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Harvey +Ralphson</h1> +<pre> +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 <a href = "http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal</p> +<p> or Perils of the Black Bear Patrol</p> +<p>Author: G. Harvey Ralphson</p> +<p>Release Date: October 12, 2007 [eBook #22991]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL***</p> +<br><br><center><h3>E-text prepared by Al Haines</h3></center><br><br> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<p> </p> + +<A NAME="img-front"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="The Forces Finished a Brilliant Attack" BORDER="2" WIDTH="405" HEIGHT="598"> +<H3 CLASS="h3center" STYLE="width: 405px"> +The Forces Finished a Brilliant Attack +</H3> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +BOY SCOUTS +<BR> +MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL +</H1> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +OR +</H3> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +Perils of the Black Bear Patrol +</H2> + +<BR><BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BY +</H3> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +G. HARVEY RALPHSON +</H2> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY +<BR> +CHICAGO ———— NEW YORK +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H5 ALIGN="center"> +Copyright, 1916 +<BR> +M. A. DONOHUE & CO. +<BR> +CHICAGO +</H5> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +CONTENTS +</H2> + +<BR> + +<CENTER> + +<TABLE WIDTH="80%"> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">CHAPTER</TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> </TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">AN UNWILLING RECRUIT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">A FRIEND APPEARS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">OUT OF THE FLAMES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">BURIED ALIVE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">A GUARD IN DISGRACE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">A MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">A SUSPECTED SPY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">FRUSTRATED PLANS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">ABANDONING A REGIMENT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">AN EAGLE'S TALONS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">THE FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">TEMPTATIONS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">A GREAT SURPRISE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">BAFFLED PURSUERS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">A BIT OF SCIENCE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">UNDER FALSE COLORS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">ACCUSED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">PURSUIT</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">LESE MAJESTY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">CAPTURED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">ESCAPED PRISONERS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">HELD UP!</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">TABLES TURNED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">A STERN CHASE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">ESCAPE</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> + +<H1 ALIGN="center"> +Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal +</H1> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +Or +</H3> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +Perils of the Black-Bear Patrol +</H2> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +AN UNWILLING RECRUIT +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<P> +"But I say it's not fair!" cried a red-headed lad, drawing himself up +to his full height. "You're not playing fair with us!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, it is not so!" protested the one to whom the boy spoke. "We find +you an enemy in our city, and you must take the consequences!" +</P> + +<P> +"Just because you wear an officer's uniform," retorted the boy, +beginning to lose his temper and gazing fearlessly into the pale blue +eyes of the other, "is no sign you know more than we do. You may think +that helmet and those stripes on your arm give you more brains than the +common run of people, but it isn't so! I say I protest!" +</P> + +<P> +"And much good your protest may do you at this time and place," was the +calm answer. Then, drawing his eyebrows down until the blue eyes were +scarcely able to peer beneath them, he continued: "I, Heinrich von +Liebknecht, Captain in His Imperial Majesty's army in command of a +detachment sent forward to capture this city, have decided that it is +better that you remain with us. There is nothing more to say." +</P> + +<P> +"But there is a great deal more to say!" stormed the boy. +</P> + +<P> +"Jimmie," cautioned another lad, stepping forward and laying a hand on +the arm of the red-headed boy, "perhaps it would be better to say no +more just at this time. There must be some way out of this." +</P> + +<P> +"Silence!" commanded the man who had called himself von Liebknecht. +"The decision has been made. I leave you now, but will return in a few +moments. By that time you will have said farewell to your friends and +be ready to accompany me for service under the Kaiser!" +</P> + +<P> +The lad addressed as Jimmie could scarcely restrain a sneer as the +other finished speaking. His contempt was unbounded, and he did not +seem to be making any great effort to conceal his emotion. +</P> + +<P> +Just as the door was closing behind the departing man Jimmie permitted +himself to wrinkle his freckled nose in that direction and accompanied +the gesture with a motion indicative of great disgust and contempt well +known to many. +</P> + +<P> +The scene was one unusual in the extreme. Four young boys were +standing in a room from which the ceiling had been partly removed by an +exploding shell from a cannon. They were in one of the houses that had +only partly escaped destruction during the bombardment of Peremysl by +the Germans on that memorable first day of June, 1915. +</P> + +<P> +Three of the boys were about eighteen years of age and wore the +well-known uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America. The eldest, Ned +Nestor, was slightly older than the others and wore insignia that +denoted his rank as patrol leader of the Wolf Patrol, New York City. +</P> + +<P> +Jack Bosworth and Harry Stevens stood beside Ned, their uniforms +slightly the worse for wear, due to the extremely active experiences +they had just undergone. These boys were members of the Black Bear +Patrol of New York City, and were fast friends of Ned Nestor and his +red-headed chum, Jimmie McGraw, the fourth member of the group. +</P> + +<P> +Just now Jimmie was not wearing the Boy Scout uniform. Instead he was +dressed in the uniform of a Russian Cossack, and this was the immediate +reason for the controversy that had arisen between the boy and the +German officer. Those of our readers who have followed the adventures +of the boys as related in previous volumes of this series, and +particularly that entitled "Boy Scouts with the Cossacks, or Poland +Recaptured," will at once recall the exciting circumstances that +resulted in Jimmie's donning the Cossