+
+"Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She
+thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was," and his voice became
+stronger, "until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to
+gamble. I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered
+a chance to cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to
+the Germans. I did. Then I was discovered."
+
+"How?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior's coat,
+which he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to
+death. Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in
+this piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the
+confidence of General Joffre."
+
+"His name?" demanded Hal quickly.
+
+The wounded man was silent for some time.
+
+"I have never betrayed a comrade," he said at length, "but I am at the
+door of death. I must make what reparation I can. His name is General
+Emil Tromp."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.
+
+"It is true," continued the wounded man. "But listen," and his voice
+grew fainter. The end was not far off now. "Listen! Will you do me one
+favor, you whom I have tried to kill?"
+
+Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.
+
+"Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in
+battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as
+you Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your
+death?"
+
+"We will," promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.
+
+"Promise," said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one
+elbow.
+
+"We promise," said both lads solemnly.
+
+The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him,
+thinking that he was dead. But the voice came again:
+
+"I wouldn't have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but
+who would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When
+you see General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you
+concerning the traitor. Immediately, do you understand?"
+
+"We understand," said Hal.
+
+"And my mother, you will do as you have promised?"
+
+"We have promised," said Chester simply.
+
+"Then I may die in peace," said the wounded traitor.
+
+He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and
+lay still.
+
+Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.
+
+"He is dead," he said quietly. "May he rest in peace."
+
+"Amen to that," said Chester, also standing with bared head. "And his
+mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she
+does not know."
+
+"And so we shall," declared Hal. "It will be a lie for which I am sure
+we shall be forgiven."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.
+
+
+"What shall we do with him?" questioned Chester. "We can't go away and
+leave him here like this."
+
+"No," Hal agreed. "I know we should, for our own safety may depend
+upon it, but just the same it goes against the grain."
+
+"If we had something to dig with," said Chester.
+
+"But we haven't," Hal interrupted.
+
+But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the
+traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping
+feet.
+
+For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal
+by the arm.
+
+"Come," he said in a hoarse whisper, "we must find a place of safety."
+
+Hal drew back.
+
+"Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun," he said.
+
+He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second
+revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he
+passed to Chester.
+
+"We'll probably need these," he said grimly. "Now, let's see if we
+can't find a place to hide."
+
+Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could
+hear the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being
+detected in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same
+distance between themselves and the Germans.
+
+But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier
+had flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely
+upon the crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any
+other place of refuge.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.
+
+Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their
+presence had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a
+rifle. Neither boy was touched, although the bullet passed
+uncomfortably close to Chester's head.
+
+Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys
+made a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such
+easy fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and
+exposed them to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the
+ground, and thus avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.
+
+As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum,
+and, glancing quickly about, he could see no sign of him. The lad was
+non-plussed, but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal's
+voice, apparently below him:
+
+"Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come."
+
+Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend's voice. But
+he was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly
+for some means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what
+seemed to be a steep embankment.
+
+He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal's hand upon his
+arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Where are we? Down in the bottomless
+pit?"
+
+Hal clapped his hand over Chester's mouth, for his keen ears had
+detected the sounds of footsteps above.
+
+"Quiet!" he whispered.
+
+Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above
+came the sound of a voice:
+
+"I wonder where they went?"
+
+"I don't know," answered another voice, "but we had best be careful.
+They are probably armed."
+
+Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and
+crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling
+Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some
+minutes. Finally, raising his head, Hal dropped quickly again with a
+muttered exclamation.
+
+In arising his head had come in contact with something above him.
+Raising an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above.
+Then he reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet
+each way were solid walls.
+
+"A cave," he muttered.
+
+"What?" asked Chester.
+
+"We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after
+they learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and
+starve us out. But, if they try to come in--well, I don't think they
+will get very far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here
+until I see how far back this thing goes."
+
+Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three
+minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a
+sudden exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for,
+apparently, the cave had two openings.
+
+Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one.
+Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him
+of what he had learned.
+
+"Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick," was
+Chester's decision. "Let's go."
+
+Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the
+opening again, poked his head out. This time he was doomed to a
+disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the
+ground when he drew it in quickly again.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter is," said Hal quietly, "that there are six Germans standing
+about five yards from the entrance."
+
+"What!" cried Chester, in consternation.
+
+"Exactly," said Hal; "if you don't believe it have a look for
+yourself."
+
+"Oh, I don't want to look," said Chester, bitterly disappointed. "I
+can take your word for it. What are we going to do now?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "it looks to me like a good time to get out the
+other end."
+
+"Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there,
+also," said Chester.
+
+"That's so, too," agreed Hal. "Well, I'll tell you what: You sneak
+back there and investigate, and I'll stay here and guard this end, in
+case one of them tries to get in."
+
+Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he
+cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he
+could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal--his voice
+might be overheard--so he took his tedious way back to where he had
+left his friend.
+
+"All O. K.," he whispered.
+
+"Good," said Hal. "Let's get out of here, then."
+
+They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness
+and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their
+place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.
+
+And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance
+of the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester
+drew back in again.
+
+"Three of 'em out there," he informed Hal briefly. "What are we going
+to do now?"
+
+"You've got me," replied Hal. "Can't you pick 'em off with your gun?"
+
+"Oh, I can pick a couple of 'em off, all right. But what then? We
+would probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb's
+tail."
+
+"I guess you are right," Hal agreed. "But we have got to do
+something."
+
+"So we have," replied Chester; "but the question is, what?"
+
+Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:
+
+"Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens.
+Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this
+cave. In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and
+guard this end, and don't move unless I call. I'll do the same at the
+other end."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "We'll keep our posts till daylight,
+whether they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we
+can at least see what we are doing."
+
+Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful
+not to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust
+out before him.
+
+Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with
+another moving object with an audible crack.
+
+He had bumped into a second crawling figure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.
+
+
+In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact,
+Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his
+head hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.
+
+His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry,
+or it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the
+latter were his thought he was quickly undeceived.
+
+As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly
+forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy's
+movements, fell on top of him.
+
+He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could
+cry out, one of the lad's hands sank deep into his throat. But the
+latter was a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the
+lad from him with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the
+wrist of the hand that gripped his throat.
+
+The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold.
+But again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive,
+and this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German
+uttered a cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at
+the face so close to his own.
+
+But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the
+blow perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge
+fist, and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow
+had passed over the lad's head and the German's fist had crashed into
+the solid wall.
+
+And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester's
+end of the cave.
+
+This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that
+their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt
+certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors
+into the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.
+
+Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the
+self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck
+out in the direction of a muttered curse.
+
+He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the
+sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon
+held ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow.
+The German was unconscious.
+
+By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his wounded adversary over
+and pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in
+case he encountered another of the enemy.
+
+At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his
+prisoner out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he
+heard the crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back
+into his hiding place.
+
+But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet
+came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and
+went skimming over his head.
+
+With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and
+throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the
+first sign of an advancing foe.
+
+He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some
+moments heard the sound of voices.
+
+"I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance," said
+one. "And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure," came a second voice. "He's liable to be
+there waiting for you."
+
+"Well, I am going in after him anyhow," said the first speaker.
+
+A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his
+knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.
+
+Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking
+careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man's
+head would be, Hal pressed the trigger.
+
+There was a terrific roar that echoed and reechoed through the
+passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal waited,
+for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly made his way
+forward. Presently he came in contact with a man's body. It was the
+enemy.
+
+Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.
+
+"It will be daylight soon," he said to himself, "and they can't get in
+here without me seeing them And one man here is as good as a hundred."
+
+Raising his voice, Hal shouted:
+
+"Are you all right, Chester?"
+
+"All right," came back the answer. "One man tried to get in here, but
+I got him," for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had
+been having troubles of his own.
+
+After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact
+position of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible,
+their number, had ventured too close to the opening.
+
+A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a
+cigarette, and Chester's form was clearly outlined in the glare of it.
+With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped his match and
+cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.
+
+But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the
+darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from
+him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.
+
+Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer's distance by the
+sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well
+within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
+
+The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was
+frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with
+his opponent.
+
+Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his
+revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the
+German, Chester slowly moved forward.
+
+His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers
+sought out the German's face.
+
+"He'll do no more fighting," was Chester's only comment.
+
+Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to
+await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard
+the sound of the shot.
+
+And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match
+appeared in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his
+automatic.
+
+There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the
+exact result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had
+disappeared and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the
+cave, having serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard
+this last shot.
+
+And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any
+further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by
+the sound of a shot from Hal's end of the cave.
+
+Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the
+point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal's
+voice came to him.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed softly, "Hal is still alive."
+
+He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move
+of the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at
+his end of the cave.
+
+For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for
+an occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began
+to give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each
+boy, at his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.
+
+"It's getting light here, Hal," called Chester.
+
+"And here, too," Hal shouted back.
+
+And both lads were struck with the same thought.
+
+"At least, we can see what we are doing now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot
+into Hal's end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil,
+being afraid to leave their places of concealment, and believing that
+the Germans on the outside were still on the watch for them.
+
+Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least
+standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting
+for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly
+surmised that they would not remain idle long after daylight.
+
+At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted
+his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his
+friend.
+
+"What's up?" was Chester's greeting.
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "The Germans may have gone away, but
+I believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this
+inaction is getting monotonous. We've got to do something, and
+we've got to do it right away."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," Chester agreed. "But what?"
+
+"Well, I don't know exactly. We shall have to figure out something."
+
+There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.
+
+"There is but one way I can think of," he said.
+
+"What is that?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go.
+Those guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to
+escape, and will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run
+back into the cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a
+run for it out the other end."
+
+Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk,
+in which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally
+decided to act upon Chester's suggestion.
+
+Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the
+entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.
+
+"No one in sight," he whispered to his friend. "Perhaps they have
+gone."
+
+"Be very careful," cautioned Hal. "They are likely to be lurking
+around here some place."
+
+Quietly the boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But
+they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come,
+and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.
+
+The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to
+spout fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly
+back to the cave, into which they disappeared before their startled
+foe could realize what had happened.
+
+Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying
+dizzily on his feet.
+
+With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and
+soon emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind,
+for the lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the
+retreat were by this time on the way to aid their companions.
+
+Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for
+instant use in the event that their plan had miscarried.
+
+But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys
+were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them.
+At length Hal pulled up, panting.
+
+"I guess we have given them the slip this time," he panted.
+
+"Let us hope so," replied Chester fervently. "If we ever get back to
+our own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future."
+
+Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.
+
+"Anybody that didn't know you would believe you meant that," he said.
+"But I know you better, so I don't."
+
+"Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong," said Chester with a
+smile, "but that's the way I feel about it right now."
+
+The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed
+their journey, walking at a brisk pace.
+
+Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps
+200 yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started
+across the open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken
+by the Germans where there was nothing to offer protection.
+
+They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was
+mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when
+a shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.
+
+"Quick!" said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side
+as he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately.
+Chester did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the
+protection of the great trees.
+
+But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be
+a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes
+until the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and
+give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their
+pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in
+the darkness.
+
+Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had
+not lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the
+better part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at
+breakneck speed, until again came to their ears the first faint
+sounds of the pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more
+distinct, this telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining
+rapidly, although the rough condition of the ground made it impossible
+for the motorcycles to travel very fast.
+
+Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground,
+and Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they
+lay there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out
+dogs.
+
+Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the
+right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense.
+Here Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester
+by his side he rushed for it.
+
+Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung
+himself up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads
+climbed, the close set branches affording an excellent screen.
+
+Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a
+hundred yards from where the boys were perched.
+
+Chester's fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed
+the set expression on his friend's face, uttered a low warning.
+
+And the sound of Hal's voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans
+had come to a pause and Hal's words carried plainly in the silence to
+their ears.
+
+For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their
+prey. Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to
+fire. They had not yet discovered the boys' hiding place, and were
+fearful of a shot from ambush.
+
+Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But
+Hal's eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger
+Hal's revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.
+
+Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German
+clapped his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers
+could raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a
+loud "Hurrah" from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead
+run, came a small body of British infantry.
+
+Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles and turned to run.
+But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of
+command rang out:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen
+than those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and
+tumbled to the ground.
+
+Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON A NEW MISSION.
+
+
+The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English
+troops.
+
+"You arrived just in time," cried Hal, grasping the hand the officer
+extended.
+
+"I should say you did," declared Chester, also shaking the officer's
+hand. "A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure."
+
+"Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely," said the officer,
+laughing a little. "We heard shooting in this direction last night,
+but we did not get an order to advance until this morning. As you may
+perhaps have surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army."
+
+"Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in
+force?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Exactly," replied the British officer. "We are not far in front, and
+are pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if
+possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the
+German position and strength?"
+
+This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to
+answer in the affirmative.
+
+"We have not learned a whole lot," Chester continued, "but we have a
+little information that may be of value."
+
+"Then you had better hasten back to General French and report," said
+the officer. "I am sure he will be glad to have any information you
+may be able to give him."
+
+The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the
+advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite
+direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a
+detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at
+least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long
+line of the British advance.
+
+It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men,
+marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful
+of it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they
+themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.
+
+They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been
+challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had
+been allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line
+of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.
+
+Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.
+
+"What is your business here?" he demanded.
+
+Briefly Hal explained, and added:
+
+"We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?"
+
+The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
+indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
+the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
+of Britain.
+
+For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
+them warmly.
+
+"I had made sure that you two lads were lost," he said. "Come, give an
+account of yourselves."
+
+Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to
+the lad's recital in unfeigned amazement.
+
+"And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
+enemy," he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
+adventures. "I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine
+had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that
+you two were aboard it."
+
+Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
+Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp,
+of General Joffre's staff.
+
+"What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
+Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his
+ability and integrity."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal
+quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
+was repentant at the end."
+
+"Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it
+seems impossible. Something must be done at once."
+
+"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?" asked Hal respectfully.
+
+"By all means," was the general's reply.
+
+"Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp's treachery
+to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
+wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
+make his escape."
+
+"An excellent idea," said General French. "It shall be acted upon at
+once." He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.
+
+But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
+his fingers.
+
+"If you please, general," he said. "Chester and I would like to carry
+the message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter."
+
+The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his
+face.
+
+"And so you shall," he said at length. "Refresh yourselves with food
+and drink first, and then report to me."
+
+Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the
+general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French
+had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal's hand.
+
+"General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this
+message," the general told the lads, "and he probably will demand all
+details from you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he
+will be convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as
+possible, for I may have other work for you."
+
+The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been
+furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had
+asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.
+
+"Those things are likely to break down any time," Hal had confided to
+Chester, "and you can always depend upon a good horse."
+
+Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and
+riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they
+should reach the French commander-in-chief.
+
+It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might
+have perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement
+of the French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the
+rear of his army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and
+upon informing his orderly that they bore important communications
+from General French, were admitted to his presence at once.
+
+The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by
+members of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted;
+then the former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre's
+hand.
+
+Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned
+back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position,
+uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.
+
+Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff,
+motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the general
+spoke:
+
+"Now tell me your story," he said briefly.
+
+Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a
+single question until Hal had concluded his story.
+
+"It must be true," he said at length, half to himself. "I remember
+well that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi's
+escape. It was never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true."
+
+He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:
+
+"And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp's honor. He has
+uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about
+him. Yes, it must be true."
+
+Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and
+Chester had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon
+his desk a sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.
+
+"Have my car brought here instantly," commanded the general briefly.
+
+The orderly saluted and withdrew.
+
+Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the
+general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.
+
+"I must act at once," said the general, again half to himself. "Never
+would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than
+at this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without
+publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France,
+nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause."
+
+He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.
+
+"And you two shall come with me," he said. "You shall confront Tromp.
+If he is guilty, we shall find it out some way."
+
+At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.
+
+"Your car is ready, sir," he said.
+
+The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow
+him.
+
+"Come," he said. "We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is
+in command and meditating mischief."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.
+
+
+So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
+happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief
+of the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never
+been told, and never will find its way into history; an interview
+between a gallant French officer and another who, were his actions
+known, would be likened to the greatest of American traitors--Benedict
+Arnold.
+
+Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word
+and entered his car behind him.
+
+"To General Tromp's command," said General Joffre briefly. "Hurry!"
+
+The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
+was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
+moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.
+
+Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general's
+car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously
+was also furnished as an office, that the general might still be at
+work while he hurried from one part of the field to another when
+events demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery
+threatening, and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre,
+probably because of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps
+and other drawings.
+
+For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
+pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal
+and Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.
+
+General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and
+Hal and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.
+
+"My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
+immediately," ordered General Joffre.
+
+The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
+nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
+head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right
+up to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a
+bugle rang out, ordering a general advance.
+
+"Sir----" began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
+General Tromp.
+
+General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
+
+"Why this sudden advance?" he demanded coldly.
+
+General Tromp started back.
+
+"Why, sir," he explained, "I have word that a large force of the enemy
+is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him."
+
+"Order a halt," said General Joffre abruptly.
+
+"But, but----" began General Tromp in some confusion.
+
+"Order a halt, sir!" commanded General Joffre sternly. "Or," as he saw
+that General Tromp still hesitated, "shall I do it myself?"
+
+General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
+immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
+army came to a pause.
+
+"Now, sir," said General Joffre to General Tromp, "you will please
+dismiss your staff."
+
+Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
+moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
+Chester, were alone together.
+
+"What is the meaning of this, sir?" demanded General Tromp, with some
+dignity.
+
+"The meaning, General Tromp," said General Joffre calmly, "is that you
+are a traitor!"
+
+General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if
+to ward off a blow.
+
+"What!" he cried in well simulated surprise. "Have a care, sir. I
+shall allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer."
+
+"Tush, tush," chided the commander-in-chief gently. "Why keep up the
+pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?"
+
+"Sir!" cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. "I demand an
+explanation of your strange conduct."
+
+"And you shall have it, sir!" thundered General Joffre, now very
+angry, as he took a step forward.
+
+General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his
+injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.
+
+"I accuse you," continued General Joffre, "of being a traitor to
+France. I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another
+traitor, one Dersi. And I also accuse you," and here the general
+pointed an accusing finger at General Tromp, "of even now playing into
+the hands of the enemy by ordering an advance, when you knew very well
+that such an advance could mean only the extermination of our troops."
+
+By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his
+commander.
+
+"I deny it," he said in a thick voice.
+
+"A denial is useless," said General Joffre quietly.
+
+But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to
+a certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.
+
+"Who accuses me?" he demanded, with well assumed bravado.
+
+"I do," said Hal, stepping forward.
+
+"And I," cried Chester, also advancing a step.
+
+General Tromp turned to General Joffre.
+
+"And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?"
+he demanded.
+
+"I do," said the general quietly, "upon the advice of General Sir
+John French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your
+actions just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is
+useless. Dersi has confessed."
+
+"Dersi!" exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. "If I could just get
+my hands on him for one minute----"
+
+"But you can't," said General Joffre. "He is dead. And he died with a
+clear conscience, as I hope you will do."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Tromp, starting back.
+
+"Exactly what I say," was General Joffre's chilling reply. "You have
+your choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a
+traitor. If possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?"
+
+General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands
+twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.
+
+"I wouldn't do that," said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw
+the lad's revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.
+
+His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor
+stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his
+eyes and looked his commander straight in the eyes.
+
+"It shall be as you say, sir," he said calmly. "You are right. I
+am a traitor. I would not have been, but--but--well that makes no
+difference now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not
+afraid to die. Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you
+command. Thus shall I atone for my sin."
+
+"I do not fear you will disobey," said the general softly.
+
+"I am sorry, sir," continued General Tromp, "sorry because of you,
+more so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your
+forgiveness."
+
+"For your treachery toward me," said General Joffre softly, "I forgive
+you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot."
+
+The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and
+slowly his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.
+
+"Good-by, sir," he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked
+away, his carriage erect, and without a tremor.
+
+For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim.
+Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and
+Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.
+
+"A good man--and an excellent officer," he muttered to himself, "if he
+had but gone straight."
+
+The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside
+General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into
+the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went
+up to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.
+
+Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head
+away. Chester, leaning over his friend's shoulder, read the words the
+message contained:
+
+"The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front
+this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head."
+
+"Evidently came by field wireless," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," replied Hal.
+
+General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote.
+Then he read aloud to Hal and Chester:
+
+"General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front
+this afternoon. He died almost instantly."
+
+"I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard
+to-day," he said quietly.
+
+"You may, sir," said Hal and Chester in one breath.
+
+General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and
+came to a salute.
+
+"Orderly," said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just
+written, "have this sent to the war office immediately."
+
+The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the
+orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the
+moisture from his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OFF ON A RAID.
+
+
+Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre's offer of an automobile to
+make their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much
+time as their journey to the headquarters of the French
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General
+French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:
+
+"I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre's
+injunction concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be
+forgotten."
+
+The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of
+their own, for the great army had again come to a halt.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces,
+which after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of
+Paris, had forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A
+word of the situation is here necessary.
+
+From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the
+offensive, after being driven back for days by the Germans, they had
+continued their steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never
+known was in progress continually, for the Germans contested every
+inch of the ground.
+
+Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of
+communication, and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect
+them, or to be cut off and eventually annihilated, or forced to
+surrender. The strategy of General Joffre, condemned by many in the
+earlier days of the war, now was beginning to bear fruit, and he was
+praised on every hand.
+
+The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling
+block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were
+proving their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to
+the enemy, they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the
+whole world realized that they were the real fighting strength of the
+allied army.
+
+Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the walls of
+Paris. Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The
+great battle line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in
+constant contact with the enemy. Almost hourly there was such severe
+fighting as in former wars would have earned the designation of
+battles. But along this great line they were but skirmishes.
+
+The losses on both sides had been tremendous, although the Germans,
+because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive,
+and also because of the massed formation they had used in their
+advance, had suffered considerably more than the Allies.
+
+Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans,
+pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon
+another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer
+state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the
+battleground of European wars.
+
+The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by
+the heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind
+to withdraw from the conflict. Possibly Belgium had more at stake than
+any other country in the war. She was fighting for life and
+freedom--from possible absorption into the German Empire.
+
+And now the German forces had been pushed clear across the River
+Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore of
+the little river was held by the Kaiser's troops, the western shore by
+the Allies.
+
+So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed
+breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was
+checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the ranks, there to remain
+until the battle should be resumed.
+
+But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery
+continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had
+come into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the
+troops on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the
+main portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to
+move forward again.
+
+The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in
+the allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever
+known, their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the
+smaller guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was
+far superior to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up
+to this time, the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German
+gunners was the cause of much comment and surprise.
+
+So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts,
+they found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne;
+or rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army
+occasionally riding right up to the river's edge, while the great
+shells continued to burst on both sides of the river.
+
+Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after
+a long search. Through an orderly they also reported to General
+French, apprising him of where to find them should he desire their
+presence. After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had
+insisted that they make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in,
+for they had been many hours without sleep, and were tired out.
+
+How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by
+Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.
+
+"Get up," commanded the lieutenant. "You are ordered to report to
+General French immediately."
+
+Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight
+streamed through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.
+
+Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently
+waited for him to speak--to tell them the reason he had summoned them
+so suddenly.
+
+At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and spoke:
+
+"You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I
+should not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts
+are in the success of the arms of France and England. But you have so
+often proved your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the
+ones needed."
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it
+is," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we shall," agreed Chester.
+
+"What I must know," said General French, "is the approximate strength
+of the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his
+troops and so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the
+flying corps; but in that event the enemy would know that I had
+learned. It must be done some other way. Are you lads willing to
+undertake this task?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.
+
+"Good," said General French. "I shall leave the means to you, for I
+have already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one
+injunction: Be back at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to
+Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work
+before them.
+
+"You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck," said the
+lieutenant, "while we old heads sit back here and do nothing."
+
+"It seems to me that you have been doing your share," said Hal.
+
+"And to me, too," Chester agreed.
+
+"Oh, well," laughed the lieutenant. "I have seen considerable action.
+I don't suppose I should complain. But how do you propose to gather
+this information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable
+job on your hands?"
+
+"Yes, we realize that," Hal replied, "and we thought perhaps you could
+help us with an idea or two."
+
+The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:
+
+"I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy
+will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make
+quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding
+right into the heart of the enemy's country, at whatever point it
+might be practically unprotected."
+
+"A good idea," said Hal. "But, in that event, we should have to have a
+larger party."
+
+"Exactly," said Lieutenant Anderson. "And I, for one, offer my
+services. I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men."
+
+A few moments later Hal was back in General French's headquarters.
+
+"General," he said, "I should like to have your permission to pick
+twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power
+automobiles in the army."
+
+The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but
+finally said:
+
+"You have my permission. Here," turning to his desk and writing a few
+words, "is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan.
+Good luck to you."
+
+"I shall let you pick the men," said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when
+he was again back in the latter's quarters, "and, so far as they know,
+you are in command."
+
+"Very well," was the reply; "but remember that it is not so. On this
+expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders."
+
+Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by
+Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A
+likely body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them
+under six feet in height.
+
+"Look like they could give a good account of themselves," muttered
+Chester to himself.
+
+At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later,
+in response to Hal's directions were speeding southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ACROSS THE MARNE.
+
+
+For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at
+top speed. Then Hal called a halt.
+
+Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the
+direction of the river.
+
+The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have
+been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though
+Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between
+the German forces.
+
+The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as
+there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along
+the shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently
+having been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.
+
+"We'll appropriate these," said Hal. "Luckily they were here or we
+should have been forced to swim across."
+
+The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the
+opposite side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank
+were soon hidden from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called
+another halt, until he was able to decide upon his next move.
+
+The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return
+trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the
+party had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now
+bethought himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.
+
+After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as
+possible in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of
+the little woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.
+
+The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal,
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it,
+their men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered,
+the Germans did not put up a fight.
+
+The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them
+called out in German:
+
+"We surrender."
+
+"Dismount!" ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.
+
+"This is what I call luck," said Hal to his friends.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Why," said Hal, "here we have three horses and three German
+uniforms. If that isn't luck, I don't know what is."
+
+Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound and
+gagged.
+
+When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German
+uniforms, Hal called three of the British troopers to him.
+
+"You men," he said, "will leave all your weapons here, except your
+revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will
+accompany us, afoot, apparently as prisoners."
+
+He called a fourth trooper to him.
+
+"Your name?" he demanded.
+
+"Bristow, sir."
+
+"Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The
+rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it
+necessary to retreat across the river."
+
+"Very good, sir," said Bristow, and fell back and informed his
+companions of the situation.
+
+"Do you realize," asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, "that if we are
+captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy's death for all
+of us?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal, "but we shall have to take that chance. I
+believe that having three English soldiers with us, apparently
+prisoners, will be a means of avoiding detection."
+
+"All right," said Chester, "only we shall have to be careful."
+
+Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them
+started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they
+continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops.
+But they were not molested, not even challenged.
+
+At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.
+
+"Perhaps we can learn something here," said Chester.
+
+Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened
+by a young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.
+
+"Have no fear," said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. "We are
+simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us
+with a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here."
+
+Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them
+to enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a
+hearty repast was spread on the table.
+
+"We have been on a mission south," Hal said to the woman. "Can you
+tell me just how far the German staff is from here?"
+
+"It can't be very far," the woman replied, "for some of the officers
+often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than
+the regular army fare. I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of them
+were to come along soon."
+
+"Good," said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed. He
+did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German staff
+officers.
+
+Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing
+around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in
+gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.
+
+"Great Scott," he said, "we got out of there just in time. Look."
+
+The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the
+shelter of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.
+
+"There must be something up," he declared, "or the German staff would
+not be this far south. I don't suppose General French has been
+informed of this. In some way we must find out what is going on."
+
+"And I wouldn't be surprised," said Chester, "if they were using that
+farmhouse for a certain purpose."
+
+"By Jove! I never thought of that," said Hal. "I believe you have hit
+it. That is where they are making their plans. I wonder"--and he grew
+greatly excited. "I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in
+that party."
+
+"He is probably pretty near the whole party," said Lieutenant Anderson
+dryly. "Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this
+close to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also."
+
+"Then it's a wonder the woman didn't say something about the Kaiser
+being near."
+
+"She probably didn't know him," said the lieutenant.
+
+Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.
+
+"Do you know what I am going to do?" he said at length, dismounting.
+
+"No. What?" demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single
+voice.
+
+"I'm going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or
+crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another
+chance of overhearing the German plans."
+
+"Great Scott!" said Lieutenant Anderson, "that certainly is a bold
+plan. You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do," was the reply.
+
+"Then I shall go, too," said Chester.
+
+"And me," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"No you won't," said Hal, positively. "The rest of you will stay here.
+If I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then
+the rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them,
+the Kaiser included."
+
+Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.
+
+"Why can't we get the rest of our men, and capture the whole crowd?"
+he demanded in great excitement.
+
+"I had thought of that," replied Hal, "but something tells me it can't
+be done--a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt
+such a thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can't explain just
+what I mean, but I feel it."
+
+"And I too," declared Lieutenant Anderson. "I don't know why, but I
+know it's true."
+
+"Bosh!" said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had
+created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.
+
+"Well, if you must go by yourself, all right," said Lieutenant
+Anderson. "But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better."
+
+Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side,
+where he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he
+walked slowly toward the house.
+
+He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that
+such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would
+probably mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little
+fear of detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.
+
+Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did
+not wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him,
+so, keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.
+
+His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window,
+apparently halfway between the first and second floors.
+
+"Evidently, at a turn in the steps," Hal told himself.
+
+Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength
+slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the
+lad put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening,
+and then disappeared inside the house.
+
+Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location
+of the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at
+one end of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.
+
+Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his
+eyes. Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just
+a little crack that he might not be suffocated.
+
+Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below
+came the faint sound of German voices.
+
+Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger
+felt a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small
+opening in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered down, and
+as he made out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to
+himself.
+
+The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke,
+commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one
+occasion, had saved him from death before a firing squad.
+
+"Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?" Hal asked himself.
+
+His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an
+imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his
+knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.
+
+There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of
+Germany!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE KAISER.
+
+
+In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm
+would be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him
+as he made out the imposing figure of "The War Lord of Europe." He
+whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.
+
+"To think," he said to himself after a long pause, "that he is
+primarily responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands
+of lives and the destruction of property worth millions of dollars."
+
+Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight
+at the War Lord's breast.
+
+"With one little movement of my finger," said the lad softly to
+himself, "I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent
+thousands to their death. One shot, and----"
+
+His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he
+lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his pocket,
+while he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had gathered on
+his brow.
+
+"It's no use," he told himself, "I couldn't do it if I wanted to."
+
+Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will
+never know how close he was to death at that moment!
+
+Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by
+straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.
+
+"If," came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count
+Von Moltke, "if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them
+off from their French support and annihilate them. And----"
+
+"And," came the voice of the Kaiser himself, "we can, then, by a quick
+turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be
+complete."
+
+"Exactly, sire," came Count Von Moltke's voice again.
+
+"But, sire," said a third voice, "what have we to warrant that the
+English will accept our bait?"
+
+The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in
+again.
+
+"We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne," he
+said, "and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on,
+flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them on the left
+flank. We shall cut them to pieces."
+
+"The plan sounds well to me," came the voice of the Kaiser again.
+"General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute this
+coup?"
+
+"Not before day after to-morrow, sire," was the reply. "It will take
+me that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time
+keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal."
+
+"And how many men will you be able to bring?" asked the Kaiser.
+
+"Half a million, sire."
+
+"Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?"
+
+"Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men."
+
+The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his
+mustache. Then he spoke aloud:
+
+"If the British were aware of that," he said, "by a quick advance they
+would place us at a tremendous disadvantage."
+
+"So they would, sire," agreed General Von Kluck. "But it must be seen
+that they do not anticipate our plan."
+
+"In that event," came the Emperor's reply, "it will be necessary for
+that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at
+the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn."
+
+"Exactly what I had figured upon, sire."
+
+"Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day
+after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their
+present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part,
+while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our
+coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak."
+
+"There shall be none, sire," came a chorus of officers.
+
+"Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this.
+Had it not been for the interference of these English--and these
+starving Belgians, I would be there now," and the Kaiser's voice grew
+harsh. "They must be crushed," and he struck the table a heavy blow
+with his clenched fist.
+
+"And crushed they shall be, sire," said Count Von Moltke soothingly.
+"It is only a question of time."
+
+"Well, you have been long enough doing it," came the Emperor's angry
+voice. "See that you do not fail me again. If you do----"
+
+He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he
+might have uttered.
+
+There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment
+later of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the
+German officers were leaving the house.
+
+"By George!" the lad muttered to himself, "Wilhelm must be a holy
+terror. I'll bet Von Kluck, Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a
+terrible wigging, for I'm here to see that this plot fails."
+
+Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling
+certain that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He
+was just lowering himself from the window by which he had entered
+when, from almost below him, there was a loud scream.
+
+Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given
+them food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his
+officers might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the
+ground, and an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman's
+mouth.
+
+"Quiet!" he commanded in a harsh voice. "If you make no noise you
+shall not be harmed. Otherwise----" he paused significantly.
+
+The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.
+
+"Go into the house," Hal commanded, and followed her.
+
+"I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping," the lad muttered
+to himself. "I can't afford to be interfered with now."
+
+He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged
+and bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.
+
+"You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you," he
+told her. "I hope it won't be long, for your sake, but I can't afford
+to take any chances with you."
+
+He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he
+had so lately left his friends, his heart sank.
+
+Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running
+toward him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by
+a band of mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out
+the forms of Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!
+
+With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers,
+evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance
+behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the
+farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the
+fugitives.
+
+Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his
+friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and
+ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not
+pause to reply.
+
+"Just wait till we get back to our own men," thought Hal to himself as
+he ran along, "that is, if we can make it."
+
+But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in
+charge of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had
+crawled forward to investigate. He made out the figures flying toward
+him and recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.
+
+Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward.
+This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen
+were overhauling the fugitives rapidly.
+
+When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their
+mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost
+a single movement.
+
+The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on
+their haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A
+moment later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.
+
+Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he
+was forced to hold his sides.
+
+"What on earth is the matter with you?" demanded Chester in great
+surprise. "What are you laughing at?"
+
+"Why," explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, "I am laughing at
+the sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the
+evil one himself were after him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in
+the farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied
+armies. When he had concluded he said:
+
+"Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you,
+Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?"
+
+"Certainly," said the lieutenant.
+
+"You know I will, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to
+General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you.
+That's all."
+
+"But you?" demanded Chester; "aren't you coming, too? Surely you have
+accomplished the mission successfully."
+
+"No," replied Hal. "In this German uniform I believe I shall be
+perfectly safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further
+information. It may be that I can learn something that will be
+important."
+
+"Then I shall go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"And I, too," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Oh, no you won't," said Hal grimly. "Didn't you just promise to obey
+my commands, both of you?"
+
+"But we didn't know what you planned to do," said Chester.
+
+"I know you didn't," said Hal. "That is why I asked your promises
+before I told you."
+
+"But I don't think it is fair," protested Chester.
+
+"I don't care what you think," replied Hal. "You have both promised,
+so that's all there is about it."
+
+In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.
+
+"Come, now," he said at last. "You are making it more dangerous for me
+every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and
+return at once."
+
+Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The
+men already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row
+away.
+
+"I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning," he called to
+Chester; "but," and he smiled grimly to himself, "if I were you, I
+wouldn't wait up for me."
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with
+one last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the
+farmhouse.
+
+He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger
+long in that vicinity.
+
+"The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of
+the officers the better off I shall be," he told himself.
+
+He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot.
+Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad
+trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of
+perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in
+greeting as they went by.
+
+"So far, so good," muttered the lad to himself.
+
+Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But
+feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of
+captain, the lad continued boldly on.
+
+At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.
+
+"Guess this is the place I am headed for," he told himself.
+
+He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who
+were taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts.
+The place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a
+large body of troops on parade.
+
+He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once,
+although once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.
+
+"Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant
+and courteous set," the lad told himself. "However, I didn't come here
+to learn how they behave themselves. I won't get any information this
+way. I wonder who is in command here, but I can't afford to ask."
+
+Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who
+were idling about talking.
+
+"I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward
+within a few hours," said one of the group of officers.
+
+"So?" questioned another. "I had forgotten that you are now a member
+of his staff."
+
+"What's up, do you know?"
+
+"Nothing that I can talk about," replied the other with a pleasant
+smile.
+
+"All right," said another. "The sooner the better."
+
+The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.
+
+"Good," he said to himself. "At least I have learned that General
+Beulow is in command here."
+
+And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.
+
+At that moment an officer approached him.
+
+"I can't seem to place you," he said. "Is your regiment here?"
+
+"No," returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent.
+"I am attached to General Von Kluck's command. I came here with him
+to-day."
+
+"Oh," said the German officer, "then you are on his staff?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have
+been sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?"
+
+Hal took a long chance.
+
+"Yes," he replied.
+
+"Good," said the German officer. "Come to my quarters. I have
+documents to deliver to you."
+
+Hal followed the German officer to the latter's tent. There the German
+took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he
+placed in the lad's hands.
+
+"These," he said, "you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose
+you knew that he had already returned to his command?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal firmly. "I was simply waiting for these. My horse
+is yonder," and he waved his hand.
+
+"Oh," continued the German. "Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von
+Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or
+French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed
+that information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals
+were hurried back to their posts to see that everything was
+shipshape."
+
+"Yes," said Hal briefly; "I know."
+
+He placed the papers in his pocket.
+
+"Auf Wiedersehen," said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent.
+"Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck's hands at
+the earliest possible moment."
+
+"It shall be done," said Hal as he walked rapidly away.
+
+"Great Scott!" he said to himself. "I am in luck. I wouldn't be
+surprised if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I
+overheard in the farmhouse."
+
+Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It
+was even as he had expected--only more. For the papers contained the
+present troop positions, their expected movements and the number of
+men and how stationed.
+
+Hal whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Won't General French be surprised when he sees these?" he said
+softly. "Now to get back."
+
+It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in
+the direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely
+to himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no
+means egotistical, was well aware of it.
+
+He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, and made off
+in the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and
+more confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the
+German camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.
+
+A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to
+start back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the
+pair who had accosted him were a man and woman.
+
+And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had
+so recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that
+she had recognized him as well.
+
+"It is he!" she exclaimed in a loud voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A COLD SWIM.
+
+
+Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so
+suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck,
+pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose
+without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was
+unable to do so.
+
+The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the
+struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But
+the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt
+of the weapon down on the lad's head without the imminent risk of
+injuring the woman.
+
+Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he
+had decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands,
+and awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.
+
+It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal
+leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out
+swiftly with his bare fist. There was a sharp "spat" and the man fell
+to the ground.
+
+Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed
+the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and
+the lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly
+impossible.
+
+"Hands up!" commanded the woman.
+
+Hal temporized.
+
+"Now see here----" he began.
+
+The woman interrupted.
+
+"Hands up!" she commanded again.
+
+This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman's
+voice that she was not to be trifled with.
+
+"About face," commanded his captor.
+
+Hal did as ordered.
+
+"Now," continued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and,
+remember, at the first false move I shall fire."
+
+Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
+behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German
+camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.
+
+His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon
+a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just
+as well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.
+
+As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
+attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
+time was right upon him.
+
+Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
+she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
+spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand,
+and with a quick leap seized it himself.
+
+"Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to
+get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance
+between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be
+forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I
+am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one
+life stand in the way."
+
+The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.
+
+"I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I
+could have brought myself to shoot."
+
+He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
+opponents hors de combat.
+
+The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
+sprang forward.
+
+"What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated
+surprise. "Well, here's some more then."
+
+He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his
+right fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh
+and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground,
+where he remained, unconscious.
+
+"Now to get back across the river," said Hal to himself. "Wonder if I
+can find a boat of some kind."
+
+He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind
+of a craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from
+the direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited
+voices and the trampling of many feet.
+
+"Great Scott! Here they come," exclaimed Hal aloud. "I guess it's up
+to me to get away from here pretty quick."
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he advanced to the water's edge and
+plunged into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal's breath was
+taken away by the suddenness of the shock.
+
+He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
+opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
+shore immediately behind him.
+
+"I don't believe there is anyone there," said a voice.
+
+"The woman is a spy herself, that's my belief," said a second. "She
+has concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this
+hour. I certainly don't believe there is a spy on this side of the
+river."
+
+"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
+searchlight. Turn yours on."
+
+Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
+well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
+across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
+and forth across the water. He could see no one.
+
+"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get
+away from here."
+
+"Good," returned the other. "Come on."
+
+Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
+surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
+breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he
+rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in
+their search anyhow, had gone.
+
+Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made
+out the sound of retreating footsteps.
+
+"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to
+get out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."
+
+With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon
+the farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance
+away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:
+
+"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and
+get thawed out before I continue my journey."
+
+He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence
+was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing
+footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.
+
+"Halt!" he commanded.
+
+"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."
+
+"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not
+lowering his weapon.
+
+Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German
+uniform and his rifle leaped up again.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you?
+You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man."
+
+"Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell
+you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I
+am? A German?"
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in
+that German uniform?"
+
+Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.
+
+"I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I
+can assure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little
+information."
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he
+represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March
+ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your
+back."
+
+"All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for
+it, I suppose I shall have to go with you."
+
+He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with
+leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of
+what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.
+
+"My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the
+river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have
+accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I
+can show credentials," and he showed the officer a pass signed by the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The officer shook hands with him.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked.
+
+"I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you
+a fast auto?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it."
+
+"It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire
+while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen."
+
+"Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please
+have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver
+I shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car
+any great distance."
+
+"You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal
+huddled up close to the little fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.
+
+
+Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted
+on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile
+as it sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters.
+
+The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the
+ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of
+British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore,
+before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment
+and he once more stood before his commander.
+
+"So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young
+Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be
+captured. Did you learn anything further?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each
+command, their positions and all details."
+
+"What!" exclaimed General French in great surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Hal, and reaching in his pocket he drew out the
+documents given him by the German officer. "Here they are, sir."
+
+General French took the papers from the lad's hand, and glanced at
+them quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal's
+shoulder.
+
+"You have done well," he said quietly. "I shall not forget it. You
+may go now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over
+you. I will say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to
+England--one that the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps
+to thwart this German coup, and if we are successful the credit will
+be mainly due you."
+
+Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general's tent.
+
+"Now to find Chester," he said.
+
+He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making
+his quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant's
+tent, Hal walked up cautiously.
+
+"I want to surprise them," he told himself.
+
+Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.
+
+"I'm afraid he won't ever get back," came Chester's voice. "I should
+have insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn't have let him go alone."
+
+"Still," said Lieutenant Anderson, "he was in command. We had to obey
+him."
+
+"That is true," replied Chester, "but just the same if ill befalls
+him I shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the
+information we went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting
+himself in the enemy's power?"
+
+Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he
+was observed.
+
+"A whole lot, Chester," he said quietly.
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant,
+and one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.
+
+"Stop it, stop it," laughed Hal. "You'll wring my arms off."
+
+"And so you are back safely," said Chester, looking long at his
+friend.
+
+"Yes, I'm back," said Hal.
+
+"And what did you learn? Anything else?"
+
+"Lots," replied Hal, "but let me get out of this wet German uniform;"
+having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after
+they had left until his return to General French's tent.
+
+"And General French says," he concluded, "that steps have been taken
+to spoil the Kaiser's plan."
+
+"Good," said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.
+
+"Well," said Chester, after some further talk, "I guess we might as
+well turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
+returned. We can rest easier now."
+
+Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon slumbering deeply.
+The day's work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how
+long they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling
+"To arms!" roused them.
+
+Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
+removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at
+a moment's notice.
+
+The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
+command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster,
+the great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
+cavalry leading the way.
+
+There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
+enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
+engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
+magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on,
+several thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.
+
+These--advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans,
+rushed forward to check them--fought off the enemy while other British
+troops were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to
+drive them back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back
+again by the British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time
+to form after crossing the river.
+
+Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across
+the little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught
+unprepared. Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending
+some of his men south to take their places in the force with which the
+Kaiser and his generals expected to execute their great coup.
+
+Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by
+the German general staff. That the British, without the support of
+their French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive,
+was a factor that had apparently been overlooked.
+
+The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the
+continent at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men.
+Probably two-thirds of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in
+this battle, which, starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the
+fiercest and bloodiest struggles of history.
+
+Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from
+India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the
+English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and
+driving back the foe.
+
+But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the
+British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat,
+the British pursuing them relentlessly.
+
+Apparently it was not General French's plan to push the battle too
+strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as
+would make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.
+
+For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne
+continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as
+the Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The
+British fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and
+preparing to resist an attack should one be delivered.
+
+This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly
+unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of
+the greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.
+
+Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side
+they did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the
+Kaiser's troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the
+stream for the rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for
+the English, already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the
+Germans as reinforcements crossed.
+
+And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the
+offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due
+largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives,
+enabled the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.
+
+That the boys' value in this important battle was recognized, is
+evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a
+halt, General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on
+the shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:
+
+"You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+TRAPPED.
+
+
+It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely. On all sides
+men were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since
+early morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the
+British line, the struggle had continued without a minute's breathing
+space.
+
+Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops
+fell back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field
+where the fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful
+of their support on either side, the British still pressed forward,
+until now they were far beyond either flank.
+
+Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering
+volley. Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men
+tumbled to the earth on every hand.
+
+Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a
+force of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them
+off from any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand men
+were in this little force now completely surrounded.
+
+But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to
+surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other
+than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the
+Marne had raised him to that rank.
+
+Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer
+still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared
+his quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the
+conflict alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific
+carnage, in spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had
+so far escaped injury.
+
+Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a
+possible escape. With a loud cry of "Forward!" to his men, he dashed
+right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.
+
+Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column
+halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain
+Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the
+Germans, and they now pressed forward at a run.
+
+Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men,
+that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power,
+and still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of
+overwhelming odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.
+
+That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson's strategy.
+At the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line,
+dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the
+Germans rallied, but it was too late.
+
+The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken
+refuge behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain's
+sudden charge became apparent.
+
+Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British
+dashed madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door
+was locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the
+sharp crack of rifles.
+
+There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt,
+the British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the
+troops poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the
+house and performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to
+tell it injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground
+outside, however, was strewn with their companions.
+
+Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And
+the British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which
+they knew would come in a very few minutes.
+
+"If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place
+indefinitely," said Captain Anderson.
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester; "or, if we can manage to hold out till night,
+we may be able to get away."
+
+"It is possible, too," said Hal, "that our absence will be noticed and
+aid sent to us."
+
+"I'm not banking much on that," replied Captain Anderson, "for, if we
+are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war.
+It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in
+this house."
+
+"That's so," said Chester. "Well, we will have to hold on as long as
+we can. That's the best we can do."
+
+"Exactly," agreed Hal quietly.
+
+The three approached the window in front of the house on the second
+floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier guarding
+it spoke.
+
+"Evidently the siege has begun," said Hal grimly. "Poor fellow!" he
+added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet
+in his head.
+
+His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The
+firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the
+windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture
+they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their
+rifles through.
+
+But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets. Still
+men fell, though not as fast as before. Captain Anderson assigned Hal
+to direct the fire of the British in the front of the first floor and
+Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the second floor
+himself.
+
+The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all
+over their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell,
+Hal or Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until
+relieved by another soldier.
+
+Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus
+far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to
+pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could
+take it without this trouble.
+
+And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the
+defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy's loss,
+exposed as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been
+enormous.
+
+Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage
+of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As
+they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the
+floor below.
+
+Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the
+commotion. Struggling in Chester's arms was a man in civilian garb.
+
+"I caught him just as he was about to open the front door," Chester
+explained.
+
+The man's struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain
+Anderson, pale and trembling.
+
+"What are you doing here?" demanded the latter.
+
+"I was hiding in the cellar," said the man in a shaking voice. "When
+you English burst in I didn't know what to do. I remained in my
+hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I
+would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I
+thought I had a chance."
+
+Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.
+
+"Surely you are not a German?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "I am French."
+
+"Then what need had you to be afraid of us?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," was the nervous reply, "I am a peace-loving man.
+I don't want to fight, and I won't fight if I can help it."
+
+"A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure," said the captain, with a
+sneer. "If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find
+you here? Why haven't you fled with the rest of the old women and
+children?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," quavered the man, "I have been hiding here. I
+was afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight."
+
+"And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs," and he rubbed his
+hands in satisfaction.
+
+"And you were not discovered by the Germans?"
+
+"No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday."
+
+"Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us
+important information?"
+
+"I could, yes, sir," was the reply. "But, if I do, will there be any
+pay for me?"
+
+The captain was taken by surprise.
+
+"And you call yourself a Frenchman," he said in contempt. He took a
+threatening step forward. "No," he said angrily, "there will be no
+pay, but I can promise you that if you don't tell what you know you
+will be shot right here and now."
+
+"Oh, sir, you wouldn't do that," said the man in a wheedling voice.
+
+"Wouldn't I?" exclaimed the captain. "You shall see."
+
+He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them
+approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man
+that the officer meant what he said.
+
+"I'll tell, sir," he cried, falling on his knees.
+
+Captain Anderson waved his men away.
+
+"Very well," he said coldly, "and see that you make no mistake. If
+your information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow."
+
+"But it is, sir," protested the Frenchman.
+
+"All right. Then let's have it."
+
+"The Germans are planning an aeroplane raid on the English," said the
+man, in a low voice. "There is a park of aeroplanes hardly two miles
+from here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant
+flight."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Captain Anderson. "Are you sure?"
+
+"Perfectly," was the reply. "I heard the German officers talking of it
+only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English."
+
+"And so it would," said the captain, "unless it can be stopped."
+
+Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.
+
+"Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines
+out to us?" he asked.
+
+"Easily, sir."
+
+"What's your idea?" asked Captain Anderson.
+
+"Simply this," said Hal. "I believe that by a dash we can get through
+the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not
+expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not
+likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful
+raid on these machines and destroy them."
+
+"A first-class idea," said the captain. "We'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A DEED OF DARING.
+
+
+Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his
+men behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops
+were a few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these
+he placed at the extreme rear of the little body.
+
+When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal
+and Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was
+no light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable
+distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at
+first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.
+
+Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed
+by a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a
+word from Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.
+
+Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of
+the fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men
+spread out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard
+upon this, charged with the bayonet.
+
+Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of
+the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with
+success to the British.
+
+The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found
+the Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two
+miles were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in
+the darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed
+that this what it was.
+
+"Must be a temporary affair," said Captain Anderson, in a low voice.
+"And what are those objects nearby?"
+
+Hal peered through the darkness.
+
+"Look like armored automobiles to me," he said.
+
+"And so they are," declared Chester. "And there must be twenty of
+them. Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We
+couldn't want anything better to escape in."
+
+"You are right," declared the captain.
+
+The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he
+commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.
+
+The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles
+before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.
+
+At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged
+with fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently
+had been on the alert against a possible surprise.
+
+A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first
+column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself
+going to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the
+troopers reached the automobile.
+
+Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were
+more wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the
+machine-gun could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the
+enemy.
+
+A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this
+weapon spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who
+stood near to guard their machines.
+
+Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce
+interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who
+were crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire
+with great bravery and vigor.
+
+While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers,
+which had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with
+improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the aeroplanes. With sure
+blows from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they
+could lay hands on nearby, they destroyed the motors, the gasoline
+reservoirs and the running gear of the German machines.
+
+At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A
+fierce red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of
+carnage with great brilliancy.
+
+While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short
+distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might
+find Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few
+remaining men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which
+stood a German officer, directing his men.
+
+The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic
+revolver. Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not
+before he had discharged his own weapon against the chest of his
+opponent, who fell to the ground, fatally wounded.
+
+A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before,
+brought his rifle butt down over Hal's head. But the lad's quick eye
+had seen the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the
+blow. His left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled
+and fell to the ground.
+
+He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still
+hanging by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his
+rifle to bear, but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck up the
+weapon, even as the German pressed the trigger.
+
+With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with
+the German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close
+quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew
+back with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the
+car, and his arm was now useless.
+
+The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted
+to entwine his fingers in Hal's throat, but the lad was too quick for
+him. Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other's chin, and sent him
+spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could
+see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or
+were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight,
+for they had no way of determining the strength of the British
+attacking party.
+
+In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping
+from the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting
+automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable
+of driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.
+
+He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of their
+friend.
+
+"Hurry, Chester, get him into this car," he ordered. "We'll have to
+get out of here at once."
+
+He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the
+automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.
+
+Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty
+men, all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the
+farmhouse in the morning.
+
+Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.
+
+"Follow me, single file," he called to his men, "until I give the word
+to close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly
+as possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight,
+if by any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick
+dash and fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow
+right into the enemy. Do you understand?"
+
+The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal
+started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were
+moving along at a brisk pace.
+
+Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:
+
+"How is the captain?"
+
+"I fear he is in pretty bad shape," was the reply; but, even at that
+moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.
+
+He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.
+
+"Where am I?" he demanded.
+
+Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.
+
+"And was the raid a success?" he asked. "Were the German aeroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes, every one of them," replied Chester.
+
+"Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we
+can't get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my
+part."
+
+In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length
+Chester was forced to comply.
+
+As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British
+all told, approached the center of the German force, each man
+determined to get through to the allied lines or to die in the
+attempt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DASH FOR LIBERTY.
+
+
+Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer
+and closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from
+within their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this
+spectacular dash, and so were caught unprepared.
+
+Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed
+and drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they
+increased their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.
+
+The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more
+or less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters
+were upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached
+the first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines
+opened fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good.
+Germans tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to
+rise.
+
+Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on
+all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.
+
+But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the
+speed of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the
+British did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to
+the left of the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the
+bottom of the car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his
+hands and tumbled from the car.
+
+Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had
+Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.
+
+Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost
+bumped into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal's
+promptness in turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car
+had been struck by a German bullet and killed.
+
+The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward
+ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged
+straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still
+shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it
+was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to
+certain death.
+
+All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed
+beyond, and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.
+
+Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant
+machine leaped upon them like a thing of life, hurling them off on
+all sides, and running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with
+another sudden turn to the left, it sped directly toward a group of
+officers, who stood nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this
+unexpected turn that the officers were run down before they could move
+from their tracks.
+
+Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.
+
+It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward--there was a
+fearful roar--a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke
+had cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen--nothing but
+wreckage and a few maimed bodies scattered about.
+
+But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at
+the moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a
+second sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped
+for air, and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and
+crashed into its nearest neighbor.
+
+There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry
+of triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other
+remaining car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped
+ahead faster than before.
+
+But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too
+much. In spite of the fact that the Germans had been taken by
+surprise, their numbers were so great that the success of such a
+dash was impossible.
+
+Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled
+rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the
+driver of the other car dashed into them.
+
+A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the
+second car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning
+round and round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning
+its occupants beneath it.
+
+A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite
+of the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked
+from side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.
+
+Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the
+lad threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center
+of a large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad
+stood up in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of
+threatening rifles was lowered.
+
+"Come out of there," called the officer, "and be quick about it."
+
+Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the
+ground. Turning back to the machine, they tenderly lifted Captain
+Anderson out and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the
+wild ride.
+
+Hal turned to the German officer.
+
+"Will you please see that my friend," indicating the captain,
+"receives medical attention at once?"
+
+"It shall be done immediately," returned the German officer gravely,
+and motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a
+nearby hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?" he
+demanded.
+
+Hal smiled grimly.
+
+"That is what we intended to do," he made reply. "However, we wouldn't
+have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace."
+
+The German officer also smiled faintly.
+
+"You are bold lads," he said quietly. "Come, I will take you to
+General Von Kluck."
+
+The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German
+commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved
+his wing of the army from probable annihilation.
+
+Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat
+younger, recognizing whom, Hal's heart leaped into his throat. This
+second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had
+placed in Hal's hands dispatches for General Von Kluck--papers that,
+through Hal's bravery, had been turned over to General French, and
+had thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.
+
+The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British
+uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:
+
+"How do you do, Captain Dersam?"
+
+General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads,
+turned to the officer.
+
+"You know these prisoners?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, I know one of them," was the reply. "That is, I thought I did
+once. It seems that I was mistaken."
+
+"Explain yourself."
+
+"This," said the German, pointing to Hal, "is the young man to whom I
+told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented
+himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain
+Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this
+officer must be a traitor."
+
+General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.
+
+"So," he exclaimed, "you are the man whom we have to thank for the
+defeat of our plan, eh?" He turned to the officer. "And you say he
+was in German uniform?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The general turned to Hal.
+
+"Do you know what that means?" he asked.
+
+Hal nodded his head.
+
+"It means," continued the general, "that you are a spy. You shall pay
+the penalty."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "I was not captured within your lines in German
+uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy."
+
+"I can't, eh?" cried General Von Kluck angrily. "Well, you shall see."
+
+"The boy is right," came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning,
+Hal started back in amazement.
+
+"The Emperor!" he cried.
+
+And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:
+
+"_Hoch der Kaiser!_"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GERMAN HOSPITALITY.
+
+
+"Yes," continued the Emperor of Germany, "the boy is right. He has
+spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander
+into our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in
+the armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to
+raid right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five
+aeroplanes, as I have no doubt he did."
+
+"What," exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, "the aeroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes," continued the emperor, "and with them another opportunity to
+deal a death-blow to the English." Then, turning to Hal: "I have no
+doubt that you were concerned in that--am I right?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," said the lad.
+
+"I thought so," said the emperor, and he turned again to General Von
+Kluck.
+
+"The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in
+disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as
+he was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you
+understand?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck, bowing low.
+
+"It seems to me," went on the Kaiser, "that rather than spend so much
+time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if
+some of my officers would expend their energies in looking more
+carefully after my interests."
+
+Once more the emperor turned to Hal.
+
+"If I mistake not," he said, "you are an American. Am I right?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said Hal.
+
+"Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?"
+
+Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany,
+and of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.
+
+"And who is your friend?" asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.
+
+"Chester Crawford, sire," replied Hal, "my boyhood chum."
+
+"And the wounded man?"
+
+"An English officer, your majesty," said Hal, "and a brave one."
+
+"I have found that all the British are brave," said the Kaiser grimly.
+"I was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis," and the
+Kaiser's voice grew harsh; "it was not the only subject on which I was
+misinformed."
+
+His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.
+
+He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:
+
+"General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to
+question them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will
+send a guard for them in two hours."
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck.
+
+The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Follow me," he commanded.
+
+Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close
+behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious
+field quarters.
+
+Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.
+
+"Now, tell me," he said, "what is the general sentiment in America
+toward Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?"
+
+He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a
+discreet silence.
+
+"We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty," he
+said, "but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies
+of the United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies."
+
+The Kaiser nodded his head.
+
+"I was afraid so," he said. "But why?"
+
+"As to why, I can't say," replied Hal. "Chiefly, I suppose, because
+it is an English-speaking country."
+
+"I suppose that is true," said the emperor, "and still there are many
+more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other
+nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany
+brought about this war?"
+
+"From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am
+afraid they do, your majesty," said Hal.
+
+"It is not true," thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist
+down heavily on the table. "I tell you it is not true. Do you
+understand? It is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war.
+It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would
+overrun Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will
+not be called the War Lord of Europe for nothing!"
+
+Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither
+realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand
+before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the
+sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the
+greatest war of all history.
+
+Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and
+he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:
+
+"They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that
+few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I
+thought they lied then. I am sure of it now."
+
+Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
+engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
+disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they
+venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later General
+Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When
+the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the
+emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no
+further words to Hal or Chester.
+
+"I am commanded," said the German officer, "to take you to my tent and
+see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is
+to be made of you."
+
+In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
+guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away
+to make his report to the general.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "they have got us this time, and I don't see any
+way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and
+we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances
+go of getting back to our own lines."
+
+"Don't be so downhearted," said Hal. "More peculiar things have
+happened. We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we
+should be thankful for that."
+
+"Yes, I suppose we should," Chester agreed. "But just the same I would
+like to be back where we belong."
+
+"Well, you can't tell," said Hal. "We may be able to give them the
+slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good
+chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us
+without compunction."
+
+"There is no doubt of that," said Chester. "Von Kluck would do it
+anyhow, if he didn't fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way,
+what do you think of the Kaiser, anyhow?"
+
+"Well," said Hal slowly, "I believe, in the first place, that he takes
+himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen
+instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the
+French and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of
+destiny."
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester, "there is no doubt that he thinks he is right
+and the whole world wrong."
+
+Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.
+
+"You are to remain here for the next few days," he informed them. "As
+the emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck
+is awaiting further word from him as to what to do with you. Right
+now the emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers,
+and, when he is busy, no one dare disturb him."
+
+"And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?" asked
+Chester.
+
+"Why," was the reply, "I suppose you will be treated as all other
+prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin."
+
+"Back to Berlin!" exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.
+
+"Back to Berlin!" repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with
+a long whistle. "Great Scott!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A NEW FRIEND.
+
+
+It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads.
+As Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the
+outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German
+capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would
+be an inglorious finish to their military careers.
+
+"I would rather go to any one other spot on the map," Chester told his
+chum. "Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even
+knowing what is going on?"
+
+"It would be tough," Hal agreed. "And, once there, I am afraid we
+would have to stay until after the war. I don't imagine there is much
+danger of anyone escaping from that place now."
+
+"Nor I," said Chester. "If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it
+before we get to Berlin."
+
+But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were
+doomed to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they
+were made comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not
+beneath some watchful eye.
+
+Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and
+stroll about outside, but on each of these excursions the German
+officer in whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and
+finally from General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to
+Berlin.
+
+"I sort of hate to see you go," the German officer told them, upon
+informing them of their fate. "We have gotten along famously together.
+However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when
+you are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some
+of the tales of German cruelty to their prisoners."
+
+"From the treatment we already have received we can deny them now,"
+said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we can," Chester agreed.
+
+"Come," continued the officer, "what do you say to a little walk
+around? You will not start on your journey until to-night."
+
+Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
+through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
+discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
+them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started
+back toward their temporary prison.
+
+As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding
+toward them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.
+
+Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the
+dog's tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also
+stretched forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.
+
+"He must be one of your French war dogs," said the German with a
+laugh, quickly withdrawing his hand. "We have captured a large number
+of them, and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we
+know how, they will have nothing to do with us."
+
+At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
+came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew
+back his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal
+sharply in the ribs.
+
+But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound,
+the dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to
+the ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly
+forward, and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off,
+though not until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even
+drawing blood from a wound in his throat.
+
+With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew
+it quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the
+trigger, Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his
+arm, knocked the weapon from the German's hand.
+
+The German turned angrily on the lad.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he demanded, in a rage.
+
+"You won't shoot him while I am here," cried Chester, also aroused.
+
+"What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?"
+
+"You try it again and I'll show you what business it is of mine, if
+the whole German army is standing round," shouted Chester furiously.
+
+Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but
+Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the
+German threateningly.
+
+At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to
+interfere.
+
+"Come, come," he said to Chester. "That's enough of this. I am sure
+Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I'm sure he'll apologize if he has
+said or done anything to displease you."
+
+"What! Me apologize?" demanded the German. "And what for, pray?"
+
+"I don't want any apology," declared Chester. "All I want is for him
+to understand he can't shoot a dumb animal while I'm around."
+
+"Is that so?" sneered the German, but the boys' guard cut him short.
+
+"Lieutenant Dennig," he said sharply, "you forget yourself. These
+prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted."
+
+The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer,
+and walked rapidly away.
+
+"One more enemy," said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.
+
+"Oh, he'll get over it," laughed the boys' guard. "He knows he is in
+the wrong--that's what makes him so angry."
+
+The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his
+tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk
+toward their tent, he calmly followed them.
+
+The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the
+tent, and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking
+its way in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one
+side of the tent, sleeping.
+
+"Looks like there are three of you to guard now, instead of two,"
+said the officer. "However, I guess it is all right."
+
+"I wonder if it would be possible," said Chester, struck with a sudden
+thought, "for us to take him to Berlin with us?"
+
+"I'll see what can be done about it," replied the officer. "I believe
+that I can arrange it all right."
+
+"We certainly would appreciate it," continued Chester, "and, if the
+time ever comes when we may be of service to you, you may command
+us." The officer smiled.
+
+"I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity," he said. "Present
+circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it."
+
+"Well, you never can tell," said Hal, "the fortunes of war, you know."
+
+"True," said the German, "and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take
+you at your word."
+
+He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention
+to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The
+dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air
+eagerly.
+
+"A real war dog, all right," said Chester. "What shall we call him,
+Hal?"
+
+"Perhaps he has a name already," said Hal. "Try him."
+
+Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a
+few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at
+thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names
+in the boys' vocabulary.
+
+Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog's head. Then, for the
+first time, he noticed the collar he wore.
+
+"Hello!" he said, in some surprise.
+
+"What is it?" said Chester, also approaching.
+
+"Collar," said Hal briefly. "Perhaps his name is on it."
+
+Both boys bent over the dog.
+
+"Here it is, sure enough," cried Chester.
+
+"Can you make it out?" asked Hal.
+
+"It's a little dark," replied the lad. "Bring him over here nearer the
+light."
+
+This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.
+
+"Well?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Yes, I can read it," replied Chester.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester read aloud:
+
+"Marquis--Twenty-third French Infantry."
+
+"A dispatch dog, eh?" said Hal.
+
+"Yes," said Chester; "and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition
+to our party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BERLIN ONCE MORE.
+
+
+By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the
+consent of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with
+them. That Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have
+him, was plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time,
+and whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.
+
+The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not
+leave until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other
+prisoners, British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled
+aboard early. Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or
+description, there was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the
+large number of prisoners.
+
+The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and
+took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of
+misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and
+chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.
+
+Finally, after much delay, the train started with a jolt, tumbling
+men all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were
+hurled hither and yon, but they only laughed.
+
+The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was
+switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop
+trains carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east,
+or from the east to the west.
+
+Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally
+pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the
+leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground,
+and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German
+officer in command, were marched away.
+
+Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As
+the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German
+officer.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, approaching the boys. "A dog, eh?
+Well, we haven't time to fool with dogs," and he leveled his pistol at
+Marquis.
+
+Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to
+stay the German's hand.
+
+"This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General
+Von Kluck," he said quietly.
+
+"So you say," was the reply. "But how am I to know that you speak the
+truth?"
+
+"The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient
+proof of that," said Hal quietly.
+
+The German officer lowered his weapon.
+
+"I guess you are right," he said. "I beg your pardon."
+
+He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more
+friendly.
+
+"You are British officers?" he asked.
+
+"We are attached to the staff of General French," Chester replied.
+
+"So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?"
+
+"Considerable," replied Hal, with a smile; "at Liege, Louvain, the
+battle of the Marne, and some other skirmishes."
+
+"You have been in luck," said the officer. "And here I have been, ever
+since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.
+Worse luck!"
+
+"Cheer up," said Chester, smilingly, "you probably will get your
+chance before the war is over."
+
+"I hope so," replied the German, and continued: "I am going to arrange
+for you to come with me--yes, and the dog, too," as he saw Hal glance
+at his canine friend. "You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I
+am interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so
+much fighting."
+
+"If I may make so bold," said Hal, "you are not so old yourself."
+
+"True," said the German, with a pleasant smile. "But I am twenty," he
+added proudly.
+
+"Then we are not much younger than you," said Chester.
+
+"Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun."
+
+His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.
+
+"Come with me," he said, and the boys followed him.
+
+"I am at liberty to accept your parole," said the young German, "if
+you are prepared to give it."
+
+Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.
+
+"We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we
+would give our parole to no one."
+
+"Oh, well," said the German, with a laugh, "it doesn't matter. There
+is no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you
+refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you."
+
+The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they
+were soon riding along the streets.
+
+"I am taking you to my home," said the young officer. "While there,
+you will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be
+guarded."
+
+"We understand," said Chester quietly.
+
+"Looks natural along here," said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that
+moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and
+Captain Derevaux had met for the first time--the spot where the French
+and British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.
+
+"What, you have been in Berlin before?" questioned the German officer
+in some surprise.
+
+"Oh, yes," said Hal. "We spent one vacation here with my mother."
+
+He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped
+from the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester
+also made no reference to this.
+
+All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys
+now, and they pointed out different places of interest to each other
+as they sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.
+
+The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the
+boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
+commodious house.
+
+"My home," said the lieutenant simply, "and yours, so long as you are
+forced to remain in Berlin."
+
+The lads followed their captor up the steps, and into a prettily
+furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
+with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
+officer now introduced himself to the boys.
+
+A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The
+boys were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome,
+adding:
+
+"I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us."
+
+Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened to
+explain.
+
+"General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it
+not for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You
+would have to have gone with the other prisoners."
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I am sure we both appreciate it."
+
+"Indeed we do," agreed Hal.
+
+Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there
+came a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown
+quickly open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in
+his uniform, draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two
+boys he came to a sudden pause.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, in a great, booming voice.
+
+"Two of my prisoners, sir," said the lieutenant, stepping forward and
+saluting.
+
+"Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
+captured in Berlin?"
+
+"No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners."
+
+"Then, why are they not with the others?" demanded General Strauss
+sternly.
+
+"Why, sir," stammered the lieutenant, "I--I----"
+
+"Enough," said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling
+although this he endeavored in vain to hide. "You mean that you are up
+to some of your old tricks--that your sympathies have gotten the upper
+hand of your better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you,
+sir?"
+
+The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:
+
+"I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
+superior officer. But I won't do it this time. However, it is a very
+good thing that our emperor--God bless him--is a very good friend of
+your father. Otherwise----"
+
+He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:
+
+"Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside--and which
+almost bit me--is the property of your prisoners."
+
+Hal stepped forward and saluted.
+
+"He is, sir," he said.
+
+The old general eyed the lad for some minutes in silence. Hal bore
+the scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and
+repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his
+son.
+
+"When you have introduced us," he said, "we shall all go in and have
+something to eat!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A PIECE OF PAPER.
+
+
+Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young
+German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of
+the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore
+naught but signs of war.
+
+Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither
+and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the
+city upon every hand--some preparing to entrain for the west, and some
+for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the
+Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers
+would permit.
+
+It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost
+upon the two lads.
+
+"It's going to be an awful job to lick these fellows," Chester
+confided to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.
+
+"There is no question about that," was Hal's reply. "Still, it has to
+be done."
+
+"And will be done eventually," declared Chester grimly. "The trouble
+is that we are not likely to see it done."
+
+"Don't lose heart," said Hal. "Something may turn up. You never can
+tell."
+
+And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could
+possibly have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of
+German soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes.
+Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.
+
+As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a
+halt.
+
+"What have we here?" asked Lieutenant Strauss.
+
+"A spy, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where was he found?"
+
+"About thirty miles west of the city."
+
+"How does he account for his presence there?"
+
+"He has not had much to say," replied the officer, "but he did tell me
+that he fell from an aeroplane."
+
+"Does he deny being a spy?"
+
+"He does, sir."
+
+"Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?"
+
+"He doesn't account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on
+that score."
+
+Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the
+prisoner as the armed guard would permit.
+
+"Looks like an Englishman," said Hal.
+
+"That's what he is, all right," declared Chester.
+
+The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these words, spoken in
+English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and,
+apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.
+
+Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester,
+throwing up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt
+a little piece of paper slipped into his hand.
+
+In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily;
+and, at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they
+struggled, the lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:
+
+"Don't lose it. It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at
+once. Much depends upon it."
+
+Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad's grasp, and Chester realized
+what was expected of him.
+
+"I've got him," he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on
+top of him.
+
+The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner
+was closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he
+desired no further information and the squad of soldiers marched away,
+the prisoner meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.
+
+"A nice pair of Englishmen you are," he cried. "Traitors, that's what
+you are. If you hadn't stopped me I would have got away."
+
+"Never mind him," said Lieutenant Strauss. "He's naturally angry at
+being foiled in his attempt to escape."
+
+Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand,
+was now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason
+pleaded fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant's attention was
+directed elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared
+that, upon close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was
+concealing something in his hand.
+
+Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:
+
+"What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He
+might have got away if it hadn't been for you. No wonder he called us
+traitors."
+
+Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and pulled
+forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could see it,
+he said:
+
+"I didn't know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know
+that there was something up."
+
+"Something up!" exclaimed Hal. "What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, simply that the prisoner's attempt to escape was a ruse."
+
+"A ruse?"
+
+"Exactly. That's why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, losing his temper, "I don't. Quit beating around
+the bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it."
+
+"Well, then," said Chester, "you see this piece of paper?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of
+handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you
+were. That's why I got it."
+
+"You mean----" began Hal.
+
+"Exactly," Chester interrupted. "Now, let's see what it says."
+
+Both lads bent over the paper.
+
+"It's written so finely I can hardly make it out," said Chester, after
+looking over the paper.
+
+"Bring it over to the window," replied Hal. "Under a strong light we
+may be able to read it."
+
+Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what they
+read:
+
+     "For the success of military operations in the western
+     theater of war, it is essential that the Russian campaign be
+     pushed with immediate vigor, particularly in the north.
+     Knowing that we are all working in sympathy and accord,
+     without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this
+     suggestion will be acted upon."
+
+"No address and no signature," said Hal. "What's it all about?"
+
+Chester bent closer over the paper.
+
+"What's this at the bottom?" he said.
+
+Hal looked again.
+
+"Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me," he said, after a careful
+scrutiny. "By Jove, I have it! It's a secret sign, that's what it is.
+The man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it."
+
+"I believe you have hit it," exclaimed Chester.
+
+"But how are we to know for whom it is intended?" said Hal. "It
+carries no address."
+
+"It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the
+Russian armies," replied Chester.
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so," was Chester's
+reply.
+
+"Well, then," said Hal, "we know for whom it is intended, but what did
+the man give it to you for?"
+
+"Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs."
+
+"I hope he didn't expect us to deliver it."
+
+"I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way."
+
+"Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?"
+
+"No," said Chester, "I can't. But something has got to be done. I
+imagine that General French and General Joffre figured that it would
+be delivered without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route
+as commanded, or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden
+dash."
+
+"Well, I can't see that that part makes any difference. The question
+now is, what are we going to do with it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "that's the question."
+
+For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode,
+each suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.
+
+Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.
+
+"What is it?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"We'll take it ourselves!" he exclaimed.
+
+"We will, eh?" said Hal incredulously. "Would you mind telling me
+how?"
+
+"I won't tell you anything," was Chester's reply. "But are you willing
+to do as I say?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal, after some consideration.
+
+"Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand
+Duke Nicholas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+TAKING A CHANCE.
+
+
+"The first thing to do," said Chester, "is to appropriate two of
+Lieutenant Strauss's uniforms. That's your job."
+
+"That's right--pick out the easy work for me," replied Hal
+sarcastically. "How do you figure I'm going to get 'em?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester. "That's up to you. My job, and a much
+harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general's big
+maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know
+where we are going."
+
+"I take back what I said," exclaimed Hal. "I'll try to get those
+uniforms."
+
+"Trying is not enough," said Chester. "You've got to get 'em!"
+
+"All right, then," replied Hal, "I'll get 'em!"
+
+Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home,
+a detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders
+not to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the
+lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the
+house. The lieutenant had demurred at the placing of a guard around
+the house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys
+escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point,
+remarking:
+
+"I know these Americans better than you do. They're slippery. You have
+to watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers."
+
+Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped
+unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.
+
+He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.
+
+"It's up to me to see if I can't pick that lock," he told himself, and
+set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from his
+pocket.
+
+In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and
+viewed the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of
+footsteps from without. Then an idea struck him.
+
+Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door.
+A moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
+lieutenant's uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
+the door and tightened the bolts.
+
+Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
+room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not
+there.
+
+"Hope he has things as easy as I did," said Hal to himself, and sat
+down to await his friend's return.
+
+When Chester entered the general's private room, which he found
+unlocked, he went straight to the general's desk. He knew that maps
+and valuable papers were kept there, because the general had once
+referred to them as being there while at supper.
+
+The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
+expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always
+carried from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
+unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly
+threw up the top.
+
+Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
+returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
+and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what
+he was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.
+
+He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
+general's desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which
+he also thrust into his pocket.
+
+There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
+lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out.
+There was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him,
+Chester walked rapidly down the hall to his own room, where Hal was
+waiting for his return.
+
+"Did you get it?" asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed
+the door behind him.
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "and you?"
+
+"They are under the bed," said Hal, with a grin. "I believe I would
+make a first-class burglar."
+
+"And I," agreed Chester. "However, 'All's fair in love and war,' you
+know."
+
+"I am glad I do know it," said Hal. "Otherwise I wouldn't think much
+of myself now."
+
+"We had better hide these things," said Chester. "Their loss might be
+discovered and a search made."
+
+"Where shall we put them?"
+
+Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened
+the door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small
+opening, apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the
+ceiling.
+
+"Put 'em in here," he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his
+pocket, he suited the action to the word.
+
+Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of
+hard squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark
+cloth made the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.
+
+"All we need now are swords and pistols," said Chester.
+
+"Pistols," agreed Hal. "I don't know that we need swords."
+
+"You don't," said Chester, in contempt. "We would make a couple of
+fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn't we?"
+
+"You're right," Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. "Where are we going
+to get them?"
+
+"The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the
+hall before retiring," said Chester. "Then I noticed another pair of
+swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably
+leaves his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for
+us."
+
+Chester's thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated
+stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General
+Strauss, upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office,
+saying that he would be in to dinner in a few moments.
+
+Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without
+waiting for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the
+room.
+
+"My maps!" he cried. "My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?"
+
+The lieutenant jumped to his feet.
+
+"Have you lost them, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Lost 'em? Lost 'em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where
+they were?"
+
+"Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir."
+
+"No, I didn't leave 'em at headquarters," raged the general. "Someone
+has stolen them!"
+
+"Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know
+that none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing
+them."
+
+"I tell you they have been stolen!" cried the general. "I want the
+house searched at once--every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of
+these two Americans also."
+
+"Father!" admonished the lieutenant. "Surely you are not accusing
+them?"
+
+"I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must
+I call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?"
+
+"I'll help, sir," replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said
+softly: "Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces
+something."
+
+The old general's sharp ears caught this remark.
+
+"Irritable, am I?" he cried. "Well, maybe I am, but I don't need to
+have my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that
+demands an apology I'll apologize myself."
+
+Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:
+
+"I'll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?"
+
+"Yes," snapped the general, "and see that you make a thorough job of
+it."
+
+At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.
+
+"If you think we have your papers, sir," he said quietly, "we are
+willing to submit to a search."
+
+"And searched you shall be," said the general. He turned to his son.
+"Search them!"
+
+The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The lads submitted to the
+search in silence.
+
+"They have nothing, sir," said the lieutenant.
+
+"Then search the second floor," commanded the general.
+
+An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later
+the old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.
+
+"I found nothing, sir," reported the lieutenant.
+
+"Nor I," said the general slowly. "Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps,
+after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters." He turned to Hal and
+Chester. "I hope you will pardon me for my outburst," he said gravely,
+"but I am easily excited."
+
+"Say no more about it, sir," replied both lads together, but to each
+came the same thought:
+
+"We are in luck."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+SAFE AGAIN.
+
+
+Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant
+Strauss said to the boys:
+
+"There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would
+you care to accompany me to the play to-night?"
+
+Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they
+could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too
+tired.
+
+"Some other evening, if that will do as well," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, all right, whatever you say," replied the lieutenant. "I hope
+there are no hard feelings--that you will overlook my father's show of
+temper?"
+
+"Of course," said Hal. "Anyone would have done the same under the
+circumstances."
+
+After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads,
+bidding his mother good night, and announcing their intention of
+retiring early, made their way to their room.
+
+There their air of leisure gave way to haste.
+
+"We'll have to hurry," said Hal. "The general will fail to find his
+maps at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb's
+tail."
+
+Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant's uniforms, and Chester
+placed the maps in his pocket.
+
+"We will have to go without revolvers," said Chester, "for we
+certainly can't afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come
+home."
+
+"I should say not," Hal agreed. "The sooner we get out of here now the
+better, providing we can get out."
+
+Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and
+descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the
+two swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts,
+and, leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.
+
+Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they
+opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a
+swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into
+one of the guards.
+
+The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," he said, addressing Chester. "I saw you go
+out once before, but I didn't see you return."
+
+"You must be more careful," said Chester, imitating the lieutenant's
+voice. "My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn't see you
+anywhere."
+
+"But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,"
+protested the soldier.
+
+"Well, I'll pass over it this time," said Chester, "but don't let it
+happen again. The prisoners might escape."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the soldier, saluting again. "But the
+prisoners will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir."
+
+The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once
+around the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon
+had put considerable distance between them and the Strauss home,
+where, even now, the old general, having failed to find his maps at
+headquarters, was again raging about, swearing that his documents had
+been stolen.
+
+Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers.
+Also, while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it
+carefully.
+
+"I want to impress this firmly on my mind," he said to Hal, "for we
+may not have a chance to look at it again for some time."
+
+Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later
+they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the
+ugly-looking Colt each carried in his pocket.
+
+As the boys walked along one of the dark streets, they became aware of
+the soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to
+face whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a
+laugh.
+
+"Marquis!" he cried aloud.
+
+Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to
+the boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but
+with reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.
+
+"Good old Marquis," said Chester, patting his head. "You didn't want
+to be left behind among all these Germans, did you?"
+
+Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.
+
+"What are we going to do with him?" asked Hal. "Won't he be in the
+way?"
+
+"No, I don't think so," replied Chester. "Not if the plan I have in
+mind works."
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"You'll know soon enough," said Chester calmly. "Come on."
+
+For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city
+at the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they
+walked along, but were not molested nor even challenged.
+
+Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys
+and the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.
+
+"I thought I was right," said Chester to himself. "But I was beginning
+to doubt it."
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal. "What is that building?"
+
+"That," said Chester calmly, "is an aeroplane station. We shall now go
+in and get one."
+
+"Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer
+who happens along?"
+
+"No, they don't," said Chester. "But, among other things in General
+Strauss's desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one
+calling upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Hal.
+
+"I wanted to save it as a surprise," said Chester.
+
+As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a
+long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a
+sentry.
+
+"I have an order for the commandant," called Chester.
+
+"Approach," said the sentry.
+
+A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.
+
+"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked.
+
+Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated
+from General Strauss's desk from his pocket and passed it to the
+commandant. The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.
+
+"You shall have the machine in five minutes," he said, and left them.
+
+True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood
+before them.
+
+"You will have to run this thing," Chester whispered to Hal.
+
+"Well, it won't be the first time," Hal whispered back.
+
+Hal took the aviator's seat and Chester also took his place. Then the
+latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat
+down calmly between Chester's feet.
+
+"Surely you are not going to take that dog," protested the commandant.
+
+"Yes," said Chester. "He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the
+French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch."
+
+"I see," exclaimed the commandant. "A good idea."
+
+"Isn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"All ready?" demanded the commandant of Hal.
+
+"All ready," was the lad's reply.
+
+"Let her go, then," the commandant ordered the two men who had
+appeared to give the aeroplane a start.
+
+A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.
+
+"Good luck," called the commandant.
+
+Chester waved his hand in reply.
+
+Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the aeroplane left the
+ground, and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.
+
+"Which way, Chester?" Hal called back over his shoulder.
+
+"Due east," replied Chester, "but first rise as high as you can."
+
+Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were
+thousands of feet above the earth.
+
+"What's your altitude?" called Chester.
+
+Hal told him.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Keep her there, and now head due east."
+
+Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a
+direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of
+war, would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies
+of Russia were rushing upon the German legions.
+
+"I know we shall get through safely," called Chester, as they sped
+along. "Some way I feel it."
+
+"And so do I," Hal called back.
+
+They were right, and before another night had fallen these two
+young American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas,
+commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which
+had so strangely fallen into their hands--the paper which, later on,
+brought about more than one serious check to German arms.
+
+But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their
+further adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, "The
+Boy Allies With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian
+Mountains."
+
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:
+
+Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise
+every effort has been made to remain true to the author's words and
+intent.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by
+Clair W. Hayes
+
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+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by Clair Wallace Hayes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+
+Author: Clair Wallace Hayes
+
+Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12870]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                   The Boy Allies On The Firing Line
+
+                                   OR
+
+                  Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+                           By CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+AUTHOR OF "The Boy Allies at Liège" "The Boy Allies With the Cossacks"
+"The Boy Allies In the Trenches"
+
+                                  1915
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+TERRIBLE ODDS.
+
+
+"Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn't it, Hal?" asked
+Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly along.
+
+"Great!" replied his friend enthusiastically. "And it looks as if we were
+to see action soon."
+
+"Yes, it does look that way."
+
+The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all told,
+with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were reconnoitering
+ten miles in advance of the main army along the river Marne in the great
+war between Germany and the allied armies. For several hours they had
+been riding slowly without encountering the enemy, when, suddenly, as the
+little squad topped a small hill and the two boys gained an unobstructed
+view of the little plain below, Hal pulled up his horse with an
+exclamation.
+
+Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an
+abrupt halt.
+
+"Germans!" he said laconically.
+
+"And thousands of 'em," said Chester. "They haven't seen us yet. What is
+best to be done?"
+
+The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of fire
+broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily ducked their
+heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.
+
+"Well, they have seen us now," said Hal; then turning to the men: "To the
+woods," pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.
+
+Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.
+
+"Up in the trees," ordered Hal, "and pick them off as they come!"
+
+Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among
+the branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming
+German horde.
+
+Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they
+approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their
+answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British troopers,
+accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton cavalry went
+down in heaps.
+
+There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching
+horsemen. Then, as the English continued their work, firing with
+machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a halt.
+
+"What are they stopping for?" cried Chester. "There are enough of them to
+overwhelm us!"
+
+"I believe they fear a trap," replied Hal. "They are afraid we are trying
+to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the delusion if we
+expect to get away."
+
+So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force
+advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been even
+wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had climbed into
+the trees, had aimed too low.
+
+From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and then,
+as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly, firing as
+they flitted from tree to tree.
+
+Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy's indecision.
+They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally gained the edge of
+the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from further in among the
+trees the leaden messengers of death still struck the Germans, and man
+after man fell in his tracks.
+
+Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to the
+ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed him
+with a word, and the little body of English continued their retreat,
+firing as they went.
+
+Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance of
+half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this half a
+mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the Germans were
+approaching nearer every second.
+
+Hal did not hesitate.
+
+"We shall have to make a dash for it!" he cried. "One more volley, men,
+and then run!"
+
+One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then the
+little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed scarcely
+half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the woods, and
+poured a volley into them.
+
+Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were
+left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees,
+but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.
+
+Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.
+
+"We may as well fight it out here," he told them. "We will hold them off
+if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind whatever
+cover offers."
+
+A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
+determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
+Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
+marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
+enemy halted.
+
+Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
+were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
+or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
+accounted for.
+
+For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
+darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure them
+into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a charge,
+but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as they
+flitted from one tree to another.
+
+But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little troop
+of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten men. The
+two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been struck once.
+They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had the troopers,
+but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.
+
+And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and two
+more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a last dash
+for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered him, and
+Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they turned and
+sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the direction of their
+own lines.
+
+Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans halted,
+puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether the enemy
+had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the approach of a
+larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the lives of Hal and
+Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans advanced they would
+have experienced little difficulty in killing or capturing them.
+
+Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when at
+length they once more emerged into the open country they were completely
+exhausted.
+
+"Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate," said
+Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. "It's terrible to
+think of those poor fellows we left behind."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Hal; "but I don't think they would complain. The
+British soldier is not that kind."
+
+"You are right," agreed Chester. "And each accounted for more than one of
+his country's foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?"
+
+"No. Were you?"
+
+"No. But come, we had better be pushing on again."
+
+With the loss of their comrades still preying upon their minds, the
+little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward we
+shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those who have
+not met them before, and to relate how it came about that they were
+serving in such an important capacity with the British army in France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.
+
+
+Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester
+Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable military
+service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the heroic defense
+of the Belgian city of Liège, which had held out for days against the
+overwhelming horde of Teutons.
+
+In Berlin with Hal's mother when the war broke out, they had been
+separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a
+gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British
+army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate
+experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told
+in the first book of this series, entitled "The Boy Allies at Liège."
+They had reached Liège in time to take an active part in the defense of
+that city.
+
+In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and
+each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they
+remained some time, while Hal's wound healed sufficiently to continue his
+homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the Belgian
+commander at Liège had mentioned them so favorably in his report to King
+Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as lieutenants in the
+Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their bravery.
+
+It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered Lieutenant
+Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was through his
+inducement that they now found themselves attached to the staff of Field
+Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British forces on the
+continent, engaged in scout duty.
+
+At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the
+main army on a reconnaissance.
+
+The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had been
+steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the ground. Day
+after day and night after night the hard pressed British troops, to which
+Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of the fighting. But
+for the heroism of these comparatively few English, slightly more than
+one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably would have marched to the
+very gates of Paris.
+
+But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the
+gallant command of Sir John French, they had checked the overwhelming
+numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English troops
+under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the greatest
+military achievements of the world's history.
+
+Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great Britain
+always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours, without
+sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the fearful fire of
+the great German guns miles away. While the French, farther south, gave
+way more rapidly, these few English stood their ground.
+
+Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the point
+of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These bayonet
+charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester in spite of the fact
+that they had been in the midst of similar actions before Liège.
+
+As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the
+English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though
+with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more
+coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges
+was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle and
+artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time after time
+were driven back in disorder.
+
+And as the British charged, always the words of their battle-song,
+fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the
+sounds of battle:
+
+"It's a long way to Tipperary.
+  It's a long way to go;
+It's a long way to Tipperary,
+  To the sweetest girl I know.
+Good-by, Piccadilly,
+  Farewell, Leicester square.
+It's a long, long way to Tipperary,
+  But my heart's right there!"
+
+Liège had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several of the
+forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its beautiful
+buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested by the
+Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to relinquish the
+spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau, after a stubborn
+resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre, commander-in-chief of
+the French army, also had been forced to retire.
+
+So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government, the
+day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes and
+other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that the great
+French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town
+unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in the world, was
+being prepared to withstand a siege.
+
+And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy's war aviators flew
+over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon several
+days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring sky fighters.
+After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.
+
+But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that
+time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was
+excellent.
+
+In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had
+succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of
+English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned,
+their number much smaller than when they had charged.
+
+For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and
+Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy's line to
+reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
+attacked by the Germans in force.
+
+Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty who
+had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on horses;
+they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of the enemy.
+From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of firing.
+
+"Evidently they have not given up the pursuit," said Hal.
+
+"No; and they are probably mounted. Let's turn off into this little
+woods," replied Chester.
+
+They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
+their way.
+
+As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in advance,
+stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party halted.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in a whisper.
+
+"Germans!" replied Hal briefly.
+
+Chester approached closer and peered over his friend's shoulder. Less
+than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.
+
+"Perhaps they are not Germans," said Chester hopefully. "How did they
+manage to get behind us?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "But I am sure they are Germans. Some way, I
+can feel it."
+
+"Well, what are we going to do?"
+
+"We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us.
+Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured."
+
+Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an
+hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost
+directly before them, came a cry, in German:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.
+
+
+In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at
+first, could not see the man who had accosted them.
+
+At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.
+
+"Who goes there?" came the question from the darkness.
+
+"Friends!" replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.
+
+"Advance!" came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with his
+rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.
+
+It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms until
+the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.
+
+"English!" he exclaimed in surprise.
+
+His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
+staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
+fell with stunning force upon the German's head. The soldier dropped to
+the ground with a slight moan.
+
+"We'll have to get away from here quick!" exclaimed Chester. "Come on,
+men, follow us!"
+
+Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
+forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he whispered. "Look! We are right in the middle of them!"
+
+It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction, the
+boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German force
+sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut. Here and
+there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry flitting about.
+
+"We have certainly got into a mess," whispered Hal.
+
+"We have that," replied Chester. "Shall we make another detour?"
+
+Hal thought for a few moments.
+
+"I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without being
+seen," he replied at length. "There is no telling how far this line
+stretches out, and if we didn't get around them by daylight it would be
+all off with us."
+
+"But the sentries?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being
+heard. That's all there is about it."
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "We might as well move at once."
+
+The plan was outlined to the men and they went forward. A moment and they
+were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that the line
+of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was not very
+deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through safely.
+
+Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a certain
+amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was unlikely,
+should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them for English;
+and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash with some hope
+of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely exhausted, slept
+heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.
+
+The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as Hal,
+believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a breath of
+relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before them. It was a
+German sentry.
+
+Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward. The
+former's hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the sound of
+his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the man's face.
+The German fell limply into Chester's arms, and the boy laid him quietly
+on the ground.
+
+Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused no
+one. But suddenly there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning his head
+quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which caused such a
+racket in the stillness of the night.
+
+One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping
+German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was the
+German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his slumber.
+
+Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman
+dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the noise
+had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a rifle,
+and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched to the
+ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a smoking rifle
+in his hands.
+
+At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by
+magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:
+
+"Run!"
+
+At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The other
+man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry of
+command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the woods. No
+man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The darkness
+made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.
+
+Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
+through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
+Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
+Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their chance
+of safety.
+
+But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible, so
+it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along as
+well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or tumbling
+into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length emerged into the
+open, and broke into a weary run.
+
+"We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the edge
+of the woods, or we are gone goslings," panted Hal.
+
+Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and as
+they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
+groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
+into the woods.
+
+"We'll stop here a moment and pick off a few of 'em," said Hal grimly.
+
+The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
+ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
+wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.
+
+"They don't know how many of us there are," said Hal, "and they are
+afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for
+it again."
+
+A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English sprang
+to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave them a
+parting shot, but there was no pursuit.
+
+"That was pretty close," said Chester.
+
+"It was, indeed," replied Hal, "and there is one more of our men gone.
+
+"Was anyone wounded?" he asked, turning to the others.
+
+"Shot in the shoulder, sir," replied a man named Brown.
+
+"They got me in the arm," said another.
+
+"Anyone else?" questioned Hal.
+
+There was no reply, and Hal asked:
+
+"Are you two men able to go on without assistance?"
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"Good! Then come on."
+
+All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was not
+until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance, the
+first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.
+
+Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their
+quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice exclaimed:
+
+"Well, boys, how are you?"
+
+The lads turned quickly about; then each gave a cry of delight and
+grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.
+
+"Captain Derevaux!" they exclaimed in a single voice.
+
+"No," replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. "Major Derevaux, if
+you please!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.
+
+
+Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the hand.
+
+"Major, eh," ejaculated Hal. "I'm glad to hear that!"
+
+"So am I," declared Chester. "I am sure no one deserved promotion more
+than you."
+
+"Thanks," laughed the major.
+
+"Tell us," said Hal, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with
+the Southern army."
+
+"I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake not,
+they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought to a head
+and that we shall take the offensive soon."
+
+"Good!" cried Chester. "We have been retreating long enough."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "we can hardly advance in the face of such odds; we
+must have reinforcements."
+
+"Well," said Major Derevaux, "strong reinforcements already are arriving,
+and I believe that the advance will be general along our whole line."
+
+"That will mean severe fighting," said Chester.
+
+"Indeed it will," replied the major. "It will mean fighting such as the
+world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands upon
+thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back."
+
+"And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own
+way," said Hal.
+
+"Exactly," returned the major. "But I must leave you now, boys. I must
+return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!"
+
+"Good luck!" exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and
+strode rapidly away.
+
+The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to
+rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they again
+opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then had not
+the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.
+
+Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were
+ready to move--whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet. It
+was evident, however, that something was afoot.
+
+Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and joined
+the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was sitting his
+horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally one went dashing
+away with some order, as the general gave a laconic command.
+
+The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said quietly:
+
+"Order a general advance!"
+
+A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in motion,
+and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops perceived
+that they were going forward--that the retreat had ended.
+
+Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the crack,
+crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged with the
+enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of the great
+German guns, and as the English advanced still further men began to fall
+before the deadly German artillery fire.
+
+But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.
+Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to halt.
+A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view,
+retreating before a large force of Germans.
+
+Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their faces
+toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been
+discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to
+fire rang out.
+
+There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their
+messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this
+deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans could
+recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon them,
+striking, cutting, slashing.
+
+It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed.
+But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the
+English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of
+infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British cavalry
+was forced to retire.
+
+All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in the
+very center of the British line. On the right and left the engagement was
+of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of rifles and
+artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the British were
+engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.
+
+Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center. Then
+General French turned suddenly to Hal:
+
+"Tell General Mayo to advance in force!" he commanded.
+
+The general turned to Chester:
+
+"Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!"
+
+The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost
+immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.
+
+As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the British
+came to sudden life. Flame burst out from all along the center and the
+Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into the wavering ranks
+of the enemy, and they turned to flee.
+
+A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as they
+advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut in the
+advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From their rear
+reinforcements were coming continually.
+
+The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by
+the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the accuracy
+of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were dropping on all
+sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the British, singing
+and cheering, continued their advance.
+
+The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men engaged
+in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense left--that
+of sight--and their rifles continued to deal out death.
+
+At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to
+fall back.
+
+There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more
+rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the
+English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.
+
+But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still
+closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the
+enemy's infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their
+comrades, close enough to come into action.
+
+The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did
+not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.
+
+General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick
+command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out
+along the British line:
+
+"With the bayonet! Charge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHARGE.
+
+
+For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence, and
+then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets from the
+thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns of the German
+field batteries checked them.
+
+The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost less
+time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy, who
+stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.
+
+The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work,
+encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for
+the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.
+
+As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce volley;
+but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English in
+struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued their
+deadly work.
+
+All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies pursuing
+them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated. The engagement
+became a slaughter.
+
+Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in the
+fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found themselves
+in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to turn back, but
+they managed to single each other out and soon were fighting side by
+side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal's cheek, where a German bayonet
+had pricked him slightly. Chester was unwounded.
+
+Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift
+move he swept aside his opponent's blade and felled him to the earth. At
+the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad of his
+weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal's sword.
+
+But the boy's grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt.
+Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could recover
+himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then, stooping, he
+picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of the German
+officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely engaged with
+two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.
+
+One swift stroke of the boy's sword and the soldier was laid low. At the
+same instant Chester's sword slipped through his opponent's guard and the
+latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.
+
+"Good work!" Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later both
+lads were once more too busy for speech.
+
+Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel. The
+latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At sword play
+the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester was giving a
+good account of himself.
+
+Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon
+came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face.
+Chester's opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death thrust.
+But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed harmlessly
+over his head.
+
+From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the knees
+before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at him, and,
+with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head. The German
+hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick himself up an
+English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of his bayonet.
+
+Chester seized the officer's sword and sprang forward into the thick of
+the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the
+victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing their way
+through the dense bodies of the enemy.
+
+Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling
+men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the head.
+Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his friend's
+plight, and jumped back.
+
+With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant
+would have been buried in Chester's prostrate form, but as he did so a
+heavy blow fell upon the lad's head and he was sent to his knees. Above
+him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.
+
+Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was impossible
+for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust. Quickly he
+threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German toppled on top of
+him, lifeless.
+
+Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his
+life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.
+
+"Just in time," said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now
+struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them,
+unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his friend.
+
+Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not
+seriously hurt, and with Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again
+plunged into the conflict.
+
+But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to
+stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way on
+all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon hundreds
+of the enemy were cut down in their flight.
+
+Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke
+and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British
+pursued them, and then a halt was called.
+
+The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so
+great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.
+
+Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be used
+while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action again,
+shelling the fleeing Germans.
+
+The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant
+Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb over
+the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for life. But
+the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared for with the
+greatest possible haste and gentleness.
+
+"That was some fight, if you ask me," said Hal to Chester, as they
+continued their way to the part of the field where they could see General
+French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to rejoin his
+own men, from whom he had become separated.
+
+"It was all of that," replied Chester, "and I can't imagine how we
+escaped with our lives."
+
+"Nor I. It doesn't seem possible that anyone in the midst of such
+terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly
+wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?"
+
+"No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?"
+
+"I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his
+rifle butt."
+
+"Look at the dead and wounded lying about," said Hal. "It is a terrible
+thing--this modern warfare."
+
+"It is, indeed," returned Chester, and the two continued on their way
+in silence.
+
+General French noticed their approach. The British commander was standing
+as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed to the fire
+of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BRIDGE IS HELD.
+
+
+At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.
+
+"Where have you been, sirs?" demanded the British commander.
+
+Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.
+
+"And you were in the midst of the charge?" questioned General French,
+when the lad concluded.
+
+"Yes, sir!"
+
+"And are not even badly wounded?"
+
+"No, sir!"
+
+"Wonderful!" exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments'
+silence: "You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two
+for my mission."
+
+"Yes, sir!" exclaimed Hal eagerly.
+
+"Both of you report to me in an hour," ordered General French.
+
+The two lads saluted again and moved away.
+
+"Wonder what he wants?" said Chester.
+
+"Too deep for me," was Hal's reply.
+
+"He said something about a mission. I guess that means more
+excitement for us."
+
+"I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it, no
+matter what it may be."
+
+"We can try, anyhow. That's the best anyone can do."
+
+At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French's
+headquarters.
+
+"I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will be
+attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?" asked the
+British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.
+
+"We shall do our best, sir," replied Hal.
+
+"Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and
+drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be not
+anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to lead
+one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The enemy
+must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the bridge as well
+as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been selected. They have
+volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show you where to find them.
+Hold the bridge! That is all!"
+
+The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee,
+and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had
+volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army, if
+necessary.
+
+It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced through
+the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme front. A long
+range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of the darkness, but
+little damage was being done by either side.
+
+Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their artillery
+again and the British were replying. The little band of English, with Hal
+and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the bridge described by
+General French, and there took up their positions.
+
+The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
+abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible for
+one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other end. It
+was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high and thus
+precluded any attempt to ford it.
+
+All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for battle
+on a moment's notice. All night long the shells of both the Germans and
+British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near them.
+
+With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
+British were awake. At Hal's suggestion they cut down trees, and
+dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind this
+they lay down.
+
+It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to the
+bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:
+
+"They are coming!"
+
+"All right," replied Hal. "We're ready for 'em!"
+
+Under Hal's direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all,
+appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been divided
+into three bodies--each containing twenty-five men--each body directly
+behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps made by the
+German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his place would
+immediately be filled by another, the second by the third, the third by
+the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front line would be
+still intact, although the fourth line would have disappeared.
+
+Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line,
+where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.
+
+"Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn," Capt. Lee
+instructed his men. "Then mow them down, and make every shot count!"
+
+Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The first
+line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down behind them.
+All was in readiness to repulse the attack.
+
+Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge,
+marching five abreast.
+
+"Fire!" cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.
+
+Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.
+
+A sudden idea struck Hal.
+
+"There's no use wasting five bullets on each German," he told his men.
+"Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve your
+fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take his
+man, and so on!"
+
+The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had
+just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.
+
+Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans
+fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five
+more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and still
+another five.
+
+The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a
+burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade
+dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for
+their rash attack.
+
+In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the
+dust. Then they drew off.
+
+"Good work, men!" cried Chester. "We can hold them off indefinitely," he
+added to Hal.
+
+"Looks like it," was Hal's reply. "But if they make a concerted rush we
+shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?"
+
+"Very bad," answered one of the men. "I am afraid he's done for."
+
+And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate that
+had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and still more.
+
+As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and
+continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were
+beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn upon
+more rapidly each minute.
+
+Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of
+the fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on.
+The bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did
+not hesitate.
+
+Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went to
+death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both sides
+fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind the
+barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he himself
+went to his death.
+
+Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no cessation
+of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now formed a
+barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind them, using
+their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep they stood
+behind their dead, and poured volley after volley into the defenders.
+
+The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a
+German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and
+almost every time a German fell.
+
+All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the fierce
+fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead, being
+unable to rush the defenders.
+
+There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and
+Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the shoulder.
+But neither was badly hurt.
+
+"Hadn't we better retreat, sir?" asked one soldier of Hal, when there was
+a let up in the firing.
+
+"What chance would we have?" demanded Hal. "The minute we broke and ran
+we would be shot down like dogs."
+
+"Then we might surrender."
+
+"Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold it
+as long as we can."
+
+The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There was
+a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.
+
+"Wonder what that means?" demanded Hal of Chester. "They certainly are
+not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?"
+
+"I can't imagine," replied Chester. "But they have something up
+their sleeves."
+
+"Well, well soon see," said Hal.
+
+But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared around
+the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a sudden
+deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and Chester and
+the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble cheer.
+
+Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British
+cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of infantry,
+advancing swiftly.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Hal. "Saved! Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah!" repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over
+in a heap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.
+
+
+Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he exclaimed anxiously. "Are you wounded?"
+
+There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly
+alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.
+
+"Here, lend a hand some of you," he commanded. "One of you fetch
+some water!"
+
+Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head
+gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later
+returned with his cap filled with water.
+
+Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend's face, and soon noticed
+signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his eyes and
+smiled feebly.
+
+"Are you much hurt, old fellow?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the feeble response. "I don't think so. A bullet just grazed
+my side. I don't know how I came to topple over like that."
+
+Quickly Hal unloosened his friend's coat, tore open his shirt and
+examined his wound.
+
+"It's only a scratch," he said, straightening up at last. "Here," pulling
+out his handkerchief, "I'll fix it up until we can have a surgeon look at
+it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes."
+
+"I'm able right now," said Chester, struggling to his feet.
+
+Leaning heavily on Hal's arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river
+bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing steadily
+at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The approach of
+the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a rapid retreat. From
+the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of smoke, and bullets
+continued to fall among the English troops, and here and there men fell
+to the ground.
+
+"They arrived just in time, didn't they, Hal?" said Chester.
+
+"You bet they did," was the reply. "But come, we will try to make our way
+back to our station."
+
+With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going very
+slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under an army
+wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.
+
+"You have done well," was the general's only comment when Hal had
+concluded his recital.
+
+Hal saluted and left.
+
+"Guess I'll go back and keep Chester company," he said to himself.
+
+He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came
+suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had
+collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at the
+same time exclaiming:
+
+"What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can't you see where you
+are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners."
+
+Hal's face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who proved
+to be a French lieutenant.
+
+"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"
+
+"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.
+
+The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly
+across the face.
+
+Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and
+knocked him down.
+
+The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from his
+nose, approached Hal.
+
+"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you
+this evening."
+
+"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French," Hal said
+calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."
+
+The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned
+to Chester.
+
+"Back so soon?" said Chester.
+
+"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.
+
+"Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands."
+
+"A duel?"
+
+"Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
+lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He then
+informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds like a
+duel to me."
+
+"Yes," said Chester, "unless it can be patched up."
+
+"I am afraid it can't. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
+concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the Frenchman
+feels he has a grievance. He'll probably demand a fight or an apology."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a duel."
+
+"Not if I can prevent it," exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.
+
+"But you can't," replied Hal grimly. "And you had better lie down again.
+You are liable to strain your wound."
+
+"Oh, I am not worrying about the wound," exclaimed Chester. "The doctor
+said there was no danger. It's you I am worrying about. Why, you are
+likely to be killed."
+
+"Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself," returned Hal. "I've
+been pretty fortunate thus far. I don't figure I am going to fall before
+any Frenchman's sword or pistol. I'll probably be saved for a German
+bullet some of these days."
+
+Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides, he
+knew that in Hal's position his own actions would be the same.
+
+It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers made
+their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.
+
+"Choose swords," said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet
+the callers.
+
+"Mr. Paine," queried one of the Frenchmen politely.
+
+"No," replied Chester; "but I shall act for him."
+
+"Good," returned the Frenchman. "I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,"
+indicating his companion, "is Lieutenant Lamont."
+
+"I am Chester Crawford," said the lad briefly.
+
+"Then, to get down to business," said Lieutenant Mercer. "Mr. Paine has
+insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an apology."
+
+"There'll be no apology," said Chester shortly.
+
+"Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction from
+Mr. Paine."
+
+"It seems to me he has had satisfaction," said Chester.
+
+"Ah!" replied the Frenchman cheerfully. "You no doubt refer to the blow
+passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands satisfaction."
+
+"He had that coming to him," declared Chester.
+
+"So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to the
+arrangements--"
+
+"Look here," said Chester, interrupting. "With the whole German army
+lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able to
+find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is all
+nonsense."
+
+"But my friend's honor--" began the Frenchman.
+
+"Bosh!" declared Chester. "It wasn't your friend's honor that was hurt.
+It was his face."
+
+"Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?"
+
+"No!" shouted Chester. "He doesn't refuse to fight. He just doesn't see
+the necessity of fighting. That's all. But if you insist, he will give
+your friend all the satisfaction he wants."
+
+"I must insist," replied Lieutenant Mercer.
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "I am not familiar with dueling
+etiquette, but as the challenged party I believe the choice of weapons
+lies with us."
+
+The Frenchman bowed in assent.
+
+"Then let it be swords!"
+
+"Good! And the time and place?"
+
+"I'll leave that to you."
+
+"In the morning at half-past five--provided we are all alive--in the
+little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?"
+
+"Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?"
+
+"I shall be delighted," replied the Frenchman. "Until the morning, then,"
+and the two French officers bowed themselves out.
+
+"Well, you are into it now," said Chester to Hal, after their visitors
+had gone. "Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the
+Happy Hunting Grounds before six o'clock to-morrow."
+
+Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door
+of the tent.
+
+"Am I intruding?" he asked.
+
+"Lieutenant Anderson!" exclaimed Chester. "Just the man I wanted to see."
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded the lieutenant.
+
+"Matter is that Hal's mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the
+morning."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.
+
+"Fact," said Hal. "I bumped into some little whipper-snapper of a French
+lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked him down.
+Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to him in the
+morning, at half-past five."
+
+The lieutenant sat down heavily.
+
+"Well, you are the limit," he said. "You are always in a scrape of some
+kind. I suppose it's up to me to prevent the duel."
+
+"No chance," said Hal briefly.
+
+"No," agreed Chester, "and it's up to you to make the third party on our
+side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon."
+
+"Do you know what will happen if you are found out?" demanded the
+lieutenant.
+
+"No," said Hal.
+
+"Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The
+regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent."
+
+"I can't help that," said Hal. "I can't back out now."
+
+"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," replied the lieutenant,
+"I'll help you as best I can. I'll stay here to-night and go along to see
+that you get fair play."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DUEL.
+
+
+It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his eyes,
+aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before rousing
+Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking him up.
+Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.
+
+"What's the matter," muttered Hal drowsily. "Time to get up already? I
+just went to sleep. What's up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I'm to fight a
+duel this morning. All right, I'll be ready in a jiffy."
+
+"How did you sleep?" demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.
+
+"Fine. Never slept better in my life."
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal's pulse.
+
+"You'll do," he said quietly.
+
+"I haven't any nerves, if that is what you mean," said Hal with a smile.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.
+
+"I believe it," he replied. "But come, we had better be on our way."
+
+Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the
+early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared
+above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.
+
+"Not a very cheerful morning to die," commented Hal lightly, as they made
+their way quietly along.
+
+"You are not afraid, are you?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"What, after yesterday? Not a little bit."
+
+"I don't believe you know what fear is," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the
+ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised
+their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss the
+details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime discarding
+their coats and rolling up their sleeves.
+
+The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last
+face to face.
+
+"On guard!" came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+The swords flashed aloft.
+
+A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants
+were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized that
+he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.
+
+"I must be very careful," he told himself. "Perhaps I can wear him down a
+bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don't want to kill him.
+And I don't want to be killed myself."
+
+The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in
+and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had
+been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the foil.
+
+Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an attempt
+did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left several
+openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at last began to
+grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.
+
+He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad was
+not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not
+penetrate the other's guard angered him.
+
+Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped
+being impaled on the other's sword by a quick leap aside. Before the
+Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward
+again, his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon
+with a muttered imprecation. Hal's point had pierced his arm just
+below the shoulder.
+
+The Frenchman's seconds immediately leaped forward, and Hal stepped over
+to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"I guess that ends it," he said. "I suppose his honor is appeased now."
+
+"Don't be too sure," replied Lieutenant Anderson. "He is likely to be
+more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
+of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
+counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
+handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
+dropping him."
+
+The lieutenant's predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
+his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal was
+not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords' points again.
+
+But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could read
+in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him. Touched
+once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman would be
+more wary.
+
+In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
+foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
+Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
+under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.
+
+The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and the
+calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage. With a
+grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's days; but,
+with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his sword, and, with
+a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant
+Dupree was at his mercy.
+
+The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
+forward.
+
+"Kill me," he said quietly.
+
+"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
+unfairly."
+
+Slowly Hal lowered his sword.
+
+"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
+turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he said.
+
+The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then with
+his two friends he walked away.
+
+The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.
+
+"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
+right in a moment."
+
+The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
+
+"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you. Many
+a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness is a
+thing to be admired."
+
+Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself off.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
+
+"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it was
+all up with you."
+
+"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I would
+have killed him myself."
+
+The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat down
+and talked the duel over.
+
+"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal finally,
+"is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will not have to
+report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will be all right
+in a day or two."
+
+"Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
+better," said Hal.
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "Can't you even keep still
+for a day?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "there is likely to be some real fighting to-day, and
+we don't want to miss anything, do we Chester?"
+
+"I should say not," was Chester's reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"It looks rather awesome, doesn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," was Hal's reply.
+
+The object of the boys' conversation was a long armored train, which
+stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads, after
+having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by the
+express command of General French, had strolled up to the temporary
+siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and snorting.
+
+It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this
+rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected
+by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns
+and rapid firers.
+
+These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in
+other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in
+the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the
+German troops.
+
+The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant
+action. The gunners were at their posts, ready to go forward at a
+moment's notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge engine.
+
+In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a
+shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been
+through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these
+messengers of death.
+
+"They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden raids
+on the enemy," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," agreed Hal, "and it is easy to see that among light armed troops
+they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy artillery
+fire to make an impression on those steel sides. Besides--"
+
+He broke off with a sudden exclamation.
+
+"Look out," he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.
+
+A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had
+burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.
+
+A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the
+train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had
+cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to atoms.
+
+The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the
+sound of a sudden cry, and, turning their faces up the track, they beheld
+a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer dropped off
+one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not been touched by
+the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.
+
+"Who is in charge of this train?" demanded the horseman, throwing himself
+from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a stop.
+
+"I am," was the officer's brief response.
+
+"You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed," was the
+command. "The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000
+Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all be
+slaughtered."
+
+The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.
+
+"Hicks!" he called loudly. "Hicks!"
+
+There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal
+stepped forward.
+
+"If Hicks was your engineer," he said, "there is no use calling him.
+He is dead."
+
+"Dead?" exclaimed the officer.
+
+"Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was killed."
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the officer. "Then what am I to do? Hicks was
+the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their
+quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late."
+
+"Well," said Hal quietly, "if you want a volunteer, I am willing to
+tackle it for you."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have
+never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab of
+an engine in lumber camps in the United States."
+
+"And I can fire the engine," Chester broke in.
+
+"Well," said the officer, "something has to be done at once; and, if you
+are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard."
+
+He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester
+leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released the
+brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to forge
+slowly ahead.
+
+Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive
+commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like some
+mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.
+
+A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose above
+the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against the
+armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the engine
+seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.
+
+From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal's firm hand,
+the terrific speed of the train was checked. Then also from the rear
+there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had been
+unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the ranks of
+the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.
+
+Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it
+quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in
+that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.
+
+A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British, almost
+surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand directly on the
+railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A clump of small
+trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but from the other three
+directions the Germans were pouring in their deadly fire.
+
+The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley
+for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot up
+the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an
+abrupt stop.
+
+Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire,
+mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and,
+as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with
+high piles of the dead.
+
+The little troop of British received this unexpected aid with a great
+cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of
+Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.
+
+But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and
+Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer when
+there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash, and both
+lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.
+
+Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first
+to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a
+sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was
+still clear.
+
+He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on his
+elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.
+
+"Great Scott! What was that?" he gasped.
+
+Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced
+back over the train--or rather where the train had been. And what a
+sight met his gaze!
+
+The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of
+wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine guns.
+
+Hal peered over Chester's shoulder.
+
+"Another shell," he said slowly. "But how does it happen we were not
+killed also?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the shell must have struck in
+the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the engine."
+
+It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
+free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of the
+cab, made a startling discovery.
+
+"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We are
+goners, now, sure."
+
+But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
+released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge locomotive
+leaped suddenly forward.
+
+"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is
+covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."
+
+That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
+shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and bullets
+began to spatter against the side of the engine.
+
+"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.
+
+He opened the throttle even wider.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A WILD RIDE.
+
+
+The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
+whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot with a
+lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the rails.
+
+"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his voice
+to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
+locomotive.
+
+"I don't know," Hal shouted back.
+
+"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and we
+would certainly be killed."
+
+"You are right," shouted Hal.
+
+Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
+trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon slackened.
+
+Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far in
+the rear, and both breathed more freely.
+
+"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded. "Don't
+you think we had better get off and walk back?"
+
+"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much. Besides,
+I am certain the British must control this road at the other end or it
+would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on going and see
+what happens."
+
+"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it in
+my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."
+
+The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen eye
+ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident; then
+suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, "opened her up" again.
+
+Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.
+
+"What's the matter now?" cried Chester, springing to Hal's side.
+
+"Matter!" shouted Hal. "Look ahead."
+
+Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.
+
+"More Germans, eh!" he muttered, and then shouted. "You do the driving
+and I'll keep her hot."
+
+"Good!" Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.
+
+Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the
+locomotive, for they did not even glance in its direction. Troopers stood
+beside either side of the track, and several groups were standing between
+the rails.
+
+Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move. A
+moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a
+sudden shout, but it was too late--for some, at any rate.
+
+The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the
+track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low
+inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine shot
+past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more
+flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close
+work, and no mistake.
+
+"Whew!" breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of the
+German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the locomotive.
+"That was close."
+
+"Too close for comfort," Hal agreed.
+
+"I wonder how many we killed back there," said Chester.
+
+"I don't know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their
+lives or ours."
+
+"It's only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken
+cause," said Chester slowly. "But, as you say, it was either they or us.
+There was nothing else we could do."
+
+"No," said Hal, "there wasn't; but, just the same, it gave me a cold
+chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible."
+
+Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its way.
+It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed of the
+engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a wary eye
+ahead for Germans.
+
+Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little
+better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to discontinue
+his reckless driving.
+
+From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost
+instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive
+came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.
+
+"What's up now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I don't know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were
+something wrong ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if the Germans had
+dynamited the bridge."
+
+"By George! I believe you are right," exclaimed Chester. "I wouldn't have
+thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle the
+chances are we would have gone over if such is the case."
+
+"Well," said Hal, "I'll climb down, take a walk ahead and investigate."
+
+"I'll go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"No, you won't. You stay here and watch the engine."
+
+"You are right, as usual," said Chester. "But don't be any longer than
+you can help."
+
+Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the darkness.
+
+Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved
+stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion became
+apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had detected the
+meaning of the explosion and none too soon.
+
+Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a deep
+chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown up. Had
+Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in spite of the
+fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys probably would have
+been carried over the embankment to certain death; for it is doubtful
+that either, in the darkness, would have noticed the absence of the
+bridge in time to leap to safety.
+
+And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his
+dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned
+quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously
+awaiting his return.
+
+"Out here, quick!" he cried, and Chester, in response to his command,
+leaped to the ground.
+
+Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester's cry of
+wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he
+dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down
+the track.
+
+Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in alarm.
+
+"Matter is that the Germans are coming this way," answered Hal. "Come,
+let's get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to escape
+in the darkness."
+
+"But why did you start that engine down the track like that?"
+
+"Well, I couldn't see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may
+dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in force."
+
+This appealed to Chester.
+
+"Good!" he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.
+
+A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout, followed
+by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.
+
+"Good-by engine," said Hal. "That's a good job done. You perished nobly.
+Now," to Chester, "let's get away from this spot as fast as we can."
+
+They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and
+set out at a brisk pace. They plodded along for an hour through the open
+country, finally coming to a dense woods.
+
+"Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here," said Chester.
+
+"Right you are," agreed Hal.
+
+They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced to
+travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the end of
+another hour had covered considerable distance.
+
+"I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods,"
+said Chester.
+
+"Don't be too sure," declared Hal. "It's the unexpected that
+always happens."
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was proved.
+As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a little clearing
+a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt stop.
+
+"Halt!" came a voice. "Halt, or I fire!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his head;
+Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that there was
+not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier had his
+rifle pointed squarely at them.
+
+Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the lads
+might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably would
+have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized that it
+was no time to take such a chance.
+
+"We surrender," called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier lowered
+his weapon and approached them.
+
+He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets of
+their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:
+
+"Right about; forward, march!"
+
+The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them,
+keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners
+attempt to escape.
+
+But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were fully
+aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they make even
+one false move.
+
+They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared to
+be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to the
+tent of the commanding officer.
+
+"What are you doing within our lines?" was the latter's first question
+after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.
+
+"Well," said Hal, "we were accidentally carried through your lines by a
+locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the train was
+blown up. We couldn't get back, so we went ahead. We finally lost the
+engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines."
+
+"Lost the engine? What do you mean?" asked the officer.
+
+"Why," Chester broke in, "we sent it over a precipice that it might not
+fall into the hands of the Germans."
+
+"You did, eh?" said the German officer. "Well, I shall attend to your
+case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully
+guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning.
+Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require."
+
+"You won't get any information out of us," said Chester angrily.
+
+"Won't I?" replied the officer, with a sneer. "We shall see. Take
+them away."
+
+The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a
+guard on the outside.
+
+"Well, here we are again," said Chester, with a faint smile. "What do you
+suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the general
+wants to know?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," was Hal's reply, "but I am afraid we are in for
+it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I have heard of
+the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their prisoners, but one
+look at the general's face was enough to convince me that he would stop
+at nothing to gain his end."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too," agreed Chester. "But, one thing is
+certain, he'll get no information out of me."
+
+"Nor out of me, either," declared Hal.
+
+Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness, he
+stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in his
+pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark interior of
+the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.
+
+"Bicycles," he muttered.
+
+"What?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?"
+
+"Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
+scouting expedition," said Hal.
+
+"By George!" exclaimed Chester suddenly.
+
+"What is it now?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.
+
+"Have you a knife?" he asked at length.
+
+Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend's hand, Chester stepped
+to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made a neat
+incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square. Then he put
+his eye to the hole and peered out.
+
+There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro in
+front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.
+
+Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal's side.
+
+"If we can get two of these bicycles out here," he whispered, "we may be
+able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a chance?"
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal. "Anything is better than sitting here and waiting for
+I know not what. But do you think we can make it?"
+
+"Well, we can at least try. There doesn't seem to be a guard in the rear.
+I am going to cut a big slit in the back. Then we'll slip the bicycles
+through it, mount and make a dash."
+
+"Good!" said Hal.
+
+Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole
+large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected a
+bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.
+
+Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.
+
+"We'll have to depend on our luck now," whispered Chester. "Come on!"
+
+The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding
+through the heart of the German camp.
+
+In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety, for
+the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of the
+allied armies to be riding through their midst.
+
+They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning this
+way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents before a
+hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been discovered.
+
+"We must be careful," cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside
+Chester. "There is still the outpost to pass."
+
+But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they
+pedaled faster; and then the outpost came into sight--a long line of
+men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while others
+sat upon the ground.
+
+The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles
+sped between the German troopers. A cry of "halt!" went unheeded, and the
+Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a volley
+after the lads.
+
+But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim
+carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did
+not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared in
+the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their ammunition
+foolishly.
+
+The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode on
+swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.
+
+"I'm tired out," said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.
+
+"And so am I," replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to
+stretch his legs.
+
+Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint
+"chug-chug."
+
+Chester pricked up his ears.
+
+"What's that?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal
+sprang toward his bicycle.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped into the saddle. "Motorcycles! We
+are pursued!"
+
+Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again
+riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the
+highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them from
+any great distance.
+
+Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the
+ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester
+immediately did likewise.
+
+The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees,
+and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them from
+sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close behind him,
+dashed back in the direction from which they had come, taking care to
+keep well within the shelter of the trees.
+
+And now Chester made out the object of his friend's wild dash. It was
+a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected
+it as they sped by, but Hal's keen eyes had singled it out as a
+possible refuge.
+
+"We'll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly," Hal told
+his friend, as they ran toward the house. "If they will allow us to hide
+here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines safely."
+
+The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped sharply upon the rear door.
+A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway. She
+started back at the appearance of the two lads.
+
+"Are the English coming?" she demanded, after a quick glance at the
+lads' uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: "At
+last! At last!"
+
+"No, madam," Hal undeceived her, "the English are not coming--yet. We are
+trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle squad
+is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until
+nightfall."
+
+The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and motioned
+them into the house.
+
+"Come," she said quietly. "The Germans will not learn you are here
+through me."
+
+The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at that
+very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road, their
+motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A TRAITOR APPEARS.
+
+
+Hal turned to Chester.
+
+"When they fail to find us," he said, "they'll come back, inquiring all
+along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here." He turned to the
+woman. "Have you a place where we can hide?"
+
+"Yes," she replied, "there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may go
+up there and no one will be the wiser."
+
+"Then we had better get up there at once," said Chester, "for there is no
+telling how soon they may return."
+
+A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
+top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good
+woman departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with
+water and food.
+
+"You'll need it," she said, when Hal protested against putting her to so
+much trouble. "And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I not
+aid the friends of my own country."
+
+She was back in a few moments, and the lads ate hungrily of the food she
+brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had passed
+their lips.
+
+After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:
+
+"This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put it
+in sleeping. Besides, we'll need all the rest we can get for our journey
+to-night."
+
+"Just what I was thinking," said Chester, "and I'm ready to go to sleep
+right this instant."
+
+He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast
+asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.
+
+How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened by
+the sound of voices directly below them.
+
+"No, I have seen nothing of them," came the voice of the woman who had
+given them refuge.
+
+"But we have searched every place else," came another voice, speaking in
+French, but with a heavy German accent. "They must be here. We found the
+bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured the woods.
+They must be here."
+
+"I say they are not," came the woman's voice, raised in anger.
+
+"Well, I must search the house, at any rate," said the German, "and, if I
+find that you have been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will go hard
+with you. Stand aside, please."
+
+"I tell you there is no one here," cried the woman.
+
+"Stand aside!" came the German's voice again, and there was the sound of
+a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: "Search the house, men."
+
+Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and
+Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an hour
+the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and there was
+the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.
+
+And finally came the voice of the woman again: "I told you there was no
+one here."
+
+But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.
+
+"Have you searched the attic?" he demanded of his men; "and the cellar?"
+
+"There is no one in the cellar," came a voice in reply, "and there is
+no attic."
+
+"I'll have a look for myself," came the reply, and heavy footsteps
+ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester. There
+came to the lads' ears the sounds of heavy blows against the floor on
+which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure that there
+was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But after a while he
+desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and a few moments later
+the sound of his voice:
+
+"There is no one up there."
+
+Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door gave
+evidence that the Germans had departed.
+
+"I was afraid he would locate the trap-door," said Hal to Chester, after
+they had gone.
+
+"Same here," replied Chester. "But I wasn't going to let them take me
+without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we could
+certainly dispose of him."
+
+"Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or
+something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we couldn't
+let the woman who has aided us come to harm."
+
+"No, that's so, too," agreed Chester. "I hadn't thought of that."
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the
+trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready
+above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove to
+be an enemy.
+
+But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress appeared
+through the opening.
+
+"You can come down now if you want to," she said. "The Germans have been
+here and gone. I am sure they will not return."
+
+Chester turned to Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he asked. "Shall we go down, or had we better
+stay up here?"
+
+Hal considered for a moment.
+
+"I guess we might as well go down," he replied at length. "I don't
+believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it's too
+cramped and stuffy up here for comfort."
+
+Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments
+later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.
+
+"We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us," Chester
+told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.
+
+"No, indeed; we can never thank you enough," agreed Hal. "Had it not been
+for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans right
+now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us."
+
+The good woman waved aside their thanks.
+
+"Pooh! pooh!" she said. "And why shouldn't I help you? Surely no thanks
+are necessary because I did my duty."
+
+"But women--" Hal began, when she interrupted him.
+
+"I have a son of my own in the war," she said, her voice growing very low
+and tears dimming her eyes.
+
+"And I hope," said Hal gently, "should he ever be in a situation similar
+to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving his life, and
+that some day he may return to you."
+
+"Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied," said the woman, who now
+introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. "He has been a very wild boy,
+but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight to the last
+for his country, as did his father before him."
+
+"And I am sure of it, too," said Chester. "When we return to our lines we
+shall make it our business to hunt him up."
+
+And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the room
+in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in civilian
+garb, burst in.
+
+Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the
+newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the
+young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.
+
+Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"My son," she said proudly, "of whom I was just talking to you."
+
+Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded, pointing to the two lads.
+
+Mrs. Dersi explained.
+
+"And we were just talking of you," she added; then stopped and surveyed
+her son critically. "Why are you not in uniform?" she demanded.
+
+"Why, I--I--I--" stuttered young Dersi, "I am on a scout, and it was
+thought best for me not to go in uniform." He turned suddenly to Hal:
+"Are you expecting any of your men here?" he demanded.
+
+"Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to our
+lines to-night."
+
+Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost upon
+either Hal or Chester.
+
+"Well," he said, after a pause, "I haven't time to stay here. I just
+dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went north?
+How long have they been gone?"
+
+"About an hour," said Chester.
+
+"Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way."
+
+He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had left
+the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.
+
+"There is something queer about him," said Chester to Hal, as Mrs. Dersi
+and her son left the room. "He's not telling the truth."
+
+"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief he is
+fleeing from the French lines to give information to the Germans."
+
+"You mean you think he is a traitor?"
+
+"I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am afraid
+you have hit the nail on the head."
+
+"In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried Chester.
+
+"I'm sure he'll tell," said Hal quietly.
+
+"Then what shall we do?"
+
+"We shall leave at once--or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is the
+best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her heart
+to know that her son is a traitor to his country."
+
+"It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was prevented
+by the return of Mrs. Dersi.
+
+"And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable pride.
+
+"He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling
+the truth.
+
+"Mrs. Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be better
+for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no Germans
+near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach
+our own lines."
+
+"But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. "We
+think we had better take our departure at once."
+
+Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they
+were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, enjoining
+them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the
+opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly
+shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on their weary journey
+toward the British lines.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A FIGHT IN THE DARK.
+
+
+Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed. They
+wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the
+house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little doubt
+in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that he would
+soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.
+
+Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
+they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
+their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who
+had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
+instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
+was with them.
+
+Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young man
+himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively and
+inquired the cause of his sudden return.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have learned
+the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my own regiment.
+But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone? If not, we can
+all continue our journey together."
+
+"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.
+
+"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
+direction did they go?"
+
+The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
+thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment later
+young Dersi left the house, and soon the Germans were once more upon the
+trail of the two lads.
+
+Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them. It
+was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that they were
+that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and still the two
+lads plodded onward.
+
+At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
+quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
+Chester when from the rear once more came the faint "chug-chug" of a
+motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.
+
+Chester sprang to his feet.
+
+"Here they come again," he cried. "We were right. It is the traitor Dersi
+who has put them on our trail. Hustle!"
+
+Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
+directly ahead. They reached their friendly shelter just before the
+glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
+their pursuers.
+
+Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
+absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by at
+terrific speed.
+
+The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in among
+the trees.
+
+"We must be very careful," Hal warned Chester. "When they fail to
+overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we'll climb
+up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go ahead as
+far as we can."
+
+"That seems the best way to me," Chester agreed.
+
+They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a sound
+of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the presence
+of the enemy.
+
+Chester's cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard the
+hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both dropped
+to the ground.
+
+They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and for
+that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the ground
+they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could locate the man
+who had fired.
+
+But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the ground
+as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the suspense
+as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:
+
+"We can't stay here. I'll wriggle my way to that tree," pointing, "and
+you creep behind that one," pointing again, this time to a tree perhaps a
+hundred yards distant from the first.
+
+"All right," Chester whispered back.
+
+Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for his
+own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness of the
+night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from him.
+
+In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward
+Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.
+
+"The dog!" said Hal angrily to himself. "I'll fix him."
+
+Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated when
+they were captured by the Germans.
+
+On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy from
+behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up like a
+giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as he did so,
+he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.
+
+The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal's enemy turned
+suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he could
+bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.
+
+The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now
+attempted to bring it down on the lad's head. But Hal was too quick for
+him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in the
+face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other hand.
+
+As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the
+weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the force
+of Hal's blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A moment
+later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.
+
+Hal saw his enemy's move and sprang back. But the man was after him in an
+instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together for Hal
+to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that he
+probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and ran.
+
+But it was not Hal's intention to run very far from his enemy. He was not
+that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the man so
+that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust of air
+pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by him.
+
+The German, realizing the boy's purpose, and also that he could not
+overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment the
+knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.
+
+In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder him, Hal
+could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood. Therefore, even
+as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his head, and, holding it
+tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.
+
+In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force behind
+it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung, brought the
+heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German's head with a
+crack. The man dropped limp at the boy's feet.
+
+Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy,
+wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other
+weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once
+more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the
+terrible fight that had just occurred.
+
+Hal whistled softly--the whistle of the old days in America--and,
+listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.
+
+Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy behind,
+and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his feet.
+
+Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another shot,
+and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to the ground.
+
+Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely
+taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His effort
+was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to run to where
+his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal felt a bullet whiz
+by his head.
+
+Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist
+would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire at
+the first sight of his enemy.
+
+But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had heard
+of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some moments, and
+then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he crawled slowly toward
+the spot where Chester had fallen.
+
+What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment
+Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low
+whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a
+large tree.
+
+A moment later Hal was beside his friend.
+
+"Are you hurt much?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Not even touched," was the reply. "I dropped to the ground when the
+bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time."
+
+Hal seized Chester's hand and squeezed it warmly.
+
+"I was afraid it was all up with you," he said. "I--"
+
+The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet
+flew past.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.
+
+
+"Great Scott!" Hal ejaculated. "We've got to get out of here some way. We
+can't stand here and be shot down."
+
+"Wait," said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the latter
+to the ground, where he had dropped himself.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Let me look at that gun you have a moment."
+
+Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as
+possible in the dark.
+
+"I don't believe there is more than one man in these woods," he finally
+said. "Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round behind him."
+
+Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not directly
+toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from, but bearing
+off well toward the right.
+
+Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words,
+Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some
+time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously out
+from behind the tree, where it was silhouetted against the opening
+between the trees.
+
+A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.
+
+"Good thing it wasn't my head," said Hal ruefully. "But if I can keep
+that fellow's attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab him."
+
+Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there
+was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a
+second report, and Hal heard his friend's voice raised in almost a shout:
+
+"I got him."
+
+Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his
+friend's voice.
+
+When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide detour,
+came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the man had fired
+at Hal's hat, Chester was almost upon him.
+
+Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of
+the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon
+loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing, the
+enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that Chester
+fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly have been a
+death wound--for Chester was a crack shot--and received the ball in his
+pistol hand.
+
+His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.
+
+Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon him,
+and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded though he
+was, the man put up a hard fight.
+
+Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a
+mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent
+turned to grope for his revolver.
+
+But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in the
+situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester's assailant.
+
+Hal's first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy twisted
+one hand around the man's throat. But, if he thought to overcome his
+opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host. Lying almost at
+full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist straight upward
+into Hal's face. The lad released his hold upon his enemy's throat and
+fell back.
+
+It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him, Hal
+recognized him. It was young Dersi!
+
+"Dersi!" gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of
+defense.
+
+"Yes," gritted his opponent, "and I am going to kill you both, right
+here and now."
+
+With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad was
+not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort, wriggled from
+beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.
+
+This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he
+allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This he
+now pointed full at Hal.
+
+But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying
+unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the
+situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.
+
+This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi's finger pressed the
+trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His
+revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal's
+right ear.
+
+Quickly Hal jumped to Chester's side and raised his chum in his arms.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he said anxiously. "Tell me, are you much hurt?"
+
+"Not much, I think," was his friend's reply. "But he gave me an awful
+wallop. I shall be all right presently."
+
+Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced
+that his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With
+Hal's assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side
+of his head.
+
+"He kicked like a mule," said Chester. "Great Scott! I never had anything
+hurt like that."
+
+At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.
+
+Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi's voice was very indistinct, and the
+boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.
+
+Hal placed his ear close to the dying man's lips. The voice came faintly.
+
+"Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She
+thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was," and his voice became
+stronger, "until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to gamble.
+I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered a chance to
+cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to the Germans. I
+did. Then I was discovered."
+
+"How?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior's coat, which
+he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to death.
+Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in this
+piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the confidence of
+General Joffre."
+
+"His name?" demanded Hal quickly.
+
+The wounded man was silent for some time.
+
+"I have never betrayed a comrade," he said at length, "but I am at the
+door of death. I must make what reparation I can. His name is General
+Emil Tromp."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.
+
+"It is true," continued the wounded man. "But listen," and his voice grew
+fainter. The end was not far off now. "Listen! Will you do me one favor,
+you whom I have tried to kill?"
+
+Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.
+
+"Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in
+battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as you
+Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your death?"
+
+"We will," promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.
+
+"Promise," said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one elbow.
+
+"We promise," said both lads solemnly.
+
+The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him, thinking
+that he was dead. But the voice came again:
+
+"I wouldn't have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but who
+would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When you see
+General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you concerning the
+traitor. Immediately, do you understand?"
+
+"We understand," said Hal.
+
+"And my mother, you will do as you have promised?"
+
+"We have promised," said Chester simply.
+
+"Then I may die in peace," said the wounded traitor.
+
+He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and
+lay still.
+
+Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.
+
+"He is dead," he said quietly. "May he rest in peace."
+
+"Amen to that," said Chester, also standing with bared head. "And his
+mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she does
+not know."
+
+"And so we shall," declared Hal. "It will be a lie for which I am sure we
+shall be forgiven."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.
+
+
+"What shall we do with him?" questioned Chester. "We can't go away and
+leave him here like this."
+
+"No," Hal agreed. "I know we should, for our own safety may depend upon
+it, but just the same it goes against the grain."
+
+"If we had something to dig with," said Chester.
+
+"But we haven't," Hal interrupted.
+
+But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the
+traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping feet.
+
+For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal
+by the arm.
+
+"Come," he said in a hoarse whisper, "we must find a place of safety."
+
+Hal drew back.
+
+"Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun," he said.
+
+He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second
+revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he
+passed to Chester.
+
+"We'll probably need these," he said grimly. "Now, let's see if we can't
+find a place to hide."
+
+Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could hear
+the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being detected
+in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same distance
+between themselves and the Germans.
+
+But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier had
+flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely upon the
+crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any other place
+of refuge.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.
+
+Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their presence
+had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a rifle. Neither
+boy was touched, although the bullet passed uncomfortably close to
+Chester's head.
+
+Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys made
+a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such easy
+fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and exposed them
+to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the ground, and thus
+avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.
+
+As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum, and,
+glancing quickly about, he could see do sign of him. The lad was
+nonplussed, but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal's voice,
+apparently below him:
+
+"Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come."
+
+Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend's voice. But he
+was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly for some
+means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what seemed to be a
+steep embankment.
+
+He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal's hand upon his arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Where are we? Down in the bottomless pit?"
+
+Hal clapped his hand over Chester's mouth, for his keen ears had detected
+the sounds of footsteps above.
+
+"Quiet!" he whispered.
+
+Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above
+came the sound of a voice:
+
+"I wonder where they went?"
+
+"I don't know," answered another voice, "but we had best be careful. They
+are probably armed."
+
+Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and
+crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling
+Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some minutes.
+Finally, raising his head, Hal dropped quickly again with a muttered
+exclamation.
+
+In arising his head had come in contact with something above him. Raising
+an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above. Then he
+reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet each way
+were solid walls.
+
+"A cave," he muttered.
+
+"What?" asked Chester.
+
+"We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after they
+learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and starve us
+out. But, if they try to come in--well, I don't think they will get very
+far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here until I see how
+far back this thing goes."
+
+Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three
+minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a sudden
+exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for, apparently,
+the cave had two openings.
+
+Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one.
+Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him of
+what he had learned.
+
+"Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick," was
+Chester's decision. "Let's go."
+
+Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the
+opening again, poked his head out. This time he was doomed to a
+disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the ground
+when he drew it in quickly again.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter is," said Hal quietly, "that there are six Germans standing about
+five yards from the entrance."
+
+"What!" cried Chester, in consternation.
+
+"Exactly," said Hal; "if you don't believe it have a look for yourself."
+
+"Oh, I don't want to look," said Chester, bitterly disappointed. "I can
+take your word for it. What are we going to do now?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "it looks to me like a good time to get out the
+other end."
+
+"Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there,
+also," said Chester.
+
+"That's so, too," agreed Hal. "Well, I'll tell you what: You sneak back
+there and investigate, and I'll stay here and guard this end, in case one
+of them tries to get in."
+
+Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he
+cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he
+could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal--his voice
+might be overheard--so he took his tedious way back to where he had
+left his friend.
+
+"All O.K.," he whispered.
+
+"Good," said Hal. "Let's get out of here, then."
+
+They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness
+and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their
+place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.
+
+And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance of
+the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester drew
+back in again.
+
+"Three of 'em out there," he informed Hal briefly. "What are we going
+to do now?"
+
+"You've got me," replied Hal. "Can't you pick 'em off with your gun?"
+
+"Oh, I can pick a couple of 'em off, all right. But what then? We would
+probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
+
+"I guess you are right," Hal agreed. "But we have got to do something."
+
+"So we have," replied Chester; "but the question is, what?"
+
+Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:
+
+"Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens.
+Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this cave.
+In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and guard this
+end, and don't move unless I call. I'll do the same at the other end."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "We'll keep our posts till daylight, whether
+they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we can at
+least see what we are doing."
+
+Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful not
+to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust out
+before him.
+
+Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with another
+moving object with an audible crack.
+
+He had bumped into a second crawling figure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.
+
+
+In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact,
+Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his head
+hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.
+
+His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry, or
+it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the latter
+were his thought he was quickly undeceived.
+
+As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly
+forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy's movements,
+fell on top of him.
+
+He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could cry
+out, one of the lad's hands sank deep into his throat. But the latter was
+a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the lad from him
+with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the wrist of the hand
+that gripped his throat.
+
+The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold. But
+again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive, and
+this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German uttered a
+cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at the face so
+close to his own.
+
+But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the blow
+perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge fist,
+and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow had
+passed over the lad's head and the German's fist had crashed into the
+solid wall.
+
+And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester's end
+of the cave.
+
+This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that
+their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt
+certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors into
+the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.
+
+Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the
+self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck out
+in the direction of a muttered curse.
+
+He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the
+sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon held
+ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow. The German
+was unconscious.
+
+By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his wounded adversary over and
+pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in case he
+encountered another of the enemy.
+
+At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his prisoner
+out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he heard the
+crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back into his
+hiding place.
+
+But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet
+came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and
+went skimming over his head.
+
+With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and
+throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the
+first sign of an advancing foe.
+
+He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some
+moments heard the sound of voices.
+
+"I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance," said
+one. "And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure," came a second voice. "He's liable to be there
+waiting for you."
+
+"Well, I am going in after him anyhow," said the first speaker.
+
+A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his
+knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.
+
+Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking
+careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man's head
+would be, Hal pressed the trigger.
+
+There was a terrific roar that echoed and re-echoed through the
+passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal
+waited, for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly
+made his way forward. Presently he came in contact with a man's
+body. It was the enemy.
+
+Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.
+
+"It will be daylight soon," he said to himself, "and they can't get in
+here without me seeing them. And one man here is as good as a hundred."
+
+Raising his voice, Hal shouted:
+
+"Are you all right, Chester?"
+
+"All right," came back the answer. "One man tried to get in here, but I
+got him," for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had been
+having troubles of his own.
+
+After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact position
+of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible, their number,
+had ventured too close to the opening.
+
+A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a
+cigarette, and Chester's form was clearly outlined in the glare of it.
+With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped his match and
+cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.
+
+But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the
+darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from
+him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.
+
+Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer's distance by the
+sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well
+within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
+
+The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was
+frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with
+his opponent.
+
+Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his
+revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the German,
+Chester slowly moved forward.
+
+His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers
+sought out the German's face.
+
+"He'll do no more fighting," was Chester's only comment.
+
+Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to
+await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard the
+sound of the shot.
+
+And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match appeared
+in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his automatic.
+
+There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the exact
+result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had disappeared
+and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the cave, having
+serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard this last shot.
+
+And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any
+further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by the
+sound of a shot from Hal's end of the cave.
+
+Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the
+point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal's voice
+came to him.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed softly, "Hal is still alive."
+
+He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move of
+the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at his
+end of the cave.
+
+For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for an
+occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began to
+give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each boy, at
+his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.
+
+"It's getting light here, Hal," called Chester.
+
+"And here, too," Hal shouted back.
+
+And both lads were struck with the same thought.
+
+"At least, we can see what we are doing now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot into
+Hal's end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil, being afraid
+to leave their places of concealment, and believing that the Germans on
+the outside were still on the watch for them.
+
+Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least
+standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting
+for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly surmised
+that they would not remain idle long after daylight.
+
+At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted
+his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his friend.
+
+"What's up?" was Chester's greeting.
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "The Germans may have gone away, but I
+believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this inaction
+is getting monotonous. We've got to do something, and we've got to do it
+right away."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," Chester agreed. "But what?"
+
+"Well, I don't know exactly. We shall have to figure out something."
+
+There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.
+
+"There is but one way I can think of," he said.
+
+"What is that?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go. Those
+guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to escape, and
+will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run back into the
+cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a run for it out the
+other end."
+
+Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk, in
+which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally decided
+to act upon Chester's suggestion.
+
+Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the
+entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.
+
+"No one in sight," he whispered to his friend. "Perhaps they have gone."
+
+"Be very careful," cautioned Hal. "They are likely to be lurking around
+here some place."
+
+Quietly the, boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But
+they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come,
+and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.
+
+The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to spout
+fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly back to the
+cave, into which they disappeared before their startled foe could realize
+what had happened.
+
+Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying
+dizzily on his feet.
+
+With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and soon
+emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind, for the
+lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the retreat were
+by this time on the way to aid their companions.
+
+Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for instant
+use in the event that their plan had miscarried.
+
+But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys
+were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them. At
+length Hal pulled up, panting.
+
+"I guess we have given them the slip this time," he panted.
+
+"Let us hope so," replied Chester fervently. "If we ever get back to our
+own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future."
+
+Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.
+
+"Anybody that didn't know you would believe you meant that," he said.
+"But I know you better, so I don't."
+
+"Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong," said Chester with a smile,
+"but that's the way I feel about it right now."
+
+The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed
+their journey, walking at a brisk pace.
+
+Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps 200
+yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started across the
+open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken by the Germans
+where there was nothing to offer protection.
+
+They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was
+mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when a
+shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.
+
+"Quick!" said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side as
+he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately. Chester
+did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the protection of
+the great trees.
+
+But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be
+a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes
+until the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and
+give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their
+pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in
+the darkness.
+
+Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had not
+lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the better
+part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at breakneck
+speed, until again came to their ears the first faint sounds of the
+pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more distinct, this
+telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining rapidly, although the
+rough condition of the ground made it impossible for the motorcycles to
+travel very fast.
+
+Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground, and
+Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they lay
+there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out dogs.
+
+Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the
+right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense. Here
+Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester by his
+side he rushed for it.
+
+Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung himself
+up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads climbed, the
+close set branches affording an excellent screen.
+
+Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a
+hundred yards from where the boys were perched.
+
+Chester's fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed the
+set expression on his friend's face, uttered a low warning.
+
+And the sound of Hal's voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans
+had come to a pause and Hal's words carried plainly in the silence to
+their ears.
+
+For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their prey.
+Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to fire.
+They had not yet discovered the boys' hiding place, and were fearful of a
+shot from ambush.
+
+Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But
+Hal's eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger
+Hal's revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.
+
+Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German clapped
+his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers could
+raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a loud
+"Hurrah" from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead run, came
+a small body of British infantry.
+
+Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles and turned to run.
+But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of
+command rang out:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen than
+those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and tumbled
+to the ground.
+
+Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON A NEW MISSION.
+
+
+The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English troops.
+
+"You arrived just in time," cried Hal, grasping the hand the
+officer extended.
+
+"I should say you did," declared Chester, also shaking the officer's
+hand. "A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure."
+
+"Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely," said the officer, laughing a
+little. "We heard shooting in this direction last night, but we did not
+get an order to advance until this morning. As you may perhaps have
+surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army."
+
+"Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in
+force?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Exactly," replied the British officer. "We are not far in front, and are
+pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if
+possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the German
+position and strength?"
+
+This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to
+answer in the affirmative.
+
+"We have not learned a whole lot," Chester continued, "but we have a
+little information that may be of value."
+
+"Then you had better hasten back to General French and report," said the
+officer. "I am sure he will be glad to have any information you may be
+able to give him."
+
+The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the
+advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite
+direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a
+detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at
+least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long line
+of the British advance.
+
+It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men,
+marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful of
+it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they
+themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.
+
+They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been
+challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had been
+allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line of the
+advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.
+
+Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.
+
+"What is your business here?" he demanded.
+
+Briefly Hal explained, and added:
+
+"We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?"
+
+The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
+indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
+the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
+of Britain.
+
+For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
+them warmly.
+
+"I had made sure that you two lads were lost," he said. "Come, give an
+account of yourselves."
+
+Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to the
+lad's recital in unfeigned amazement.
+
+"And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
+enemy," he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
+adventures. "I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine had
+dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that you two
+were aboard it."
+
+Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
+Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp, of
+General Joffre's staff.
+
+"What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
+Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his
+ability and integrity."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal
+quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
+was repentant at the end."
+
+"Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it seems
+impossible. Something must be done at once."
+
+"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?" asked Hal respectfully.
+
+"By all means," was the general's reply.
+
+"Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp's treachery to
+General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
+wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
+make his escape."
+
+"An excellent idea," said General French. "It shall be acted upon at
+once." He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.
+
+But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
+his fingers.
+
+"If you please, general," he said. "Chester and I would like to carry the
+message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter."
+
+The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his
+face.
+
+"And so you shall," he said at length. "Refresh yourselves with food and
+drink first, and then report to me."
+
+Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the
+general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French
+had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal's hand.
+
+"General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this message,"
+the general told the lads, "and he probably will demand all details from
+you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he will be
+convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as possible, for I
+may have other work for you."
+
+The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been
+furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had
+asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.
+
+"Those things are likely to break down any time," Hal had confided to
+Chester, "and you can always depend upon a good horse."
+
+Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and
+riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they
+should reach the French commander-in-chief.
+
+It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might have
+perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement of the
+French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the rear of his
+army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and upon informing
+his orderly that they bore important communications from General French,
+were admitted to his presence at once.
+
+The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by members
+of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted; then the
+former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre's hand.
+
+Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned
+back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position,
+uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.
+
+Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff,
+motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the
+general spoke:
+
+"Now tell me your story," he said briefly.
+
+Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a single
+question until Hal had concluded his story.
+
+"It must be true," he said at length, half to himself. "I remember well
+that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi's escape. It was
+never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true."
+
+He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:
+
+"And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp's honor. He has
+uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about him.
+Yes, it must be true."
+
+Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and Chester
+had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon his desk a
+sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.
+
+"Have my car brought here instantly," commanded the general briefly.
+
+The orderly saluted and withdrew.
+
+Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the
+general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.
+
+"I must act at once," said the general, again half to himself. "Never
+would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than at
+this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without
+publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France,
+nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause."
+
+He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.
+
+"And you two shall come with me," he said. "You shall confront Tromp. If
+he is guilty, we shall find it out some way."
+
+At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.
+
+"Your car is ready, sir," he said.
+
+The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow him.
+
+"Come," he said. "We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is in
+command and meditating mischief."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.
+
+
+So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
+happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief of
+the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never been
+told, and never will find its way into history; an interview between a
+gallant French officer and another who, were his actions known, would be
+likened to the greatest of American traitors--Benedict Arnold.
+
+Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word and
+entered his car behind him.
+
+"To General Tromp's command," said General Joffre briefly. "Hurry!"
+
+The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
+was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
+moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.
+
+Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general's
+car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously was
+also furnished as an office, that the general might still be at work
+while he hurried from one part of the field to another when events
+demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery threatening,
+and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre, probably because
+of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps and other drawings.
+
+For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
+pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal and
+Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.
+
+General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and Hal
+and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.
+
+"My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
+immediately," ordered General Joffre.
+
+The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
+nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
+head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right up
+to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a bugle
+rang out, ordering a general advance.
+
+"Sir--" began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
+General Tromp.
+
+General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
+
+"Why this sudden advance?" he demanded coldly.
+
+General Tromp started back.
+
+"Why, sir," he explained, "I have word that a large force of the enemy is
+approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him."
+
+"Order a halt," said General Joffre abruptly.
+
+"But, but--" began General Tromp in some confusion.
+
+"Order a halt, sir!" commanded General Joffre sternly. "Or," as he saw
+that General Tromp still hesitated, "shall I do it myself?"
+
+General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
+immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
+army came to a pause.
+
+"Now, sir," said General Joffre to General Tromp, "you will please
+dismiss your staff."
+
+Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
+moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
+Chester, were alone together.
+
+"What is the meaning of this, sir?" demanded General Tromp, with
+some dignity.
+
+"The meaning, General Tromp," said General Joffre calmly, "is that you
+are a traitor!"
+
+General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if to
+ward off a blow.
+
+"What!" he cried in well simulated surprise. "Have a care, sir. I shall
+allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer."
+
+"Tush, tush," chided the commander-in-chief gently. "Why keep up the
+pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?"
+
+"Sir!" cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. "I demand an explanation
+of your strange conduct."
+
+"And you shall have it, sir!" thundered General Joffre, now very angry,
+as he took a step forward.
+
+General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his
+injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.
+
+"I accuse you," continued General Joffre, "of being a traitor to France.
+I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another traitor, one
+Dersi. And I also accuse you," and here the general pointed an accusing
+finger at General Tromp, "of even now playing into the hands of the enemy
+by ordering an advance, when you knew very well that such an advance
+could mean only the extermination of our troops."
+
+By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his
+commander.
+
+"I deny it," he said in a thick voice.
+
+"A denial is useless," said General Joffre quietly.
+
+But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to a
+certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.
+
+"Who accuses me?" he demanded, with well assumed bravado.
+
+"I do," said Hal, stepping forward.
+
+"And I," cried Chester, also advancing a step.
+
+General Tromp turned to General Joffre.
+
+"And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?"
+he demanded.
+
+"I do," said the general quietly, "upon the advice of General Sir John
+French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your actions
+just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is useless.
+Dersi has confessed."
+
+"Dersi!" exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. "If I could just get my
+hands on him for one minute--"
+
+"But you can't," said General Joffre. "He is dead. And he died with a
+clear conscience, as I hope you will do."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Tromp, starting back.
+
+"Exactly what I say," was General Joffre's chilling reply. "You have your
+choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a traitor. If
+possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?"
+
+General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands
+twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.
+
+"I wouldn't do that," said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw the
+lad's revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.
+
+His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor
+stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his eyes
+and looked his commander straight in the eyes.
+
+"It shall be as you say, sir," he said calmly. "You are right. I am a
+traitor. I would not have been, but--but--well that makes no difference
+now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not afraid to die.
+Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you command. Thus shall I
+atone for my sin."
+
+"I do not fear you will disobey," said the general softly.
+
+"I am sorry, sir," continued General Tromp, "sorry because of you, more
+so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your
+forgiveness."
+
+"For your treachery toward me," said General Joffre softly, "I forgive
+you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot."
+
+The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and slowly
+his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.
+
+"Good-by, sir," he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked away,
+his carriage erect, and without a tremor.
+
+For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim.
+Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and
+Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.
+
+"A good man--and an excellent officer," he muttered to himself, "if he
+had but gone straight."
+
+The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside
+General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into
+the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went up
+to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.
+
+Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head away.
+Chester, leaning over his friend's shoulder, read the words the message
+contained:
+
+"The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front
+this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head."
+
+"Evidently came by field wireless," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," replied Hal.
+
+General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote. Then
+he read aloud to Hal and Chester:
+
+"General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front this
+afternoon. He died almost instantly."
+
+"I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard
+to-day," he said quietly.
+
+"You may, sir," said Hal and Chester in one breath
+
+General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and came
+to a salute.
+
+"Orderly," said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just
+written, "have this sent to the war office immediately."
+
+The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the
+orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the
+moisture from his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OFF ON A RAID.
+
+
+Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre's offer of an automobile to make
+their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much time as
+their journey to the headquarters of the French commander-in-chief.
+
+The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General
+French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:
+
+"I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre's injunction
+concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be forgotten."
+
+The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of their
+own, for the great army had again come to a halt.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces, which
+after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of Paris, had
+forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A word of the
+situation is here necessary.
+
+From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the offensive,
+after being driven back for days by the Germans, they had continued their
+steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never known was in
+progress continually, for the Germans contested every inch of the ground.
+
+Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of communication,
+and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect them, or to be cut
+off and eventually annihilated, or forced to surrender. The strategy of
+General Joffre, condemned by many in the earlier days of the war, now was
+beginning to bear fruit, and he was praised on every hand.
+
+The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling
+block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were proving
+their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to the enemy,
+they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the whole world
+realized that they were the real fighting strength of the allied armies.
+
+Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the towns of Paris.
+Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The great battle
+line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in constant contact
+with the enemy. Almost hourly their was such severe fighting as in former
+wars would have earned the designation of battles. But along this great
+line they were but skirmishes.
+
+The losses on both sides had been tremendous, although the Germans,
+because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive, and
+also because of the massed formation they had used in their advance, had
+suffered considerably more than the Allies.
+
+Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans,
+pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon
+another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer
+state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the
+battleground of European wars.
+
+The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by the
+heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind to
+withdraw from the conflict. Possibly, Belgium had more at stake than any
+other country in the war. She was fighting for life and freedom--from
+possible absorption into the German Empire.
+
+And now the German force had been pushed clear across the River
+Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore
+of the little river was held by the Kaiser's troops, the western
+shore by the Allies.
+
+So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed
+breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was
+checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the ranks, there to remain until
+the battle should be resumed.
+
+But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery
+continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had come
+into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the troops
+on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the main
+portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to move
+forward again.
+
+The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in the
+allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever known,
+their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the smaller
+guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was far superior
+to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up to this time,
+the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German gunners was the cause
+of much comment and surprise.
+
+So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts, they
+found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne; or
+rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army
+occasionally riding right up to the river's edge, while the great shells
+continued to burst on both sides of the river.
+
+Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after a
+long search. Through an orderly they also reported to General French,
+apprising him of where to find them should he desire their presence.
+After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had insisted that they
+make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in, for they had been
+many hours without sleep, and were tired out.
+
+How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by
+Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.
+
+"Get up," commanded the lieutenant. "You are ordered to report to General
+French immediately."
+
+Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight streamed
+through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.
+
+Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently
+waited for him to speak--to tell them the reason he had summoned them
+so suddenly.
+
+At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on the
+shoulder of each, and spoke:
+
+"You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I should
+not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts are in the
+success of the arms of France and England. But you have so often proved
+your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the ones needed."
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it
+is," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we shall," agreed Chester.
+
+"What I must know," said General French, "is the approximate strength of
+the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his troops and
+so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the flying corps; but
+in that event the enemy would know that I had learned. It must be done
+some other way. Are you lads willing to undertake this task?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.
+
+"Good," said General French. "I shall leave the means to you, for I have
+already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one injunction: Be
+back at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to
+Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work
+before them.
+
+"You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck," said the lieutenant,
+"while we old heads sit back here and do nothing."
+
+"It seems to me that you have been doing your share," said Hal.
+
+"And to me, too," Chester agreed.
+
+"Oh, well," laughed the lieutenant. "I have seen considerable action. I
+don't suppose I should complain. But how do you propose to gather this
+information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable job on
+your hands?"
+
+"Yes, we realize that," Hal replied, "and we thought perhaps you could
+help us with an idea or two."
+
+The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:
+
+"I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy
+will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make
+quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding right
+into the heart of the enemy's country, at whatever point it might be
+practically unprotected."
+
+"A good idea," said Hal. "But, in that event, we should have to have a
+larger party."
+
+"Exactly," said Lieutenant Anderson. "And I, for one, offer my services.
+I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men."
+
+A few moments later Hal was back in General French's headquarters.
+
+"General," he said, "I should like to have your permission to pick
+twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power
+automobiles in the army."
+
+The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but
+finally said:
+
+"You have my permission. Here," turning to his desk and writing a few
+words, "is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan. Good
+luck to you."
+
+"I shall let you pick the men," said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when he
+was again back in the latter's quarters, "and, so far as they know, you
+are in command."
+
+"Very well," was the reply; "but remember that it is not so. On this
+expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders."
+
+Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by
+Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A likely
+body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them under six
+feet in height.
+
+"Look like they could give a good account of themselves," muttered
+Chester to himself.
+
+At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later, in
+response to Hal's directions, were speeding southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ACROSS THE MARNE.
+
+
+For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at
+top speed. Then Hal called a halt.
+
+Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the
+direction of the river.
+
+The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have
+been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though
+Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between
+the German forces.
+
+The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as
+there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along the
+shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently having
+been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.
+
+"We'll appropriate these," said Hal. "Luckily they were here or we should
+have been forced to swim across."
+
+The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the opposite
+side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank were soon
+hidden from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called another halt,
+until he was able to decide upon his next move.
+
+The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return
+trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the party
+had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now bethought
+himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.
+
+After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as possible
+in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of the little
+woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.
+
+The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal,
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it, their
+men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered, the Germans
+did not put up a fight.
+
+The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them
+called out in German:
+
+"We surrender."
+
+"Dismount!" ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.
+
+"This is what I call luck," said Hal to his friends.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Why," said Hal, "here we have three horses and three German uniforms. If
+that isn't luck, I don't know what is."
+
+Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound
+and gagged.
+
+When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German uniforms,
+Hal called three of the British troopers to him.
+
+"You men," he said, "will leave all your weapons here, except your
+revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will accompany
+us, afoot, apparently as prisoners."
+
+He called a fourth trooper to him.
+
+"Your name?" he demanded.
+
+"Bristow, sir."
+
+"Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The
+rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it
+necessary to retreat across the river."
+
+"Very good, sir," said Bristow, and fell back and informed his companions
+of the situation.
+
+"Do you realize," asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, "that if we are
+captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy's death for
+all of us?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal, "but we shall have to take that chance. I believe
+that having three English soldiers with us, apparently prisoners, will be
+a means of avoiding detection."
+
+"All right," said Chester, "only we shall have to be careful."
+
+Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them
+started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they
+continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops.
+But they were not molested, not even challenged.
+
+At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.
+
+"Perhaps we can learn something here," said Chester.
+
+Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened by a
+young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.
+
+"Have no fear," said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. "We are
+simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us with
+a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here."
+
+Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them to
+enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a hearty
+repast was spread on the table.
+
+"We have been on a mission south," Hal said to the woman. "Can you tell
+me just how far the German staff is from here?"
+
+"It can't be very far," the woman replied, "for some of the officers
+often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than
+the regular army fare. I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of them
+were to come along soon."
+
+"Good," said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed.
+He did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German
+staff officers.
+
+Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing
+around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in
+gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.
+
+"Great Scott," he said, "we got out of there just in time. Look."
+
+The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the shelter
+of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.
+
+"There must be something up," he declared, "or the German staff would not
+be this far south. I don't suppose General French has been informed of
+this. In some way we must find out what is going on."
+
+"And I wouldn't be surprised," said Chester, "if they were using that
+farmhouse for a certain purpose."
+
+"By Jove! I never thought of that," said Hal. "I believe you have hit it.
+That is where they are making their plans. I wonder"--and he grew greatly
+excited. "I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in that party."
+
+"He is probably pretty near the whole party," said Lieutenant Anderson
+dryly. "Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this
+close to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also."
+
+"Then it's a wonder the woman didn't say something about the Kaiser
+being near."
+
+"She probably didn't know him," said the lieutenant.
+
+Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.
+
+"Do you know what I am going to do?" he said at length, dismounting.
+
+"No. What?" demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single voice.
+
+"I'm going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or
+crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another
+chance of overhearing the German plans."
+
+"Great Scott!" said Lieutenant Anderson, "that certainly is a bold plan.
+You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do," was the reply.
+
+"Then I shall go, too," said Chester.
+
+"And me," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"No you won't," said Hal, positively. "The rest of you will stay here. If
+I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then the
+rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them, the
+Kaiser included."
+
+Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.
+
+"Why can't we get the rest of our men, and capture the whole crowd?" he
+demanded in great excitement.
+
+"I had thought of that," replied Hal, "but something tells me it can't be
+done--a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt such a
+thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can't explain just what I
+mean, but I feel it."
+
+"And I too," declared Lieutenant Anderson. "I don't know why, but I know
+it's true."
+
+"Bosh!" said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had
+created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.
+
+"Well, if you must go by yourself, all right," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+"But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better."
+
+Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side, where
+he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he walked
+slowly toward the house.
+
+He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that
+such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would probably
+mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little fear of
+detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.
+
+Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did not
+wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him, so,
+keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.
+
+His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window,
+apparently halfway between the first and second floors.
+
+"Evidently, at a turn in the steps," Hal told himself.
+
+Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength
+slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the lad
+put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening, and then
+disappeared inside the house.
+
+Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location of
+the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at one end
+of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.
+
+Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his eyes.
+Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just a little
+crack that he might not be suffocated.
+
+Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below came
+the faint sound of German voices.
+
+Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger felt
+a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small opening
+in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered down, and as he made
+out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to himself.
+
+The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke,
+commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one occasion,
+had saved him from death before a firing squad.
+
+"Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?" Hal asked himself.
+
+His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an
+imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his
+knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.
+
+There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of
+Germany!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE KAISER.
+
+
+In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm would
+be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him as he made
+out the imposing figure of "The War Lord of Europe." He whistled softly
+to himself.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.
+
+"To think," he said to himself after a long pause, "that he is primarily
+responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands of lives and
+the destruction of property worth millions of dollars."
+
+Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight at
+the War Lord's breast.
+
+"With one little movement of my finger," said the lad softly to himself,
+"I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent thousands to
+their death. One shot, and--"
+
+His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he
+lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his
+pocket, while he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had
+gathered on his brow.
+
+"It's no use," he told himself, "I couldn't do it if I wanted to."
+
+Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will
+never know how close he was to death at that moment!
+
+Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by
+straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.
+
+"If," came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count Von
+Moltke, "if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them off
+from their French support and annihilate them. And--"
+
+"And," came the voice of the Kaiser himself, "we can, then, by a quick
+turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be
+complete."
+
+"Exactly, sire," came Count Von Moltke's voice again.
+
+"But, sire," said a third voice, "what have we to warrant that the
+English will accept our bait?"
+
+The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in
+again.
+
+"We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne," he
+said, "and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on,
+flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them on the left
+flank. We shall cut them to pieces."
+
+"The plan sounds well to me," came the voice of the Kaiser again.
+"General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute
+this coup?"
+
+"Not before day after to-morrow, sire," was the reply. "It will take me
+that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time
+keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal."
+
+"And how many men will you be able to bring?" asked the Kaiser.
+
+"Half a million, sire."
+
+"Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?"
+
+"Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men."
+
+The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his mustache.
+Then he spoke aloud:
+
+"If the British were aware of that," he said, "by a quick advance they
+would place us at a tremendous disadvantage."
+
+"So they would, sire," agreed General Von Kluck. "But it must be seen
+that they do not anticipate our plan."
+
+"In that event," came the Emperor's reply, "it will be necessary for that
+part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at the same
+moment the mass of your command is withdrawn."
+
+"Exactly what I had figured upon, sire."
+
+"Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day
+after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their present
+positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part, while we would
+undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our coup. See to it,
+gentlemen, that there is no leak."
+
+"There shall be none, sire," came a chorus of officers.
+
+"Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this.
+Had it not been for the interference of these English--and these
+starving Belgians, I would be there now," and the Kaiser's voice grew
+harsh. "They must be crushed," and he struck the table a heavy blow with
+his clenched fist.
+
+"And crushed they shall be, sire," said Count Von Moltke soothingly. "It
+is only a question of time."
+
+"Well, you have been long enough doing it," came the Emperor's angry
+voice. "See that you do not fail me again. If you do--"
+
+He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he might
+have uttered.
+
+There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment later
+of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the German
+officers were leaving the house.
+
+"By George!" the lad muttered to himself, "Wilhelm must be a holy terror.
+I'll bet Von Kluck, Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a terrible
+wigging, for I'm here to see that this plot fails."
+
+Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling certain
+that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He was just
+lowering himself from the window by which he had entered when, from
+almost below him, there was a loud scream.
+
+Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given them
+food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his officers
+might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the ground, and
+an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman's mouth.
+
+"Quiet!" he commanded in a harsh voice. "If you make no noise you shall
+not be harmed. Otherwise--" he paused significantly.
+
+The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.
+
+"Go into the house," Hal commanded, and followed her.
+
+"I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping," the lad muttered to
+himself. "I can't afford to be interfered with now."
+
+He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged and
+bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.
+
+"You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you," he
+told her. "I hope it won't be long, for your sake, but I can't afford to
+take any chances with you."
+
+He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he had
+so lately left his friends, his heart sank.
+
+Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running toward
+him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by a band of
+mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out the forms of
+Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!
+
+With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers,
+evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance
+behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the
+farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the
+fugitives.
+
+Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his
+friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and
+ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not
+pause to reply.
+
+"Just wait till we get back to our own men," thought Hal to himself as he
+ran along, "that is, if we can make it."
+
+But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in charge
+of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had crawled
+forward to investigate. He made out the figures flying toward him and
+recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.
+
+Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward.
+This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen were
+overhauling the fugitives rapidly.
+
+When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their
+mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost a
+single movement.
+
+The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on their
+haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A moment
+later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.
+
+Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he was
+forced to hold his sides.
+
+"What on earth is the matter with you?" demanded Chester in great
+surprise. "What are you laughing at?"
+
+"Why," explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, "I am laughing at the
+sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the evil
+one himself were after him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in the
+farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied armies.
+When he had concluded he said:
+
+"Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you,
+Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?"
+
+"Certainly," said the lieutenant.
+
+"You know I will, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to
+General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you.
+That's all."
+
+"But you?" demanded Chester; "aren't you coming, too? Surely you have
+accomplished the mission successfully."
+
+"No," replied Hal. "In this German uniform I believe I shall be perfectly
+safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further information. It
+may be that I can learn something that will be important."
+
+"Then I shall go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"And I, too," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Oh, no you won't," said Hal grimly. "Didn't you just promise to obey my
+commands, both of you?"
+
+"But we didn't know what you planned to do," said Chester.
+
+"I know you didn't," said Hal. "That is why I asked your promises before
+I told you."
+
+"But I don't think it is fair," protested Chester.
+
+"I don't care what you think," replied Hal. "You have both promised, so
+that's all there is about it."
+
+In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.
+
+"Come, now," he said at last. "You are making it more dangerous for me
+every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and
+return at once."
+
+Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The men
+already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row away.
+
+"I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning," he called to
+Chester; "but," and he smiled grimly to himself, "if I were you, I
+wouldn't wait up for me."
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with one
+last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the
+farmhouse.
+
+He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger
+long in that vicinity.
+
+"The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of the
+officers the better off I shall be," he told himself.
+
+He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot.
+Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad
+trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of
+perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in
+greeting as they went by.
+
+"So far, so good," muttered the lad to himself.
+
+Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But
+feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of
+captain, the lad continued boldly on.
+
+At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.
+
+"Guess this is the place I am headed for," he told himself.
+
+He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who were
+taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts. The
+place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a large body
+of troops on parade.
+
+He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once, although
+once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.
+
+"Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant and
+courteous set," the lad told himself. "However, I didn't come here to
+learn how they behave themselves. I won't get any information this way. I
+wonder who is in command here, but I can't afford to ask."
+
+Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who
+were idling about talking.
+
+"I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward
+within a few hours," said one of the group of officers.
+
+"So?" questioned another. "I had forgotten that you are now a member of
+his staff."
+
+"What's up, do you know?"
+
+"Nothing that I can talk about," replied the other with a pleasant smile.
+
+"All right," said another. "The sooner the better."
+
+The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.
+
+"Good," he said to himself. "At least I have learned that General Beulow
+is in command here."
+
+And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.
+
+At that moment an officer approached him.
+
+"I can't seem to place you," he said. "Is your regiment here?"
+
+"No," returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent. "I
+am attached to General Von Kluck's command. I came here with him to-day."
+
+"Oh," said the German officer, "then you are on his staff?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have been
+sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?"
+
+Hal took a long chance.
+
+"Yes," he replied.
+
+"Good," said the German officer. "Come to my quarters. I have documents
+to deliver to you."
+
+Hal followed the German officer to the latter's tent. There the German
+took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he placed
+in the lad's hands.
+
+"These," he said, "you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose you
+knew that he had already returned to his command?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal firmly. "I was simply waiting for these. My horse is
+yonder," and he waved his hand.
+
+"Oh," continued the German. "Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von
+Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or
+French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed that
+information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals were
+hurried back to their posts to see that everything was shipshape."
+
+"Yes," said Hal briefly; "I know."
+
+He placed the papers in his pocket.
+
+"Auf Wiedersehen," said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent.
+"Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck's hands at
+the earliest possible moment."
+
+"It shall be done," said Hal as he walked rapidly away.
+
+"Great Scott!" he said to himself. "I am in luck. I wouldn't be surprised
+if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I overheard in
+the farmhouse."
+
+Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It was
+even as he had expected--only more. For the papers contained the present
+troop positions, their expected movements and the number of men and how
+stationed.
+
+Hal whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Won't General French be surprised when he sees these?" he said softly.
+"Now to get back."
+
+It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in the
+direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely to
+himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no means
+egotistical, was well aware of it.
+
+He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, and made off in
+the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and more
+confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the German
+camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.
+
+A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to start
+back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the pair who had
+accosted him were a man and woman.
+
+And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had so
+recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that she
+had recognized him as well.
+
+"It is he!" she exclaimed in a loud voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A COLD SWIM.
+
+
+Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so
+suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck,
+pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose
+without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was
+unable to do so.
+
+The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the
+struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But
+the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt of
+the weapon down on the lad's head without the imminent risk of injuring
+the woman.
+
+Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he had
+decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands, and
+awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.
+
+It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal
+leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out
+swiftly with his bare fist. There was a sharp "spat" and the man fell to
+the ground.
+
+Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed
+the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and the
+lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly impossible.
+
+"Hands up!" commanded the woman.
+
+Hal temporized.
+
+"Now see here--" he began.
+
+The woman interrupted.
+
+"Hands up!" she commanded again.
+
+This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman's voice
+that she was not to be trifled with.
+
+"About face," commanded his captor.
+
+Hal did as ordered.
+
+"Now," continued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and,
+remember, at the first false move I shall fire."
+
+Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
+behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German camp.
+He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.
+
+His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon a
+plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just as
+well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.
+
+As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
+attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
+time was right upon him.
+
+Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
+she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
+spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand, and
+with a quick leap seized it himself.
+
+"Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to
+get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance between
+us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be forced to
+use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I am on
+important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one life
+stand in the way."
+
+The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.
+
+"I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I
+could have brought myself to shoot."
+
+He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
+opponents hors de combat.
+
+The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
+sprang forward.
+
+"What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated
+surprise. "Well, here's some more then."
+
+He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his right
+fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh and blood
+could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground, where he
+remained, unconscious.
+
+"Now to get back across the river," said Hal to himself. "Wonder if I can
+find a boat of some kind."
+
+He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind of a
+craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from the
+direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited voices and
+the trampling of many feet.
+
+"Great Scott! Here they come," exclaimed Hal aloud. "I guess it's up to
+me to get away from here pretty quick."
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he advanced to the water's edge and plunged
+into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal's breath was taken away
+by the suddenness of the shock.
+
+He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
+opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
+shore immediately behind him.
+
+"I don't believe there is anyone there," said a voice.
+
+"The woman is a spy herself, that's my belief," said a second. "She has
+concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this hour. I
+certainly don't believe there is a spy on this side of the river."
+
+"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
+searchlight. Turn yours on."
+
+Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
+well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
+across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
+and forth across the water. He could see no one.
+
+"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get
+away from here."
+
+"Good," returned the other. "Come on."
+
+Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
+surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
+breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he rightly
+concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in their search
+anyhow, had gone.
+
+Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made out
+the sound of retreating footsteps.
+
+"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to get
+out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."
+
+With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon the
+farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance away,
+and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:
+
+"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and
+get thawed out before I continue my journey."
+
+He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence was
+noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing footsteps
+behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.
+
+"Halt!" he commanded.
+
+"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."
+
+"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not
+lowering his weapon.
+
+Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German uniform
+and his rifle leaped up again.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you?
+You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man."
+
+"Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell
+you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I am?
+A German?"
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in
+that German uniform?"
+
+Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.
+
+"I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I can
+assure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little
+information."
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he
+represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March ahead
+of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your back."
+
+"All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for it,
+I suppose I shall have to go with you."
+
+He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with
+leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of
+what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.
+
+"My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the
+river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have
+accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I can
+show credentials," and he showed the officer a pass signed by the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The officer shook hands with him.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked.
+
+"I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you a
+fast auto?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it."
+
+"It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire while
+I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen."
+
+"Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please
+have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver I
+shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car any
+great distance."
+
+"You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal huddled
+up close to the little fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.
+
+
+Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted on
+lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile as it
+sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters.
+
+The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the ground
+much more quickly than the one in which the little party of British had
+started on their mission. It was not long, therefore, before the lad
+found himself descending from the car. Another moment and he once more
+stood before his commander.
+
+"So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young Crawford
+gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be captured. Did you
+learn anything further?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each
+command, their positions and all details."
+
+"What!" exclaimed General French in great surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Hal, and reaching in his pocket he drew out the
+documents given him by the German officer. "Here they are, sir."
+
+General French took the papers from the lad's hand, and glanced at them
+quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal's shoulder.
+
+"You have done well," he said quietly. "I shall not forget it. You may go
+now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over you. I will
+say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to England--one that
+the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps to thwart this German
+coup, and if we are successful the credit will be mainly due you."
+
+Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general's tent.
+
+"Now to find Chester," he said.
+
+He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making his
+quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant's tent, Hal
+walked up cautiously.
+
+"I want to surprise them," he told himself.
+
+Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.
+
+"I'm afraid he won't ever get back," came Chester's voice. "I should have
+insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn't have let him go alone."
+
+"Still," said Lieutenant Anderson, "he was in command. We had to
+obey him."
+
+"That is true," replied Chester, "but just the same if ill befalls him I
+shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the information we
+went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting himself in the
+enemy's power?"
+
+Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he
+was observed.
+
+"A whole lot, Chester," he said quietly.
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant, and
+one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.
+
+"Stop it, stop it," laughed Hal. "You'll wring my arms off."
+
+"And so you are back safely," said Chester, looking long at his friend.
+
+"Yes, I'm back," said Hal.
+
+"And what did you learn? Anything else?"
+
+"Lots," replied Hal, "but let me get out of this wet German uniform";
+having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after they
+had left until his return to General French's tent.
+
+"And General French says," he concluded, "that steps have been taken to
+spoil the Kaiser's plan."
+
+"Good," said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.
+
+"Well," said Chester, after some further talk, "I guess we might as well
+turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
+returned. We can rest easier now."
+
+Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon slumbering deeply. The
+day's work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how long
+they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling "To arms!"
+roused them.
+
+Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
+removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at a
+moment's notice.
+
+The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
+command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster, the
+great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
+cavalry leading the way.
+
+There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
+enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
+engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
+magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on, several
+thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.
+
+These--advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans, rushed
+forward to check them--fought off the enemy while other British, troops
+were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to drive them
+back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back again by the
+British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time to form after
+crossing the river.
+
+Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across the
+little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught unprepared.
+Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending some of his
+men south to take their places in the force with which the Kaiser and his
+generals expected to execute their great coup.
+
+Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by the
+German general staff. That the British, without the support of their
+French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive, was a
+factor that had apparently been overlooked.
+
+The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the continent
+at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men. Probably two-thirds
+of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in this battle, which,
+starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the fiercest and bloodiest
+struggles of history.
+
+Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from
+India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the
+English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and driving
+back the foe.
+
+But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the
+British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat, the
+British pursuing them relentlessly.
+
+Apparently it was not General French's plan to push the battle too
+strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as would
+make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.
+
+For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne
+continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as the
+Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The British
+fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and preparing
+to resist an attack should one be delivered.
+
+This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly
+unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of the
+greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.
+
+Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side they
+did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the Kaiser's
+troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the stream for the
+rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for the English,
+already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the Germans as
+reinforcements crossed.
+
+And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the
+offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due
+largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives, enabled
+the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.
+
+That the boys' value in this important battle was recognized, is
+evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a halt,
+General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on the
+shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:
+
+"You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+TRAPPED.
+
+
+It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely, on all sides men
+were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since early
+morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the British
+line, the struggle had continued without a minute's breathing space.
+
+Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops fell
+back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field where the
+fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful of their
+support on either side, the British still pressed forward, until now they
+were far beyond either flank.
+
+Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering volley.
+Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men tumbled to the
+earth on every hand.
+
+Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a force
+of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them off from
+any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand men were in this
+little force now completely surrounded.
+
+But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to
+surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other
+than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the
+Marne had raised him to that rank.
+
+Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer
+still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared his
+quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the conflict
+alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific carnage, in
+spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had so far
+escaped injury.
+
+Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a
+possible escape. With a loud cry of "Forward!" to his men, he dashed
+right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.
+
+Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column
+halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain
+Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the Germans,
+and they now pressed forward at a run.
+
+Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men,
+that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power, and
+still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of
+overwhelming odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.
+
+That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson's strategy. At
+the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line,
+dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the Germans
+rallied, but it was too late.
+
+The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken refuge
+behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain's sudden charge
+became apparent.
+
+Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British dashed
+madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door was
+locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the sharp
+crack of rifles.
+
+There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt, the
+British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the troops
+poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the house and
+performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to tell it
+injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground outside,
+however, was strewn with their companions.
+
+Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And the
+British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which they
+knew would come in a very few minutes.
+
+"If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place indefinitely,"
+said Captain Anderson.
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester; "or, if we can manage to hold out till night, we
+may be able to get away."
+
+"It is possible, too," said Hal, "that our absence will be noticed and
+aid sent to us."
+
+"I'm not banking much on that," replied Captain Anderson, "for, if we
+are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war.
+It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in
+this house."
+
+"That's so," said Chester. "Well, we will have to hold on as long as we
+can. That's the best we can do."
+
+"Exactly," agreed Hal quietly.
+
+The three approached the window in front of the house on the second
+floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier
+guarding it spoke.
+
+"Evidently the siege has begun," said Hal grimly. "Poor fellow!" he
+added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet
+in his head.
+
+His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The
+firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the
+windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture
+they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their
+rifles through.
+
+But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets.
+Still men fell, though not as fast as before. Captain Anderson
+assigned Hal to direct the fire of the British in the front of the
+first floor and Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the
+second floor himself.
+
+The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all over
+their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell, Hal or
+Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until relieved by
+another soldier.
+
+Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus
+far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to
+pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could take
+it without this trouble.
+
+And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the
+defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy's loss, exposed
+as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been enormous.
+
+Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage
+of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As
+they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the
+floor below.
+
+Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the commotion.
+Struggling in Chester's arms was a man in civilian garb.
+
+"I caught him just as he was about to open the front door," Chester
+explained.
+
+The man's struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain
+Anderson, pale and trembling.
+
+"What are you doing here?" demanded the latter.
+
+"I was hiding in the cellar," said the man in a shaking voice. "When
+you English burst in I didn't know what to do. I remained in my
+hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I
+would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I
+thought I had a chance."
+
+Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.
+
+"Surely you are not a German?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "I am French."
+
+"Then what need had you to be afraid of us?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," was the nervous reply, "I am a peace-loving man. I
+don't want to fight, and I won't fight if I can help it."
+
+"A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure," said the captain, with a
+sneer. "If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find
+you here? Why haven't you fled with the rest of the old women and
+children?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," quavered the man, "I have been hiding here. I was
+afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight."
+
+"And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs," and he rubbed his
+hands in satisfaction.
+
+"And you were not discovered by the Germans?"
+
+"No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday."
+
+"Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us important
+information?"
+
+"I could, yes, sir," was the reply. "But, if I do, will there be any
+pay for me?"
+
+The captain was taken by surprise.
+
+"And you call yourself a Frenchman," he said in contempt. He took a
+threatening step forward. "No," he said angrily, "there will be no pay,
+but I can promise you that if you don't tell what you know you will be
+shot right here and now."
+
+"Oh, sir, you wouldn't do that," said the man in a wheedling voice.
+
+"Wouldn't I?" exclaimed the captain. "You shall see."
+
+He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them
+approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man that
+the officer meant what he said.
+
+"I'll tell, sir," he cried, falling on his knees.
+
+Captain Anderson waved his men away.
+
+"Very well," he said coldly, "and see that you make no mistake. If your
+information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow."
+
+"But it is, sir," protested the Frenchman.
+
+"All right. Then let's have it."
+
+"The Germans are planning an aëroplane raid on the English," said the
+man, in a low voice. "There is a park of aëroplanes hardly two miles from
+here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant flight."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Captain Anderson. "Are you sure?"
+
+"Perfectly," was the reply. "I heard the German officers talking of it
+only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English."
+
+"And so it would," said the captain, "unless it can be stopped."
+
+Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.
+
+"Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines out
+to us?" he asked.
+
+"Easily, sir."
+
+"What's your idea?" asked Captain Anderson.
+
+"Simply this," said Hal. "I believe that by a dash we can get through the
+Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not expect us
+to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not likely to be
+vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful raid on these
+machines and destroy them."
+
+"A first-class idea," said the captain. "We'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A DEED OF DARING.
+
+
+Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his men
+behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops were a
+few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these he placed
+at the extreme rear of the little body.
+
+When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal and
+Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was no
+light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable
+distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at
+first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.
+
+Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed by
+a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a word from
+Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.
+
+Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of the
+fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men spread
+out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard upon this,
+charged with the bayonet.
+
+Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of
+the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with
+success to the British.
+
+The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found the
+Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two miles
+were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in the
+darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed that
+this was what it was.
+
+"Must be a temporary affair," said Captain Anderson, in a low voice. "And
+what are those objects nearby?"
+
+Hal peered through the darkness.
+
+"Look like armored automobiles to me," he said.
+
+"And so they are," declared Chester. "And there must be twenty of them.
+Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We couldn't
+want anything better to escape in."
+
+"You are right," declared the captain.
+
+The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he
+commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.
+
+The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles
+before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.
+
+At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged with
+fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently had been
+on the alert against a possible surprise.
+
+A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first
+column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself going
+to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the troopers
+reached the automobile.
+
+Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were more
+wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the machine-gun
+could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the enemy.
+
+A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this weapon
+spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who stood
+near to guard their machines.
+
+Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce
+interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who were
+crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire with
+great bravery and vigor.
+
+While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers, which
+had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with
+improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the aëroplanes. With sure blows
+from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they could lay
+hands on nearby, they destroyed the motors, the gasoline reservoirs and
+the running gear of the German machines.
+
+At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A fierce
+red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of carnage with
+great brilliancy.
+
+While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short
+distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might find
+Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few remaining
+men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which stood a German
+officer, directing his men.
+
+The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic revolver.
+Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not before he had
+discharged his own weapon against the chest of his opponent, who fell to
+the ground, fatally wounded.
+
+A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before, brought
+his rifle-butt down over Hal's head. But the lad's quick eye had seen
+the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the blow. His
+left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled and fell to
+the ground.
+
+He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still hanging
+by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his rifle to bear,
+but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck up the weapon, even as the
+German pressed the trigger.
+
+With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with the
+German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close
+quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew back
+with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the car, and
+his arm was now useless.
+
+The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted to
+entwine his fingers in Hal's throat, but the lad was too quick for him.
+Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other's chin, and sent him
+spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could
+see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or
+were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight,
+for they had no way of determining the strength of the British
+attacking party.
+
+In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping from
+the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting
+automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable of
+driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.
+
+He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of
+their friend.
+
+"Hurry, Chester, get him into this car," he ordered. "We'll have to get
+out of here at once."
+
+He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the
+automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.
+
+Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty men,
+all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the farmhouse
+in the morning.
+
+Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.
+
+"Follow me, single file," he called to his men, "until I give the word to
+close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly as
+possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight, if by
+any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick dash and
+fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow right into the
+enemy. Do you understand?"
+
+The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal
+started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were
+moving along at a brisk pace.
+
+Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:
+
+"How is the captain?"
+
+"I fear he is in pretty bad shape," was the reply; but, even at that
+moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.
+
+He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.
+
+"Where am I?" he demanded.
+
+Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.
+
+"And was the raid a success?" he asked. "Were the German aëroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes, every one of them," replied Chester.
+
+"Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we can't
+get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my part."
+
+In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length
+Chester was forced to comply.
+
+As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British all
+told, approached the center of the German force, each man determined to
+get through to the allied lines or to die in the attempt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DASH FOR LIBERTY.
+
+
+Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer and
+closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from within
+their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this spectacular
+dash, and so were caught unprepared.
+
+Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed and
+drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they increased
+their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.
+
+The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more or
+less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters were
+upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached the
+first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines opened
+fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good. Germans
+tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to rise.
+
+Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on
+all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.
+
+But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the speed
+of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the British
+did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to the left of
+the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the bottom of the
+car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his hands and tumbled
+from the car.
+
+Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had
+Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.
+
+Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost bumped
+into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal's promptness in
+turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car had been struck by a
+German bullet and killed.
+
+The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward
+ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged
+straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still
+shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it
+was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to
+certain death.
+
+All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed beyond,
+and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.
+
+Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant machine
+leaped upon them like a thing of life, hurling them off on all sides, and
+running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with another sudden turn
+to the left, it sped directly toward a group of officers, who stood
+nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this unexpected turn that the
+officers were run down before they could move from their tracks.
+
+Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.
+
+It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward--there was a
+fearful roar--a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke had
+cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen--nothing but wreckage
+and a few maimed bodies scattered about.
+
+But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at the
+moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a second
+sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped for air,
+and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and crashed into its
+nearest neighbor.
+
+There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry of
+triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other remaining
+car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped ahead faster
+than before.
+
+But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too much.
+In spite of the fact that the Germans had been taken by surprise, their
+numbers were so great that the success of such a dash was impossible.
+
+Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled
+rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the
+driver of the other car dashed into them.
+
+A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the second
+car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning round and
+round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning its occupants
+beneath it.
+
+A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite of
+the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked from
+side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.
+
+Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the lad
+threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center of a
+large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad stood up
+in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of
+threatening rifles was lowered.
+
+"Come out of there," called the officer, "and be quick about it."
+
+Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the ground.
+Turning back to the machine, they tenderly lifted Captain Anderson out
+and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the wild ride.
+
+Hal turned to the German officer.
+
+"Will you please see that my friend," indicating the captain, "receives
+medical attention at once?"
+
+"It shall be done immediately," returned the German officer gravely, and
+motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a nearby
+hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?"
+he demanded.
+
+Hal smiled grimly.
+
+"That is what we intended to do," he made reply. "However, we wouldn't
+have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace."
+
+The German officer also smiled faintly.
+
+"You are bold lads," he said quietly. "Come, I will take you to General
+Von Kluck."
+
+The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German
+commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved his
+wing of the army from probable annihilation.
+
+Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat
+younger, recognizing whom, Hal's heart leaped into his throat. This
+second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had
+placed in Hal's hands dispatches for General Von Kluck--papers that,
+through Hal's bravery, had been turned over to General French, and had
+thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.
+
+The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British
+uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:
+
+"How do you do, Captain Dersam?"
+
+General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads, turned
+to the officer.
+
+"You know these prisoners?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, I know one of them," was the reply. "That is, I thought I did
+once. It seems that I was mistaken."
+
+"Explain yourself."
+
+"This," said the German, pointing to Hal, "is the young man to whom I
+told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented
+himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain
+Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this
+officer must be a traitor."
+
+General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.
+
+"So," he exclaimed, "you are the man whom we have to thank for the
+defeat of our plan, eh?" He turned to the officer. "And you say he was
+in German uniform?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The general turned to Hal.
+
+"Do you know what that means?" he asked.
+
+Hal nodded his head.
+
+"It means," continued the general, "that you are a spy. You shall pay
+the penalty."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "I was not captured within your lines in German
+uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy."
+
+"I can't, eh?" cried General Von Kluck angrily. "Well, you shall see."
+
+"The boy is right," came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning, Hal
+started back in amazement.
+
+"The Emperor!" he cried.
+
+And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:
+
+"_Hoch der Kaiser_!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GERMAN HOSPITALITY.
+
+
+"Yes," continued the Emperor of Germany, "the boy is right. He has
+spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander into
+our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in the
+armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to raid
+right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five aëroplanes, as I
+have no doubt he did."
+
+"What," exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, "the aëroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes," continued the emperor, "and with them another opportunity to deal
+a death-blow to the English." Then, turning to Hal: "I have no doubt that
+you were concerned in that--am I right?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," said the lad.
+
+"I thought so," said the emperor, and he turned again to General
+Von Kluck.
+
+"The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in
+disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as he
+was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck, bowing low.
+
+"It seems to me," went on the Kaiser, "that rather than spend so much
+time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if some
+of my officers would expend their energies in looking more carefully
+after my interests."
+
+Once more the emperor turned to Hal.
+
+"If I mistake not," he said, "you are an American. Am I right?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said Hal.
+
+"Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?"
+
+Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany, and
+of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.
+
+"And who is your friend?" asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.
+
+"Chester Crawford, sire," replied Hal, "my boyhood chum."
+
+"And the wounded man?"
+
+"An English officer, your majesty," said Hal, "and a brave one."
+
+"I have found that all the British are brave," said the Kaiser grimly. "I
+was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis," and the Kaiser's
+voice grew harsh; "it was not the only subject on which I was
+misinformed."
+
+His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.
+
+He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:
+
+"General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to question
+them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will send a guard
+for them in two hours."
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck.
+
+The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Follow me," he commanded.
+
+Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close
+behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious
+field quarters.
+
+Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.
+
+"Now, tell me," he said, "what is the general sentiment in America toward
+Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?"
+
+He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a
+discreet silence.
+
+"We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty," he said,
+"but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies of the
+United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies."
+
+The Kaiser nodded his head.
+
+"I was afraid so," he said. "But why?"
+
+"As to why, I can't say," replied Hal. "Chiefly, I suppose, because it is
+an English-speaking country."
+
+"I suppose that is true," said the emperor, "and still there are many
+more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other
+nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany
+brought about this war?"
+
+"From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am
+afraid they do, your majesty," said Hal.
+
+"It is not true," thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist down
+heavily on the table. "I tell you it is not true. Do you understand? It
+is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war. It is Czar
+Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would overrun
+Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will not be
+called the war lord of Europe for nothing!"
+
+Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither realized
+that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand before the
+German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the sympathy of
+the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the greatest war of
+all history.
+
+Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and he
+tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:
+
+"They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that few
+held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I thought
+they lied then. I am sure of it now."
+
+Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
+engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
+disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they venture
+to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later. General Von Kluck
+sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When the officer
+in charge of the squad made known his commission, the emperor signified
+his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no further words to Hal
+or Chester.
+
+"I am commanded," said the German officer, "to take you to my tent and
+see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is to
+be made of you."
+
+In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
+guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away to
+make his report to the general.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "they have got us this time, and I don't see any
+way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and we
+might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances go of
+getting back to our own lines."
+
+"Don't be so downhearted," said Hal. "More peculiar things have happened.
+We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we should be
+thankful for that."
+
+"Yes, I suppose we should," Chester agreed. "But just the same I would
+like to be back where we belong."
+
+"Well, you can't tell," said Hal. "We may be able to give them the
+slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good
+chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us
+without compunction."
+
+"There is no doubt of that," said Chester. "Von Kluck would do it anyhow,
+if he didn't fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way, what do you
+think of the Kaiser, anyhow?"
+
+"Well," said Hal slowly, "I believe, in the first place, that he takes
+himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen
+instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the French
+and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of destiny."
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester, "there is no doubt that he thinks he is right and
+the whole world wrong."
+
+Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.
+
+"You are to remain here for the next few days," he informed them. "As the
+emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck is
+awaiting further word from him as to what to do with you. Right now the
+emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers, and, when he
+is busy, no one dare disturb him."
+
+"And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?" asked Chester.
+
+"Why," was the reply, "I suppose you will be treated as all other
+prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin."
+
+"Back to Berlin!" exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.
+
+"Back to Berlin!" repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with a
+long whistle. "Great Scott!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A NEW FRIEND.
+
+
+It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads. As
+Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the
+outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German
+capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would be
+an inglorious finish to their military careers.
+
+"I would rather go to any one other spot on the map," Chester told his
+chum. "Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even
+knowing what is going on?"
+
+"It would be tough," Hal agreed. "And, once there, I am afraid we would
+have to stay until after the war. I don't imagine there is much danger of
+anyone escaping from that place now."
+
+"Nor I," said Chester. "If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it
+before we get to Berlin."
+
+But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were doomed
+to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they were made
+comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not beneath some
+watchful eye.
+
+Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and stroll
+about outside, but on each of these excursions the German officer in
+whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and finally from
+General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to Berlin.
+
+"I sort of hate to see you go," the German officer told them, upon
+informing them of their fate. "We have gotten along famously together.
+However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when you
+are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some of the
+tales of German cruelty to their prisoners."
+
+"From the treatment we already have received we can deny them
+now," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we can," Chester agreed.
+
+"Come," continued the officer, "what do you say to a little walk around?
+You will not start on your journey until to-night."
+
+Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
+through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
+discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
+them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started back
+toward their temporary prison.
+
+As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding toward
+them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.
+
+Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the dog's
+tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also stretched
+forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.
+
+"He must be one of your French war dogs," said the German with a laugh,
+quickly withdrawing his hand. "We have captured a large number of them,
+and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we know how, they
+will have nothing to do with us."
+
+At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
+came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew back
+his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal sharply
+in the ribs.
+
+But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound, the
+dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to the
+ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly forward,
+and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off, though not
+until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even drawing blood from a
+wound in his throat.
+
+With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew it
+quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the trigger,
+Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his arm, knocked
+the weapon from the German's hand.
+
+The German turned angrily on the lad.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he demanded, in a rage.
+
+"You won't shoot him while I am here," cried Chester, also aroused.
+
+"What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?"
+
+"You try it again and I'll show you what business it is of mine, if the
+whole German army is standing round," shouted Chester furiously.
+
+Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but
+Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the German
+threateningly.
+
+At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to
+interfere.
+
+"Come, come," he said to Chester. "That's enough of this. I am sure
+Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I'm sure he'll apologize if he has said
+or done anything to displease you."
+
+"What! Me apologize?" demanded the German. "And what for, pray?"
+
+"I don't want any apology," declared Chester. "All I want is for him to
+understand he can't shoot a dumb animal while I'm around."
+
+"Is that so?" sneered the German, but the boys' guard cut him short.
+
+"Lieutenant Dennig," he said sharply, "you forget yourself. These
+prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted."
+
+The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer, and
+walked rapidly away.
+
+"One more enemy," said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.
+
+"Oh, he'll get over it," laughed the boys' guard. "He knows he is in the
+wrong--that's what makes him so angry."
+
+The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his
+tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk toward
+their tent, he calmly followed them.
+
+The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the tent,
+and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking its way
+in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one side of
+the tent, sleeping.
+
+"Looks like there were three of you to guard now, instead of two," said
+the officer. "However, I guess it is all right."
+
+"I wonder if it would be possible," said Chester, struck with a sudden
+thought, "for us to take him to Berlin with us?"
+
+"I'll see what can be done about it," replied the officer. "I believe
+that I can arrange it all right."
+
+"We certainly would appreciate it," continued Chester, "and, if the time
+ever comes when we may be of service to you, you may command us." The
+officer smiled.
+
+"I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity," he said. "Present
+circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it."
+
+"Well, you never can tell," said Hal, "the fortunes of war, you know."
+
+"True," said the German, "and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take you
+at your word."
+
+He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention to
+the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The dog was
+on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air eagerly.
+
+"A real war dog, all right," said Chester. "What shall we call him, Hal?"
+
+"Perhaps he has a name already," said Hal. "Try him."
+
+Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a
+few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at
+thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names in
+the boys' vocabulary.
+
+Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog's head. Then, for the first
+time, he noticed the collar he wore.
+
+"Hello!" he said, in some surprise.
+
+"What is it?" said Chester, also approaching.
+
+"Collar," said Hal briefly. "Perhaps his name is on it."
+
+Both boys bent over the dog.
+
+"Here it is, sure enough," cried Chester.
+
+"Can you make it out?" asked Hal.
+
+"It's a little dark," replied the lad. "Bring him over here nearer
+the light."
+
+This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.
+
+"Well?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Yes, I can read it," replied Chester.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester read aloud:
+
+"Marquis--Twenty-third French Infantry."
+
+"A dispatch dog, eh?" said Hal.
+
+"Yes," said Chester; "and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition to
+our party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BERLIN ONCE MORE.
+
+
+By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the consent
+of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with them. That
+Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have him, was
+plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time, and
+whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.
+
+The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not leave
+until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other prisoners,
+British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled aboard early.
+Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or description, there
+was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the large number of
+prisoners.
+
+The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and
+took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of
+misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and
+chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.
+
+Finally, after much delay, the train started with a jolt, tumbling men
+all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were hurled
+hither and yon, but they only laughed.
+
+The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was
+switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop trains
+carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east, or from
+the east to the west.
+
+Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally
+pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the leveled
+rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground, and, after
+being divided into squads at the direction of the German officer in
+command, were marched away.
+
+Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As
+the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a
+German officer.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, approaching the boys. "A dog, eh? Well,
+we haven't time to fool with dogs," and he leveled his pistol at Marquis.
+
+Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to
+stay the German's hand.
+
+"This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General Von
+Kluck," he said quietly.
+
+"So you say," was the reply. "But how am I to know that you speak
+the truth?"
+
+"The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient proof
+of that," said Hal quietly.
+
+The German officer lowered his weapon.
+
+"I guess you are right," he said. "I beg your pardon."
+
+He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more friendly.
+
+"You are British officers?" he asked.
+
+"We are attached to the staff of General French," Chester replied.
+
+"So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?"
+
+"Considerable," replied Hal, with a smile; "at Liège, Louvain, the battle
+of the Marne, and some other skirmishes."
+
+"You have been in luck," said the officer. "And here I have been, ever
+since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.
+Worse luck!"
+
+"Cheer up," said Chester, smilingly, "you probably will get your chance
+before the war is over."
+
+"I hope so," replied the German, and continued: "I am going to arrange
+for you to come with me--yes, and the dog, too," as he saw Hal glance at
+his canine friend. "You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I am
+interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so much
+fighting."
+
+"If I may make so bold," said Hal, "you are not so old yourself."
+
+"True," said the German, with a pleasant smile. "But I am twenty," he
+added proudly.
+
+"Then we are not much younger than you," said Chester.
+
+"Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun."
+
+His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.
+
+"Come with me," he said, and the boys followed him.
+
+"I am at liberty to accept your parole," said the young German, "if you
+are prepared to give it."
+
+Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.
+
+"We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we
+would give our parole to no one."
+
+"Oh, well," said the German, with a laugh, "it doesn't matter. There is
+no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you
+refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you."
+
+The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they were
+soon riding along the streets.
+
+"I am taking you to my home," said the young officer. "While there, you
+will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be guarded."
+
+"We understand," said Chester quietly.
+
+"Looks natural along here," said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that
+moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and Captain
+Derevaux had met for the first time--the spot where the French and
+British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.
+
+"What, you have been in Berlin before?" questioned the German officer in
+some surprise.
+
+"Oh, yes," said Hal. "We spent one vacation here with my mother."
+
+He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped from
+the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester also made
+no reference to this.
+
+All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys now,
+and they pointed out different places of interest to each other as they
+sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.
+
+The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the
+boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
+commodious house.
+
+"My home," said the lieutenant simply, "and yours, so long as you are
+forced to remain in Berlin."
+
+The lads followed their captor up the steps, and into a prettily
+furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
+with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
+officer now introduced himself to the boys.
+
+A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The boys
+were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome, adding:
+
+"I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us."
+
+Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened
+to explain.
+
+"General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it not
+for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You would
+have to have gone with the other prisoners."
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I am sure we both appreciate it."
+
+"Indeed we do," agreed Hal.
+
+Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there came
+a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown quickly
+open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in his uniform,
+draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two boys he came to
+a sudden pause.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, in a great, booming voice.
+
+"Two of my prisoners, sir," said the lieutenant, stepping forward
+and saluting.
+
+"Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
+captured in Berlin?"
+
+"No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners."
+
+"Then, why are they not with the others?" demanded General Strauss
+sternly.
+
+"Why, sir," stammered the lieutenant, "I--I--"
+
+"Enough," said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling although
+this he endeavored in vain to hide. "You mean that you are up to some of
+your old tricks--that your sympathies have gotten the upper hand of your
+better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you, sir?"
+
+The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:
+
+"I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
+superior officer. But I won't do it this time. However, it is a very good
+thing that our emperor--God bless him--is a very good friend of your
+father. Otherwise--"
+
+He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:
+
+"Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside--and which
+almost bit me--is the property of your prisoners."
+
+Hal stepped forward and saluted.
+
+"He is, sir," he said.
+
+The old general eyed the lad for some minutes in silence. Hal bore the
+scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and
+repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his
+son.
+
+"When you have introduced us," he said, "we shall all go in and have
+something to eat!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A PIECE OF PAPER.
+
+
+Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young
+German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of
+the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore naught
+but signs of war.
+
+Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither
+and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the
+city upon every hand--some preparing to entrain for the west, and some
+for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the
+Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers
+would permit.
+
+It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost upon
+the two lads.
+
+"It's going to be an awful job to lick these fellows," Chester confided
+to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.
+
+"There is no question about that," was Hal's reply. "Still, it has
+to be done."
+
+"And will be done eventually," declared Chester grimly. "The trouble is
+that we are not likely to see it done."
+
+"Don't lose heart," said Hal. "Something may turn up. You never
+can tell."
+
+And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could possibly
+have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of German
+soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes.
+Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.
+
+As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a halt.
+
+"What have we here?" asked Lieutenant Strauss.
+
+"A spy, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where was he found?"
+
+"About thirty miles west of the city."
+
+"How does he account for his presence there?"
+
+"He has not had much to say," replied the officer, "but he did tell me
+that he fell from an aëroplane."
+
+"Does he deny being a spy?"
+
+"He does, sir."
+
+"Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?"
+
+"He doesn't account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on
+that score."
+
+Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the
+prisoner as the armed guard would permit.
+
+"Looks like an Englishman," said Hal.
+
+"That's what he is, all right," declared Chester.
+
+The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these words, spoken in
+English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and,
+apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.
+
+Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester, throwing
+up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt a little
+piece of paper slipped into his hand.
+
+In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily; and,
+at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they struggled, the
+lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:
+
+"Don't lose it! It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at
+once. Much depends upon it."
+
+Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad's grasp, and Chester realized what
+was expected of him.
+
+"I've got him," he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on
+top of him.
+
+The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner was
+closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he desired no
+further information and the squad of soldiers marched away, the prisoner
+meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.
+
+"A nice pair of Englishmen you are," he cried "Traitors, that's what you
+are. If you hadn't stopped me I would have got away."
+
+"Never mind him," said Lieutenant Strauss. "He's naturally angry at being
+foiled in his attempt to escape."
+
+Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand, was
+now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason pleaded
+fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant's attention was directed
+elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared that, upon
+close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was concealing something
+in his hand.
+
+Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:
+
+"What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He might
+have got away if it hadn't been for you. No wonder he called us
+traitors."
+
+Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and
+pulled forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could
+see it, he said:
+
+"I didn't know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know that
+there was something up."
+
+"Something up!" exclaimed Hal. "What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, simply that the prisoner's attempt to escape was a ruse."
+
+"A ruse?"
+
+"Exactly. That's why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, losing his temper, "I don't. Quit beating around the
+bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it."
+
+"Well, then," said Chester, "you see this piece of paper?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of
+handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you were.
+That's why I got it."
+
+"You mean--" began Hal.
+
+"Exactly," Chester interrupted. "Now, let's see what it says."
+
+Both lads bent over the paper.
+
+"It's written so finely I can hardly make it out," said Chester, after
+looking over the paper.
+
+"Bring it over to the window," replied Hal. "Under a strong light we may
+be able to read it."
+
+Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what
+they read:
+
+"For the success of military operations in the western theater of war, it
+is essential that the Russian campaign be pushed with immediate vigor,
+particularly in the north. Knowing that we are all working in sympathy
+and accord, without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this
+suggestion will be acted upon."
+
+"No address and no signature," said Hal. "What's it all about?"
+
+Chester bent closer over the paper.
+
+"What's this at the bottom?" he said.
+
+Hal looked again.
+
+"Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me," he said, after a careful
+scrutiny. "By Jove, I have it! It's a secret sign, that's what it is. The
+man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it."
+
+"I believe you have hit it," exclaimed Chester.
+
+"But how are we to know for whom it is intended?" said Hal. "It carries
+no address."
+
+"It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the
+Russian armies," replied Chester.
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so," was
+Chester's reply.
+
+"Well, then," said Hal, "we know for whom it is intended, but what did
+the man give it to you for?"
+
+"Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs."
+
+"I hope he didn't expect us to deliver it."
+
+"I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way."
+
+"Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?"
+
+"No," said Chester, "I can't. But something has got to be done. I imagine
+that General French and General Joffre figured that it would be delivered
+without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route as commanded,
+or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden dash."
+
+"Well, I can't see that that part makes any difference. The question now
+is, what are we going to do with it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "that's the question."
+
+For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode, each
+suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.
+
+Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.
+
+"What is it?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"We'll take it ourselves!" he exclaimed.
+
+"We will, eh?" said Hal incredulously. "Would you mind telling me how?"
+
+"I won't tell you anything," was Chester's reply. "But are you willing to
+do as I say?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal, after some consideration.
+
+"Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand Duke
+Nicholas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+TAKING A CHANCE.
+
+
+"The first thing to do," said Chester, "is to appropriate two of
+Lieutenant Strauss' uniforms. That's your job."
+
+"That's right--pick out the easy work for me," replied Hal sarcastically.
+"How do you figure I'm going to get 'em?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester. "That's up to you. My job, and a much
+harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general's big
+maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know
+where we are going."
+
+"I take back what I said," exclaimed Hal. "I'll try to get those
+uniforms."
+
+"Trying is not enough," said Chester. "You've got to get 'em!"
+
+"All right, then," replied Hal, "I'll get 'em!"
+
+Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home, a
+detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders not
+to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the
+lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the
+house. The lieutenant had demurred at the placing of a guard around the
+house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys
+escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point, remarking:
+
+"I know these Americans better than you do. They're slippery. You have to
+watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers."
+
+Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped
+unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.
+
+He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.
+
+"It's up to me to see if I can't pick that lock," he told himself,
+and set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from
+his pocket.
+
+In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and viewed
+the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of footsteps from
+without. Then an idea struck him.
+
+Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door. A
+moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
+lieutenant's uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
+the door and tightened the bolts.
+
+Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
+room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not there.
+
+"Hope he has things as easy as I did," said Hal to himself, and sat down
+to await his friend's return.
+
+When Chester entered the general's private room, which he found unlocked,
+he went straight to the general's desk. He knew that maps and valuable
+papers were kept there, because the general had once referred to them as
+being there while at supper.
+
+The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
+expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always carried
+from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
+unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly threw
+up the top.
+
+Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
+returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
+and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what he
+was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.
+
+He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
+general's desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which he
+also thrust into his pocket.
+
+There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
+lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out. There
+was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him, Chester
+walked rapidly down the hall to his own room, where Hal was waiting for
+his return.
+
+"Did you get it?" asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed the
+door behind him.
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "and you?"
+
+"They are under the bed," said Hal, with a grin. "I believe I would make
+a first-class burglar."
+
+"And I," agreed Chester. "However, 'All's fair in love and war,'
+you know."
+
+"I am glad I do know it," said Hal. "Otherwise I wouldn't think much of
+myself now."
+
+"We had better hide these things," said Chester. "Their loss might be
+discovered and a search made."
+
+"Where shall we put them?"
+
+Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened the
+door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small opening,
+apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the ceiling.
+
+"Put 'em in here," he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his pocket,
+he suited the action to the word.
+
+Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of hard
+squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark cloth made
+the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.
+
+"All we need now are swords and pistols," said Chester.
+
+"Pistols," agreed Hal. "I don't know that we need swords."
+
+"You don't," said Chester, in contempt. "We would make a couple of
+fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn't we?"
+
+"You're right," Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. "Where are we going to
+get them?"
+
+"The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the
+hall before retiring," said Chester. "Then I noticed another pair of
+swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably leaves
+his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for us."
+
+Chester's thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated
+stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General Strauss,
+upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office, saying that
+he would be in to dinner in a few moments.
+
+Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without waiting
+for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the room.
+
+"My maps!" he cried. "My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?"
+
+The lieutenant jumped to his feet.
+
+"Have you lost them, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Lost 'em? Lost 'em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where
+they were?"
+
+"Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir."
+
+"No, I didn't leave 'em at headquarters," raged the general. "Someone has
+stolen them!"
+
+"Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know that
+none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing them."
+
+"I tell you they have been stolen!" cried the general. "I want the house
+searched at once--every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of these two
+Americans also."
+
+"Father!" admonished the lieutenant. "Surely you are not accusing them?"
+
+"I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must I
+call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?"
+
+"I'll help, sir," replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said
+softly: "Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces
+something."
+
+The old general's sharp ears caught this remark.
+
+"Irritable, am I?" he cried. "Well, maybe I am, but I don't need to have
+my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that demands
+an apology I'll apologize myself."
+
+Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:
+
+"I'll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?"
+
+"Yes," snapped the general, "and see that you make a thorough job of it."
+
+At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.
+
+"If you think we have your papers, sir," he said quietly, "we are willing
+to submit to a search."
+
+"And searched you shall be," said the general. He turned to his son.
+"Search them!"
+
+The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The kids submitted to the
+search in silence.
+
+"They have nothing, sir," said the lieutenant.
+
+"Then search the second floor," commanded the general.
+
+An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later the
+old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.
+
+"I found nothing, sir," reported the lieutenant.
+
+"Nor I," said the general slowly. "Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps,
+after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters." He turned to Hal and
+Chester. "I hope you will pardon me for my outburst," he said gravely,
+"but I am easily excited."
+
+"Say no more about it, sir," replied both lads together, but to each came
+the same thought:
+
+"We are in luck."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+SAFE AGAIN.
+
+
+Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant Strauss
+said to the boys:
+
+"There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would you
+care to accompany me to the play to-night?"
+
+Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they
+could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too tired.
+
+"Some other evening, if that will do as well," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, all right, whatever you say," replied the lieutenant. "I hope there
+are no hard feelings--that you will overlook my father's show of temper?"
+
+"Of course," said Hal. "Anyone would have done the same under the
+circumstances."
+
+After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads, bidding
+his mother good night, and announcing their intention of retiring early,
+made their way to their room.
+
+There their air of leisure gave way to haste.
+
+"We'll have to hurry," said Hal. "The general will fail to find his maps
+at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
+
+Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant's uniforms, and Chester
+placed the maps in his pocket.
+
+"We will have to go without revolvers," said Chester, "for we certainly
+can't afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come home."
+
+"I should say not," Hal agreed. "The sooner we get out of here now the
+better, providing we can get out."
+
+Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and
+descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the two
+swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts, and,
+leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.
+
+Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they
+opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a
+swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into
+one of the guards.
+
+The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," he said, addressing Chester. "I saw you go out
+once before, but I didn't see you return."
+
+"You must be more careful," said Chester, imitating the lieutenant's
+voice. "My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn't see you
+anywhere."
+
+"But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,"
+protested the soldier.
+
+"Well, I'll pass over it this time," said Chester, "but don't let it
+happen again. The prisoners might escape."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the soldier, saluting again. "But the prisoners
+will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir."
+
+The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once around
+the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon had put
+considerable distance between them and the Strauss home, where, even now,
+the old general, having failed to find his maps at headquarters, was
+again raging about, swearing that his documents had been stolen.
+
+Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers. Also,
+while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it
+carefully.
+
+"I want to impress this firmly on my mind," he said to Hal, "for we may
+not have a chance to look at it again for some time."
+
+Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later
+they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the ugly-looking
+Colt each carried in his pocket.
+
+As the boys walked along one of the dark streets they became aware of the
+soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to face
+whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a laugh.
+
+"Marquis!" he cried aloud.
+
+Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to the
+boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but with
+reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.
+
+"Good old Marquis," said Chester, patting his head. "You didn't want to
+be left behind among all these Germans, did you?"
+
+Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.
+
+"What are we going to do with him?" asked Hal. "Won't he be in the way?"
+
+"No, I don't think so," replied Chester. "Not if the plan I have in
+mind works."
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"You'll know soon enough," said Chester calmly. "Come on."
+
+For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city at
+the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they walked
+along, but were not molested nor even challenged.
+
+Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys and
+the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.
+
+"I thought I was right," said Chester to himself. "But I was beginning to
+doubt it."
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal. "What is that building?"
+
+"That," said Chester calmly, "is an aëroplane station. We shall now go in
+and get one."
+
+"Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer
+who happens along?"
+
+"No, they don't," said Chester. "But, among other things in General
+Strauss's desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one calling
+upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Hal.
+
+"I wanted to save it as a surprise," said Chester.
+
+As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a
+long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a sentry.
+
+"I have an order for the commandant," called Chester.
+
+"Approach," said the sentry.
+
+A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.
+
+"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked.
+
+Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated from
+General Strauss's desk from his pocket and passed it to the commandant.
+The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.
+
+"You shall have the machine in five minutes," he said, and left them.
+
+True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood
+before them.
+
+"You will have to run this thing," Chester whispered to Hal.
+
+"Well, it won't be the first time," Hal whispered back.
+
+Hal took the aviator's seat and Chester also took his place. Then the
+latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat
+down calmly between Chester's feet.
+
+"Surely you are not going to take that dog," protested the commandant.
+
+"Yes," said Chester. "He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the
+French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch."
+
+"I see," exclaimed the commandant, "A good idea."
+
+"Isn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"All ready?" demanded the commandant of Hal.
+
+"All ready," was the lad's reply.
+
+"Let her go, then," the commandant ordered the two men who had appeared
+to give the aëroplane a start.
+
+A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.
+
+"Good luck," called the commandant.
+
+Chester waved his hand in reply.
+
+Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the aëroplane left the ground,
+and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.
+
+"Which way, Chester?" Hal called back over his shoulder.
+
+"Due east," replied Chester, "but first rise as high as you can."
+
+Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were thousands
+of feet above the earth.
+
+"What's your altitude?" called Chester.
+
+Hal told him.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Keep her there, and now head due east."
+
+Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a
+direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of war,
+would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies of Russia
+were rushing upon the German legions.
+
+"I know we shall get through safely," called Chester, as they sped along.
+"Some way I feel it."
+
+"And so do I," Hal called back.
+
+They were right, and before another night had fallen these two young
+American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas,
+commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which had
+so strangely fallen into their hands--the paper which, later on, brought
+about more than one serious check to German arms.
+
+But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their further
+adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, "The Boy Allies
+With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian Mountains."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+by Clair Wallace Hayes
+
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+Project Gutenberg's The Boy Allies On the Firing Line, by Clair Wallace Hayes
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net
+
+
+Title: The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+
+Author: Clair Wallace Hayes
+
+Release Date: July 9, 2004 [EBook #12870]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                   The Boy Allies On The Firing Line
+
+                                   OR
+
+                  Twelve Days Battle Along the Marne
+
+                           By CLAIR W. HAYES
+
+AUTHOR OF "The Boy Allies at Liege" "The Boy Allies With the Cossacks"
+"The Boy Allies In the Trenches"
+
+                                  1915
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+TERRIBLE ODDS.
+
+
+"Feels pretty good to be back in harness, doesn't it, Hal?" asked
+Chester, as, accompanied by a small body of men, they rode slowly along.
+
+"Great!" replied his friend enthusiastically. "And it looks as if we were
+to see action soon."
+
+"Yes, it does look that way."
+
+The little body of British troopers, only forty-eight of them all told,
+with Hal Paine and Chester Crawford as their guides, were reconnoitering
+ten miles in advance of the main army along the river Marne in the great
+war between Germany and the allied armies. For several hours they had
+been riding slowly without encountering the enemy, when, suddenly, as the
+little squad topped a small hill and the two boys gained an unobstructed
+view of the little plain below, Hal pulled up his horse with an
+exclamation.
+
+Quickly he threw up his right hand and the little troop came to an
+abrupt halt.
+
+"Germans!" he said laconically.
+
+"And thousands of 'em," said Chester. "They haven't seen us yet. What is
+best to be done?"
+
+The answer to this question came from the enemy. Several flashes of fire
+broke out along the German front, and the boys involuntarily ducked their
+heads as bullets sped whizzing past them.
+
+"Well, they have seen us now," said Hal; then turning to the men: "To the
+woods," pointing with his sword to a dense forest on his right.
+
+Rapidly the little body of men disappeared among the trees.
+
+"Up in the trees," ordered Hal, "and pick them off as they come!"
+
+Swiftly the troopers leaped from their horses and climbed up among
+the branches. Here all could easily command a view of the oncoming
+German horde.
+
+Rapidly the enemy advanced, firing volley after volley as they
+approached; then, at a word from Hal, the British poured forth their
+answer. And such an answer! Before the aim of these few British troopers,
+accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton cavalry went
+down in heaps.
+
+There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching
+horsemen. Then, as the English continued their work, firing with
+machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a halt.
+
+"What are they stopping for?" cried Chester. "There are enough of them to
+overwhelm us!"
+
+"I believe they fear a trap," replied Hal. "They are afraid we are trying
+to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the delusion if we
+expect to get away."
+
+So saying, he ordered the men to the ground, and the little force
+advanced to the extreme edge of the woods. So far not a man had been even
+wounded, for the Germans, unable to see that their foe had climbed into
+the trees, had aimed too low.
+
+From the edge of the woods the British poured several volleys, and then,
+as the enemy finally began an advance, they retreated slowly, firing as
+they flitted from tree to tree.
+
+Apparently, Hal had rightly guessed the cause of the enemy's indecision.
+They advanced slowly and warily; and when they finally gained the edge of
+the woods there was not a Briton in sight; but from further in among the
+trees the leaden messengers of death still struck the Germans, and man
+after man fell in his tracks.
+
+Now the man nearest Chester threw up his arms and with a cry fell to the
+ground. The lad made as if to go to his assistance, but Hal stayed him
+with a word, and the little body of English continued their retreat,
+firing as they went.
+
+Suddenly the pursued emerged from the woods into the open. A distance of
+half a mile lay between them and the next clump of trees. In this half a
+mile there was nothing that would afford shelter; and the Germans were
+approaching nearer every second.
+
+Hal did not hesitate.
+
+"We shall have to make a dash for it!" he cried. "One more volley, men,
+and then run!"
+
+One more death-dealing volley was delivered at close range, and then the
+little troop of English turned and fled. But they had traversed scarcely
+half the distance when the Germans reached the edge of the woods, and
+poured a volley into them.
+
+Hal groaned as men fell on all sides of him. But still those who were
+left ran on. At length they reached the friendly shelter of the trees,
+but half their number lay behind, either dead or dying.
+
+Once more, screened from the enemy, Hal halted the men.
+
+"We may as well fight it out here," he told them. "We will hold them off
+if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind whatever
+cover offers."
+
+A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
+determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
+Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
+marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
+enemy halted.
+
+Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
+were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
+or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
+accounted for.
+
+For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
+darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure them
+into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a charge,
+but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as they
+flitted from one tree to another.
+
+But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little troop
+of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten men. The
+two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been struck once.
+They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had the troopers,
+but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.
+
+And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and two
+more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a last dash
+for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered him, and
+Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they turned and
+sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the direction of their
+own lines.
+
+Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans halted,
+puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether the enemy
+had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the approach of a
+larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the lives of Hal and
+Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans advanced they would
+have experienced little difficulty in killing or capturing them.
+
+Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when at
+length they once more emerged into the open country they were completely
+exhausted.
+
+"Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate," said
+Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. "It's terrible to
+think of those poor fellows we left behind."
+
+"It is, indeed," replied Hal; "but I don't think they would complain. The
+British soldier is not that kind."
+
+"You are right," agreed Chester. "And each accounted for more than one of
+his country's foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?"
+
+"No. Were you?"
+
+"No. But come, we had better be pushing on again."
+
+With the loss of their comrades still preying upon their minds, the
+little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward we
+shall take time to introduce Hal and Chester more fully to those who have
+not met them before, and to relate how it came about that they were
+serving in such an important capacity with the British army in France.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+TWO YOUNG LIEUTENANTS.
+
+
+Sturdy American lads, young though they were, Hal Paine and Chester
+Crawford had, when this story opens, already seen considerable military
+service. Each had received his baptism of fire during the heroic defense
+of the Belgian city of Liege, which had held out for days against the
+overwhelming horde of Teutons.
+
+In Berlin with Hal's mother when the war broke out, they had been
+separated from her and left behind. With Captain Raoul Derevaux, a
+gallant French officer, and Lieutenant Harry Anderson of the British
+army, they finally succeeded in making their way, after many desperate
+experiences and daring adventures, over the Belgian frontier, as told
+in the first book of this series, entitled "The Boy Allies at Liege."
+They had reached Liege in time to take an active part in the defense of
+that city.
+
+In escaping from Germany, each had done his full share of fighting and
+each had been wounded. They had finally reached Brussels, where they
+remained some time, while Hal's wound healed sufficiently to continue his
+homeward journey. As the result of their heroic actions, the Belgian
+commander at Liege had mentioned them so favorably in his report to King
+Albert, that he had bestowed upon them commissions as lieutenants in the
+Belgian army as a mark of distinction for their bravery.
+
+It was while waiting in Brussels that they again encountered Lieutenant
+Anderson, from whom they had been separated, and it was through his
+inducement that they now found themselves attached to the staff of Field
+Marshal Sir John French, commander of the British forces on the
+continent, engaged in scout duty.
+
+At the time when this story opens they had been sent in advance of the
+main army on a reconnaissance.
+
+The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had been
+steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the ground. Day
+after day and night after night the hard pressed British troops, to which
+Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of the fighting. But
+for the heroism of these comparatively few English, slightly more than
+one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably would have marched to the
+very gates of Paris.
+
+But the arrival of the British troops had been timely, and under the
+gallant command of Sir John French, they had checked the overwhelming
+numbers of Germans time after time. The bravery of these English troops
+under a galling fire and against fearful odds is one of the greatest
+military achievements of the world's history.
+
+Slowly, but standing up to the enemy like the true sons of Great Britain
+always have done, they were forced back. They stood for hours, without
+sight of the enemy, men dropping on all sides under the fearful fire of
+the great German guns miles away. While the French, farther south, gave
+way more rapidly, these few English stood their ground.
+
+Time after time they came to hand grips with the enemy, and at the point
+of the bayonet drove them back with terrible losses. These bayonet
+charges were things of wonder to Hal and Chester in spite of the fact
+that they had been in the midst of similar actions before Liege.
+
+As the French and Belgians advanced in a wild whirlwind of fury, the
+English went about the business of a charge more deliberately, though
+with the same savage determination. They charged swiftly, but more
+coolly; gallantly, but more seriously, and the effect of their charges
+was terrible. The Germans who came on in the face of the fierce rifle and
+artillery fire, could not face the British bayonets, and time after time
+were driven back in disorder.
+
+And as the British charged, always the words of their battle-song,
+fated for some unfathomed reason to become historic, rose above the
+sounds of battle:
+
+"It's a long way to Tipperary.
+  It's a long way to go;
+It's a long way to Tipperary,
+  To the sweetest girl I know.
+Good-by, Piccadilly,
+  Farewell, Leicester square.
+It's a long, long way to Tipperary,
+  But my heart's right there!"
+
+Liege had fallen before the invading German hosts, though several of the
+forts still held out; Louvain had been captured and its beautiful
+buildings burned to the ground. Brussels had been invested by the
+Teutons. In Alsace-Lorraine the French had been forced to relinquish the
+spoils won in the first days of the war. General Pau, after a stubborn
+resistance, had fallen back, and General Joffre, commander-in-chief of
+the French army, also had been forced to retire.
+
+So close to Paris were the Germans now that the seat of government, the
+day before this story opens, had been removed to Bordeaux. Homes and
+other buildings in the French capital were being razed, so that the great
+French guns in the city could sweep the approach to the town
+unobstructed. Paris, the most strongly fortified city in the world, was
+being prepared to withstand a siege.
+
+And still the Germans came on. Several of the enemy's war aviators flew
+over Paris and dropped bombs in the streets. This occurred upon several
+days, and then the French airmen put an end to these daring sky fighters.
+After this, no more bombs were dropped on Paris.
+
+But as the Allies fell back, it was always the few British troops that
+time and again checked the Germans. The morale of the English was
+excellent.
+
+In a final desperate charge, a small body of British cavalry had
+succeeded in driving back the German vanguard, while the main body of
+English retired still further. Then this little body of men returned,
+their number much smaller than when they had charged.
+
+For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and
+Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy's line to
+reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
+attacked by the Germans in force.
+
+Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty who
+had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on horses;
+they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of the enemy.
+From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of firing.
+
+"Evidently they have not given up the pursuit," said Hal.
+
+"No; and they are probably mounted. Let's turn off into this little
+woods," replied Chester.
+
+They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
+their way.
+
+As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in advance,
+stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party halted.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in a whisper.
+
+"Germans!" replied Hal briefly.
+
+Chester approached closer and peered over his friend's shoulder. Less
+than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.
+
+"Perhaps they are not Germans," said Chester hopefully. "How did they
+manage to get behind us?"
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "But I am sure they are Germans. Some way, I
+can feel it."
+
+"Well, what are we going to do?"
+
+"We shall have to try and go round them without letting them hear us.
+Otherwise we are likely to be killed or captured."
+
+Making a wide detour, the little party continued on their way. For an
+hour they walked along unmolested, and then, suddenly, from almost
+directly before them, came a cry, in German:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+WITH THE ARMY AGAIN.
+
+
+In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at
+first, could not see the man who had accosted them.
+
+At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.
+
+"Who goes there?" came the question from the darkness.
+
+"Friends!" replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.
+
+"Advance!" came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with his
+rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.
+
+It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms until
+the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.
+
+"English!" he exclaimed in surprise.
+
+His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
+staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
+fell with stunning force upon the German's head. The soldier dropped to
+the ground with a slight moan.
+
+"We'll have to get away from here quick!" exclaimed Chester. "Come on,
+men, follow us!"
+
+Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
+forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he whispered. "Look! We are right in the middle of them!"
+
+It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction, the
+boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German force
+sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut. Here and
+there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry flitting about.
+
+"We have certainly got into a mess," whispered Hal.
+
+"We have that," replied Chester. "Shall we make another detour?"
+
+Hal thought for a few moments.
+
+"I believe the best way is to try and go right through them without being
+seen," he replied at length. "There is no telling how far this line
+stretches out, and if we didn't get around them by daylight it would be
+all off with us."
+
+"But the sentries?" asked Chester.
+
+"Well, we shall have to dispose of anyone who sees us without being
+heard. That's all there is about it."
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "We might as well move at once."
+
+The plan was outlined to the men and they went forward. A moment and they
+were in the midst of the sleeping Germans. It was plain now that the line
+of sleepers stretched out for some distance, but that it was not very
+deep. Three minutes undiscovered and they would be through safely.
+
+Silently they crept between the sleeping soldiers. There was a certain
+amount of safety in the very boldness of the plan, for it was unlikely,
+should a sentry see them moving about, he would take them for English;
+and even if he did now, they would be able to make a dash with some hope
+of success. The German soldiers, tired and completely exhausted, slept
+heavily, and not one so much as moved in his sleep.
+
+The little party was now at the last line of sleepers, and just as Hal,
+believing they had accomplished their difficult task, drew a breath of
+relief, a form suddenly appeared from the darkness before them. It was a
+German sentry.
+
+Before he could make an outcry Chester and Hal both leaped forward. The
+former's hands grasped the German by the throat, stifling the sound of
+his voice, and Hal quickly delivered two hard blows to the man's face.
+The German fell limply into Chester's arms, and the boy laid him quietly
+on the ground.
+
+Then they moved forward again. The sounds of the scuffle had aroused no
+one. But suddenly there was the sound of a fall behind. Turning his head
+quickly, Hal perceived the cause of this commotion which caused such a
+racket in the stillness of the night.
+
+One of the English soldiers had tripped over the body of a sleeping
+German and had fallen across him. He was up in a moment, but so was the
+German, sleepily hurling imprecations at the disturber of his slumber.
+
+Before the German soldier was able to arouse himself, the Englishman
+dealt him a heavy blow over the head with his rifle butt. But the noise
+had brought another to the scene. There was the sharp crack of a rifle,
+and the English soldier who had caused all the trouble pitched to the
+ground. To the right Hal and Chester saw another sentry, a smoking rifle
+in his hands.
+
+At the sound of the shot the whole German camp sprang to life as if by
+magic; and at the same instant Hal shouted:
+
+"Run!"
+
+At full speed the little party, only nine now, dashed forward. The other
+man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry of
+command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the woods. No
+man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The darkness
+made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.
+
+Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
+through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
+Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
+Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their chance
+of safety.
+
+But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible, so
+it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along as
+well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or tumbling
+into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length emerged into the
+open, and broke into a weary run.
+
+"We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the edge
+of the woods, or we are gone goslings," panted Hal.
+
+Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and as
+they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
+groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
+into the woods.
+
+"We'll stop here a moment and pick off a few of 'em," said Hal grimly.
+
+The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
+ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
+wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.
+
+"They don't know how many of us there are," said Hal, "and they are
+afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for
+it again."
+
+A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English sprang
+to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave them a
+parting shot, but there was no pursuit.
+
+"That was pretty close," said Chester.
+
+"It was, indeed," replied Hal, "and there is one more of our men gone.
+
+"Was anyone wounded?" he asked, turning to the others.
+
+"Shot in the shoulder, sir," replied a man named Brown.
+
+"They got me in the arm," said another.
+
+"Anyone else?" questioned Hal.
+
+There was no reply, and Hal asked:
+
+"Are you two men able to go on without assistance?"
+
+"Yes," was the reply.
+
+"Good! Then come on."
+
+All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was not
+until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance, the
+first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.
+
+Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their
+quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice exclaimed:
+
+"Well, boys, how are you?"
+
+The lads turned quickly about; then each gave a cry of delight and
+grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.
+
+"Captain Derevaux!" they exclaimed in a single voice.
+
+"No," replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. "Major Derevaux, if
+you please!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.
+
+
+Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the hand.
+
+"Major, eh," ejaculated Hal. "I'm glad to hear that!"
+
+"So am I," declared Chester. "I am sure no one deserved promotion more
+than you."
+
+"Thanks," laughed the major.
+
+"Tell us," said Hal, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with
+the Southern army."
+
+"I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake not,
+they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought to a head
+and that we shall take the offensive soon."
+
+"Good!" cried Chester. "We have been retreating long enough."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "we can hardly advance in the face of such odds; we
+must have reinforcements."
+
+"Well," said Major Derevaux, "strong reinforcements already are arriving,
+and I believe that the advance will be general along our whole line."
+
+"That will mean severe fighting," said Chester.
+
+"Indeed it will," replied the major. "It will mean fighting such as the
+world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands upon
+thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back."
+
+"And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own
+way," said Hal.
+
+"Exactly," returned the major. "But I must leave you now, boys. I must
+return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!"
+
+"Good luck!" exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and
+strode rapidly away.
+
+The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to
+rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they again
+opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then had not
+the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.
+
+Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were
+ready to move--whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet. It
+was evident, however, that something was afoot.
+
+Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and joined
+the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was sitting his
+horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally one went dashing
+away with some order, as the general gave a laconic command.
+
+The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said quietly:
+
+"Order a general advance!"
+
+A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in motion,
+and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops perceived
+that they were going forward--that the retreat had ended.
+
+Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the crack,
+crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged with the
+enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of the great
+German guns, and as the English advanced still further men began to fall
+before the deadly German artillery fire.
+
+But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.
+Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to halt.
+A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view,
+retreating before a large force of Germans.
+
+Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their faces
+toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been
+discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to
+fire rang out.
+
+There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their
+messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this
+deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans could
+recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon them,
+striking, cutting, slashing.
+
+It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed.
+But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the
+English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of
+infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British cavalry
+was forced to retire.
+
+All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in the
+very center of the British line. On the right and left the engagement was
+of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of rifles and
+artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the British were
+engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.
+
+Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center. Then
+General French turned suddenly to Hal:
+
+"Tell General Mayo to advance in force!" he commanded.
+
+The general turned to Chester:
+
+"Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!"
+
+The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost
+immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.
+
+As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the British
+came to sudden life. Flame burst out from all along the center and the
+Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into the wavering ranks
+of the enemy, and they turned to flee.
+
+A supporting column was rushed hurriedly to their assistance, and as they
+advanced the British artillery opened fire. Great holes were cut in the
+advancing German line, but their advance was unchecked. From their rear
+reinforcements were coming continually.
+
+The fire of the British artillery and infantry was deadly. Men fell by
+the hundreds, were mowed down like chaff before the wind by the accuracy
+of the British fire. In the English ranks men also were dropping on all
+sides, but the gaps were filled up immediately and the British, singing
+and cheering, continued their advance.
+
+The roar of battle could be heard for miles around, but the men engaged
+in the conflict were unconscious of it. They had but one sense left--that
+of sight--and their rifles continued to deal out death.
+
+At length the German advance was checked, and then they began to
+fall back.
+
+There was a rousing cheer from the English, and the advance was more
+rapid than before. The retreating Germans halted, turned to face the
+English, made a last desperate stand, then fled in disorder.
+
+But as the English broke into a run to pursue their advantage still
+closer, they were met with a hail of bullets from a large force of the
+enemy's infantry which at that moment advanced, in support of their
+comrades, close enough to come into action.
+
+The English reeled for a moment under this terrible fire, but they did
+not waver. Support was hurried to them. It was time for prompt action.
+
+General French took in the situation at a glance and gave a quick
+command. A moment later the voices of the different officers rang out
+along the British line:
+
+"With the bayonet! Charge!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE CHARGE.
+
+
+For the smallest fraction of a second there was an awesome silence, and
+then the British swept forward with a rush. Neither the bullets from the
+thousands of rifles nor the steady fire from the great guns of the German
+field batteries checked them.
+
+The infantry covered the open space at a quick trot, and in almost less
+time than it takes to tell, it was at hand grips with the enemy, who
+stood braced to receive the shock of the charge.
+
+The impact was terrific. The Germans stood gallantly to their work,
+encouraged by the shouts of their officers, but they were no match for
+the British troops in hand-to-hand fighting.
+
+As the British closed upon them, the Germans poured in one fierce volley;
+but they had no time for more. Down went Teutons and English in
+struggling heaps, but the British poured over them and continued their
+deadly work.
+
+All along the line the Germans gave ground slowly, their enemies pursuing
+them relentlessly and cutting them down as they retreated. The engagement
+became a slaughter.
+
+Now Hal and Chester found themselves in the midst of the battle, in the
+fiercest of the fighting. Sent forward with orders, they found themselves
+in the center of the sudden charge. Neither was minded to turn back, but
+they managed to single each other out and soon were fighting side by
+side. Blood streamed from a wound in Hal's cheek, where a German bayonet
+had pricked him slightly. Chester was unwounded.
+
+Suddenly Hal found himself engaged with a German officer. With a swift
+move he swept aside his opponent's blade and felled him to the earth. At
+the same moment a tall German soldier, thinking to deprive the lad of his
+weapon, brought his rifle down upon Hal's sword.
+
+But the boy's grip was firm and the sword snapped off near the hilt.
+Quickly Hal sprang forward, and before the German soldier could recover
+himself, the lad cut him down with his broken sword. Then, stooping, he
+picked up the sword which had fallen from the hands of the German
+officer, and sprang to the aid of Chester, who was fiercely engaged with
+two of the enemy, one an officer, the other a trooper.
+
+One swift stroke of the boy's sword and the soldier was laid low. At the
+same instant Chester's sword slipped through his opponent's guard and the
+latter went to the ground, a deep wound in his side.
+
+"Good work!" Chester found time to pant to Hal, and a second later both
+lads were once more too busy for speech.
+
+Now Chester found himself engaged with a foeman worthy of his steel. The
+latter, a German lieutenant, was pressing the lad severely. At sword play
+the lad was clearly no match for him. Nevertheless Chester was giving a
+good account of himself.
+
+Suddenly his sword was sent spinning from his hand, and as the weapon
+came down the point struck a German soldier squarely in the face.
+Chester's opponent sprang forward, his blade raised for a death thrust.
+But even as he thrust Chester dodged and the sword passed harmlessly
+over his head.
+
+From his stooping position Chester seized the German officer by the knees
+before he could recover his balance and aim another thrust at him, and,
+with a quick heave, sent the officer spinning over his head. The German
+hit the ground with a thud, and as he was about to pick himself up an
+English trooper ended his fighting days with a thrust of his bayonet.
+
+Chester seized the officer's sword and sprang forward into the thick of
+the conflict again. Side by side, Hal and Chester advanced with the
+victorious British troops, striking, cutting and slashing their way
+through the dense bodies of the enemy.
+
+Suddenly Chester fell to the ground beneath the feet of the struggling
+men. A descending rifle butt had struck him a glancing blow on the head.
+Hal, engaged at that moment with another German officer, saw his friend's
+plight, and jumped back.
+
+With his sword he swept aside a German bayonet which at that instant
+would have been buried in Chester's prostrate form, but as he did so a
+heavy blow fell upon the lad's head and he was sent to his knees. Above
+him, with poised bayonet, stood a German soldier.
+
+Death stared him in the face and the boy realized it. It was impossible
+for him to regain his feet in time to ward off the thrust. Quickly he
+threw himself to one side, and as he did so the German toppled on top of
+him, lifeless.
+
+Hal scrambled to his feet and saw that the man who had thus saved his
+life was none other than Lieutenant Harry Anderson.
+
+"Just in time," said Hal briefly, and turned to where Chester was now
+struggling to his feet; and as the battle raged fiercely about them,
+unmindful of his own danger, he gave his entire attention to his friend.
+
+Chester, shaking his head several times, announced that he was not
+seriously hurt, and with Lieutenant Anderson by their side they again
+plunged into the conflict.
+
+But now the German retreat became more rapid. The enemy was unable to
+stand under the fierce charge of the British and they were giving way on
+all sides. The British pursued the foe rapidly and hundreds upon hundreds
+of the enemy were cut down in their flight.
+
+Unable to keep back the English and retreat orderly, the Germans broke
+and fled. The retreat had become a rout. For some distance the British
+pursued them, and then a halt was called.
+
+The losses of the British troops had been extremely heavy, but not so
+great as that of the enemy, who had suffered tremendously.
+
+Now a thunderous roar broke out. The British artillery, unable to be used
+while the hand to hand fighting was in progress, was in action again,
+shelling the fleeing Germans.
+
+The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant
+Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb over
+the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for life. But
+the Red Cross was at work, and the wounded were being cared for with the
+greatest possible haste and gentleness.
+
+"That was some fight, if you ask me," said Hal to Chester, as they
+continued their way to the part of the field where they could see General
+French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to rejoin his
+own men, from whom he had become separated.
+
+"It was all of that," replied Chester, "and I can't imagine how we
+escaped with our lives."
+
+"Nor I. It doesn't seem possible that anyone in the midst of such
+terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly
+wounded. By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?"
+
+"No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head. And you?"
+
+"I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his
+rifle butt."
+
+"Look at the dead and wounded lying about," said Hal. "It is a terrible
+thing--this modern warfare."
+
+"It is, indeed," returned Chester, and the two continued on their way
+in silence.
+
+General French noticed their approach. The British commander was standing
+as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed to the fire
+of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+THE BRIDGE IS HELD.
+
+
+At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.
+
+"Where have you been, sirs?" demanded the British commander.
+
+Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.
+
+"And you were in the midst of the charge?" questioned General French,
+when the lad concluded.
+
+"Yes, sir!"
+
+"And are not even badly wounded?"
+
+"No, sir!"
+
+"Wonderful!" exclaimed the general. Then, after a few moments'
+silence: "You seem to bear charmed lives. I believe you are the two
+for my mission."
+
+"Yes, sir!" exclaimed Hal eagerly.
+
+"Both of you report to me in an hour," ordered General French.
+
+The two lads saluted again and moved away.
+
+"Wonder what he wants?" said Chester.
+
+"Too deep for me," was Hal's reply.
+
+"He said something about a mission. I guess that means more
+excitement for us."
+
+"I guess you are right. However, I am sure we can go through with it, no
+matter what it may be."
+
+"We can try, anyhow. That's the best anyone can do."
+
+At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French's
+headquarters.
+
+"I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will be
+attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?" asked the
+British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.
+
+"We shall do our best, sir," replied Hal.
+
+"Good! The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux. To-morrow I shall try and
+drive him farther. It is absolutely necessary that our movements be not
+anticipated. As you see we have lost many officers. I want you to lead
+one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge. The enemy
+must not be allowed to cross. One hundred men can hold the bridge as well
+as ten thousand. The men to go with you have been selected. They have
+volunteered for this duty. Captain Lee will show you where to find them.
+Hold the bridge! That is all!"
+
+The two lads saluted and took their departure. They found Captain Lee,
+and with him were soon at the head of the little band of men who had
+volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army, if
+necessary.
+
+It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced through
+the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme front. A long
+range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of the darkness, but
+little damage was being done by either side.
+
+Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their artillery
+again and the British were replying. The little band of English, with Hal
+and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the bridge described by
+General French, and there took up their positions.
+
+The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
+abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible for
+one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other end. It
+was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high and thus
+precluded any attempt to ford it.
+
+All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for battle
+on a moment's notice. All night long the shells of both the Germans and
+British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near them.
+
+With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
+British were awake. At Hal's suggestion they cut down trees, and
+dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind this
+they lay down.
+
+It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to the
+bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported:
+
+"They are coming!"
+
+"All right," replied Hal. "We're ready for 'em!"
+
+Under Hal's direction, a single line of rifles, twenty-five in all,
+appeared through the cracks of the barricade. The others had been divided
+into three bodies--each containing twenty-five men--each body directly
+behind the others. These were instructed to fill up the gaps made by the
+German fire. Thus, as each man in the front rank fell, his place would
+immediately be filled by another, the second by the third, the third by
+the fourth, so providing twenty-five men fell the front line would be
+still intact, although the fourth line would have disappeared.
+
+Hal and Chester took their places just in the rear of the first line,
+where they could see what was going on and direct the fighting.
+
+"Do not fire until they come into sight around the turn," Capt. Lee
+instructed his men. "Then mow them down, and make every shot count!"
+
+Joking and humming to themselves, the men prepared for action. The first
+line poked their rifles through the barricade and lay down behind them.
+All was in readiness to repulse the attack.
+
+Suddenly the first Germans appeared around the turn in the bridge,
+marching five abreast.
+
+"Fire!" cried the captain, and the British rifles broke into flame.
+
+Five Germans tumbled to the bridge.
+
+A sudden idea struck Hal.
+
+"There's no use wasting five bullets on each German," he told his men.
+"Let the five men on the left each pick out a man. The rest reserve your
+fire unless one of our men go down, then the one nearest him take his
+man, and so on!"
+
+The second five Germans were too close behind their comrades, who had
+just fallen, to arrest their steps in time to avoid the British fire.
+
+Five shots rang out as they came into view, and again five Germans
+fell. So far not a shot had been fired by the Germans. But now five
+more came around the turn with a rush, followed by five more, and still
+another five.
+
+The first five dropped in a heap, but from the second five came a
+burst of flame and the crack of rifles. Two men behind the barricade
+dropped, one of whom was Capt. Lee. But the Germans paid dearly for
+their rash attack.
+
+In less time than it takes to tell it, ten more Germans had bitten the
+dust. Then they drew off.
+
+"Good work, men!" cried Chester. "We can hold them off indefinitely," he
+added to Hal.
+
+"Looks like it," was Hal's reply. "But if they make a concerted rush we
+shall have our hands full. How is Capt. Lee?"
+
+"Very bad," answered one of the men. "I am afraid he's done for."
+
+And now the Germans came on again. The first five met the same fate that
+had overtaken their comrades, but behind them came more, and still more.
+
+As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and
+continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were
+beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn upon
+more rapidly each minute.
+
+Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of
+the fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on.
+The bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did
+not hesitate.
+
+Their officers urged them on without regard for life, and bravely went to
+death with them. Rifles cracked in a steady roar and men on both sides
+fell rapidly. But each Englishman, sheltered as he was behind the
+barricade, accounted for at least several of the enemy before he himself
+went to his death.
+
+Now the defenders had dwindled to fifty, and still there was no cessation
+of the German assault. The heaped up bodies of dead now formed a
+barricade for the Germans, and they advanced and fell behind them, using
+their dead companions as shields. Ten or fifteen rows deep they stood
+behind their dead, and poured volley after volley into the defenders.
+
+The British reserved their fire as much as possible, but whenever a
+German head showed above the barricade of bodies a rifle cracked and
+almost every time a German fell.
+
+All afternoon the fighting continued, the Germans, because of the fierce
+fire of the remaining English and hampered by their own dead, being
+unable to rush the defenders.
+
+There were less than twenty-five of the British unwounded. Hal and
+Chester had both been struck, Hal on the arm and Chester on the shoulder.
+But neither was badly hurt.
+
+"Hadn't we better retreat, sir?" asked one soldier of Hal, when there was
+a let up in the firing.
+
+"What chance would we have?" demanded Hal. "The minute we broke and ran
+we would be shot down like dogs."
+
+"Then we might surrender."
+
+"Surrender! Never! We were ordered to hold the bridge and we will hold it
+as long as we can."
+
+The man subsided, and Hal turned his face toward the foe again. There was
+a sudden silence. The Germans drew off.
+
+"Wonder what that means?" demanded Hal of Chester. "They certainly are
+not going to give up. I wonder what they are up to now?"
+
+"I can't imagine," replied Chester. "But they have something up
+their sleeves."
+
+"Well, well soon see," said Hal.
+
+But he was mistaken; for just as the first German again appeared around
+the turn, to be struck down by a British bullet, there was a sudden
+deafening roar from the rear, and turning suddenly Hal and Chester and
+the few brave soldiers who were left raised a feeble cheer.
+
+Coming forward at a rapid trot were several squadrons of British
+cavalry, and far behind could be seen columns upon columns of infantry,
+advancing swiftly.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Hal. "Saved! Hurrah!"
+
+"Hurrah!" repeated Chester, and completely worn out, he tumbled over
+in a heap.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+HAL MAKES AN ENEMY.
+
+
+Hal bent over his friend and shook him gently.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he exclaimed anxiously. "Are you wounded?"
+
+There was no reply from the unconscious boy, and Hal became greatly
+alarmed. He turned to the few troopers who remained.
+
+"Here, lend a hand some of you," he commanded. "One of you fetch
+some water!"
+
+Two of the men bent over the unconscious lad and one raised his head
+gently to his knee. A third dashed for the river, and a moment later
+returned with his cap filled with water.
+
+Hal sprinkled a few drops of water on his friend's face, and soon noticed
+signs of returning consciousness. Finally Chester opened his eyes and
+smiled feebly.
+
+"Are you much hurt, old fellow?" asked Hal anxiously.
+
+"No," came the feeble response. "I don't think so. A bullet just grazed
+my side. I don't know how I came to topple over like that."
+
+Quickly Hal unloosened his friend's coat, tore open his shirt and
+examined his wound.
+
+"It's only a scratch," he said, straightening up at last. "Here," pulling
+out his handkerchief, "I'll fix it up until we can have a surgeon look at
+it. You will be able to walk in a few minutes."
+
+"I'm able right now," said Chester, struggling to his feet.
+
+Leaning heavily on Hal's arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river
+bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing steadily
+at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The approach of
+the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a rapid retreat. From
+the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of smoke, and bullets
+continued to fall among the English troops, and here and there men fell
+to the ground.
+
+"They arrived just in time, didn't they, Hal?" said Chester.
+
+"You bet they did," was the reply. "But come, we will try to make our way
+back to our station."
+
+With Chester still leaning on his shoulder, Hal led the way, going very
+slowly because of his burden. Making his friend comfortable under an army
+wagon, Hal went at once to Gen. French to make his report.
+
+"You have done well," was the general's only comment when Hal had
+concluded his recital.
+
+Hal saluted and left.
+
+"Guess I'll go back and keep Chester company," he said to himself.
+
+He was walking slowly along with bowed head, musing, when he came
+suddenly into contact with another figure. The man with whom he had
+collided mumbled an imprecation and violently pushed the lad away, at the
+same time exclaiming:
+
+"What do you mean by bumping into me like that? Can't you see where you
+are going? I have a notion to teach you better manners."
+
+Hal's face flushed, and he turned a steady gaze on the other, who proved
+to be a French lieutenant.
+
+"I wouldn't try it if I were you," the lad advised him.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the Frenchman. "You dare to talk to me like that?"
+
+"Of course I dare," was the lad's heated response.
+
+The Frenchman took a quick step forward and slapped Hal smartly
+across the face.
+
+Hal promptly sent his right fist crashing into the other's face and
+knocked him down.
+
+The Frenchman rose slowly to his feet, and with blood streaming from his
+nose, approached Hal.
+
+"I am Lieutenant Dupree," he said. "My friend shall call on you
+this evening."
+
+"I am Hal Paine, attached to the staff of General French," Hal said
+calmly, "and your friend may call any time he so desires."
+
+The Frenchman bowed stiffly, and continued on his way. Hal returned
+to Chester.
+
+"Back so soon?" said Chester.
+
+"Yes," was Hal's reply; "and back with more trouble."
+
+"What's the matter?" demanded Chester in some consternation.
+
+"Well, I am afraid I have a duel on my hands."
+
+"A duel?"
+
+"Yes; on my way here I accidentally bumped into some fiery French
+lieutenant. He slapped me across the face and I knocked him down. He then
+informed me his friend would call on me this evening. That sounds like a
+duel to me."
+
+"Yes," said Chester, "unless it can be patched up."
+
+"I am afraid it can't. You know these Frenchmen. As far as I am
+concerned, there is nothing to fight about, but I am afraid the Frenchman
+feels he has a grievance. He'll probably demand a fight or an apology."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I have nothing to apologize for; therefore I am afraid it means a duel."
+
+"Not if I can prevent it," exclaimed Chester, jumping to his feet.
+
+"But you can't," replied Hal grimly. "And you had better lie down again.
+You are liable to strain your wound."
+
+"Oh, I am not worrying about the wound," exclaimed Chester. "The doctor
+said there was no danger. It's you I am worrying about. Why, you are
+likely to be killed."
+
+"Oh, I guess I can give a good account of myself," returned Hal. "I've
+been pretty fortunate thus far. I don't figure I am going to fall before
+any Frenchman's sword or pistol. I'll probably be saved for a German
+bullet some of these days."
+
+Chester became silent. He knew that an argument was useless. Besides, he
+knew that in Hal's position his own actions would be the same.
+
+It was shortly after 6 o'clock that evening when two French officers made
+their way to the quarters to which the boys had been assigned.
+
+"Choose swords," said Hal laconically, as Chester rose to greet
+the callers.
+
+"Mr. Paine," queried one of the Frenchmen politely.
+
+"No," replied Chester; "but I shall act for him."
+
+"Good," returned the Frenchman. "I am Lieutenant Mercer, and this,"
+indicating his companion, "is Lieutenant Lamont."
+
+"I am Chester Crawford," said the lad briefly.
+
+"Then, to get down to business," said Lieutenant Mercer. "Mr. Paine has
+insulted my friend, Lieutenant Dupree. My friend demands an apology."
+
+"There'll be no apology," said Chester shortly.
+
+"Ah! In that case my friend, Lieutenant Dupree, demands satisfaction from
+Mr. Paine."
+
+"It seems to me he has had satisfaction," said Chester.
+
+"Ah!" replied the Frenchman cheerfully. "You no doubt refer to the blow
+passed by Mr. Paine? It is for that my friend demands satisfaction."
+
+"He had that coming to him," declared Chester.
+
+"So you may believe. Lieutenant Dupree thinks otherwise. Now, as to the
+arrangements--"
+
+"Look here," said Chester, interrupting. "With the whole German army
+lined up in front of us, it seems to me that our friend should be able to
+find all the fighting he wants. This fighting among ourselves is all
+nonsense."
+
+"But my friend's honor--" began the Frenchman.
+
+"Bosh!" declared Chester. "It wasn't your friend's honor that was hurt.
+It was his face."
+
+"Then am I to understand that your friend refuses to fight?"
+
+"No!" shouted Chester. "He doesn't refuse to fight. He just doesn't see
+the necessity of fighting. That's all. But if you insist, he will give
+your friend all the satisfaction he wants."
+
+"I must insist," replied Lieutenant Mercer.
+
+"All right, then," said Chester. "I am not familiar with dueling
+etiquette, but as the challenged party I believe the choice of weapons
+lies with us."
+
+The Frenchman bowed in assent.
+
+"Then let it be swords!"
+
+"Good! And the time and place?"
+
+"I'll leave that to you."
+
+"In the morning at half-past five--provided we are all alive--in the
+little woods half a mile in the rear. Are these convenient for you?"
+
+"Perfectly. We shall be there on time. Will you please bring weapons?"
+
+"I shall be delighted," replied the Frenchman. "Until the morning, then,"
+and the two French officers bowed themselves out.
+
+"Well, you are into it now," said Chester to Hal, after their visitors
+had gone. "Looks to me as though you had a fair chance of seeing the
+Happy Hunting Grounds before six o'clock to-morrow."
+
+Before Hal could reply another visitor poked his head through the door
+of the tent.
+
+"Am I intruding?" he asked.
+
+"Lieutenant Anderson!" exclaimed Chester. "Just the man I wanted to see."
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded the lieutenant.
+
+"Matter is that Hal's mixed up in a duel, to be pulled off in the
+morning."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson in surprise.
+
+"Fact," said Hal. "I bumped into some little whipper-snapper of a French
+lieutenant a couple of hours ago. He slapped me and I knocked him down.
+Now he demands satisfaction, and I am going to give it to him in the
+morning, at half-past five."
+
+The lieutenant sat down heavily.
+
+"Well, you are the limit," he said. "You are always in a scrape of some
+kind. I suppose it's up to me to prevent the duel."
+
+"No chance," said Hal briefly.
+
+"No," agreed Chester, "and it's up to you to make the third party on our
+side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon."
+
+"Do you know what will happen if you are found out?" demanded the
+lieutenant.
+
+"No," said Hal.
+
+"Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The
+regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent."
+
+"I can't help that," said Hal. "I can't back out now."
+
+"Well, if that's the way you feel about it," replied the lieutenant,
+"I'll help you as best I can. I'll stay here to-night and go along to see
+that you get fair play."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+THE DUEL.
+
+
+It was hardly light when Chester, who had been unable to close his eyes,
+aroused Lieutenant Anderson. The two finished dressing before rousing
+Hal, thinking to give him all the rest possible before waking him up.
+Finally Chester shook him by the shoulder.
+
+"What's the matter," muttered Hal drowsily. "Time to get up already? I
+just went to sleep. What's up? Oh, yes, I remember now. I'm to fight a
+duel this morning. All right, I'll be ready in a jiffy."
+
+"How did you sleep?" demanded Chester, as Hal was dressing.
+
+"Fine. Never slept better in my life."
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached and laid his finger on Hal's pulse.
+
+"You'll do," he said quietly.
+
+"I haven't any nerves, if that is what you mean," said Hal with a smile.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson smiled back at him.
+
+"I believe it," he replied. "But come, we had better be on our way."
+
+Quietly the three left the tent. There was a penetrating chill in the
+early morning air. It was light now, but the sun had not yet appeared
+above the horizon. Dense clouds obscured the sky.
+
+"Not a very cheerful morning to die," commented Hal lightly, as they made
+their way quietly along.
+
+"You are not afraid, are you?" asked Chester anxiously.
+
+"What, after yesterday? Not a little bit."
+
+"I don't believe you know what fear is," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+Lieutenant Dupree, his two friends and a surgeon were already on the
+ground when Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson arrived. All raised
+their caps as they came together. The seconds drew apart to discuss the
+details of the duel, Hal and Lieutenant Dupree in the meantime discarding
+their coats and rolling up their sleeves.
+
+The details completed, Hal and the French lieutenant were at last
+face to face.
+
+"On guard!" came the command, given by Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+The swords flashed aloft.
+
+A moment later and they were at it. For a few moments both combatants
+were wary, each feeling the other out. A few passes and Hal realized that
+he was no match for the more experienced Frenchman.
+
+"I must be very careful," he told himself. "Perhaps I can wear him down a
+bit, and slip over a light thrust. I certainly don't want to kill him.
+And I don't want to be killed myself."
+
+The French lieutenant was pressing him sorely now. His sword darted in
+and out with dazzling rapidity, and Hal thanked his stars that he had
+been fortunate enough to have had some schooling in the use of the foil.
+
+Hal contented himself with remaining on the defensive, and not an attempt
+did he make to touch the Frenchman, although the latter left several
+openings, only, Hal knew, to draw him on. The lieutenant at last began to
+grow impatient, and with impatience came carelessness.
+
+He had realized, as had Hal, with the first few passes, that the lad was
+not an accomplished swordsman. And the fact now that he could not
+penetrate the other's guard angered him.
+
+Suddenly he aimed a fierce thrust at Hal, and the latter only escaped
+being impaled on the other's sword by a quick leap aside. Before the
+Frenchman could recover his balance, Hal stepped nimbly forward
+again, his sword darted out, and the lieutenant dropped his weapon
+with a muttered imprecation. Hal's point had pierced his arm just
+below the shoulder.
+
+The Frenchman's seconds immediately leaped forward, and Hal stepped over
+to Chester and Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"I guess that ends it," he said. "I suppose his honor is appeased now."
+
+"Don't be too sure," replied Lieutenant Anderson. "He is likely to be
+more furious than ever, and demand that the fight continue until one
+of you fall. He must realize that you are no match for him, and he
+counts on that to give him victory. However, I must say that you have
+handled yourself well, and, if you keep your head, you may succeed in
+dropping him."
+
+The lieutenant's predictions proved correct. Lieutenant Dupree had had
+his wound bandaged, and now demanded that the fight be resumed. Hal was
+not the lad to protest, so the two were soon at swords' points again.
+
+But now both Hal and Lieutenant Dupree fought more warily. Hal could read
+in his opponent's eyes that he had made up his mind to kill him. Touched
+once because of his carelessness, Hal knew that the Frenchman would be
+more wary.
+
+In stepping back before a fierce thrust of his opponent's sword, Hal's
+foot slipped. He threw up his arm, and for a moment was off his guard.
+Before he could recover his balance, the Frenchman's sword flashed up
+under his guard and pierced him through the left shoulder.
+
+The lad staggered back, and the Frenchman, unheeding the accident and the
+calls of Lieutenant Anderson and Chester, pressed his advantage. With a
+grim smile he started a thrust that would have ended Hal's days; but,
+with a sudden lurch, Hal staggered forward, threw up his sword, and, with
+a terrific stroke, swept the sword from the Frenchman's hand. Lieutenant
+Dupree was at his mercy.
+
+The Frenchman stepped back and folded his arms, as Hal took a step
+forward.
+
+"Kill me," he said quietly.
+
+"Run him through!" shouted Lieutenant Anderson. "He tried to kill you
+unfairly."
+
+Slowly Hal lowered his sword.
+
+"No," he said, "I can't do it. Neither will I continue the fight." He
+turned to his late opponent. "I hope your honor is satisfied," he said.
+
+The Frenchman turned, and, with bowed head, replaced his coat; then with
+his two friends he walked away.
+
+The surgeon hurried to Hal's side and peered at his wound.
+
+"Not serious," he said, after an examination. "I'll have it fixed all
+right in a moment."
+
+The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
+
+"You are a gallant youngster," he said, "and I am proud to know you. Many
+a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness is a
+thing to be admired."
+
+Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself off.
+
+Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
+
+"You are all right," he said, emphasizing each word. "I was afraid it was
+all up with you."
+
+"And so was I," said Chester. "But, if you had fallen unfairly, I would
+have killed him myself."
+
+The three made their way back to the boys' quarters, where they sat down
+and talked the duel over.
+
+"The best thing you can do now," said Lieutenant Anderson to Hal finally,
+"is to get a little rest. Both of you are wounded, and will not have to
+report for duty. I shall tell General French that you will be all right
+in a day or two."
+
+"Tell him we shall be all right in an hour or two, that will be much
+better," said Hal.
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the lieutenant. "Can't you even keep still
+for a day?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "there is likely to be some real fighting to-day, and
+we don't want to miss anything, do we Chester?"
+
+"I should say not," was Chester's reply.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+TO THE RESCUE.
+
+
+"It looks rather awesome, doesn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," was Hal's reply.
+
+The object of the boys' conversation was a long armored train, which
+stood on a siding. It was late in the afternoon, and the two lads, after
+having taken a long rest, and being relieved from active duty by the
+express command of General French, had strolled up to the temporary
+siding, where the huge engine now stood puffing and snorting.
+
+It was the first time either of the two boys had ever seen this
+rapidly moving vehicle of warfare. The open flat cars were protected
+by thick sheets of steel, behind which were mounted many small guns
+and rapid firers.
+
+These armored trains already had given good accounts of themselves in
+other parts of the long line of battle, particularly in Belgium, in
+the earlier days of the struggle, and were things of terror to the
+German troops.
+
+The train beside which the two lads now stood was ready for instant
+action. The gunners were at their posts, ready to go forward at a
+moment's notice. The engineer and firemen stood beside the huge engine.
+
+In the distance the sound of firing could be heard, and occasionally a
+shell burst close to where the boys were standing. But they had been
+through their baptism of fire, and paid little heed to these
+messengers of death.
+
+"They say that these trains have proven immense factors in sudden raids
+on the enemy," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," agreed Hal, "and it is easy to see that among light armed troops
+they could do great execution. It would even take very heavy artillery
+fire to make an impression on those steel sides. Besides--"
+
+He broke off with a sudden exclamation.
+
+"Look out," he cried, and leaped back, pulling Chester forcibly along.
+
+A second later and there was a terrific explosion. A German shell had
+burst within a few feet of where the two lads had been standing.
+
+A crowd of troopers, who had been idling about a few yards from the
+train, disappeared with the deafening report, and when the smoke had
+cleared away they were nowhere to be seen. They had been blown to atoms.
+
+The boys rushed forward, but, even as they did so, they halted at the
+sound of a sudden cry, and, turning their faces up the track, they beheld
+a mounted officer galloping swiftly toward them. An officer dropped off
+one of the cars of the train, which, fortunately, had not been touched by
+the explosion, and hurried to meet the newcomer.
+
+"Who is in charge of this train?" demanded the horseman, throwing himself
+from his mount without waiting for the animal to come to a stop.
+
+"I am," was the officer's brief response.
+
+"You are ordered to proceed forward at once under full speed," was the
+command. "The Tenth Royal Dragoons are hemmed in by at least 10,000
+Germans two miles ahead, and unless you arrive in time they will all be
+slaughtered."
+
+The officer in command of the train looked hurriedly about.
+
+"Hicks!" he called loudly. "Hicks!"
+
+There was no reply, and the officer shouted again. Then Hal
+stepped forward.
+
+"If Hicks was your engineer," he said, "there is no use calling him.
+He is dead."
+
+"Dead?" exclaimed the officer.
+
+"Yes; that shell struck right beside him. The fireman also was killed."
+
+"Great Scott!" exclaimed the officer. "Then what am I to do? Hicks was
+the only engineer with us right now. The others have gone to their
+quarters, and by the time I could get them here it would be too late."
+
+"Well," said Hal quietly, "if you want a volunteer, I am willing to
+tackle it for you."
+
+"You?"
+
+"Yes; I have made some slight study of a locomotive, and, while I have
+never run one any great distance, I have ridden many miles in the cab of
+an engine in lumber camps in the United States."
+
+"And I can fire the engine," Chester broke in.
+
+"Well," said the officer, "something has to be done at once; and, if you
+are willing to take a chance, so am I. Get aboard."
+
+He turned and rushed hurriedly back to his car, while Hal and Chester
+leaped aboard the locomotive. In response to a signal, Hal released the
+brakes, gently opened the throttle, and the great engine began to forge
+slowly ahead.
+
+Gradually the lad opened the throttle wider, and the huge locomotive
+commenced to gain momentum, until at last it was rushing along like some
+mad thing. Chester, in the meantime, was busy with a shovel.
+
+A moment, it seemed to the two lads, and the sound of firing rose above
+the roar of the locomotive, and the spat spat of bullets against the
+armored sides could be heard. But Hal did not falter. Rather, the engine
+seemed to leap ahead with even greater speed.
+
+From the rear came the signal to slow down, and, under Hal's firm hand,
+the terrific speed of the train was checked. Then also from the rear
+there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had been
+unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the ranks of
+the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.
+
+Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it
+quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in
+that one brief glance he had taken in the situation.
+
+A short distance ahead he could make out a small knot of British, almost
+surrounded by Germans. The British had taken their stand directly on the
+railroad track, the most strategic point for miles. A clump of small
+trees screened them from the enemy on one side, but from the other three
+directions the Germans were pouring in their deadly fire.
+
+The British troops stood gallantly to their work, and returned volley
+for volley. They fought on doggedly. Suddenly the armored train shot up
+the line which the British were holding, and Hal brought it to an
+abrupt stop.
+
+Right and left the train poured in broadsides of machine-gun fire,
+mowing down the Germans at every yard. The Germans fell in heaps, and,
+as if by a miracle, both sides of the track were suddenly lined with
+high piles of the dead.
+
+The little troop of British received this unexpected aid with a great
+cheer, broke from cover and dashed in pursuit of the great mass of
+Germans, who now were fleeing on all sides.
+
+But the success of the British was destined to be short-lived. Hal and
+Chester, in the cab of the locomotive, had just raised a loud cheer when
+there was a terrific explosion, followed by a thundering crash, and both
+lads were hurled violently to the floor of the cab.
+
+Chester, with blood flowing from a gash in his forehead, was the first
+to pick himself up. In falling his head had come in contact with a
+sharp projection of some kind. He was terribly dizzy, but his head was
+still clear.
+
+He stooped over Hal, and at that moment the latter raised himself on his
+elbow and then got to his feet unsteadily.
+
+"Great Scott! What was that?" he gasped.
+
+Chester did not reply. Instead he swung out from the cab and glanced
+back over the train--or rather where the train had been. And what a
+sight met his gaze!
+
+The train of armored cars was gone. Alongside the track lay pieces of
+wreckage, and many bodies and pieces of what had once been machine guns.
+
+Hal peered over Chester's shoulder.
+
+"Another shell," he said slowly. "But how does it happen we were not
+killed also?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester, "but I judge the shell must have struck in
+the middle of the train. Look, there is nothing left but the engine."
+
+It was true. In some unaccountable manner the engine had escaped scot
+free. At that moment Hal, who had glanced out from the other side of the
+cab, made a startling discovery.
+
+"Wow!" he shouted. "Here come the Germans again--thousands of 'em. We are
+goners, now, sure."
+
+But, before Chester could reply, Hal jumped forward. With one hand he
+released the brakes and threw the throttle wide--and the huge locomotive
+leaped suddenly forward.
+
+"It's our only chance," Hal shouted to Chester. "The track behind is
+covered with wreckage, and it is impossible to go that way."
+
+That the Germans understood their ruse was soon apparent. There was a
+shout from the oncoming horde, and the sharp crack of rifles and bullets
+began to spatter against the side of the engine.
+
+"Well, we'll give 'em a chase, anyhow," said Hal grimly.
+
+He opened the throttle even wider.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A WILD RIDE.
+
+
+The engine rocked crazily as it dashed along, and the boys hung on to
+whatever offered for dear life. Around curve after curve they shot with a
+lurch, the locomotive threatening at every turn to leave the rails.
+
+"Where is the end of this road?" asked Chester of Hal, raising his voice
+to a shout to make himself heard above the roar of the speeding
+locomotive.
+
+"I don't know," Hal shouted back.
+
+"Then you had better slow down. The tracks in front may be torn up and we
+would certainly be killed."
+
+"You are right," shouted Hal.
+
+Quickly he closed the throttle and applied the brakes. The huge mogul
+trembled violently and shook all over, but its speed was soon slackened.
+
+Looking behind, the two lads saw that they had left their pursuers far in
+the rear, and both breathed more freely.
+
+"How far are we going on this thing, anyhow?" Chester demanded. "Don't
+you think we had better get off and walk back?"
+
+"What! and leave the engine in the hands of the enemy? Not much. Besides,
+I am certain the British must control this road at the other end or it
+would have been destroyed by this time. We'll just keep on going and see
+what happens."
+
+"Well, something will happen, all right," said Chester. "I can feel it in
+my bones. However, you are the doctor. Forward it is, then."
+
+The locomotive was going more slowly now, Hal always keeping a keen eye
+ahead. For perhaps five minutes they rode along without incident; then
+suddenly Hal, without even a word to Chester, "opened her up" again.
+
+Once more the huge locomotive jumped forward.
+
+"What's the matter now?" cried Chester, springing to Hal's side.
+
+"Matter!" shouted Hal. "Look ahead."
+
+Chester peered out, and drew his head back with an exclamation.
+
+"More Germans, eh!" he muttered, and then shouted. "You do the driving
+and I'll keep her hot."
+
+"Good!" Hal called back, never taking his eyes from the road ahead.
+
+Apparently the Germans were unconscious of the approach of the
+locomotive, for they did not even glance in its direction. Troopers stood
+beside either side of the track, and several groups were standing between
+the rails.
+
+Closer and closer the engine approached, and still they did not move. A
+moment later and the great steel monster was upon them. There was a
+sudden shout, but it was too late--for some, at any rate.
+
+The great locomotive caught them as they attempted to jump from the
+track, and hurled them in all directions. Hal and Chester ducked low
+inside the cab, and it was well that they did so; for, as the engine shot
+past, hundreds of bullets sped through the cab, and hundreds more
+flattened themselves against the steel-protected sides. It was close
+work, and no mistake.
+
+"Whew!" breathed Chester, after they had safely run the gauntlet of the
+German fire and Hal had once more reduced the speed of the locomotive.
+"That was close."
+
+"Too close for comfort," Hal agreed.
+
+"I wonder how many we killed back there," said Chester.
+
+"I don't know, but I am sure it was enough. It seemed to be their
+lives or ours."
+
+"It's only a few more gone to the Happy Hunting Ground in a mistaken
+cause," said Chester slowly. "But, as you say, it was either they or us.
+There was nothing else we could do."
+
+"No," said Hal, "there wasn't; but, just the same, it gave me a cold
+chill as they went flying through the air. It was terrible."
+
+Both lads were silent for a time, as the locomotive continued on its way.
+It was getting dusk now, and Hal was forced to reduce the speed of the
+engine even more. They went slowly along, both lads keeping a wary eye
+ahead for Germans.
+
+Darkness came on, and still they rode along. Their speed was little
+better than a walk, and it was well that Hal had decided to discontinue
+his reckless driving.
+
+From ahead, a sudden red glare went up to the sky, followed almost
+instantly by a report like that of a thousand cannons. The locomotive
+came to a stop with a jolt as Hal applied the brakes.
+
+"What's up now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I don't know; but that explosion sounded to me as if there were
+something wrong ahead. I wouldn't be surprised if the Germans had
+dynamited the bridge."
+
+"By George! I believe you are right," exclaimed Chester. "I wouldn't have
+thought of it, and if I had been in your place at the throttle the
+chances are we would have gone over if such is the case."
+
+"Well," said Hal, "I'll climb down, take a walk ahead and investigate."
+
+"I'll go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"No, you won't. You stay here and watch the engine."
+
+"You are right, as usual," said Chester. "But don't be any longer than
+you can help."
+
+Hal agreed, and a moment later Chester lost sight of him in the darkness.
+
+Slowly and cautiously Hal made his way along the track. As he moved
+stealthily around a curve in the road the cause of the explosion became
+apparent. It was even as he had feared. His quick wit had detected the
+meaning of the explosion and none too soon.
+
+Just ahead, where a short time before had been a bridge spanning a deep
+chasm, there was now nothing but space. The bridge had been blown up. Had
+Hal applied the brakes to the engine one minute later, in spite of the
+fact that it was traveling very slowly, both boys probably would have
+been carried over the embankment to certain death; for it is doubtful
+that either, in the darkness, would have noticed the absence of the
+bridge in time to leap to safety.
+
+And now Hal could make out a number of rapidly moving figures. To his
+dismay, he saw that they were moving in his direction. He turned
+quickly and ran back to the locomotive, where Chester was anxiously
+awaiting his return.
+
+"Out here, quick!" he cried, and Chester, in response to his command,
+leaped to the ground.
+
+Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester's cry of
+wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he
+dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down
+the track.
+
+Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Chester in alarm.
+
+"Matter is that the Germans are coming this way," answered Hal. "Come,
+let's get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to escape
+in the darkness."
+
+"But why did you start that engine down the track like that?"
+
+"Well, I couldn't see that it was any use to us any longer, and it may
+dispose of a few more Germans. They are walking up the track in force."
+
+This appealed to Chester.
+
+"Good!" he cried, and both stopped in their tracks to listen.
+
+A second and there came to their ears a sudden startled shout, followed
+by a fearful yell, a moment of silence, and then a crash.
+
+"Good-by engine," said Hal. "That's a good job done. You perished nobly.
+Now," to Chester, "let's get away from this spot as fast as we can."
+
+They turned their faces in the direction from which they had come, and
+set out at a brisk pace. They plodded along for an hour through the open
+country, finally coming to a dense woods.
+
+"Guess we had better try and lose ourselves in here," said Chester.
+
+"Right you are," agreed Hal.
+
+They entered the friendly shelter of the trees. Here they were forced to
+travel more slowly. They made good progress, however, and at the end of
+another hour had covered considerable distance.
+
+"I guess we are safe enough as long as we can stay in the woods,"
+said Chester.
+
+"Don't be too sure," declared Hal. "It's the unexpected that
+always happens."
+
+The words were hardly out of his mouth when the truth of them was proved.
+As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a little clearing
+a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt stop.
+
+"Halt!" came a voice. "Halt, or I fire!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+
+Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his head;
+Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that there was
+not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier had his
+rifle pointed squarely at them.
+
+Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the lads
+might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably would
+have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized that it
+was no time to take such a chance.
+
+"We surrender," called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier lowered
+his weapon and approached them.
+
+He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets of
+their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:
+
+"Right about; forward, march!"
+
+The lads obeyed this command, and the German stalked after them,
+keeping his rifle in readiness for a quick shot should his prisoners
+attempt to escape.
+
+But the lads had no thought of taking to their heels, for they were fully
+aware that a bullet would stop one of them at least should they make even
+one false move.
+
+They continued their walk, and presently came in view of what appeared to
+be a large German camp. Here their captor marched them directly to the
+tent of the commanding officer.
+
+"What are you doing within our lines?" was the latter's first question
+after the soldier had related how he had made his capture.
+
+"Well," said Hal, "we were accidentally carried through your lines by a
+locomotive which we happened to be running when the rest of the train was
+blown up. We couldn't get back, so we went ahead. We finally lost the
+engine, so we were making our way back to our own lines."
+
+"Lost the engine? What do you mean?" asked the officer.
+
+"Why," Chester broke in, "we sent it over a precipice that it might not
+fall into the hands of the Germans."
+
+"You did, eh?" said the German officer. "Well, I shall attend to your
+case in the morning. Orderly! See that these prisoners are carefully
+guarded, and have them brought to me the first thing in the morning.
+Perhaps they may be induced to give me the information I require."
+
+"You won't get any information out of us," said Chester angrily.
+
+"Won't I?" replied the officer, with a sneer. "We shall see. Take
+them away."
+
+The two lads were led to a small field tent and thrust inside, with a
+guard on the outside.
+
+"Well, here we are again," said Chester, with a faint smile. "What do you
+suppose will be done with us if we refuse to divulge what the general
+wants to know?"
+
+"I'm sure I don't know," was Hal's reply, "but I am afraid we are in for
+it this time. I have never taken much stock in the tales I have heard of
+the barbarous treatment of the Germans toward their prisoners, but one
+look at the general's face was enough to convince me that he would stop
+at nothing to gain his end."
+
+"The same thought struck me, too," agreed Chester. "But, one thing is
+certain, he'll get no information out of me."
+
+"Nor out of me, either," declared Hal.
+
+Chester rose and started to walk around the tent. In the darkness, he
+stumbled over something and fell to the ground. Arising he reached in his
+pocket and produced a match. A tiny flame lighted up the dark interior of
+the tent, and the lad stepped back with an ejaculation.
+
+"Bicycles," he muttered.
+
+"What?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Bicycles. I wonder why they are here?"
+
+"Probably dumped in here by a couple of men who have returned from a
+scouting expedition," said Hal.
+
+"By George!" exclaimed Chester suddenly.
+
+"What is it now?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester did not reply immediately. He appeared to be thinking deeply.
+
+"Have you a knife?" he asked at length.
+
+Hal produced one, and, taking it from his friend's hand, Chester stepped
+to the back of the tent. Quickly he opened the blade, and made a neat
+incision in the canvas, finally cutting out a little square. Then he put
+his eye to the hole and peered out.
+
+There was no one in sight. The guard could be heard pacing to and fro in
+front of the tent, but apparently there was no guard at the rear.
+
+Chester left his peep-hole and returned to Hal's side.
+
+"If we can get two of these bicycles out here," he whispered, "we may be
+able to get away by a quick dash. Are you willing to take a chance?"
+
+"Sure," agreed Hal. "Anything is better than sitting here and waiting for
+I know not what. But do you think we can make it?"
+
+"Well, we can at least try. There doesn't seem to be a guard in the rear.
+I am going to cut a big slit in the back. Then we'll slip the bicycles
+through it, mount and make a dash."
+
+"Good!" said Hal.
+
+Quietly Chester slit the canvas in the rear of the tent, making a hole
+large enough for a man to step through. Quietly the boys each selected a
+bicycle and pushed it cautiously through the opening.
+
+Once on the outside they drew a breath of relief.
+
+"We'll have to depend on our luck now," whispered Chester. "Come on!"
+
+The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding
+through the heart of the German camp.
+
+In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety, for
+the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of the
+allied armies to be riding through their midst.
+
+They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning this
+way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents before a
+hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been discovered.
+
+"We must be careful," cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside
+Chester. "There is still the outpost to pass."
+
+But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they
+pedaled faster; and then the outpost came into sight--a long line of
+men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while others
+sat upon the ground.
+
+The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles
+sped between the German troopers. A cry of "halt!" went unheeded, and the
+Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a volley
+after the lads.
+
+But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim
+carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did
+not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared in
+the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their ammunition
+foolishly.
+
+The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode on
+swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.
+
+"I'm tired out," said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.
+
+"And so am I," replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to
+stretch his legs.
+
+Suddenly from the distance in which they had come came a faint
+"chug-chug."
+
+Chester pricked up his ears.
+
+"What's that?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+For a brief moment Hal paused to listen. The sound became louder. Hal
+sprang toward his bicycle.
+
+"Come on!" he cried, and leaped into the saddle. "Motorcycles! We
+are pursued!"
+
+Chester was hardly a second behind him, and the two lads were again
+riding madly along the road. Fortunately there were many curves in the
+highway, and this fact prevented their pursuers from sighting them from
+any great distance.
+
+Hal suddenly brought his bicycle to an abrupt stop and jumped to the
+ground. Although not knowing what plan Hal had in his mind, Chester
+immediately did likewise.
+
+The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees,
+and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them from
+sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close behind him,
+dashed back in the direction from which they had come, taking care to
+keep well within the shelter of the trees.
+
+And now Chester made out the object of his friend's wild dash. It was
+a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected
+it as they sped by, but Hal's keen eyes had singled it out as a
+possible refuge.
+
+"We'll have to take a chance of the occupants being friendly," Hal told
+his friend, as they ran toward the house. "If they will allow us to hide
+here until night, we may be able to get back to our lines safely."
+
+The boys ran around the house, and Hal rapped sharply upon the rear door.
+A moment later and a kindly-faced woman appeared in the doorway. She
+started back at the appearance of the two lads.
+
+"Are the English coming?" she demanded, after a quick glance at the
+lads' uniforms, and then she clasped her hands and exclaimed: "At
+last! At last!"
+
+"No, madam," Hal undeceived her, "the English are not coming--yet. We are
+trying to make our way back to our lines, but a German motorcycle squad
+is after us. We have come here to see if you will hide us until
+nightfall."
+
+The woman was silent for one moment. Then she stepped aside and motioned
+them into the house.
+
+"Come," she said quietly. "The Germans will not learn you are here
+through me."
+
+The lads stepped inside the door, and not a moment too soon. For at that
+very instant a band of a dozen Germans flashed by on the road, their
+motorcycles kicking up a cloud of dust.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A TRAITOR APPEARS.
+
+
+Hal turned to Chester.
+
+"When they fail to find us," he said, "they'll come back, inquiring all
+along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here." He turned to the
+woman. "Have you a place where we can hide?"
+
+"Yes," she replied, "there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may go
+up there and no one will be the wiser."
+
+"Then we had better get up there at once," said Chester, "for there is no
+telling how soon they may return."
+
+A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
+top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good
+woman departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with
+water and food.
+
+"You'll need it," she said, when Hal protested against putting her to so
+much trouble. "And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I not
+aid the friends of my own country."
+
+She was back in a few moments, and the lads ate hungrily of the food she
+brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had passed
+their lips.
+
+After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:
+
+"This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put it
+in sleeping. Besides, we'll need all the rest we can get for our journey
+to-night."
+
+"Just what I was thinking," said Chester, "and I'm ready to go to sleep
+right this instant."
+
+He stretched himself out on the floor and in a few moments was fast
+asleep. A short time later and Hal also lay in the arms of Morpheus.
+
+How long the lads had slept, they did not know, but they were awakened by
+the sound of voices directly below them.
+
+"No, I have seen nothing of them," came the voice of the woman who had
+given them refuge.
+
+"But we have searched every place else," came another voice, speaking in
+French, but with a heavy German accent. "They must be here. We found the
+bicycles a short distance from this house, and have scoured the woods.
+They must be here."
+
+"I say they are not," came the woman's voice, raised in anger.
+
+"Well, I must search the house, at any rate," said the German, "and, if I
+find that you have been aiding the enemies of Germany, it will go hard
+with you. Stand aside, please."
+
+"I tell you there is no one here," cried the woman.
+
+"Stand aside!" came the German's voice again, and there was the sound of
+a struggle, followed by the voice of the German: "Search the house, men."
+
+Then came the sounds of heavy feet tramping through the house. Hal and
+Chester were both wide awake now and lay silent, listening. For an hour
+the heavy footsteps continued to ring through the house, and there was
+the sound of slamming doors and moving furniture.
+
+And finally came the voice of the woman again: "I told you there was no
+one here."
+
+But apparently the German officer in command was not yet satisfied.
+
+"Have you searched the attic?" he demanded of his men; "and the cellar?"
+
+"There is no one in the cellar," came a voice in reply, "and there is
+no attic."
+
+"I'll have a look for myself," came the reply, and heavy footsteps
+ascended the stairs into the room directly beneath Hal and Chester. There
+came to the lads' ears the sounds of heavy blows against the floor on
+which they lay. Evidently the German officer was making sure that there
+was not an opening in the ceiling of the room below. But after a while he
+desisted. The boys heard him descend the stairs, and a few moments later
+the sound of his voice:
+
+"There is no one up there."
+
+Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door gave
+evidence that the Germans had departed.
+
+"I was afraid he would locate the trap-door," said Hal to Chester, after
+they had gone.
+
+"Same here," replied Chester. "But I wasn't going to let them take me
+without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we could
+certainly dispose of him."
+
+"Yes, but they could starve us out, or set fire to the house or
+something, which would be worse than being captured. Besides, we couldn't
+let the woman who has aided us come to harm."
+
+"No, that's so, too," agreed Chester. "I hadn't thought of that."
+
+Further conversation was interrupted by a sound of some one at the
+trap-door. Chester and Hal both jumped to their feet, and stood ready
+above the opening in the floor to seize the intruder should it prove to
+be an enemy.
+
+But when the trap-door came away the head of their benefactress appeared
+through the opening.
+
+"You can come down now if you want to," she said. "The Germans have been
+here and gone. I am sure they will not return."
+
+Chester turned to Hal.
+
+"What do you think?" he asked. "Shall we go down, or had we better
+stay up here?"
+
+Hal considered for a moment.
+
+"I guess we might as well go down," he replied at length. "I don't
+believe there is any likelihood of their coming back. Besides, it's too
+cramped and stuffy up here for comfort."
+
+Accordingly both boys descended from their refuge, and a few moments
+later were sitting in the living room with their hostess.
+
+"We can never thank you enough for what you have done for us," Chester
+told her, after she had related her experiences with the Germans.
+
+"No, indeed; we can never thank you enough," agreed Hal. "Had it not been
+for your kindness we should have been in the hands of the Germans right
+now, and there is no telling what they might have done to us."
+
+The good woman waved aside their thanks.
+
+"Pooh! pooh!" she said. "And why shouldn't I help you? Surely no thanks
+are necessary because I did my duty."
+
+"But women--" Hal began, when she interrupted him.
+
+"I have a son of my own in the war," she said, her voice growing very low
+and tears dimming her eyes.
+
+"And I hope," said Hal gently, "should he ever be in a situation similar
+to ours, that another good woman may be the means of saving his life, and
+that some day he may return to you."
+
+"Just so he does his duty I shall be satisfied," said the woman, who now
+introduced herself as Mrs. Madeline Dersi. "He has been a very wild boy,
+but I am sure that his heart is true and that he will fight to the last
+for his country, as did his father before him."
+
+"And I am sure of it, too," said Chester. "When we return to our lines we
+shall make it our business to hunt him up."
+
+And at that moment there was a hasty step outside, the door to the room
+in which they were sitting was flung open, and a young man, in civilian
+garb, burst in.
+
+Mrs. Dersi was across the room in a moment, her arms wrapped about the
+newcomer. Tears streamed down her face, as she repeatedly kissed the
+young man, who seemed to take no great interest in the procedure.
+
+Finally Mrs. Dersi turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"My son," she said proudly, "of whom I was just talking to you."
+
+Now the newcomer freed himself from her embrace and stepped forward.
+
+"Who are these?" he demanded, pointing to the two lads.
+
+Mrs. Dersi explained.
+
+"And we were just talking of you," she added; then stopped and surveyed
+her son critically. "Why are you not in uniform?" she demanded.
+
+"Why, I--I--I--" stuttered young Dersi, "I am on a scout, and it was
+thought best for me not to go in uniform." He turned suddenly to Hal:
+"Are you expecting any of your men here?" he demanded.
+
+"Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to our
+lines to-night."
+
+Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost upon
+either Hal or Chester.
+
+"Well," he said, after a pause, "I haven't time to stay here. I just
+dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went north?
+How long have they been gone?"
+
+"About an hour," said Chester.
+
+"Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way."
+
+He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had left
+the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.
+
+"There is something queer about him," said Chester to Hal, as Mrs. Dersi
+and her son left the room. "He's not telling the truth."
+
+"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief he is
+fleeing from the French lines to give information to the Germans."
+
+"You mean you think he is a traitor?"
+
+"I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am afraid
+you have hit the nail on the head."
+
+"In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried Chester.
+
+"I'm sure he'll tell," said Hal quietly.
+
+"Then what shall we do?"
+
+"We shall leave at once--or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is the
+best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her heart
+to know that her son is a traitor to his country."
+
+"It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was prevented
+by the return of Mrs. Dersi.
+
+"And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable pride.
+
+"He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling
+the truth.
+
+"Mrs. Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be better
+for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no Germans
+near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach
+our own lines."
+
+"But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman
+anxiously.
+
+"I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. "We
+think we had better take our departure at once."
+
+Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they
+were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, enjoining
+them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the
+opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly
+shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on their weary journey
+toward the British lines.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+A FIGHT IN THE DARK.
+
+
+Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed. They
+wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the
+house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little doubt
+in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that he would
+soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.
+
+Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
+they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
+their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who
+had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
+instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
+was with them.
+
+Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young man
+himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively and
+inquired the cause of his sudden return.
+
+"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have learned
+the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my own regiment.
+But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone? If not, we can
+all continue our journey together."
+
+"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.
+
+"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
+direction did they go?"
+
+The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
+thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment later
+young Dersi left the house, and soon the Germans were once more upon the
+trail of the two lads.
+
+Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them. It
+was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that they were
+that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and still the two
+lads plodded onward.
+
+At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
+quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
+Chester when from the rear once more came the faint "chug-chug" of a
+motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.
+
+Chester sprang to his feet.
+
+"Here they come again," he cried. "We were right. It is the traitor Dersi
+who has put them on our trail. Hustle!"
+
+Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
+directly ahead. They reached their friendly shelter just before the
+glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
+their pursuers.
+
+Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
+absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by at
+terrific speed.
+
+The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in among
+the trees.
+
+"We must be very careful," Hal warned Chester. "When they fail to
+overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we'll climb
+up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go ahead as
+far as we can."
+
+"That seems the best way to me," Chester agreed.
+
+They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a sound
+of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the presence
+of the enemy.
+
+Chester's cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard the
+hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both dropped
+to the ground.
+
+They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and for
+that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the ground
+they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could locate the man
+who had fired.
+
+But a sound came not. Nothing but silence. Crouched close to the ground
+as they were, the silence soon became stifling. Hal endured the suspense
+as long as he could, and then whispered to Chester:
+
+"We can't stay here. I'll wriggle my way to that tree," pointing, "and
+you creep behind that one," pointing again, this time to a tree perhaps a
+hundred yards distant from the first.
+
+"All right," Chester whispered back.
+
+Hal had hardly taken his position behind the tree he had selected for his
+own cover when a second sharp crack of a rifle broke the stillness of the
+night, and there was a flash of fire hardly fifty feet from him.
+
+In the darkness Hal made out the form of a man, his gun pointed toward
+Chester, who at that moment succeeded in wriggling behind a tree.
+
+"The dog!" said Hal angrily to himself. "I'll fix him."
+
+Both lads were without weapons, their arms having been confiscated when
+they were captured by the Germans.
+
+On hands and knees Hal made a short detour and approached his enemy from
+behind. Now he was hardly ten feet from the man, who loomed up like a
+giant in the darkness. Hal rose suddenly to his feet, and, as he did so,
+he stepped on the fallen limb of a tree.
+
+The deathly silence was shattered by this sound, and Hal's enemy turned
+suddenly to confront this unexpected assailant. But, before he could
+bring his rifle to bear, Hal was upon him.
+
+The man did succeed in raising his rifle above his head, and he now
+attempted to bring it down on the lad's head. But Hal was too quick for
+him. Stepping in close, he struck his opponent a stinging blow in the
+face, and at the same time seized the rifle barrel with his other hand.
+
+As the man staggered back, Hal wrenched fiercely on the rifle, and the
+weapon came away in his hand. But the man was not badly hurt by the force
+of Hal's blow, and he suddenly dropped his hand to his belt. A moment
+later and the naked blade of a knife gleamed in the night.
+
+Hal saw his enemy's move and sprang back. But the man was after him in an
+instant, his knife raised to strike. They were too close together for Hal
+to bring the rifle to bear upon his enemy, and, realizing that he
+probably was no match for his opponent, the lad suddenly turned and ran.
+
+But it was not Hal's intention to run very far from his enemy. He was not
+that kind of a boy. His idea was to get far enough ahead of the man so
+that he might turn and shoot him. But as he ran he felt a gust of air
+pass his ear, and he heard the sound of something whizzing by him.
+
+The German, realizing the boy's purpose, and also that he could not
+overtake him, had hurled his knife. Hal also realized this the moment the
+knife sped by him, and stopped suddenly in his tracks.
+
+In spite of the fact that his assailant had attempted to murder him, Hal
+could not find it in his heart to kill him in cold blood. Therefore, even
+as he turned, he raised the rifle high above his head, and, holding it
+tightly by the barrel, rushed upon his enemy.
+
+In vain the man threw up his hands to ward off the blow. The force behind
+it was too great. Hal, wheeling half around as he swung, brought the
+heavy butt of the rifle against the side of the German's head with a
+crack. The man dropped limp at the boy's feet.
+
+Hal lowered his rifle, and stood for a moment over his fallen enemy,
+wiping his brow. Then he stooped over and relieved him of his other
+weapons, two automatic Colts. These he slipped in his pocket, and once
+more turned his face toward the spot where Chester lay, unaware of the
+terrible fight that had just occurred.
+
+Hal whistled softly--the whistle of the old days in America--and,
+listening, heard Chester whistle softly in return.
+
+Believing now that everything was safe, Hal left his fallen enemy behind,
+and started toward the spot where Chester was rising to his feet.
+
+Hardly had he traversed half the distance, when there was another shot,
+and Hal saw Chester, who was advancing to meet him, topple to the ground.
+
+Hal turned in the direction of the flash of the rifle, and, scarcely
+taking time to aim with his newly-acquired automatic, fired. His effort
+was rewarded with a howl of pain, but, as the lad started to run to where
+his fallen friend lay, there was another shot, and Hal felt a bullet whiz
+by his head.
+
+Quickly he dropped to the ground, thinking that his unseen antagonist
+would believe him dead. He held his revolver ready, prepared to fire at
+the first sight of his enemy.
+
+But the latter was not to be caught thus easily. Evidently he had heard
+of such subterfuges before. Hal waited patiently for some moments, and
+then, as there was no sign of his unseen enemy, he crawled slowly toward
+the spot where Chester had fallen.
+
+What was his surprise to find that Chester was not there. For a moment
+Hal was stupefied, but his amazement was brought to an end by a low
+whistle, and, looking to the right, Hal beheld his friend behind a
+large tree.
+
+A moment later Hal was beside his friend.
+
+"Are you hurt much?" he demanded anxiously.
+
+"Not even touched," was the reply. "I dropped to the ground when the
+bullet whizzed by. I was afraid he would hit me next time."
+
+Hal seized Chester's hand and squeezed it warmly.
+
+"I was afraid it was all up with you," he said. "I--"
+
+The sudden flash of a rifle interrupted him, and another bullet
+flew past.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE DEATH OF A TRAITOR.
+
+
+"Great Scott!" Hal ejaculated. "We've got to get out of here some way. We
+can't stand here and be shot down."
+
+"Wait," said Chester, as Hal started to move away, and pulled the latter
+to the ground, where he had dropped himself.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Let me look at that gun you have a moment."
+
+Without a word Hal passed it over. Chester examined it as carefully as
+possible in the dark.
+
+"I don't believe there is more than one man in these woods," he finally
+said. "Now, you stay here, and I shall try and work round behind him."
+
+Without waiting for a reply Chester started crawling away, not directly
+toward the spot where the last flash of fire had come from, but bearing
+off well toward the right.
+
+Hal started to protest, but, before he could utter half a dozen words,
+Chester had disappeared in the darkness. Hal lay in silence for some
+time. Finally, putting his cap upon a stick, he poked it cautiously out
+from behind the tree, where it was silhouetted against the opening
+between the trees.
+
+A shot followed, and the cap leaped into the air.
+
+"Good thing it wasn't my head," said Hal ruefully. "But if I can keep
+that fellow's attention centered on me, Chester may be able to nab him."
+
+Once more he raised his cap on a stick and moved it about. Again there
+was a sound of a shot. But, even as the bullet sped by, there was a
+second report, and Hal heard his friend's voice raised in almost a shout:
+
+"I got him."
+
+Quickly Hal sprang to his feet and dashed in the direction of his
+friend's voice.
+
+When Chester had left Hal he crawled slowly, and, making a wide detour,
+came upon his unseen enemy from behind. The second time the man had fired
+at Hal's hat, Chester was almost upon him.
+
+Thinking that the man was shooting at his friend, being unconscious of
+the ruse Hal was employing, Chester immediately turned his own weapon
+loose upon the man, whom he could now plainly see. But, after firing, the
+enemy had shifted his position slightly at the very moment that Chester
+fired. Therefore, he escaped what otherwise would assuredly have been a
+death wound--for Chester was a crack shot--and received the ball in his
+pistol hand.
+
+His weapon dropped to the ground, and he sent up a loud howl of pain.
+
+Before he could seize the weapon in his other hand, Chester was upon him,
+and Hal was hastening to the aid of his friend, for, wounded though he
+was, the man put up a hard fight.
+
+Chester forced him to the ground, but the man heaved him away with a
+mighty kick. Chester fell sprawling on the ground, and his opponent
+turned to grope for his revolver.
+
+But, before he could pick it up, Hal was upon the scene. He took in the
+situation at a glance, and sprang upon Chester's assailant.
+
+Hal's first leap bore his opponent to the ground, where the boy twisted
+one hand around the man's throat. But, if he thought to overcome his
+opponent thus easily, he had reckoned without his host. Lying almost at
+full length on the ground as he was, he drove his fist straight upward
+into Hal's face. The lad released his hold upon his enemy's throat and
+fell back.
+
+It was now beginning to grow light, and, as the man sprang after him, Hal
+recognized him. It was young Dersi!
+
+"Dersi!" gasped Hal, as he once more put himself in an attitude of
+defense.
+
+"Yes," gritted his opponent, "and I am going to kill you both, right
+here and now."
+
+With this he sprang upon Hal and bore him to the ground. But the lad was
+not to be thus easily conquered, and, with a mighty effort, wriggled from
+beneath his assailant and sprang back to gain a breath.
+
+This movement almost cost him his life, for, in springing back, he
+allowed his opponent time to reach down and pick up his revolver. This he
+now pointed full at Hal.
+
+But aid came from an unexpected source. Chester, who had been lying
+unconscious up to this time, now recovered sufficiently to take in the
+situation about him. In his hand he still grasped the automatic.
+
+This he brought to bear, and an instant before Dersi's finger pressed the
+trigger, Chester fired. Dersi fell to the ground with a groan. His
+revolver exploded as he fell, and the bullet whistled close to Hal's
+right ear.
+
+Quickly Hal jumped to Chester's side and raised his chum in his arms.
+
+"Chester! Chester!" he said anxiously. "Tell me, are you much hurt?"
+
+"Not much, I think," was his friend's reply. "But he gave me an awful
+wallop. I shall be all right presently."
+
+Hal did not leave his friend for a moment until Chester announced
+that his head had cleared up sufficiently for him to stand. With
+Hal's assistance he struggled to his feet, one hand holding the side
+of his head.
+
+"He kicked like a mule," said Chester. "Great Scott! I never had anything
+hurt like that."
+
+At that instant there came a groan from the fallen man.
+
+Hal and Chester bent over him. Dersi's voice was very indistinct, and the
+boys at first were unable to distinguish what he said.
+
+Hal placed his ear close to the dying man's lips. The voice came faintly.
+
+"Do not tell mother I died like this. It would break her heart. She
+thinks I am a soldier of France. And so I was," and his voice became
+stronger, "until I fell in with evil companions. Then I began to gamble.
+I lost. I needed money. When the war broke out, I was offered a chance to
+cancel all my debts, if I would deliver certain plans to the Germans. I
+did. Then I was discovered."
+
+"How?" demanded Chester.
+
+"I was caught in the act of taking papers from my superior's coat, which
+he had laid aside. I was court-martialed and ordered put to death.
+Through the connivance of another who was associated with me in this
+piece of treachery I managed to escape. He is high in the confidence of
+General Joffre."
+
+"His name?" demanded Hal quickly.
+
+The wounded man was silent for some time.
+
+"I have never betrayed a comrade," he said at length, "but I am at the
+door of death. I must make what reparation I can. His name is General
+Emil Tromp."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.
+
+"It is true," continued the wounded man. "But listen," and his voice grew
+fainter. The end was not far off now. "Listen! Will you do me one favor,
+you whom I have tried to kill?"
+
+Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.
+
+"Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in
+battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as you
+Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your death?"
+
+"We will," promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.
+
+"Promise," said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one elbow.
+
+"We promise," said both lads solemnly.
+
+The man fell back with a groan of thanks, and Hal bent over him, thinking
+that he was dead. But the voice came again:
+
+"I wouldn't have her know for all the world. I was always wild, but who
+would have thought that I would be a traitor to my country? When you see
+General Joffre, tell him at once what I have told you concerning the
+traitor. Immediately, do you understand?"
+
+"We understand," said Hal.
+
+"And my mother, you will do as you have promised?"
+
+"We have promised," said Chester simply.
+
+"Then I may die in peace," said the wounded traitor.
+
+He lay back on the ground at full length, shuddered, once, twice, and
+lay still.
+
+Hal rose from his kneeling posture, and lifted his cap from his head.
+
+"He is dead," he said quietly. "May he rest in peace."
+
+"Amen to that," said Chester, also standing with bared head. "And his
+mother. He is right. It would break her heart. We must see that she does
+not know."
+
+"And so we shall," declared Hal. "It will be a lie for which I am sure we
+shall be forgiven."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+ATTACKED BY THE ENEMY.
+
+
+"What shall we do with him?" questioned Chester. "We can't go away and
+leave him here like this."
+
+"No," Hal agreed. "I know we should, for our own safety may depend upon
+it, but just the same it goes against the grain."
+
+"If we had something to dig with," said Chester.
+
+"But we haven't," Hal interrupted.
+
+But the two lads were saved the trouble of finding a grave for the
+traitor, for suddenly through the woods came the sound of tramping feet.
+
+For a moment the two lads listened intently. Then Chester grabbed Hal
+by the arm.
+
+"Come," he said in a hoarse whisper, "we must find a place of safety."
+
+Hal drew back.
+
+"Wait until I see if Dersi happened to have another gun," he said.
+
+He ran his hand over the dead man and at length rose up with a second
+revolver and a belt well filled with cartridges. One of the weapons he
+passed to Chester.
+
+"We'll probably need these," he said grimly. "Now, let's see if we can't
+find a place to hide."
+
+Cautiously the two lads made their way through the woods. They could hear
+the sound of their pursuers, but they had little fear of being detected
+in the still uncertain light, as long as they kept the same distance
+between themselves and the Germans.
+
+But suddenly a gleam of light showed in the forest. A German soldier had
+flashed a pocket searchlight, and the glare of it fell squarely upon the
+crouching lads, before they could step behind a tree or any other place
+of refuge.
+
+"Run!" cried Hal, suiting the action to the word.
+
+Chester needed no urging, and also took to his heels. But their presence
+had been discovered, as was proved by the sharp crack of a rifle. Neither
+boy was touched, although the bullet passed uncomfortably close to
+Chester's head.
+
+Stumbling along as fast as the semi-darkness would permit, the boys made
+a brave effort to escape. But they were not to get off in such easy
+fashion. For again the searchlight lighted up the woods and exposed them
+to their pursuers. Both lads threw themselves to the ground, and thus
+avoided the volley of shots that were fired at them.
+
+As Chester dropped, he heard a startled exclamation from his chum, and,
+glancing quickly about, he could see do sign of him. The lad was
+nonplussed, but, before he could so much as move, he heard Hal's voice,
+apparently below him:
+
+"Quick, Chester! Down here, but be careful how you come."
+
+Cautiously Chester moved in the direction of his friend's voice. But he
+was not cautious enough, and a moment later, grasping out wildly for some
+means to stay his rapid descent, he was sliding down what seemed to be a
+steep embankment.
+
+He brought up abruptly at the bottom, and felt Hal's hand upon his arm.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated. "Where are we? Down in the bottomless pit?"
+
+Hal clapped his hand over Chester's mouth, for his keen ears had detected
+the sounds of footsteps above.
+
+"Quiet!" he whispered.
+
+Chester needed no second warning. He did not move a muscle. From above
+came the sound of a voice:
+
+"I wonder where they went?"
+
+"I don't know," answered another voice, "but we had best be careful. They
+are probably armed."
+
+Now, Hal, moving his position slightly, felt a space behind him, and
+crawled slowly backward, where the darkness seemed greater, pulling
+Chester along after him. They continued this crawling for some minutes.
+Finally, raising his head, Hal dropped quickly again with a muttered
+exclamation.
+
+In arising his head had come in contact with something above him. Raising
+an exploring hand, he investigated. He touched a rock above. Then he
+reached out on each side. As he had surmised, only a few feet each way
+were solid walls.
+
+"A cave," he muttered.
+
+"What?" asked Chester.
+
+"We are cooped up in a cave. If the Germans are wise enough, after they
+learn where we are, they will just sit down on the outside and starve us
+out. But, if they try to come in--well, I don't think they will get very
+far, as long as our cartridges hold out. You wait here until I see how
+far back this thing goes."
+
+Chester obeyed, and Hal continued his exploration. For two or three
+minutes he crawled along, and then, turning a slight bend, gave a sudden
+exclamation. He had come upon a possible means of exit, for, apparently,
+the cave had two openings.
+
+Quickly Hal poked his head out and looked around. He could see no one.
+Slowly he crawled back to where he had left Chester, and informed him of
+what he had learned.
+
+"Then the best thing we can do is to get out of here quick," was
+Chester's decision. "Let's go."
+
+Slowly Hal led the way along the low passageway, and, reaching the
+opening again, poked his head out. This time he was doomed to a
+disappointment. Hardly had his head emerged from the hole in the ground
+when he drew it in quickly again.
+
+"What's the matter now?" demanded Chester.
+
+"Matter is," said Hal quietly, "that there are six Germans standing about
+five yards from the entrance."
+
+"What!" cried Chester, in consternation.
+
+"Exactly," said Hal; "if you don't believe it have a look for yourself."
+
+"Oh, I don't want to look," said Chester, bitterly disappointed. "I can
+take your word for it. What are we going to do now?"
+
+"Well," said Hal, "it looks to me like a good time to get out the
+other end."
+
+"Yes, but there are likely to be a few of them hanging about there,
+also," said Chester.
+
+"That's so, too," agreed Hal. "Well, I'll tell you what: You sneak back
+there and investigate, and I'll stay here and guard this end, in case one
+of them tries to get in."
+
+Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he
+cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he
+could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal--his voice
+might be overheard--so he took his tedious way back to where he had
+left his friend.
+
+"All O.K.," he whispered.
+
+"Good," said Hal. "Let's get out of here, then."
+
+They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness
+and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their
+place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more.
+
+And it was well that he did so. For, standing almost at the entrance of
+the cave three figures loomed up against the sky. Quickly Chester drew
+back in again.
+
+"Three of 'em out there," he informed Hal briefly. "What are we going
+to do now?"
+
+"You've got me," replied Hal. "Can't you pick 'em off with your gun?"
+
+"Oh, I can pick a couple of 'em off, all right. But what then? We would
+probably have a whole brigade upon us in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
+
+"I guess you are right," Hal agreed. "But we have got to do something."
+
+"So we have," replied Chester; "but the question is, what?"
+
+Hal was silent for several minutes, thinking. Finally he said:
+
+"Well, I guess the best thing to do is to wait and see what happens.
+Perhaps they may leave before broad daylight and not discover this cave.
+In that case we shall be safe enough. Now you stay here and guard this
+end, and don't move unless I call. I'll do the same at the other end."
+
+"All right," said Chester. "We'll keep our posts till daylight, whether
+they go away or not. Then, if we have not been discovered, we can at
+least see what we are doing."
+
+Hal moved slowly along the passageway once more, being very careful not
+to make any noise. He crawled on hands and knees, his head thrust out
+before him.
+
+Suddenly, as he moved slowly along, his head came in contact with another
+moving object with an audible crack.
+
+He had bumped into a second crawling figure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE STRUGGLE IN THE CAVE.
+
+
+In spite of the pain that shot through his head following the contact,
+Hal did not lose his coolness or his presence of mind. Although his head
+hurt badly, he did not utter a sound.
+
+His unseen antagonist apparently was too surprised to make an outcry, or
+it may have been that he thought he had bumped into a wall. If the latter
+were his thought he was quickly undeceived.
+
+As he sat back on his haunches, to rub his head, Hal moved lightly
+forward, and, judging the distance by the sound of his enemy's movements,
+fell on top of him.
+
+He had gauged the distance to a nicety, and before the German could cry
+out, one of the lad's hands sank deep into his throat. But the latter was
+a powerful man and not to be overcome easily. He hurled the lad from him
+with a quick shove, at the same time twisting on the wrist of the hand
+that gripped his throat.
+
+The pain was almost unbearable and Hal was forced to loosen his hold. But
+again the lad sprang, before the German could take the offensive, and
+this time struck out fiercely with his right fist. The German uttered a
+cry of pain, and with one hand delivered a smashing blow at the face so
+close to his own.
+
+But Hal had figured on this move and had calculated the time of the blow
+perfectly. With a quick movement of his head he avoided the huge fist,
+and there came a terrific howl of pain from the German. The blow had
+passed over the lad's head and the German's fist had crashed into the
+solid wall.
+
+And at the same instant there came the sound of a shot from Chester's end
+of the cave.
+
+This sound spurred Hal to greater activity, for he realized now that
+their presence had been discovered by those on the outside. He felt
+certain that the sound of the shot would probably bring new visitors into
+the cave from the end he was supposed to guard.
+
+Quickly, then, while his opponent was still in agony from the
+self-inflicted blow, Hal drew his revolver and, reversing it, struck out
+in the direction of a muttered curse.
+
+He was rewarded by another groan of anguish and a moment later by the
+sound of a falling body. Quickly the lad leaped forward, his weapon held
+ready to strike again. But there was no need of a second blow. The German
+was unconscious.
+
+By great exertion Hal succeeded in turning his wounded adversary over and
+pushed him slowly along the passageway, using him as a shield in case he
+encountered another of the enemy.
+
+At length he came to the end of the passageway, and pushed his prisoner
+out. Even as he did so a bullet whistled by his head and he heard the
+crack of a German rifle. Hal lost no time in getting back into his
+hiding place.
+
+But now he discovered that even this was not far enough, for a bullet
+came whizzing into the cave after him. It hit the side of the wall and
+went skimming over his head.
+
+With all possible haste the lad retreated around the little bend, and
+throwing himself upon his face held his revolver ready to fire at the
+first sign of an advancing foe.
+
+He lay perfectly still, not making the slightest noise, and after some
+moments heard the sound of voices.
+
+"I tell you I must have hit him. I never miss at that distance," said
+one. "And, besides, if he were in there we could hear him."
+
+"I wouldn't be too sure," came a second voice. "He's liable to be there
+waiting for you."
+
+"Well, I am going in after him anyhow," said the first speaker.
+
+A moment later Hal heard the German approaching. He half arose to his
+knee and trained his revolver at the darkness ahead of him.
+
+Then there came the sound of the German rounding the bend, and taking
+careful aim at the distance above the ground he believed the man's head
+would be, Hal pressed the trigger.
+
+There was a terrific roar that echoed and re-echoed through the
+passageway, a howl of pain and then silence. For a moment Hal
+waited, for he did not wish to be caught napping. Then he slowly
+made his way forward. Presently he came in contact with a man's
+body. It was the enemy.
+
+Propping himself up behind the dead man, Hal felt more comfortable.
+
+"It will be daylight soon," he said to himself, "and they can't get in
+here without me seeing them. And one man here is as good as a hundred."
+
+Raising his voice, Hal shouted:
+
+"Are you all right, Chester?"
+
+"All right," came back the answer. "One man tried to get in here, but I
+got him," for all the time that Hal had been engaged Chester had been
+having troubles of his own.
+
+After Hal had left him, Chester, seeking to ascertain the exact position
+of the Germans at his end of the cave, and, if possible, their number,
+had ventured too close to the opening.
+
+A German, walking past at that moment, struck a match to light a
+cigarette, and Chester's form was clearly outlined in the glare of it.
+With a hoarse guttural exclamation the German dropped his match and
+cigarette and brought his rifle to bear.
+
+But before he could press the trigger Chester had disappeared in the
+darkness of the cave. Evidently believing that the lad would flee from
+him, the German, sprawling upon hands and knees, gave chase.
+
+Chester, well back in the cave, judged his pursuer's distance by the
+sounds of his awkward movements. He waited until the German got well
+within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
+
+The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was
+frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with
+his opponent.
+
+Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his
+revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the German,
+Chester slowly moved forward.
+
+His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers
+sought out the German's face.
+
+"He'll do no more fighting," was Chester's only comment.
+
+Relieving the German of his arms and ammunition, Chester sat down to
+await the approach of the others, who he was certain must have heard the
+sound of the shot.
+
+And they were not slow in coming. Suddenly the flame of a match appeared
+in the opening, and taking quick aim Chester let fly with his automatic.
+
+There came a groan of pain from the opening to the cave, but the exact
+result of his shot Chester could not determine. The light had disappeared
+and the cave was again in darkness. Hal, at his end of the cave, having
+serious business of his own to attend to, had not heard this last shot.
+
+And now Chester stretched himself out on the ground to ward off any
+further attack. He was brought suddenly to a sitting posture again by the
+sound of a shot from Hal's end of the cave.
+
+Several times he called out but received no answer. He was just on the
+point of leaving his post and following after his friend when Hal's voice
+came to him.
+
+"Thank God," he exclaimed softly, "Hal is still alive."
+
+He resumed his former position and lay calmly awaiting the next move of
+the enemy, with a human shield in front of him, even as Hal had at his
+end of the cave.
+
+For hours, it seemed to both boys, they lay there silently, save for an
+occasional shout to the other, when the darkness of the cave began to
+give way to a faint glow of light. The sun had arisen, and each boy, at
+his own end of the cave, breathed more freely.
+
+"It's getting light here, Hal," called Chester.
+
+"And here, too," Hal shouted back.
+
+And both lads were struck with the same thought.
+
+"At least, we can see what we are doing now."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+SAFE.
+
+
+Gradually it became more light and at length a beam of sunlight shot into
+Hal's end of the cave. But still the lads kept silent vigil, being afraid
+to leave their places of concealment, and believing that the Germans on
+the outside were still on the watch for them.
+
+Nor were they wrong, for at both entrances to the cave, or at least
+standing nearby, were two groups of German soldiers, patiently waiting
+for the boys to emerge from their retreat. The Germans rightly surmised
+that they would not remain idle long after daylight.
+
+At length Hal could endure the suspense no longer. Silently he quitted
+his end of the cave and made his way cautiously back toward his friend.
+
+"What's up?" was Chester's greeting.
+
+"I don't know," replied Hal. "The Germans may have gone away, but I
+believe they are still loitering on the outside. However, this inaction
+is getting monotonous. We've got to do something, and we've got to do it
+right away."
+
+"My sentiments exactly," Chester agreed. "But what?"
+
+"Well, I don't know exactly. We shall have to figure out something."
+
+There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.
+
+"There is but one way I can think of," he said.
+
+"What is that?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go. Those
+guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to escape, and
+will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run back into the
+cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a run for it out the
+other end."
+
+Hal was somewhat dubious of this plan, but after some further talk, in
+which neither was able to hit upon a better one, the boys finally decided
+to act upon Chester's suggestion.
+
+Accordingly, with drawn revolvers, they slowly made their way to the
+entrance of the cave, and Chester peered out cautiously.
+
+"No one in sight," he whispered to his friend. "Perhaps they have gone."
+
+"Be very careful," cautioned Hal. "They are likely to be lurking around
+here some place."
+
+Quietly the, boys emerged from the cave, and began walking slowly. But
+they had hardly gone five paces when there came a command:
+
+"Halt!"
+
+Swiftly the lads turned in the direction from which the hail had come,
+and beheld a squad of Germans approaching them with leveled rifles.
+
+The automatics of both lads spoke simultaneously and continued to spout
+fire for several seconds. Then they turned and ran hurriedly back to the
+cave, into which they disappeared before their startled foe could realize
+what had happened.
+
+Two German soldiers lay on the ground, while a third stood swaying
+dizzily on his feet.
+
+With all possible haste the lads crawled through the passageway, and soon
+emerged at the other end. But now caution was thrown to the wind, for the
+lads figured that the Germans left to guard this end of the retreat were
+by this time on the way to aid their companions.
+
+Their revolvers still gleamed in their hands, however, ready for instant
+use in the event that their plan had miscarried.
+
+But it had not, for there was not a German in sight, and soon the boys
+were running through the woods as fast as their legs could carry them. At
+length Hal pulled up, panting.
+
+"I guess we have given them the slip this time," he panted.
+
+"Let us hope so," replied Chester fervently. "If we ever get back to our
+own lines, I believe I shall be more careful in the future."
+
+Hal glanced at his friend with a peculiar smile.
+
+"Anybody that didn't know you would believe you meant that," he said.
+"But I know you better, so I don't."
+
+"Well, perhaps I did make it a little strong," said Chester with a smile,
+"but that's the way I feel about it right now."
+
+The boys had now regained their breath, and at a word from Hal resumed
+their journey, walking at a brisk pace.
+
+Now they came to a clearing in the woods, stretching out for perhaps 200
+yards, and the end of this another dense forest. They started across the
+open ground at a run, for they had no mind to be overtaken by the Germans
+where there was nothing to offer protection.
+
+They had almost reached the forest on the other side and each was
+mentally congratulating himself upon giving the pursuers the slip when a
+shot rang out from behind, and a bullet cut the ground beside Hal.
+
+"Quick!" said Hal, and increased his pace, swerving from side to side as
+he ran, making it difficult for the Germans to aim accurately. Chester
+did likewise, and soon they were safe once more beneath the protection of
+the great trees.
+
+But now that they had been discovered, the lads knew that it was to be
+a race for life. They knew that it was but a question of a few minutes
+until the remaining Germans would again mount their motorcycles and
+give chase. Also they realized that their chances of eluding their
+pursuers were much more slight in broad daylight than they had been in
+the darkness.
+
+Therefore they ran at top speed. While they were not afraid and had not
+lost a whit of their nerve, they realized that discretion was the better
+part of valor, and their feet continued to hit the ground at breakneck
+speed, until again came to their ears the first faint sounds of the
+pursuing motorcycles. Gradually the sounds became more distinct, this
+telling the boys that their pursuers were gaining rapidly, although the
+rough condition of the ground made it impossible for the motorcycles to
+travel very fast.
+
+Finally, when he could run no more, Hal threw himself to the ground, and
+Chester immediately followed his example. For a few moments they lay
+there, panting, their tongues literally hanging out like worn out dogs.
+
+Then they sprang to their feet again, and making an abrupt turn to the
+right plunged into the underbrush right where it was the most dense. Here
+Hal espied a large tree, with low hanging branches. With Chester by his
+side he rushed for it.
+
+Hal stood aside while Chester grabbed the lowest branch and swung himself
+up, and then he followed suit. High up in the tree the lads climbed, the
+close set branches affording an excellent screen.
+
+Half a minute later six motorcycle riders hove into sight, hardly a
+hundred yards from where the boys were perched.
+
+Chester's fingers twitched on his revolver, but Hal, who had noticed the
+set expression on his friend's face, uttered a low warning.
+
+And the sound of Hal's voice was almost their undoing. For the Germans
+had come to a pause and Hal's words carried plainly in the silence to
+their ears.
+
+For a moment the Germans glanced about hurriedly, seeking out their prey.
+Then they sprang behind trees themselves, their rifles ready to fire.
+They had not yet discovered the boys' hiding place, and were fearful of a
+shot from ambush.
+
+Then one, raising his eyes, saw Hal, and quickly raised his rifle. But
+Hal's eye was keen also, and before the German could press the trigger
+Hal's revolver spoke and the German tumbled to the ground.
+
+Chester fired at the same moment as did Hal, and a second German clapped
+his hand to his head and reeled. But before the other pursuers could
+raise their rifles, there came from ahead a sound that brought a loud
+"Hurrah" from Hal and Chester, and a moment later, on the dead run, came
+a small body of British infantry.
+
+Quickly the Germans leaped onto their motorcycles and turned to run.
+But now the advancing British were in full view, and a voice of
+command rang out:
+
+"Fire!"
+
+A volley rang out. Not in all the world were there better marksmen than
+those British troopers. Four Germans reeled in their saddles and tumbled
+to the ground.
+
+Hal and Chester descended from their place of refuge.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+ON A NEW MISSION.
+
+
+The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English troops.
+
+"You arrived just in time," cried Hal, grasping the hand the
+officer extended.
+
+"I should say you did," declared Chester, also shaking the officer's
+hand. "A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure."
+
+"Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely," said the officer, laughing a
+little. "We heard shooting in this direction last night, but we did not
+get an order to advance until this morning. As you may perhaps have
+surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army."
+
+"Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in
+force?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Exactly," replied the British officer. "We are not far in front, and are
+pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if
+possible. Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the German
+position and strength?"
+
+This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to
+answer in the affirmative.
+
+"We have not learned a whole lot," Chester continued, "but we have a
+little information that may be of value."
+
+"Then you had better hasten back to General French and report," said the
+officer. "I am sure he will be glad to have any information you may be
+able to give him."
+
+The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the
+advance again. Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite
+direction. For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a
+detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at
+least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long line
+of the British advance.
+
+It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men,
+marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful of
+it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they
+themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.
+
+They hurried on toward the advancing army. Already the lads had been
+challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had been
+allowed to continue on their way. Now they reached the first line of the
+advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.
+
+Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.
+
+"What is your business here?" he demanded.
+
+Briefly Hal explained, and added:
+
+"We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?"
+
+The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
+indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
+the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
+of Britain.
+
+For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
+them warmly.
+
+"I had made sure that you two lads were lost," he said. "Come, give an
+account of yourselves."
+
+Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to the
+lad's recital in unfeigned amazement.
+
+"And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
+enemy," he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
+adventures. "I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine had
+dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that you two
+were aboard it."
+
+Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
+Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp, of
+General Joffre's staff.
+
+"What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
+Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his
+ability and integrity."
+
+"Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal
+quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
+was repentant at the end."
+
+"Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it seems
+impossible. Something must be done at once."
+
+"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?" asked Hal respectfully.
+
+"By all means," was the general's reply.
+
+"Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp's treachery to
+General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
+wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
+make his escape."
+
+"An excellent idea," said General French. "It shall be acted upon at
+once." He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.
+
+But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
+his fingers.
+
+"If you please, general," he said. "Chester and I would like to carry the
+message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matter."
+
+The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his
+face.
+
+"And so you shall," he said at length. "Refresh yourselves with food and
+drink first, and then report to me."
+
+Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. Having done as the
+general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him. General French
+had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal's hand.
+
+"General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this message,"
+the general told the lads, "and he probably will demand all details from
+you. Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he will be
+convinced. That is all, except that you return as soon as possible, for I
+may have other work for you."
+
+The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey. Both had been
+furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had
+asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.
+
+"Those things are likely to break down any time," Hal had confided to
+Chester, "and you can always depend upon a good horse."
+
+Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and
+riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they
+should reach the French commander-in-chief.
+
+It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might have
+perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement of the
+French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the rear of his
+army. And here, the following day, the lads found him, and upon informing
+his orderly that they bore important communications from General French,
+were admitted to his presence at once.
+
+The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by members
+of his staff. Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted; then the
+former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre's hand.
+
+Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned
+back in his chair. For perhaps five minutes he retained this position,
+uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.
+
+Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff,
+motioning for Hal and Chester to remain. The tent cleared, the
+general spoke:
+
+"Now tell me your story," he said briefly.
+
+Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a single
+question until Hal had concluded his story.
+
+"It must be true," he said at length, half to himself. "I remember well
+that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi's escape. It was
+never explained satisfactorily. Yes, it must be true."
+
+He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again:
+
+"And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp's honor. He has
+uncommon ability. Still, there has always been something queer about him.
+Yes, it must be true."
+
+Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and Chester
+had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon his desk a
+sharp tap. Immediately an orderly entered.
+
+"Have my car brought here instantly," commanded the general briefly.
+
+The orderly saluted and withdrew.
+
+Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise. What could the
+general be about to do? They were soon enlightened.
+
+"I must act at once," said the general, again half to himself. "Never
+would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than at
+this time. I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without
+publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France,
+nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause."
+
+He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.
+
+"And you two shall come with me," he said. "You shall confront Tromp. If
+he is guilty, we shall find it out some way."
+
+At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.
+
+"Your car is ready, sir," he said.
+
+The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow him.
+
+"Come," he said. "We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is in
+command and meditating mischief."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.
+
+
+So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
+happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief of
+the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never been
+told, and never will find its way into history; an interview between a
+gallant French officer and another who, were his actions known, would be
+likened to the greatest of American traitors--Benedict Arnold.
+
+Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word and
+entered his car behind him.
+
+"To General Tromp's command," said General Joffre briefly. "Hurry!"
+
+The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
+was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
+moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.
+
+Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general's
+car. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously was
+also furnished as an office, that the general might still be at work
+while he hurried from one part of the field to another when events
+demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery threatening,
+and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre, probably because
+of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps and other drawings.
+
+For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
+pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal and
+Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.
+
+General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and Hal
+and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.
+
+"My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
+immediately," ordered General Joffre.
+
+The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
+nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
+head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right up
+to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a bugle
+rang out, ordering a general advance.
+
+"Sir--" began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
+General Tromp.
+
+General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
+
+"Why this sudden advance?" he demanded coldly.
+
+General Tromp started back.
+
+"Why, sir," he explained, "I have word that a large force of the enemy is
+approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him."
+
+"Order a halt," said General Joffre abruptly.
+
+"But, but--" began General Tromp in some confusion.
+
+"Order a halt, sir!" commanded General Joffre sternly. "Or," as he saw
+that General Tromp still hesitated, "shall I do it myself?"
+
+General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
+immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
+army came to a pause.
+
+"Now, sir," said General Joffre to General Tromp, "you will please
+dismiss your staff."
+
+Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
+moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
+Chester, were alone together.
+
+"What is the meaning of this, sir?" demanded General Tromp, with
+some dignity.
+
+"The meaning, General Tromp," said General Joffre calmly, "is that you
+are a traitor!"
+
+General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if to
+ward off a blow.
+
+"What!" he cried in well simulated surprise. "Have a care, sir. I shall
+allow no such insults, even though you are my superior officer."
+
+"Tush, tush," chided the commander-in-chief gently. "Why keep up the
+pretense? You are discovered. Why not admit it and have done?"
+
+"Sir!" cried General Tromp, drawing himself up. "I demand an explanation
+of your strange conduct."
+
+"And you shall have it, sir!" thundered General Joffre, now very angry,
+as he took a step forward.
+
+General Tromp quailed before him. His eyes fell to the ground and his
+injured dignity dropped from him like a mask.
+
+"I accuse you," continued General Joffre, "of being a traitor to France.
+I accuse you of aiding and abetting the escape of another traitor, one
+Dersi. And I also accuse you," and here the general pointed an accusing
+finger at General Tromp, "of even now playing into the hands of the enemy
+by ordering an advance, when you knew very well that such an advance
+could mean only the extermination of our troops."
+
+By a great effort General Tromp forced his eyes to meet those of his
+commander.
+
+"I deny it," he said in a thick voice.
+
+"A denial is useless," said General Joffre quietly.
+
+But General Tromp had now succeeded in regaining command of himself to a
+certain extent, and once more he tried to bluff it out.
+
+"Who accuses me?" he demanded, with well assumed bravado.
+
+"I do," said Hal, stepping forward.
+
+"And I," cried Chester, also advancing a step.
+
+General Tromp turned to General Joffre.
+
+"And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?"
+he demanded.
+
+"I do," said the general quietly, "upon the advice of General Sir John
+French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your actions
+just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is useless.
+Dersi has confessed."
+
+"Dersi!" exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. "If I could just get my
+hands on him for one minute--"
+
+"But you can't," said General Joffre. "He is dead. And he died with a
+clear conscience, as I hope you will do."
+
+"What do you mean?" cried Tromp, starting back.
+
+"Exactly what I say," was General Joffre's chilling reply. "You have your
+choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a traitor. If
+possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?"
+
+General Tromp shifted nervously from one foot to the other, his hands
+twitching convulsively. Suddenly one hand leaped to his side.
+
+"I wouldn't do that," said Hal quietly, and turning General Tromp saw the
+lad's revolver pointed squarely at him, held in a steady hand.
+
+His hand dropped to his side again, and for some moments the traitor
+stood in silence. Then, suddenly, his shaking stopped. He raised his eyes
+and looked his commander straight in the eyes.
+
+"It shall be as you say, sir," he said calmly. "You are right. I am a
+traitor. I would not have been, but--but--well that makes no difference
+now. You shall see, sir, that I am no coward. I am not afraid to die.
+Neither need you fear that I shall not do as you command. Thus shall I
+atone for my sin."
+
+"I do not fear you will disobey," said the general softly.
+
+"I am sorry, sir," continued General Tromp, "sorry because of you, more
+so than because of France. I know that it is useless to ask your
+forgiveness."
+
+"For your treachery toward me," said General Joffre softly, "I forgive
+you freely; but for your treachery to France I cannot."
+
+The traitor once more looked the general straight in the eyes, and slowly
+his heels came together and his hand came to a salute.
+
+"Good-by, sir," he said quietly; then turned on his heel and walked away,
+his carriage erect, and without a tremor.
+
+For a moment General Joffre stared after him, and his eyes became dim.
+Quickly he passed his hand over his eyes; then, motioning for Hal and
+Chester to follow him, turned slowly toward his car.
+
+"A good man--and an excellent officer," he muttered to himself, "if he
+had but gone straight."
+
+The car sped away. That evening, while Hal and Chester stood beside
+General Joffre, back again in his headquarters, an orderly rushed into
+the tent, and forgetting the formality of a salute in his haste, went up
+to the general and thrust a paper into his hand.
+
+Silently the general read it, passed it to Hal, and turned his head away.
+Chester, leaning over his friend's shoulder, read the words the message
+contained:
+
+"The body of General Emil Tromp was found in his quarters at the front
+this afternoon. He had shot himself through the head."
+
+"Evidently came by field wireless," said Chester.
+
+"Yes," replied Hal.
+
+General Joffre turned again to his desk, picked up a pen and wrote. Then
+he read aloud to Hal and Chester:
+
+"General Emil Tromp was struck down by a German shell at the front this
+afternoon. He died almost instantly."
+
+"I am sure I may depend upon you to say nothing of what you have heard
+to-day," he said quietly.
+
+"You may, sir," said Hal and Chester in one breath
+
+General Joffre tapped the bell on his desk. An orderly entered and came
+to a salute.
+
+"Orderly," said General Joffre, handing him the message he had just
+written, "have this sent to the war office immediately."
+
+The gallant French commander turned again to his desk, and as the
+orderly, Hal and Chester passed from his tent he once more brushed the
+moisture from his eyes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+OFF ON A RAID.
+
+
+Hal and Chester accepted General Joffre's offer of an automobile to make
+their return trip, which consequently did not consume as much time as
+their journey to the headquarters of the French commander-in-chief.
+
+The first thing they did upon their arrival was to report to General
+French. The latter listened gravely to their story, and then said:
+
+"I know that I need not caution you to obey General Joffre's injunction
+concerning the fate of General Tromp. Let the matter be forgotten."
+
+The lads saluted and left the tent to hunt up temporary quarters of their
+own, for the great army had again come to a halt.
+
+Meanwhile, what of the great driving movement of the allied forces, which
+after checking the vast German horde almost at the gates of Paris, had
+forced the foe back mile after mile without cessation? A word of the
+situation is here necessary.
+
+From the first moment when the allied armies had assumed the offensive,
+after being driven back for days by the Germans, they had continued their
+steady advance. Such fighting as the world had never known was in
+progress continually, for the Germans contested every inch of the ground.
+
+Time after time the Allies threatened the German lines of communication,
+and the Germans were forced to fall back to protect them, or to be cut
+off and eventually annihilated, or forced to surrender. The strategy of
+General Joffre, condemned by many in the earlier days of the war, now was
+beginning to bear fruit, and he was praised on every hand.
+
+The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling
+block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were proving
+their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to the enemy,
+they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the whole world
+realized that they were the real fighting strength of the allied armies.
+
+Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the towns of Paris.
+Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The great battle
+line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in constant contact
+with the enemy. Almost hourly their was such severe fighting as in former
+wars would have earned the designation of battles. But along this great
+line they were but skirmishes.
+
+The losses on both sides had been tremendous, although the Germans,
+because of the fact that they had been previously on the offensive, and
+also because of the massed formation they had used in their advance, had
+suffered considerably more than the Allies.
+
+Louvain and other towns in Belgium had been sacked by the Germans,
+pillaged with fire and sword, until hardly one stone was left upon
+another. And now the fighting was again in Belgium, that little buffer
+state which, ever since she became a nation, has always been the
+battleground of European wars.
+
+The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by the
+heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind to
+withdraw from the conflict. Possibly, Belgium had more at stake than any
+other country in the war. She was fighting for life and freedom--from
+possible absorption into the German Empire.
+
+And now the German force had been pushed clear across the River
+Marne, where they were making a determined stand. The eastern shore
+of the little river was held by the Kaiser's troops, the western
+shore by the Allies.
+
+So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed
+breathing spell. For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was
+checked. Tired men sank to the ground in the ranks, there to remain until
+the battle should be resumed.
+
+But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns. The artillery
+continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had come
+into contact with each other. Shells dropped and burst among the troops
+on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the main
+portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to move
+forward again.
+
+The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in the
+allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever known,
+their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the smaller
+guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was far superior
+to that of the Germans. Few shells were wasted, while, up to this time,
+the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German gunners was the cause
+of much comment and surprise.
+
+So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts, they
+found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne; or
+rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army
+occasionally riding right up to the river's edge, while the great shells
+continued to burst on both sides of the river.
+
+Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after a
+long search. Through an orderly they also reported to General French,
+apprising him of where to find them should he desire their presence.
+After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had insisted that they
+make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in, for they had been
+many hours without sleep, and were tired out.
+
+How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by
+Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.
+
+"Get up," commanded the lieutenant. "You are ordered to report to General
+French immediately."
+
+Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment. Bright sunlight streamed
+through the entrance to the tent. It was early morning.
+
+Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently
+waited for him to speak--to tell them the reason he had summoned them
+so suddenly.
+
+At length the general rose and approached them. He placed a hand on the
+shoulder of each, and spoke:
+
+"You two lads already have been of invaluable service. Perhaps I should
+not again call upon you so soon, although I know your hearts are in the
+success of the arms of France and England. But you have so often proved
+your fitness for dangerous missions that you seem the ones needed."
+
+"We shall be glad to undertake the work, general, no matter what it
+is," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we shall," agreed Chester.
+
+"What I must know," said General French, "is the approximate strength of
+the enemy on the other side of the Marne, the positions of his troops and
+so on. I could ascertain this possibly by means of the flying corps; but
+in that event the enemy would know that I had learned. It must be done
+some other way. Are you lads willing to undertake this task?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Hal and Chester, almost in a single breath.
+
+"Good," said General French. "I shall leave the means to you, for I have
+already come to know your resourcefulness. I have only one injunction: Be
+back at the earliest possible moment."
+
+The two lads saluted and left the tent. They immediately returned to
+Lieutenant Anderson, where they apprised him of the nature of the work
+before them.
+
+"You two youngsters certainly do have all the luck," said the lieutenant,
+"while we old heads sit back here and do nothing."
+
+"It seems to me that you have been doing your share," said Hal.
+
+"And to me, too," Chester agreed.
+
+"Oh, well," laughed the lieutenant. "I have seen considerable action. I
+don't suppose I should complain. But how do you propose to gather this
+information? I suppose you realize that you have quite a sizable job on
+your hands?"
+
+"Yes, we realize that," Hal replied, "and we thought perhaps you could
+help us with an idea or two."
+
+The lieutenant was silent for some moments. Finally he said:
+
+"I believe that I should not go alone, were I in your place. The enemy
+will be constantly on the lookout for spies. My plan would be to make
+quite a detour along the river, crossing by a bold dash and riding right
+into the heart of the enemy's country, at whatever point it might be
+practically unprotected."
+
+"A good idea," said Hal. "But, in that event, we should have to have a
+larger party."
+
+"Exactly," said Lieutenant Anderson. "And I, for one, offer my services.
+I suppose we should have at least twenty-five men."
+
+A few moments later Hal was back in General French's headquarters.
+
+"General," he said, "I should like to have your permission to pick
+twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power
+automobiles in the army."
+
+The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but
+finally said:
+
+"You have my permission. Here," turning to his desk and writing a few
+words, "is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan. Good
+luck to you."
+
+"I shall let you pick the men," said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when he
+was again back in the latter's quarters, "and, so far as they know, you
+are in command."
+
+"Very well," was the reply; "but remember that it is not so. On this
+expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders."
+
+Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by
+Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A likely
+body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them under six
+feet in height.
+
+"Look like they could give a good account of themselves," muttered
+Chester to himself.
+
+At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later, in
+response to Hal's directions, were speeding southward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+ACROSS THE MARNE.
+
+
+For two hours the great motor truck continued its journey southward at
+top speed. Then Hal called a halt.
+
+Quickly the men clambered out, and with Hal in the lead marched in the
+direction of the river.
+
+The place where Hal had ordered the men from the car could not have
+been better selected, for, on the opposite side of the river, though
+Hal did not know it then, there was a considerable open space between
+the German forces.
+
+The troopers followed the lad to the bank of the river, and then, as
+there was not a shot from the opposite side, all walked boldly along the
+shore. At length they came upon a number of small boats, evidently having
+been placed in readiness by some of the British forces.
+
+"We'll appropriate these," said Hal. "Luckily they were here or we should
+have been forced to swim across."
+
+The men piled into the boats, and pushed off. They reached the opposite
+side without discovery, and hastily clambering up the bank were soon
+hidden from sight in a clump of trees. Here Hal called another halt,
+until he was able to decide upon his next move.
+
+The boats had been pulled into the trees, to be used for their return
+trip. The driver of the auto truck was ordered to remain where the party
+had left him. All in readiness for a hasty retreat, Hal now bethought
+himself of a way to successfully accomplish their mission.
+
+After a consultation the party moved forward, keeping as much as possible
+in the shelter of the trees. As they approached the edge of the little
+woods they came suddenly upon three German horsemen.
+
+The latter had not seen them, so quietly had they crept along. Hal,
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon them before they knew it, their
+men right behind them. Seeing that they were far outnumbered, the Germans
+did not put up a fight.
+
+The hands of all three immediately went into the air, and one of them
+called out in German:
+
+"We surrender."
+
+"Dismount!" ordered Hal, and the Germans obeyed.
+
+"This is what I call luck," said Hal to his friends.
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Why," said Hal, "here we have three horses and three German uniforms. If
+that isn't luck, I don't know what is."
+
+Quickly the three Germans were stripped of their uniforms, bound
+and gagged.
+
+When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German uniforms,
+Hal called three of the British troopers to him.
+
+"You men," he said, "will leave all your weapons here, except your
+revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will accompany
+us, afoot, apparently as prisoners."
+
+He called a fourth trooper to him.
+
+"Your name?" he demanded.
+
+"Bristow, sir."
+
+"Then, Bristow, we appoint you to take command while we are gone. The
+rest of you will remain here until we return, or until you find it
+necessary to retreat across the river."
+
+"Very good, sir," said Bristow, and fell back and informed his companions
+of the situation.
+
+"Do you realize," asked Lieutenant Anderson of Hal, "that if we are
+captured in these German uniforms it will mean a spy's death for
+all of us?"
+
+"Perfectly," said Hal, "but we shall have to take that chance. I believe
+that having three English soldiers with us, apparently prisoners, will be
+a means of avoiding detection."
+
+"All right," said Chester, "only we shall have to be careful."
+
+Quickly the three mounted, and marching the soldiers on ahead of them
+started north, bearing off slightly to the east. For an hour they
+continued their journey, passing now and then a body of German troops.
+But they were not molested, not even challenged.
+
+At length they came upon a farmhouse, setting well back from the road.
+
+"Perhaps we can learn something here," said Chester.
+
+Hal called a halt, and all approached the house. The door was opened by a
+young woman, who started back in dismay at sight of them.
+
+"Have no fear," said Hal, who acted as spokesman of the party. "We are
+simply tired out and hungry. We thought perhaps you could furnish us with
+a bite to eat, and also our prisoners here."
+
+Without a word the woman opened wide the door, and motioned for them to
+enter. The six followed her into the dining-room, where soon a hearty
+repast was spread on the table.
+
+"We have been on a mission south," Hal said to the woman. "Can you tell
+me just how far the German staff is from here?"
+
+"It can't be very far," the woman replied, "for some of the officers
+often come here to eat. They say that they like my cooking better than
+the regular army fare. I wouldn't be at all surprised if some of them
+were to come along soon."
+
+"Good," said Hal, aloud, but nevertheless he was seriously alarmed.
+He did not wish to come into such close proximity with the German
+staff officers.
+
+Hastily the six bolted their food, and even as they were disappearing
+around the outbuildings, Chester, glancing back, saw six men, in
+gold-trimmed uniforms, entering the house they had just quitted.
+
+"Great Scott," he said, "we got out of there just in time. Look."
+
+The rest looked back and saw the cause of his excitement. In the shelter
+of a clump of trees Hal called a halt.
+
+"There must be something up," he declared, "or the German staff would not
+be this far south. I don't suppose General French has been informed of
+this. In some way we must find out what is going on."
+
+"And I wouldn't be surprised," said Chester, "if they were using that
+farmhouse for a certain purpose."
+
+"By Jove! I never thought of that," said Hal. "I believe you have hit it.
+That is where they are making their plans. I wonder"--and he grew greatly
+excited. "I wonder if by any chance the Kaiser could be in that party."
+
+"He is probably pretty near the whole party," said Lieutenant Anderson
+dryly. "Kaiser Wilhelm is no coward, and if his staff is there, this
+close to the British lines, the Kaiser is probably there also."
+
+"Then it's a wonder the woman didn't say something about the Kaiser
+being near."
+
+"She probably didn't know him," said the lieutenant.
+
+Hal sat wrapped in thought for a long time.
+
+"Do you know what I am going to do?" he said at length, dismounting.
+
+"No. What?" demanded Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in a single voice.
+
+"I'm going to sneak back to the farmhouse, and see if by some hook or
+crook I can hear what is going on. We shall probably not have another
+chance of overhearing the German plans."
+
+"Great Scott!" said Lieutenant Anderson, "that certainly is a bold plan.
+You don't mean it?"
+
+"I certainly do," was the reply.
+
+"Then I shall go, too," said Chester.
+
+"And me," declared Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"No you won't," said Hal, positively. "The rest of you will stay here. If
+I should get into any trouble, I shall fire my revolver, and then the
+rest of you can come up. The six of us will be a match for them, the
+Kaiser included."
+
+Suddenly Chester was struck with a great inspiration.
+
+"Why can't we get the rest of our men, and capture the whole crowd?" he
+demanded in great excitement.
+
+"I had thought of that," replied Hal, "but something tells me it can't be
+done--a hunch, if you like. I have a feeling that if we attempt such a
+thing our whole expedition will go wrong. I can't explain just what I
+mean, but I feel it."
+
+"And I too," declared Lieutenant Anderson. "I don't know why, but I know
+it's true."
+
+"Bosh!" said Chester, but the words of his two friends evidently had
+created some impression, for his ejaculation was only half-hearted.
+
+"Well, if you must go by yourself, all right," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+"But my advice is that the sooner you get there the better."
+
+Hal nodded, and, a moment later, going some distance to one side, where
+he knew he could not be seen from the dining-room window, he walked
+slowly toward the house.
+
+He made no attempt at concealment as he walked along, for he knew that
+such an action, should he be seen, would be suspicious and would probably
+mean an unsuccessful termination of his plan. He had little fear of
+detection, clothed as he was in a German uniform.
+
+Now the lad reached the house, and sought a means of entrance. He did not
+wish to go in the front door, for fear that someone might see him, so,
+keeping close to the wall, he walked around the house.
+
+His effort was rewarded. For at the extreme rear was a low window,
+apparently halfway between the first and second floors.
+
+"Evidently, at a turn in the steps," Hal told himself.
+
+Quickly he grasped the edge of the sill, and exerting great strength
+slowly and cautiously drew himself up. The window was open, and the lad
+put one leg over the sill. A second later he sat in the opening, and then
+disappeared inside the house.
+
+Very cautiously he ascended the steps. Remembering the exact location of
+the dining-room, the lad sought out the room above it. There, at one end
+of the room, he found what appeared to be a little closet.
+
+Gently opening the door, he peered in. Nothing but darkness met his eyes.
+Hal stepped inside, pulling the door to after him, leaving just a little
+crack that he might not be suffocated.
+
+Then he laid his ear to the floor and listened intently. From below came
+the faint sound of German voices.
+
+Hal ran an exploring finger over the floor of the closet. His finger felt
+a little hole, and changing his position the boy saw a very small opening
+in the floor. He put his eye to the hole and peered down, and as he made
+out the figures in the room below he chuckled softly to himself.
+
+The first man upon whom he laid his eyes was Count Von Moltke,
+commander-in-chief of all the German armies, and who, upon one occasion,
+had saved him from death before a firing squad.
+
+"Wonder what he would say if he could see me now?" Hal asked himself.
+
+His gaze roved over the room, and there at one end of the table sat an
+imposing figure in gold-trimmed military uniform, sword between his
+knees, a fierce military mustache curling upward.
+
+There was no mistaking this figure. It was Wilhelm II, Emperor of
+Germany!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE KAISER.
+
+
+In spite of the fact that Hal had sure sense that Emperor Wilhelm would
+be in the room below, he felt a peculiar thrill creep over him as he made
+out the imposing figure of "The War Lord of Europe." He whistled softly
+to himself.
+
+"Great Scott!" he ejaculated, and then looked long and silently.
+
+"To think," he said to himself after a long pause, "that he is primarily
+responsible for this great war, with its toll of thousands of lives and
+the destruction of property worth millions of dollars."
+
+Unconsciously, almost, he drew his revolver, and pointed it straight at
+the War Lord's breast.
+
+"With one little movement of my finger," said the lad softly to himself,
+"I could snuff out the life of the man who has already sent thousands to
+their death. One shot, and--"
+
+His fingers tightened on the trigger, but for a moment only. Then he
+lowered his weapon, and a moment later dropped it back in his
+pocket, while he wiped away little beads of perspiration that had
+gathered on his brow.
+
+"It's no use," he told himself, "I couldn't do it if I wanted to."
+
+Wilhelm II, Emperor of the German Empire and War Lord of Europe, will
+never know how close he was to death at that moment!
+
+Now the voices of the officers in the room below became louder, and by
+straining his ears the lad could make out what they were saying.
+
+"If," came a voice from below, and Hal recognized it as that of Count Von
+Moltke, "if we can draw the British to this point, we can cut them off
+from their French support and annihilate them. And--"
+
+"And," came the voice of the Kaiser himself, "we can, then, by a quick
+turning move, take the French by surprise and our victory will be
+complete."
+
+"Exactly, sire," came Count Von Moltke's voice again.
+
+"But, sire," said a third voice, "what have we to warrant that the
+English will accept our bait?"
+
+The Emperor did not reply immediately, and Count Von Moltke broke in
+again.
+
+"We will make a strong showing on the eastern shore of the Marne," he
+said, "and will retire slowly before the British. As they come on,
+flushed with apparent victory, Von Kluck will take them on the left
+flank. We shall cut them to pieces."
+
+"The plan sounds well to me," came the voice of the Kaiser again.
+"General Von Kluck, how soon can you be in readiness to execute
+this coup?"
+
+"Not before day after to-morrow, sire," was the reply. "It will take me
+that long to bring my men to the designated point, at the same time
+keeping the British unaware of their withdrawal."
+
+"And how many men will you be able to bring?" asked the Kaiser.
+
+"Half a million, sire."
+
+"Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?"
+
+"Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men."
+
+The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his mustache.
+Then he spoke aloud:
+
+"If the British were aware of that," he said, "by a quick advance they
+would place us at a tremendous disadvantage."
+
+"So they would, sire," agreed General Von Kluck. "But it must be seen
+that they do not anticipate our plan."
+
+"In that event," came the Emperor's reply, "it will be necessary for that
+part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at the same
+moment the mass of your command is withdrawn."
+
+"Exactly what I had figured upon, sire."
+
+"Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day
+after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their present
+positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part, while we would
+undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our coup. See to it,
+gentlemen, that there is no leak."
+
+"There shall be none, sire," came a chorus of officers.
+
+"Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this.
+Had it not been for the interference of these English--and these
+starving Belgians, I would be there now," and the Kaiser's voice grew
+harsh. "They must be crushed," and he struck the table a heavy blow with
+his clenched fist.
+
+"And crushed they shall be, sire," said Count Von Moltke soothingly. "It
+is only a question of time."
+
+"Well, you have been long enough doing it," came the Emperor's angry
+voice. "See that you do not fail me again. If you do--"
+
+He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he might
+have uttered.
+
+There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment later
+of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the German
+officers were leaving the house.
+
+"By George!" the lad muttered to himself, "Wilhelm must be a holy terror.
+I'll bet Von Kluck, Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a terrible
+wigging, for I'm here to see that this plot fails."
+
+Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling certain
+that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He was just
+lowering himself from the window by which he had entered when, from
+almost below him, there was a loud scream.
+
+Glancing down, Hal beheld the pale face of the woman who had given them
+food only a short time before. Fearing that the Emperor and his officers
+might be attracted by her screams, Hal dropped quickly to the ground, and
+an instant later had his hand clapped over the woman's mouth.
+
+"Quiet!" he commanded in a harsh voice. "If you make no noise you shall
+not be harmed. Otherwise--" he paused significantly.
+
+The woman shuddered once or twice, but she uttered no further sound.
+
+"Go into the house," Hal commanded, and followed her.
+
+"I guess I had better tie you up for safe keeping," the lad muttered to
+himself. "I can't afford to be interfered with now."
+
+He found a piece of rope, and, making a gag out of a napkin, gagged and
+bound her securely. Then he placed her gently in a chair.
+
+"You will have to sit there until someone comes along to free you," he
+told her. "I hope it won't be long, for your sake, but I can't afford to
+take any chances with you."
+
+He left the house; and as he turned his eyes toward the spot where he had
+so lately left his friends, his heart sank.
+
+Chester, Lieutenant Anderson and the three troopers were running toward
+him as fast as their legs would carry them, closely pursued by a band of
+mounted Germans. Even at this distance Hal could make out the forms of
+Count Von Moltke, and, yes, Emperor Wilhelm himself!
+
+With the high German officers came a little troop of mounted soldiers,
+evidently, Hal thought, an escort, that had been left some distance
+behind while the Emperor and his officers discussed their plans in the
+farmhouse. In all, there were twelve horsemen dashing after the
+fugitives.
+
+Now his friends came up with him, and Hal, believing as did his
+friends that discretion was the better part of valor, also turned and
+ran. Several shots rang out, but none was touched and they did not
+pause to reply.
+
+"Just wait till we get back to our own men," thought Hal to himself as he
+ran along, "that is, if we can make it."
+
+But help came unexpectedly. Bristow, the man who had been left in charge
+of the little band of English, hearing the sound of firing, had crawled
+forward to investigate. He made out the figures flying toward him and
+recognized them instantly; also, he saw the pursuing horsemen.
+
+Quickly he returned to his men, and at a word they all dashed forward.
+This reinforcement arrived not a moment too soon, for the horsemen were
+overhauling the fugitives rapidly.
+
+When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their
+mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost a
+single movement.
+
+The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on their
+haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A moment
+later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.
+
+Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he was
+forced to hold his sides.
+
+"What on earth is the matter with you?" demanded Chester in great
+surprise. "What are you laughing at?"
+
+"Why," explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, "I am laughing at the
+sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the evil
+one himself were after him!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+WITHIN THE ENEMY'S LINES.
+
+
+Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in the
+farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied armies.
+When he had concluded he said:
+
+"Now I have another plan, and I want to know if you, Chester, and you,
+Lieutenant Anderson, will follow my instructions?"
+
+"Certainly," said the lieutenant.
+
+"You know I will, Hal," said Chester.
+
+"All right, then. What I want you to do is this: Return and report to
+General French what I have just told you. Take the men with you.
+That's all."
+
+"But you?" demanded Chester; "aren't you coming, too? Surely you have
+accomplished the mission successfully."
+
+"No," replied Hal. "In this German uniform I believe I shall be perfectly
+safe on this side, and I am going to try and gain further information. It
+may be that I can learn something that will be important."
+
+"Then I shall go with you," declared Chester.
+
+"And I, too," said Lieutenant Anderson.
+
+"Oh, no you won't," said Hal grimly. "Didn't you just promise to obey my
+commands, both of you?"
+
+"But we didn't know what you planned to do," said Chester.
+
+"I know you didn't," said Hal. "That is why I asked your promises before
+I told you."
+
+"But I don't think it is fair," protested Chester.
+
+"I don't care what you think," replied Hal. "You have both promised, so
+that's all there is about it."
+
+In vain did Chester and Lieutenant Anderson protest. Hal was firm.
+
+"Come, now," he said at last. "You are making it more dangerous for me
+every moment you stand here arguing about it. Get in the boats and
+return at once."
+
+Slowly Chester and Lieutenant Anderson complied with his request. The men
+already were in the boats, and Hal stood and watched them row away.
+
+"I shall be back some time to-night or in the morning," he called to
+Chester; "but," and he smiled grimly to himself, "if I were you, I
+wouldn't wait up for me."
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson waved their hands in reply, and with one
+last look Hal turned and made his way back in the direction of the
+farmhouse.
+
+He walked by the house without stopping, for he had no mind to linger
+long in that vicinity.
+
+"The quicker I find the main army and lose myself among the rest of the
+officers the better off I shall be," he told himself.
+
+He espied a small squadron of Germans approaching him at a quick trot.
+Making sure that his revolvers were ready for instant action, the lad
+trudged bravely on. The mounted troops passed him at a distance of
+perhaps a hundred yards, and the officer in command waved his sword in
+greeting as they went by.
+
+"So far, so good," muttered the lad to himself.
+
+Small bodies of troops passed him at more frequent intervals now. But
+feeling perfectly safe in his German uniform, with shoulder straps of
+captain, the lad continued boldly on.
+
+At last, some distance ahead, he made out a large encampment.
+
+"Guess this is the place I am headed for," he told himself.
+
+He approached boldly and soon mingled with the German officers, who were
+taking life easy, war, seemingly, being far from their thoughts. The
+place, to Hal, looked as if it might be a drill ground, with a large body
+of troops on parade.
+
+He walked about for an hour or more and was not challenged once, although
+once or twice passing officers nodded pleasantly to him.
+
+"Either they mistake me for someone else, or they are a very pleasant and
+courteous set," the lad told himself. "However, I didn't come here to
+learn how they behave themselves. I won't get any information this way. I
+wonder who is in command here, but I can't afford to ask."
+
+Continuing his stroll, he at last mingled with a crowd of officers who
+were idling about talking.
+
+"I heard General Beulow say that we were likely to be ordered forward
+within a few hours," said one of the group of officers.
+
+"So?" questioned another. "I had forgotten that you are now a member of
+his staff."
+
+"What's up, do you know?"
+
+"Nothing that I can talk about," replied the other with a pleasant smile.
+
+"All right," said another. "The sooner the better."
+
+The little group broke up and Hal continued his stroll.
+
+"Good," he said to himself. "At least I have learned that General Beulow
+is in command here."
+
+And he had learned not a moment too soon, as it turned out.
+
+At that moment an officer approached him.
+
+"I can't seem to place you," he said. "Is your regiment here?"
+
+"No," returned Hal, in excellent German, without the slightest accent. "I
+am attached to General Von Kluck's command. I came here with him to-day."
+
+"Oh," said the German officer, "then you are on his staff?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In that event I am in luck. Evidently you are the very man I have been
+sent to seek. You are Captain Dersam?"
+
+Hal took a long chance.
+
+"Yes," he replied.
+
+"Good," said the German officer. "Come to my quarters. I have documents
+to deliver to you."
+
+Hal followed the German officer to the latter's tent. There the German
+took from a small express box a small package of papers, which he placed
+in the lad's hands.
+
+"These," he said, "you are to deliver to General Von Kluck. I suppose you
+knew that he had already returned to his command?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal firmly. "I was simply waiting for these. My horse is
+yonder," and he waved his hand.
+
+"Oh," continued the German. "Then perhaps you know that Von Kluck, Von
+Moltke and the Emperor himself had a brush with a bunch of British or
+French spies a while back. The Emperor was much put out. He believed that
+information of an expected coup had leaked out, so all generals were
+hurried back to their posts to see that everything was shipshape."
+
+"Yes," said Hal briefly; "I know."
+
+He placed the papers in his pocket.
+
+"Auf Wiedersehen," said the German officer, bowing Hal from his tent.
+"Your orders are to put those papers into General Von Kluck's hands at
+the earliest possible moment."
+
+"It shall be done," said Hal as he walked rapidly away.
+
+"Great Scott!" he said to himself. "I am in luck. I wouldn't be surprised
+if these papers were orders concerning the movement which I overheard in
+the farmhouse."
+
+Quickly he sought out a quiet spot, and broke the Imperial seal. It was
+even as he had expected--only more. For the papers contained the present
+troop positions, their expected movements and the number of men and how
+stationed.
+
+Hal whistled softly to himself.
+
+"Won't General French be surprised when he sees these?" he said softly.
+"Now to get back."
+
+It was growing dusk, and as Hal walked along toward the outposts in the
+direction from which he had so recently come, he whistled blithely to
+himself. It was a mission well done, and the lad, although by no means
+egotistical, was well aware of it.
+
+He passed the farthest outpost of the camp unchallenged, and made off in
+the darkness. Then, still feeling safe in his German uniform, and more
+confident at having not been recognized during his stay in the German
+camp, he paid no heed to footsteps that were now approaching.
+
+A lantern swung suddenly into his face by a newcomer caused him to start
+back in surprise. And even as he did so he made out that the pair who had
+accosted him were a man and woman.
+
+And what is more he also recognized the woman. It was she whom he had so
+recently bound in the farmhouse. And her cry made it apparent that she
+had recognized him as well.
+
+"It is he!" she exclaimed in a loud voice.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+A COLD SWIM.
+
+
+Before Hal could recover his composure, which had left him at being so
+suddenly accosted, the woman had thrown her arms around his neck,
+pinioning his hands to his side. He tried to shake himself loose
+without hurting the woman, but so tight was her grasp that he was
+unable to do so.
+
+The man who was with her came to her assistance, dodging around the
+struggling pair with his revolver reversed, held ready to strike. But
+the woman herself prevented this, for he was unable to bring the butt of
+the weapon down on the lad's head without the imminent risk of injuring
+the woman.
+
+Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he had
+decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands, and
+awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy.
+
+It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal
+leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out
+swiftly with his bare fist. There was a sharp "spat" and the man fell to
+the ground.
+
+Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed
+the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and the
+lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly impossible.
+
+"Hands up!" commanded the woman.
+
+Hal temporized.
+
+"Now see here--" he began.
+
+The woman interrupted.
+
+"Hands up!" she commanded again.
+
+This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman's voice
+that she was not to be trifled with.
+
+"About face," commanded his captor.
+
+Hal did as ordered.
+
+"Now," continued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and,
+remember, at the first false move I shall fire."
+
+Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
+behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German camp.
+He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.
+
+His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon a
+plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just as
+well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.
+
+As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
+attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
+time was right upon him.
+
+Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
+she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
+spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand, and
+with a quick leap seized it himself.
+
+"Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to
+get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance between
+us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be forced to
+use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I am on
+important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one life
+stand in the way."
+
+The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.
+
+"I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I
+could have brought myself to shoot."
+
+He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
+opponents hors de combat.
+
+The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
+sprang forward.
+
+"What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated
+surprise. "Well, here's some more then."
+
+He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his right
+fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh and blood
+could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground, where he
+remained, unconscious.
+
+"Now to get back across the river," said Hal to himself. "Wonder if I can
+find a boat of some kind."
+
+He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind of a
+craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from the
+direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited voices and
+the trampling of many feet.
+
+"Great Scott! Here they come," exclaimed Hal aloud. "I guess it's up to
+me to get away from here pretty quick."
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he advanced to the water's edge and plunged
+into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal's breath was taken away
+by the suddenness of the shock.
+
+He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
+opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
+shore immediately behind him.
+
+"I don't believe there is anyone there," said a voice.
+
+"The woman is a spy herself, that's my belief," said a second. "She has
+concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this hour. I
+certainly don't believe there is a spy on this side of the river."
+
+"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
+searchlight. Turn yours on."
+
+Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
+well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
+across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
+and forth across the water. He could see no one.
+
+"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get
+away from here."
+
+"Good," returned the other. "Come on."
+
+Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
+surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
+breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he rightly
+concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in their search
+anyhow, had gone.
+
+Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made out
+the sound of retreating footsteps.
+
+"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to get
+out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."
+
+With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon the
+farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance away,
+and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:
+
+"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and
+get thawed out before I continue my journey."
+
+He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence was
+noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing footsteps
+behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.
+
+"Halt!" he commanded.
+
+"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."
+
+"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not
+lowering his weapon.
+
+Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German uniform
+and his rifle leaped up again.
+
+"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you?
+You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man."
+
+"Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell
+you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I am?
+A German?"
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in
+that German uniform?"
+
+Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.
+
+"I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I can
+assure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little
+information."
+
+"Well," said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he
+represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March ahead
+of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your back."
+
+"All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for it,
+I suppose I shall have to go with you."
+
+He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with
+leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of
+what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.
+
+"My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the
+river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have
+accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I can
+show credentials," and he showed the officer a pass signed by the
+commander-in-chief.
+
+The officer shook hands with him.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked.
+
+"I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you a
+fast auto?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it."
+
+"It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire while
+I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen."
+
+"Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please
+have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver I
+shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car any
+great distance."
+
+"You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal huddled
+up close to the little fire.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.
+
+
+Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted on
+lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile as it
+sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters.
+
+The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the ground
+much more quickly than the one in which the little party of British had
+started on their mission. It was not long, therefore, before the lad
+found himself descending from the car. Another moment and he once more
+stood before his commander.
+
+"So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young Crawford
+gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be captured. Did you
+learn anything further?"
+
+"Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each
+command, their positions and all details."
+
+"What!" exclaimed General French in great surprise.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Hal, and reaching in his pocket he drew out the
+documents given him by the German officer. "Here they are, sir."
+
+General French took the papers from the lad's hand, and glanced at them
+quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal's shoulder.
+
+"You have done well," he said quietly. "I shall not forget it. You may go
+now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over you. I will
+say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to England--one that
+the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps to thwart this German
+coup, and if we are successful the credit will be mainly due you."
+
+Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general's tent.
+
+"Now to find Chester," he said.
+
+He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making his
+quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant's tent, Hal
+walked up cautiously.
+
+"I want to surprise them," he told himself.
+
+Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.
+
+"I'm afraid he won't ever get back," came Chester's voice. "I should have
+insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn't have let him go alone."
+
+"Still," said Lieutenant Anderson, "he was in command. We had to
+obey him."
+
+"That is true," replied Chester, "but just the same if ill befalls him I
+shall feel that I am partly to blame. Besides, we had the information we
+went after. What had he to gain by staying and putting himself in the
+enemy's power?"
+
+Stepping quietly into the tent, Hal advanced to the center before he
+was observed.
+
+"A whole lot, Chester," he said quietly.
+
+Chester and Lieutenant Anderson were upon their feet in an instant, and
+one had him by either hand, wringing it enthusiastically.
+
+"Stop it, stop it," laughed Hal. "You'll wring my arms off."
+
+"And so you are back safely," said Chester, looking long at his friend.
+
+"Yes, I'm back," said Hal.
+
+"And what did you learn? Anything else?"
+
+"Lots," replied Hal, "but let me get out of this wet German uniform";
+having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after they
+had left until his return to General French's tent.
+
+"And General French says," he concluded, "that steps have been taken to
+spoil the Kaiser's plan."
+
+"Good," said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.
+
+"Well," said Chester, after some further talk, "I guess we might as well
+turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
+returned. We can rest easier now."
+
+Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon slumbering deeply. The
+day's work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how long
+they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling "To arms!"
+roused them.
+
+Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
+removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at a
+moment's notice.
+
+The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
+command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster, the
+great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
+cavalry leading the way.
+
+There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
+enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
+engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
+magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on, several
+thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.
+
+These--advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans, rushed
+forward to check them--fought off the enemy while other British, troops
+were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to drive them
+back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back again by the
+British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time to form after
+crossing the river.
+
+Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across the
+little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught unprepared.
+Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending some of his
+men south to take their places in the force with which the Kaiser and his
+generals expected to execute their great coup.
+
+Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by the
+German general staff. That the British, without the support of their
+French allies, farther to the south, would take the offensive, was a
+factor that had apparently been overlooked.
+
+The surprise was practically complete. The British army on the continent
+at this time numbered slightly more than 100,000 men. Probably two-thirds
+of this whole force was hurled across the Marne in this battle, which,
+starting as a skirmish, soon grew into one of the fiercest and bloodiest
+struggles of history.
+
+Scotch Highlanders, Irish troops, Sikh legions, recently arrived from
+India, British troops from other of her foreign possessions and the
+English themselves stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting nobly and driving
+back the foe.
+
+But the Germans contested every inch of the ground. Outnumbering the
+British as they did, however, they were slowly compelled to retreat, the
+British pursuing them relentlessly.
+
+Apparently it was not General French's plan to push the battle too
+strongly now. It was merely his intention to deliver such a blow as would
+make the coup planned by the Germans impracticable.
+
+For seven solid hours the battle for the opposite shore of the Marne
+continued, both sides fighting desperately and heroically. Then, as the
+Germans continued to retreat, General French called a halt. The British
+fell to work digging trenches in the recently won ground, and preparing
+to resist an attack should one be delivered.
+
+This first skirmish on the eastern banks of the Marne, while possibly
+unimportant, when viewed in the light of later events, became one of the
+greatest factors in the offensive movements of the Allies.
+
+Now that the English had obtained a foothold upon the opposite side they
+did not relinquish it, in spite of heavy assaults made by the Kaiser's
+troops in the days that were to follow. Passage across the stream for the
+rest of the allied army was now comparatively easy, for the English,
+already having a foothold, stood ready to drive off the Germans as
+reinforcements crossed.
+
+And if the action at the Marne was one of the deciding factors in the
+offensive movement of the Allies, the credit of it is undoubtedly due
+largely to Chester and Hal, who, at the risk of their own lives, enabled
+the British troops to catch the Germans in their own trap.
+
+That the boys' value in this important battle was recognized, is
+evidenced by the fact, that, when the army once more had come to a halt,
+General French summoned the two lads to him, and with a hand on the
+shoulder of each, and his whole staff grouped about him, said:
+
+"You have done well! England is proud of her kinsmen!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+TRAPPED.
+
+
+It was two days later. The battle was raging fiercely, on all sides men
+were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since early
+morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the British
+line, the struggle had continued without a minute's breathing space.
+
+Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops fell
+back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field where the
+fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful of their
+support on either side, the British still pressed forward, until now they
+were far beyond either flank.
+
+Suddenly from either side of the English troops came a thundering volley.
+Taken by surprise, the British halted suddenly, while men tumbled to the
+earth on every hand.
+
+Before the officer in command could give the order to fall back, a force
+of Germans was hurled into their rear, completely cutting them off from
+any possible hope of aid from that direction. A thousand men were in this
+little force now completely surrounded.
+
+But the officer in command of the British was not of the caliber to
+surrender. He was a typical son of Albion, a fighting man, none other
+than Captain Harry Anderson, whose part in the expedition across the
+Marne had raised him to that rank.
+
+Advancing with his command, he soon found himself the ranking officer
+still on his feet. Hal and Chester, who the night before had shared his
+quarters, at the call to arms had plunged into the thick of the conflict
+alongside the gallant captain. In spite of the terrific carnage, in
+spite of the shot and shell that fell about them, they had so far
+escaped injury.
+
+Perceiving that retreat was cut off, Captain Anderson conceived a
+possible escape. With a loud cry of "Forward!" to his men, he dashed
+right into the face of a terrible rifle and artillery fire.
+
+Men dropped as though mowed down by the wind, but the little column
+halted not. They had spread out, fan-wise, at the command of Captain
+Anderson, to avoid as much as possible the sweeping fire of the Germans,
+and they now pressed forward at a run.
+
+Completely surprised at this sudden charge by the little body of men,
+that the German officers evidently believed entirely in their power, and
+still more surprised by their desperate offense in the face of
+overwhelming odds, the Germans, for a moment, gave way.
+
+That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson's strategy. At
+the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line,
+dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the Germans
+rallied, but it was too late.
+
+The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken refuge
+behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain's sudden charge
+became apparent.
+
+Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British dashed
+madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door was
+locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the sharp
+crack of rifles.
+
+There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt, the
+British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the troops
+poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the house and
+performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to tell it
+injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground outside,
+however, was strewn with their companions.
+
+Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And the
+British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which they
+knew would come in a very few minutes.
+
+"If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place indefinitely,"
+said Captain Anderson.
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester; "or, if we can manage to hold out till night, we
+may be able to get away."
+
+"It is possible, too," said Hal, "that our absence will be noticed and
+aid sent to us."
+
+"I'm not banking much on that," replied Captain Anderson, "for, if we
+are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war.
+It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in
+this house."
+
+"That's so," said Chester. "Well, we will have to hold on as long as we
+can. That's the best we can do."
+
+"Exactly," agreed Hal quietly.
+
+The three approached the window in front of the house on the second
+floor. But, even as they neared it, the rifle of the soldier
+guarding it spoke.
+
+"Evidently the siege has begun," said Hal grimly. "Poor fellow!" he
+added, as one of the men at the window toppled to the floor, a bullet
+in his head.
+
+His place was quickly taken by another, and the battle went on. The
+firing became fiercer with each passing moment. The British barred the
+windows with chairs, tables, and whatever other articles of furniture
+they could find, leaving an opening just large enough to poke their
+rifles through.
+
+But even this was not enough to keep out all the German bullets.
+Still men fell, though not as fast as before. Captain Anderson
+assigned Hal to direct the fire of the British in the front of the
+first floor and Chester in the rear. The captain took command of the
+second floor himself.
+
+The three were everywhere encouraging the men, seemingly being all over
+their respective stations at once. Occasionally, as a man fell, Hal or
+Chester would step into the breach and hold the place until relieved by
+another soldier.
+
+Noon came and went, and still the fighting continued. Apparently, thus
+far, the Germans had not conceived the idea of battering the house to
+pieces with their big field guns. Evidently they thought they could take
+it without this trouble.
+
+And now darkness drew on. The German fire had played havoc with the
+defenders, but, if they had suffered severely, the enemy's loss, exposed
+as they were to the grilling fire from the house, had been enormous.
+
+Night fell, and with it came a lull in the firing. Hal took advantage
+of this respite to hurry upstairs for a word with Captain Anderson. As
+they conversed in low tones, they were startled by an outcry from the
+floor below.
+
+Hurriedly descending the stairs, they beheld the cause of the commotion.
+Struggling in Chester's arms was a man in civilian garb.
+
+"I caught him just as he was about to open the front door," Chester
+explained.
+
+The man's struggles were soon quieted, and he stood before Captain
+Anderson, pale and trembling.
+
+"What are you doing here?" demanded the latter.
+
+"I was hiding in the cellar," said the man in a shaking voice. "When
+you English burst in I didn't know what to do. I remained in my
+hiding-place until there was a lull in the fighting. I was afraid I
+would be killed if I was found, so I tried to get out the first time I
+thought I had a chance."
+
+Captain Anderson looked at him queerly.
+
+"Surely you are not a German?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir," was the reply, "I am French."
+
+"Then what need had you to be afraid of us?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," was the nervous reply, "I am a peace-loving man. I
+don't want to fight, and I won't fight if I can help it."
+
+"A nice specimen of a Frenchman, to be sure," said the captain, with a
+sneer. "If you are such a peace-loving man, how does it happen we find
+you here? Why haven't you fled with the rest of the old women and
+children?"
+
+"Well, you see, sir," quavered the man, "I have been hiding here. I was
+afraid that if I went to Paris I would be forced to fight."
+
+"And you have been hiding here ever since war broke out?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a nice hiding-place downstairs," and he rubbed his
+hands in satisfaction.
+
+"And you were not discovered by the Germans?"
+
+"No, sir; and a party of officers were here only yesterday."
+
+"Then, no doubt, you heard their plans. Perhaps you can give us important
+information?"
+
+"I could, yes, sir," was the reply. "But, if I do, will there be any
+pay for me?"
+
+The captain was taken by surprise.
+
+"And you call yourself a Frenchman," he said in contempt. He took a
+threatening step forward. "No," he said angrily, "there will be no pay,
+but I can promise you that if you don't tell what you know you will be
+shot right here and now."
+
+"Oh, sir, you wouldn't do that," said the man in a wheedling voice.
+
+"Wouldn't I?" exclaimed the captain. "You shall see."
+
+He turned to his men, and, in response to a signal, two of them
+approached the Frenchman. But the stern tone had convinced the man that
+the officer meant what he said.
+
+"I'll tell, sir," he cried, falling on his knees.
+
+Captain Anderson waved his men away.
+
+"Very well," he said coldly, "and see that you make no mistake. If your
+information is of no value you shall be shot anyhow."
+
+"But it is, sir," protested the Frenchman.
+
+"All right. Then let's have it."
+
+"The Germans are planning an aeroplane raid on the English," said the
+man, in a low voice. "There is a park of aeroplanes hardly two miles from
+here, on the road leading to Viviers. They are ready for instant flight."
+
+"What!" exclaimed Captain Anderson. "Are you sure?"
+
+"Perfectly," was the reply. "I heard the German officers talking of it
+only yesterday. They said it would deal a death-blow to the English."
+
+"And so it would," said the captain, "unless it can be stopped."
+
+Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.
+
+"Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines out
+to us?" he asked.
+
+"Easily, sir."
+
+"What's your idea?" asked Captain Anderson.
+
+"Simply this," said Hal. "I believe that by a dash we can get through the
+Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not expect us
+to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not likely to be
+vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful raid on these
+machines and destroy them."
+
+"A first-class idea," said the captain. "We'll do it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+A DEED OF DARING.
+
+
+Quickly the captain formed and outlined a plan. Then, gathering his men
+behind him at the door, he prepared for a sortie. Among the troops were a
+few engineers, the captain ascertained upon inquiry, and these he placed
+at the extreme rear of the little body.
+
+When all was ready, the captain opened the doors and stepped out. Hal and
+Chester were right behind him. It was very dark, and, as there was no
+light in the house, Germans who were on guard, being a considerable
+distance back to avoid the fire of the British defenders, did not at
+first make out the forms flitting silently from the house.
+
+Half the little troop had emerged before a single rifle shot, followed by
+a volley, gave notice that they had been discovered. Then, at a word from
+Captain Anderson, the British charged right at their enemy.
+
+Not a shot was fired until they were at close quarters, in spite of the
+fact that the German fire was not ineffective. Then, as the men spread
+out in a long line, they blazed forth their answer, and, hard upon this,
+charged with the bayonet.
+
+Apparently the Germans had not prepared for such a move on the part of
+the enemy, for they gave ground rapidly. The skirmish was brief, with
+success to the British.
+
+The Germans in flight, Captain Anderson, Hal and Chester soon found the
+Viviers road, and led their men along at double time. The two miles
+were covered quickly, and finally the three could make out in the
+darkness what appeared to be a factory. Closer approach showed that
+this was what it was.
+
+"Must be a temporary affair," said Captain Anderson, in a low voice. "And
+what are those objects nearby?"
+
+Hal peered through the darkness.
+
+"Look like armored automobiles to me," he said.
+
+"And so they are," declared Chester. "And there must be twenty of them.
+Seems to me an act of providence must have put them there. We couldn't
+want anything better to escape in."
+
+"You are right," declared the captain.
+
+The captain now divided his men into three forces, one of which he
+commanded, the other two being led by Hal and Chester.
+
+The first column approached to within fifty yards of the automobiles
+before being discovered. Then the cry of a German sentry rang out.
+
+At the word of command, the British opened fire, and again charged with
+fixed bayonets. But the German guard was strong, and evidently had been
+on the alert against a possible surprise.
+
+A rapid-fire gun stationed near the automobiles opened fire. The first
+column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself going
+to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the troopers
+reached the automobile.
+
+Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were more
+wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the machine-gun
+could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the enemy.
+
+A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this weapon
+spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who stood
+near to guard their machines.
+
+Both sides were fighting in small groups, and at once began a fierce
+interchange of shots at a distance of fifteen yards. The airmen, who were
+crouching along the edge of the road, answered the British fire with
+great bravery and vigor.
+
+While this fighting was in progress, the detachments of engineers, which
+had been in the extreme rear of the British columns, armed with
+improvised tools, hurled themselves upon the aeroplanes. With sure blows
+from their rifle butts, and whatever other implements they could lay
+hands on nearby, they destroyed the motors, the gasoline reservoirs and
+the running gear of the German machines.
+
+At this moment one of the armored automobiles burst into flames. A fierce
+red glare shot high into the air, lighting up the scene of carnage with
+great brilliancy.
+
+While the little column commanded by Chester now withdrew a short
+distance, the lad having ordered this in the hope that he might find
+Captain Anderson still alive, Hal, with the comparatively few remaining
+men, advanced to one of the armored automobiles, in which stood a German
+officer, directing his men.
+
+The officer opened fire on these few British with an automatic revolver.
+Two men fell. Hal felt a bullet graze his arm, but not before he had
+discharged his own weapon against the chest of his opponent, who fell to
+the ground, fatally wounded.
+
+A second German, whom Hal had not noticed in the machine before, brought
+his rifle-butt down over Hal's head. But the lad's quick eye had seen
+the descending weapon, and his upraised arm warded off the blow. His
+left arm, however, fell to his side numb, and he stumbled and fell to
+the ground.
+
+He was up in a moment, and sprang upon the German, one arm still hanging
+by his side, and his revolver gone. The German brought his rifle to bear,
+but, stepping quickly forward, the lad struck up the weapon, even as the
+German pressed the trigger.
+
+With a quick leap Hal was in the automobile, and was grappling with the
+German trooper. The German, unable to use his rifle at such close
+quarters, struck out with his fist. Hal dodged and his opponent drew back
+with a cry of pain. His fist had struck the steel side of the car, and
+his arm was now useless.
+
+The two were now on even terms. The German reached out and attempted to
+entwine his fingers in Hal's throat, but the lad was too quick for him.
+Dodging suddenly, he came up under the other's chin, and sent him
+spinning head over heels from the car, so fierce was the contact.
+
+Then the lad turned his eyes to other sections of the field. He could
+see no signs of an enemy. Evidently the Germans had had enough, or
+were awaiting the arrival of reinforcements before renewing the fight,
+for they had no way of determining the strength of the British
+attacking party.
+
+In any event, Hal realized that there was no time to lose. Leaping from
+the car, he ordered the few men who were left to man the waiting
+automobiles, quickly ascertaining that there were enough men capable of
+driving them. Then he set out to hunt Chester and Captain Anderson.
+
+He found Chester on his knee, supporting the unconscious form of
+their friend.
+
+"Hurry, Chester, get him into this car," he ordered. "We'll have to get
+out of here at once."
+
+He helped the men lift the unconscious British officer into one of the
+automobiles, leaped in himself, and took the wheel.
+
+Five of the other cars also were ready to go, each containing twenty men,
+all that was left of the thousand who had made a dash for the farmhouse
+in the morning.
+
+Hal gave his orders slowly and tersely.
+
+"Follow me, single file," he called to his men, "until I give the word to
+close up. Then range right alongside of me. We will go as swiftly as
+possible, and try to get through the German lines without a fight, if by
+any chance it is possible. However, if we have to make a quick dash and
+fight, it would be better to do it side by side, and plow right into the
+enemy. Do you understand?"
+
+The driver of each car signified that he understood perfectly, and Hal
+started his car off slowly. The others fell in line, and soon all were
+moving along at a brisk pace.
+
+Hal found time to call back over his shoulder to Chester:
+
+"How is the captain?"
+
+"I fear he is in pretty bad shape," was the reply; but, even at that
+moment, the captain showed signs of returning consciousness.
+
+He stirred a little and moaned feebly. Then he raised his head.
+
+"Where am I?" he demanded.
+
+Slowly and carefully Chester explained the situation to him.
+
+"And was the raid a success?" he asked. "Were the German aeroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes, every one of them," replied Chester.
+
+"Good! Now, give me a rifle, or a revolver, or something. I know we can't
+get through the Germans without a fight, and I want to do my part."
+
+In vain did Chester protest. Captain Anderson insisted, and at length
+Chester was forced to comply.
+
+As the five automobiles, containing not more than a hundred British all
+told, approached the center of the German force, each man determined to
+get through to the allied lines or to die in the attempt.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+A DASH FOR LIBERTY.
+
+
+Swiftly the high-powered armored motor-cars rushed on, drawing closer and
+closer to the solid ranks of the enemy. Not expecting trouble from within
+their own lines, the Germans were not on the lookout for this spectacular
+dash, and so were caught unprepared.
+
+Hal gave the prearranged signal. The other cars increased their speed and
+drew up to him, two on either side. At a second signal they increased
+their speed to the utmost, and dashed forward.
+
+The Germans lay sprawled about, the close formation having been more or
+less broken following the morning fight. The five speeding monsters were
+upon them almost before they realized it. As the cars approached the
+first irregular line of troopers, the British in the machines opened
+fire. In spite of their terrific speed, their aim was good. Germans
+tumbled right and left, or fell back as they attempted to rise.
+
+Then the machines plowed in among them, hurling them helter-skelter on
+all sides, the occupants continuing their destructive fire.
+
+But now the Germans opened fire, and, in spite of the fact that the speed
+of the flying automobiles made accurate shooting impossible, the British
+did not escape scot-free. Three men in one of the machines to the left of
+the one driven by Hal dropped their rifles and sank to the bottom of the
+car. In one on the opposite side a soldier threw up his hands and tumbled
+from the car.
+
+Hal, protected as he was on either side, had not been touched, nor had
+Chester, who stood erect the while, firing rapidly with his automatic.
+
+Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost bumped
+into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal's promptness in
+turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car had been struck by a
+German bullet and killed.
+
+The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward
+ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged
+straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still
+shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it
+was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to
+certain death.
+
+All this the boys could see at a glance, but they quickly passed beyond,
+and so did not see the gallant fate of their comrades.
+
+Plunging straight into the dense masses of Germans, the gallant machine
+leaped upon them like a thing of life, hurling them off on all sides, and
+running amuck over their prostrate forms. Then, with another sudden turn
+to the left, it sped directly toward a group of officers, who stood
+nearby directing the firing. So sudden was this unexpected turn that the
+officers were run down before they could move from their tracks.
+
+Then the machine darted straight at a German field battery.
+
+It was a fatal move, for a German gunner sprang forward--there was a
+fearful roar--a loud explosion, a cloud of smoke, and, when the smoke had
+cleared away, there was no automobile to be seen--nothing but wreckage
+and a few maimed bodies scattered about.
+
+But Hal and his companions were having troubles of their own. Even at the
+moment that the first car disappeared in smoke, the driver of a second
+sprang to his feet, waved his arms about, as he wildly gasped for air,
+and tumbled overboard. The machine, now wild, turned and crashed into its
+nearest neighbor.
+
+There was a terrific crash, and both cars turned turtle. Came a cry of
+triumph from the Germans, but Hal and the driver of the other remaining
+car paid no heed; rather, if possible, their cars leaped ahead faster
+than before.
+
+But the herculean task the lads had set out to accomplish was too much.
+In spite of the fact that the Germans had been taken by surprise, their
+numbers were so great that the success of such a dash was impossible.
+
+Straight ahead the boys made out a regiment, drawn up with leveled
+rifles. In one last desperate attempt to break through, Hal and the
+driver of the other car dashed into them.
+
+A blow from the butt of a German rifle knocked the driver of the second
+car from his seat as he swept past, and the machine, turning round and
+round, like a huge top, suddenly turned over, pinioning its occupants
+beneath it.
+
+A second later and Hal felt a sharp sting in his left hand. In spite of
+the desperate attempt he made to keep the machine steady, it rocked from
+side to side at the sudden loosening of his hand.
+
+Fearing that all would be killed if he did not stop the machine, the lad
+threw off the clutch and applied the brakes. Then, in the center of a
+large force of Germans, who came rushing in upon them, the lad stood up
+in the machine, and, raising his uninjured hand, shouted:
+
+"We surrender!"
+
+A German officer called a hoarse command, and the long line of
+threatening rifles was lowered.
+
+"Come out of there," called the officer, "and be quick about it."
+
+Hal did as commanded, and a moment later Chester also was on the ground.
+Turning back to the machine, they tenderly lifted Captain Anderson out
+and laid him on the ground. He had fainted during the wild ride.
+
+Hal turned to the German officer.
+
+"Will you please see that my friend," indicating the captain, "receives
+medical attention at once?"
+
+"It shall be done immediately," returned the German officer gravely, and
+motioned to two of his men to carry the unconscious captain to a nearby
+hospital tent. Then he turned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Do you know that you have created terrible havoc in our ranks?"
+he demanded.
+
+Hal smiled grimly.
+
+"That is what we intended to do," he made reply. "However, we wouldn't
+have done so had you permitted us to return to our lines in peace."
+
+The German officer also smiled faintly.
+
+"You are bold lads," he said quietly. "Come, I will take you to General
+Von Kluck."
+
+The lads followed the officer, and presently came before the German
+commander, the man whose great military genius some days later saved his
+wing of the army from probable annihilation.
+
+Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat
+younger, recognizing whom, Hal's heart leaped into his throat. This
+second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had
+placed in Hal's hands dispatches for General Von Kluck--papers that,
+through Hal's bravery, had been turned over to General French, and had
+thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.
+
+The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British
+uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:
+
+"How do you do, Captain Dersam?"
+
+General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads, turned
+to the officer.
+
+"You know these prisoners?" he questioned.
+
+"Well, I know one of them," was the reply. "That is, I thought I did
+once. It seems that I was mistaken."
+
+"Explain yourself."
+
+"This," said the German, pointing to Hal, "is the young man to whom I
+told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented
+himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain
+Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this
+officer must be a traitor."
+
+General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.
+
+"So," he exclaimed, "you are the man whom we have to thank for the
+defeat of our plan, eh?" He turned to the officer. "And you say he was
+in German uniform?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+The general turned to Hal.
+
+"Do you know what that means?" he asked.
+
+Hal nodded his head.
+
+"It means," continued the general, "that you are a spy. You shall pay
+the penalty."
+
+"But," Hal protested, "I was not captured within your lines in German
+uniform nor in disguise. You cannot treat me as a spy."
+
+"I can't, eh?" cried General Von Kluck angrily. "Well, you shall see."
+
+"The boy is right," came a stern voice from behind him, and, turning, Hal
+started back in amazement.
+
+"The Emperor!" he cried.
+
+And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:
+
+"_Hoch der Kaiser_!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+GERMAN HOSPITALITY.
+
+
+"Yes," continued the Emperor of Germany, "the boy is right. He has
+spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander into
+our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in the
+armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to raid
+right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five aeroplanes, as I
+have no doubt he did."
+
+"What," exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, "the aeroplanes
+destroyed?"
+
+"Yes," continued the emperor, "and with them another opportunity to deal
+a death-blow to the English." Then, turning to Hal: "I have no doubt that
+you were concerned in that--am I right?"
+
+"Yes, your majesty," said the lad.
+
+"I thought so," said the emperor, and he turned again to General
+Von Kluck.
+
+"The lad is perfectly right when he says that he was not captured in
+disguise. No doubt he was within our lines in German uniform, but, as he
+was not captured, he cannot be executed as a spy. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck, bowing low.
+
+"It seems to me," went on the Kaiser, "that rather than spend so much
+time looking for spies to put to death, it would be advantageous if some
+of my officers would expend their energies in looking more carefully
+after my interests."
+
+Once more the emperor turned to Hal.
+
+"If I mistake not," he said, "you are an American. Am I right?"
+
+"Yes, sire," said Hal.
+
+"Then how comes it that you are fighting for Great Britain?"
+
+Hal explained the misfortunes by which they had been left in Germany, and
+of how, eventually, they had taken service with the Allies.
+
+"And who is your friend?" asked the Kaiser, pointing to Chester.
+
+"Chester Crawford, sire," replied Hal, "my boyhood chum."
+
+"And the wounded man?"
+
+"An English officer, your majesty," said Hal, "and a brave one."
+
+"I have found that all the British are brave," said the Kaiser grimly. "I
+was misinformed as to their attitude in this crisis," and the Kaiser's
+voice grew harsh; "it was not the only subject on which I was
+misinformed."
+
+His words were clearly intended for the officers, more than for Hal.
+
+He was silent for some moments, and then to General Von Kluck:
+
+"General, I will take these lads to my own quarters. I desire to question
+them on matters pertaining to their own country. You will send a guard
+for them in two hours."
+
+"Yes, sire," said General Von Kluck.
+
+The Kaiser motioned to Hal and Chester.
+
+"Follow me," he commanded.
+
+Surrounded by his personal bodyguard, and with Hal and Chester close
+behind him, the emperor made his way to his own handsome and luxurious
+field quarters.
+
+Inside the tent he motioned the two lads to seats.
+
+"Now, tell me," he said, "what is the general sentiment in America toward
+Germany? Where is the general sympathy in this war?"
+
+He had addressed Hal, so the latter replied, Chester maintaining a
+discreet silence.
+
+"We were not in America when the war broke out, your majesty," he said,
+"but I believe that I am right when I say that the sympathies of the
+United States, generally speaking, are with the Allies."
+
+The Kaiser nodded his head.
+
+"I was afraid so," he said. "But why?"
+
+"As to why, I can't say," replied Hal. "Chiefly, I suppose, because it is
+an English-speaking country."
+
+"I suppose that is true," said the emperor, "and still there are many
+more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other
+nationality. Do the people of the United States believe that Germany
+brought about this war?"
+
+"From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am
+afraid they do, your majesty," said Hal.
+
+"It is not true," thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist down
+heavily on the table. "I tell you it is not true. Do you understand? It
+is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war. It is Czar
+Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would overrun
+Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will not be
+called the war lord of Europe for nothing!"
+
+Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither realized
+that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand before the
+German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the sympathy of
+the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the greatest war of
+all history.
+
+Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and he
+tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:
+
+"They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that few
+held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I thought
+they lied then. I am sure of it now."
+
+Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
+engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
+disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they venture
+to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later. General Von Kluck
+sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When the officer
+in charge of the squad made known his commission, the emperor signified
+his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no further words to Hal
+or Chester.
+
+"I am commanded," said the German officer, "to take you to my tent and
+see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is to
+be made of you."
+
+In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
+guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away to
+make his report to the general.
+
+"Well," said Chester, "they have got us this time, and I don't see any
+way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and we
+might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances go of
+getting back to our own lines."
+
+"Don't be so downhearted," said Hal. "More peculiar things have happened.
+We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we should be
+thankful for that."
+
+"Yes, I suppose we should," Chester agreed. "But just the same I would
+like to be back where we belong."
+
+"Well, you can't tell," said Hal. "We may be able to give them the
+slip. However, I would be opposed to any plan that did not have a good
+chance of success. For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us
+without compunction."
+
+"There is no doubt of that," said Chester. "Von Kluck would do it anyhow,
+if he didn't fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way, what do you
+think of the Kaiser, anyhow?"
+
+"Well," said Hal slowly, "I believe, in the first place, that he takes
+himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen
+instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the French
+and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of destiny."
+
+"Yes," agreed Chester, "there is no doubt that he thinks he is right and
+the whole world wrong."
+
+Further talk was interrupted by the return of the German officer.
+
+"You are to remain here for the next few days," he informed them. "As the
+emperor has interested himself in your behalf, General Von Kluck is
+awaiting further word from him as to what to do with you. Right now the
+emperor will not talk. He is busy with his maps and papers, and, when he
+is busy, no one dare disturb him."
+
+"And what do you suppose will be done with us eventually?" asked Chester.
+
+"Why," was the reply, "I suppose you will be treated as all other
+prisoners of war. You probably will be sent to Berlin."
+
+"Back to Berlin!" exclaimed Chester in deep disgust.
+
+"Back to Berlin!" repeated Hal, and he punctured his exclamation with a
+long whistle. "Great Scott!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A NEW FRIEND.
+
+
+It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads. As
+Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the
+outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German
+capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would be
+an inglorious finish to their military careers.
+
+"I would rather go to any one other spot on the map," Chester told his
+chum. "Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even
+knowing what is going on?"
+
+"It would be tough," Hal agreed. "And, once there, I am afraid we would
+have to stay until after the war. I don't imagine there is much danger of
+anyone escaping from that place now."
+
+"Nor I," said Chester. "If we hope to get away, we shall have to do it
+before we get to Berlin."
+
+But it seemed that the lads, if they had any hopes of escape, were doomed
+to disappointment. They were carefully guarded, and, while they were made
+comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not beneath some
+watchful eye.
+
+Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and stroll
+about outside, but on each of these excursions the German officer in
+whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and finally from
+General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to Berlin.
+
+"I sort of hate to see you go," the German officer told them, upon
+informing them of their fate. "We have gotten along famously together.
+However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when you
+are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some of the
+tales of German cruelty to their prisoners."
+
+"From the treatment we already have received we can deny them
+now," said Hal.
+
+"Indeed we can," Chester agreed.
+
+"Come," continued the officer, "what do you say to a little walk around?
+You will not start on your journey until to-night."
+
+Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
+through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
+discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
+them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started back
+toward their temporary prison.
+
+As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding toward
+them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.
+
+Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the dog's
+tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also stretched
+forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.
+
+"He must be one of your French war dogs," said the German with a laugh,
+quickly withdrawing his hand. "We have captured a large number of them,
+and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we know how, they
+will have nothing to do with us."
+
+At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
+came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew back
+his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal sharply
+in the ribs.
+
+But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound, the
+dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to the
+ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly forward,
+and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off, though not
+until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even drawing blood from a
+wound in his throat.
+
+With a fierce imprecation, the German reached for his revolver, drew it
+quickly, and aimed it at the dog. But, before he could pull the trigger,
+Chester leaped forward, and, with a quick movement of his arm, knocked
+the weapon from the German's hand.
+
+The German turned angrily on the lad.
+
+"What do you mean by that?" he demanded, in a rage.
+
+"You won't shoot him while I am here," cried Chester, also aroused.
+
+"What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?"
+
+"You try it again and I'll show you what business it is of mine, if the
+whole German army is standing round," shouted Chester furiously.
+
+Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but
+Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the German
+threateningly.
+
+At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to
+interfere.
+
+"Come, come," he said to Chester. "That's enough of this. I am sure
+Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I'm sure he'll apologize if he has said
+or done anything to displease you."
+
+"What! Me apologize?" demanded the German. "And what for, pray?"
+
+"I don't want any apology," declared Chester. "All I want is for him to
+understand he can't shoot a dumb animal while I'm around."
+
+"Is that so?" sneered the German, but the boys' guard cut him short.
+
+"Lieutenant Dennig," he said sharply, "you forget yourself. These
+prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted."
+
+The lieutenant drew himself up sharply, saluted his superior officer, and
+walked rapidly away.
+
+"One more enemy," said Chester to Hal, as the man made off.
+
+"Oh, he'll get over it," laughed the boys' guard. "He knows he is in the
+wrong--that's what makes him so angry."
+
+The object of this little unpleasantness still stood near, wagging his
+tail and looking at the two lads. When they continued their walk toward
+their tent, he calmly followed them.
+
+The lads did not notice this, however, until they had entered the tent,
+and then Hal espied the nose of their newly-found friend poking its way
+in after them. A moment later and the dog was curled up at one side of
+the tent, sleeping.
+
+"Looks like there were three of you to guard now, instead of two," said
+the officer. "However, I guess it is all right."
+
+"I wonder if it would be possible," said Chester, struck with a sudden
+thought, "for us to take him to Berlin with us?"
+
+"I'll see what can be done about it," replied the officer. "I believe
+that I can arrange it all right."
+
+"We certainly would appreciate it," continued Chester, "and, if the time
+ever comes when we may be of service to you, you may command us." The
+officer smiled.
+
+"I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity," he said. "Present
+circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it."
+
+"Well, you never can tell," said Hal, "the fortunes of war, you know."
+
+"True," said the German, "and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take you
+at your word."
+
+He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention to
+the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The dog was
+on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air eagerly.
+
+"A real war dog, all right," said Chester. "What shall we call him, Hal?"
+
+"Perhaps he has a name already," said Hal. "Try him."
+
+Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a
+few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at
+thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names in
+the boys' vocabulary.
+
+Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog's head. Then, for the first
+time, he noticed the collar he wore.
+
+"Hello!" he said, in some surprise.
+
+"What is it?" said Chester, also approaching.
+
+"Collar," said Hal briefly. "Perhaps his name is on it."
+
+Both boys bent over the dog.
+
+"Here it is, sure enough," cried Chester.
+
+"Can you make it out?" asked Hal.
+
+"It's a little dark," replied the lad. "Bring him over here nearer
+the light."
+
+This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.
+
+"Well?" demanded Hal.
+
+"Yes, I can read it," replied Chester.
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal.
+
+Chester read aloud:
+
+"Marquis--Twenty-third French Infantry."
+
+"A dispatch dog, eh?" said Hal.
+
+"Yes," said Chester; "and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition to
+our party."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+BERLIN ONCE MORE.
+
+
+By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the consent
+of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with them. That
+Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have him, was
+plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time, and
+whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.
+
+The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not leave
+until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other prisoners,
+British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled aboard early.
+Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or description, there
+was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the large number of
+prisoners.
+
+The lads were shoved into a car already loaded down with prisoners and
+took their positions at the far end, the dog between them. In spite of
+misfortune, the prisoners all were far from unhappy. They joked and
+chatted as though they were on a pleasure trip.
+
+Finally, after much delay, the train started with a jolt, tumbling men
+all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were hurled
+hither and yon, but they only laughed.
+
+The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was
+switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop trains
+carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east, or from
+the east to the west.
+
+Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally
+pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the leveled
+rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground, and, after
+being divided into squads at the direction of the German officer in
+command, were marched away.
+
+Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As
+the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a
+German officer.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, approaching the boys. "A dog, eh? Well,
+we haven't time to fool with dogs," and he leveled his pistol at Marquis.
+
+Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to
+stay the German's hand.
+
+"This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General Von
+Kluck," he said quietly.
+
+"So you say," was the reply. "But how am I to know that you speak
+the truth?"
+
+"The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient proof
+of that," said Hal quietly.
+
+The German officer lowered his weapon.
+
+"I guess you are right," he said. "I beg your pardon."
+
+He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more friendly.
+
+"You are British officers?" he asked.
+
+"We are attached to the staff of General French," Chester replied.
+
+"So? and at your age? I presume you have seen considerable action?"
+
+"Considerable," replied Hal, with a smile; "at Liege, Louvain, the battle
+of the Marne, and some other skirmishes."
+
+"You have been in luck," said the officer. "And here I have been, ever
+since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.
+Worse luck!"
+
+"Cheer up," said Chester, smilingly, "you probably will get your chance
+before the war is over."
+
+"I hope so," replied the German, and continued: "I am going to arrange
+for you to come with me--yes, and the dog, too," as he saw Hal glance at
+his canine friend. "You can tell me stories of the war. Besides, I am
+interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so much
+fighting."
+
+"If I may make so bold," said Hal, "you are not so old yourself."
+
+"True," said the German, with a pleasant smile. "But I am twenty," he
+added proudly.
+
+"Then we are not much younger than you," said Chester.
+
+"Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun."
+
+His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.
+
+"Come with me," he said, and the boys followed him.
+
+"I am at liberty to accept your parole," said the young German, "if you
+are prepared to give it."
+
+Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.
+
+"We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we
+would give our parole to no one."
+
+"Oh, well," said the German, with a laugh, "it doesn't matter. There is
+no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow. However, since you
+refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you."
+
+The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they were
+soon riding along the streets.
+
+"I am taking you to my home," said the young officer. "While there, you
+will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be guarded."
+
+"We understand," said Chester quietly.
+
+"Looks natural along here," said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.
+
+"It certainly does," said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that
+moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and Captain
+Derevaux had met for the first time--the spot where the French and
+British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.
+
+"What, you have been in Berlin before?" questioned the German officer in
+some surprise.
+
+"Oh, yes," said Hal. "We spent one vacation here with my mother."
+
+He thought it best not to let the German know how they had escaped from
+the German capital following the outbreak of the war. Chester also made
+no reference to this.
+
+All the streets which the taxi traversed were familiar to the boys now,
+and they pointed out different places of interest to each other as they
+sped along. Finally the taxi drew up and stopped.
+
+The young German leaped lightly to the ground, and stood there as the
+boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
+commodious house.
+
+"My home," said the lieutenant simply, "and yours, so long as you are
+forced to remain in Berlin."
+
+The lads followed their captor up the steps, and into a prettily
+furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
+with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
+officer now introduced himself to the boys.
+
+A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The boys
+were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome, adding:
+
+"I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us."
+
+Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened
+to explain.
+
+"General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it not
+for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You would
+have to have gone with the other prisoners."
+
+"Thanks," said Chester. "I am sure we both appreciate it."
+
+"Indeed we do," agreed Hal.
+
+Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there came
+a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown quickly
+open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in his uniform,
+draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two boys he came to
+a sudden pause.
+
+"What have we here?" he demanded, in a great, booming voice.
+
+"Two of my prisoners, sir," said the lieutenant, stepping forward
+and saluting.
+
+"Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
+captured in Berlin?"
+
+"No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners."
+
+"Then, why are they not with the others?" demanded General Strauss
+sternly.
+
+"Why, sir," stammered the lieutenant, "I--I--"
+
+"Enough," said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling although
+this he endeavored in vain to hide. "You mean that you are up to some of
+your old tricks--that your sympathies have gotten the upper hand of your
+better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you, sir?"
+
+The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:
+
+"I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
+superior officer. But I won't do it this time. However, it is a very good
+thing that our emperor--God bless him--is a very good friend of your
+father. Otherwise--"
+
+He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:
+
+"Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside--and which
+almost bit me--is the property of your prisoners."
+
+Hal stepped forward and saluted.
+
+"He is, sir," he said.
+
+The old general eyed the lad for some minutes in silence. Hal bore the
+scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and
+repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.
+
+"Humph!" ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his
+son.
+
+"When you have introduced us," he said, "we shall all go in and have
+something to eat!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A PIECE OF PAPER.
+
+
+Upon the two following days Hal and Chester, in company with the young
+German lieutenant, viewed the sights in the German capital. Instead of
+the peaceful, pleasure-loving city of their vacation, it now bore naught
+but signs of war.
+
+Officers in automobiles, afoot and on horseback, were rushing hither
+and thither continually. Troops were moving through the streets of the
+city upon every hand--some preparing to entrain for the west, and some
+for the east, where even now it was known that the great hordes of the
+Czar of all the Russias were approaching as fast as their vast numbers
+would permit.
+
+It was indeed a scene to delight a war-like eye, and it was not lost upon
+the two lads.
+
+"It's going to be an awful job to lick these fellows," Chester confided
+to Hal, as they strolled about one afternoon.
+
+"There is no question about that," was Hal's reply. "Still, it has
+to be done."
+
+"And will be done eventually," declared Chester grimly. "The trouble is
+that we are not likely to see it done."
+
+"Don't lose heart," said Hal. "Something may turn up. You never
+can tell."
+
+And something did turn up, though it was nothing the lads could possibly
+have anticipated. As they walked down the street a squad of German
+soldiers approached, in their center a man in civilian clothes.
+Lieutenant Strauss and the boys approached them.
+
+As the three neared, the officer in command of the squad called a halt.
+
+"What have we here?" asked Lieutenant Strauss.
+
+"A spy, sir," was the reply.
+
+"Where was he found?"
+
+"About thirty miles west of the city."
+
+"How does he account for his presence there?"
+
+"He has not had much to say," replied the officer, "but he did tell me
+that he fell from an aeroplane."
+
+"Does he deny being a spy?"
+
+"He does, sir."
+
+"Then how does he account for the fact that he wears no uniform?"
+
+"He doesn't account for it at all, sir. He refuses to say anything on
+that score."
+
+Hal and Chester, during this conversation, had drawn as close to the
+prisoner as the armed guard would permit.
+
+"Looks like an Englishman," said Hal.
+
+"That's what he is, all right," declared Chester.
+
+The prisoner looked up suddenly at hearing these words, spoken in
+English. Then, with a sudden movement, he shook off his guards, and,
+apparently in a dash for freedom, sprang toward Hal and Chester.
+
+Taken by surprise, the boys leaped back, but not before Chester, throwing
+up one hand to ward off what he believed was an attack, felt a little
+piece of paper slipped into his hand.
+
+In spite of his surprise, his fingers closed over it involuntarily; and,
+at the same instant, the man grappled with him. As they struggled, the
+lad was surprised to hear his opponent whisper:
+
+"Don't lose it! It must reach Grand Duke Nicholas at all costs, and at
+once. Much depends upon it."
+
+Then the prisoner grew weak in the lad's grasp, and Chester realized what
+was expected of him.
+
+"I've got him," he cried, and, throwing the man to the ground, fell on
+top of him.
+
+The guards lifted the two to their feet, and once more the prisoner was
+closely surrounded. Lieutenant Strauss now signified that he desired no
+further information and the squad of soldiers marched away, the prisoner
+meantime hurling epithets at the two lads.
+
+"A nice pair of Englishmen you are," he cried "Traitors, that's what you
+are. If you hadn't stopped me I would have got away."
+
+"Never mind him," said Lieutenant Strauss. "He's naturally angry at being
+foiled in his attempt to escape."
+
+Chester, the little piece of paper still clutched in his right hand, was
+now impatient to be where he could read it, and for that reason pleaded
+fatigue. Stealing a moment when the lieutenant's attention was directed
+elsewhere, he slipped the paper into his pocket, as he feared that, upon
+close scrutiny, the lieutenant might see that he was concealing something
+in his hand.
+
+Alone in their own room, before Chester could speak, Hal said:
+
+"What on earth did you want to interfere with the prisoner for? He might
+have got away if it hadn't been for you. No wonder he called us
+traitors."
+
+Chester only smiled for answer, put his hand in his pocket, and
+pulled forth the little piece of paper. Holding it up where Hal could
+see it, he said:
+
+"I didn't know you were fooled, too. I thought you would surely know that
+there was something up."
+
+"Something up!" exclaimed Hal. "What do you mean?"
+
+"Why, simply that the prisoner's attempt to escape was a ruse."
+
+"A ruse?"
+
+"Exactly. That's why he jumped toward us. Do you see now?"
+
+"No," replied Hal, losing his temper, "I don't. Quit beating around the
+bush. If you have anything to tell me, do it."
+
+"Well, then," said Chester, "you see this piece of paper?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, the prisoner made his attempt to escape for the sole purpose of
+handing this to one of us. I happened to be closer to him than you were.
+That's why I got it."
+
+"You mean--" began Hal.
+
+"Exactly," Chester interrupted. "Now, let's see what it says."
+
+Both lads bent over the paper.
+
+"It's written so finely I can hardly make it out," said Chester, after
+looking over the paper.
+
+"Bring it over to the window," replied Hal. "Under a strong light we may
+be able to read it."
+
+Again both lads bent over the little piece of paper. This is what
+they read:
+
+"For the success of military operations in the western theater of war, it
+is essential that the Russian campaign be pushed with immediate vigor,
+particularly in the north. Knowing that we are all working in sympathy
+and accord, without awaiting an answer, I take it for granted that this
+suggestion will be acted upon."
+
+"No address and no signature," said Hal. "What's it all about?"
+
+Chester bent closer over the paper.
+
+"What's this at the bottom?" he said.
+
+Hal looked again.
+
+"Some kind of a seal, it looks like to me," he said, after a careful
+scrutiny. "By Jove, I have it! It's a secret sign, that's what it is. The
+man for whom this is meant will undoubtedly recognize it."
+
+"I believe you have hit it," exclaimed Chester.
+
+"But how are we to know for whom it is intended?" said Hal. "It carries
+no address."
+
+"It is intended for Grand Duke Nicholas, commander-in-chief of the
+Russian armies," replied Chester.
+
+"How do you know that?"
+
+"When I was wrestling with the prisoner he told me so," was
+Chester's reply.
+
+"Well, then," said Hal, "we know for whom it is intended, but what did
+the man give it to you for?"
+
+"Well, he said that it must be delivered at all costs."
+
+"I hope he didn't expect us to deliver it."
+
+"I guess he did though, or to see that it went on its way."
+
+"Yes; and how are we going to do it? Can you figure that out?"
+
+"No," said Chester, "I can't. But something has got to be done. I imagine
+that General French and General Joffre figured that it would be delivered
+without fail. Either the messenger did not take the route as commanded,
+or it was believed safe for him to go by air in a sudden dash."
+
+"Well, I can't see that that part makes any difference. The question now
+is, what are we going to do with it?"
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "that's the question."
+
+For a long while the boys sat and talked over this strange episode, each
+suggesting plans and then discarding them as unwise.
+
+Suddenly Chester sprang to his feet with an exclamation.
+
+"What is it?" asked Hal eagerly.
+
+"We'll take it ourselves!" he exclaimed.
+
+"We will, eh?" said Hal incredulously. "Would you mind telling me how?"
+
+"I won't tell you anything," was Chester's reply. "But are you willing to
+do as I say?"
+
+"Yes," replied Hal, after some consideration.
+
+"Good! Then, with luck we shall put this paper in the hands of Grand Duke
+Nicholas!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+TAKING A CHANCE.
+
+
+"The first thing to do," said Chester, "is to appropriate two of
+Lieutenant Strauss' uniforms. That's your job."
+
+"That's right--pick out the easy work for me," replied Hal sarcastically.
+"How do you figure I'm going to get 'em?"
+
+"I don't know," said Chester. "That's up to you. My job, and a much
+harder one, it seems to me, is to appropriate one of the general's big
+maps, so that if we do succeed in getting out of Berlin, we shall know
+where we are going."
+
+"I take back what I said," exclaimed Hal. "I'll try to get those
+uniforms."
+
+"Trying is not enough," said Chester. "You've got to get 'em!"
+
+"All right, then," replied Hal, "I'll get 'em!"
+
+Since the two lads had been guests, or prisoners, in the Strauss home, a
+detail of soldiers had been stationed around the house, with orders not
+to let either of the lads pass unless accompanied by either the
+lieutenant or the general. The boys had been given the freedom of the
+house. The lieutenant had demurred at the placing of a guard around the
+house, saying that there was not the slightest chance of the boys
+escaping, anyhow, but the general had held out on that point, remarking:
+
+"I know these Americans better than you do. They're slippery. You have to
+watch them closely, or they will slip between your very fingers."
+
+Choosing a moment when the lieutenant had left the house, Hal slipped
+unobserved into his room. He knew the uniforms hung in a closet.
+
+He approached and tried the knob. The door was locked.
+
+"It's up to me to see if I can't pick that lock," he told himself,
+and set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from
+his pocket.
+
+In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and viewed
+the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of footsteps from
+without. Then an idea struck him.
+
+Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door. A
+moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
+lieutenant's uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
+the door and tightened the bolts.
+
+Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
+room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not there.
+
+"Hope he has things as easy as I did," said Hal to himself, and sat down
+to await his friend's return.
+
+When Chester entered the general's private room, which he found unlocked,
+he went straight to the general's desk. He knew that maps and valuable
+papers were kept there, because the general had once referred to them as
+being there while at supper.
+
+The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
+expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always carried
+from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
+unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly threw
+up the top.
+
+Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
+returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
+and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what he
+was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.
+
+He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
+general's desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which he
+also thrust into his pocket.
+
+There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
+lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out. There
+was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him, Chester
+walked rapidly down the hall to his own room, where Hal was waiting for
+his return.
+
+"Did you get it?" asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed the
+door behind him.
+
+"Yes," replied Chester; "and you?"
+
+"They are under the bed," said Hal, with a grin. "I believe I would make
+a first-class burglar."
+
+"And I," agreed Chester. "However, 'All's fair in love and war,'
+you know."
+
+"I am glad I do know it," said Hal. "Otherwise I wouldn't think much of
+myself now."
+
+"We had better hide these things," said Chester. "Their loss might be
+discovered and a search made."
+
+"Where shall we put them?"
+
+Chester glanced around the room. He walked to the closet and opened the
+door. Peering in, he found, just above the top shelf, a small opening,
+apparently not meant for use, as it was too close to the ceiling.
+
+"Put 'em in here," he said, and, withdrawing the papers from his pocket,
+he suited the action to the word.
+
+Hal now brought the uniforms out from under the bed, and, by dint of hard
+squeezing, also finally succeeded in secreting them. The dark cloth made
+the hiding-place look like nothing more than a hole.
+
+"All we need now are swords and pistols," said Chester.
+
+"Pistols," agreed Hal. "I don't know that we need swords."
+
+"You don't," said Chester, in contempt. "We would make a couple of
+fine-looking officers, strutting around without swords, wouldn't we?"
+
+"You're right," Hal agreed, somewhat sheepishly. "Where are we going to
+get them?"
+
+"The general always leaves his sword and revolvers on the table in the
+hall before retiring," said Chester. "Then I noticed another pair of
+swords hanging on the wall there. Also the lieutenant invariably leaves
+his weapons on the parlor table. Careless, I say, but lucky for us."
+
+Chester's thoughtfulness in hiding the articles they had appropriated
+stood them in good stead, as it turned out that evening. General Strauss,
+upon his arrival home, went straight to his private office, saying that
+he would be in to dinner in a few moments.
+
+Accordingly the others went in and sat down at the table without waiting
+for him. A moment later the old general came storming into the room.
+
+"My maps!" he cried. "My maps! Has anyone seen my maps?"
+
+The lieutenant jumped to his feet.
+
+"Have you lost them, sir?" he asked.
+
+"Lost 'em? Lost 'em? Do you think I would ask for them if I knew where
+they were?"
+
+"Perhaps you left them at headquarters, sir."
+
+"No, I didn't leave 'em at headquarters," raged the general. "Someone has
+stolen them!"
+
+"Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know that
+none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing them."
+
+"I tell you they have been stolen!" cried the general. "I want the house
+searched at once--every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of these two
+Americans also."
+
+"Father!" admonished the lieutenant. "Surely you are not accusing them?"
+
+"I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must I
+call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?"
+
+"I'll help, sir," replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said
+softly: "Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces
+something."
+
+The old general's sharp ears caught this remark.
+
+"Irritable, am I?" he cried. "Well, maybe I am, but I don't need to have
+my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that demands
+an apology I'll apologize myself."
+
+Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:
+
+"I'll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?"
+
+"Yes," snapped the general, "and see that you make a thorough job of it."
+
+At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.
+
+"If you think we have your papers, sir," he said quietly, "we are willing
+to submit to a search."
+
+"And searched you shall be," said the general. He turned to his son.
+"Search them!"
+
+The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The kids submitted to the
+search in silence.
+
+"They have nothing, sir," said the lieutenant.
+
+"Then search the second floor," commanded the general.
+
+An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later the
+old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.
+
+"I found nothing, sir," reported the lieutenant.
+
+"Nor I," said the general slowly. "Can it be I was mistaken? Perhaps,
+after all, I did leave the maps at headquarters." He turned to Hal and
+Chester. "I hope you will pardon me for my outburst," he said gravely,
+"but I am easily excited."
+
+"Say no more about it, sir," replied both lads together, but to each came
+the same thought:
+
+"We are in luck."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+SAFE AGAIN.
+
+
+Dinner over and the old general having left the house, Lieutenant Strauss
+said to the boys:
+
+"There is still some amusement in Berlin, in spite of the war. Would you
+care to accompany me to the play to-night?"
+
+Both lads, knowing that this would be as good an opportunity as they
+could expect for making their escape, pleaded that they were too tired.
+
+"Some other evening, if that will do as well," said Chester.
+
+"Oh, all right, whatever you say," replied the lieutenant. "I hope there
+are no hard feelings--that you will overlook my father's show of temper?"
+
+"Of course," said Hal. "Anyone would have done the same under the
+circumstances."
+
+After a few further words the lieutenant departed, and the lads, bidding
+his mother good night, and announcing their intention of retiring early,
+made their way to their room.
+
+There their air of leisure gave way to haste.
+
+"We'll have to hurry," said Hal. "The general will fail to find his maps
+at headquarters, and will be back here in two shakes of a lamb's tail."
+
+Quickly the lads threw on the young lieutenant's uniforms, and Chester
+placed the maps in his pocket.
+
+"We will have to go without revolvers," said Chester, "for we certainly
+can't afford to wait until the general and lieutenant come home."
+
+"I should say not," Hal agreed. "The sooner we get out of here now the
+better, providing we can get out."
+
+Quickly, but silently, the boys made their way from the room and
+descended the stairs. Stepping lightly upon a chair, Hal secured the two
+swords, suspended in their scabbards with a pair of army belts, and,
+leaping lightly down, passed one to Chester.
+
+Quickly the lads strapped the swords around them and quietly they
+opened the front door and closed it softly behind them. Then, with a
+swaggering air, they descended the front steps, to bump squarely into
+one of the guards.
+
+The guard drew back respectfully and saluted.
+
+"I beg your pardon, sir," he said, addressing Chester. "I saw you go out
+once before, but I didn't see you return."
+
+"You must be more careful," said Chester, imitating the lieutenant's
+voice. "My friend and I came in a few moments ago and I didn't see you
+anywhere."
+
+"But I was right here, sir, or at least, only a few steps away,"
+protested the soldier.
+
+"Well, I'll pass over it this time," said Chester, "but don't let it
+happen again. The prisoners might escape."
+
+"Thank you, sir," replied the soldier, saluting again. "But the prisoners
+will not escape while I am on guard. Never fear, sir."
+
+The lads bade the soldier good night and walked slowly away. Once around
+the first corner, however, they increased their pace, and soon had put
+considerable distance between them and the Strauss home, where, even now,
+the old general, having failed to find his maps at headquarters, was
+again raging about, swearing that his documents had been stolen.
+
+Walking into a quiet little shop, Chester purchased two revolvers. Also,
+while there, he withdrew the map from his pocket and studied it
+carefully.
+
+"I want to impress this firmly on my mind," he said to Hal, "for we may
+not have a chance to look at it again for some time."
+
+Hal also bent over and studied the map carefully. A few moments later
+they left the store, each feeling more secure because of the ugly-looking
+Colt each carried in his pocket.
+
+As the boys walked along one of the dark streets they became aware of the
+soft pat-pat of steps behind them, coming swiftly. They turned to face
+whatever danger threatened, and then Hal suddenly broke into a laugh.
+
+"Marquis!" he cried aloud.
+
+Sure enough, it was their four-footed friend. He came running up to the
+boys, wagging his tail happily at being with them once again, but with
+reproach in his eyes at having been left behind.
+
+"Good old Marquis," said Chester, patting his head. "You didn't want to
+be left behind among all these Germans, did you?"
+
+Marquis wagged his tail fiercely.
+
+"What are we going to do with him?" asked Hal. "Won't he be in the way?"
+
+"No, I don't think so," replied Chester. "Not if the plan I have in
+mind works."
+
+"What is your plan?"
+
+"You'll know soon enough," said Chester calmly. "Come on."
+
+For two hours the lads walked along, gradually drawing out of the city at
+the eastern extremity. They passed many German officers as they walked
+along, but were not molested nor even challenged.
+
+Finally, beyond the city, Chester increased his pace and the two boys and
+the dog hurried on. At length they came to a large building.
+
+"I thought I was right," said Chester to himself. "But I was beginning to
+doubt it."
+
+"What is it?" demanded Hal. "What is that building?"
+
+"That," said Chester calmly, "is an aeroplane station. We shall now go in
+and get one."
+
+"Oh, we will, eh? And I suppose they give one to every strange officer
+who happens along?"
+
+"No, they don't," said Chester. "But, among other things in General
+Strauss's desk, I found several orders upon this place, each one calling
+upon the commandant to furnish bearer with one plane."
+
+"Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Hal.
+
+"I wanted to save it as a surprise," said Chester.
+
+As they approached nearer, it became apparent that the structure was a
+long, low shed. A hundred yards away, they were challenged by a sentry.
+
+"I have an order for the commandant," called Chester.
+
+"Approach," said the sentry.
+
+A moment later, the commandant, being summoned by the sentry, arrived.
+
+"What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked.
+
+Without a word, Chester pulled one of the orders he had appropriated from
+General Strauss's desk from his pocket and passed it to the commandant.
+The latter glanced at it quickly, and then bowed.
+
+"You shall have the machine in five minutes," he said, and left them.
+
+True to his word, five minutes later a large-winged biplane stood
+before them.
+
+"You will have to run this thing," Chester whispered to Hal.
+
+"Well, it won't be the first time," Hal whispered back.
+
+Hal took the aviator's seat and Chester also took his place. Then the
+latter whistled to Marquis, who came bounding up and sprang in and sat
+down calmly between Chester's feet.
+
+"Surely you are not going to take that dog," protested the commandant.
+
+"Yes," said Chester. "He is one of the dispatch dogs taken from the
+French. We are going to make use of him with a false dispatch."
+
+"I see," exclaimed the commandant, "A good idea."
+
+"Isn't it?" said Chester.
+
+"All ready?" demanded the commandant of Hal.
+
+"All ready," was the lad's reply.
+
+"Let her go, then," the commandant ordered the two men who had appeared
+to give the aeroplane a start.
+
+A moment later and the machine was speeding along the ground.
+
+"Good luck," called the commandant.
+
+Chester waved his hand in reply.
+
+Now Hal touched the elevating lever, and the aeroplane left the ground,
+and, soaring high in the air, sped on its way.
+
+"Which way, Chester?" Hal called back over his shoulder.
+
+"Due east," replied Chester, "but first rise as high as you can."
+
+Hal obeyed this command, and soon the two boys and a dog were thousands
+of feet above the earth.
+
+"What's your altitude?" called Chester.
+
+Hal told him.
+
+"Good!" said Chester. "Keep her there, and now head due east."
+
+Quickly Hal brought the big aircraft about, and pointed her nose in a
+direction that eventually, barring accidents and the misfortunes of war,
+would land them in the heart of Poland, where the mighty armies of Russia
+were rushing upon the German legions.
+
+"I know we shall get through safely," called Chester, as they sped along.
+"Some way I feel it."
+
+"And so do I," Hal called back.
+
+They were right, and before another night had fallen these two young
+American boys placed in the hands of the Grand Duke Nicholas,
+commander-in-chief of the mighty hordes of the Czar, the paper which had
+so strangely fallen into their hands--the paper which, later on, brought
+about more than one serious check to German arms.
+
+But here ends the story of the Boy Allies along the Marne. Their further
+adventures will be told in a succeeding volume, entitled, "The Boy Allies
+With the Cossacks; or a Wild Dash Over the Carpathian Mountains."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Boy Allies On the Firing Line
+by Clair Wallace Hayes
+
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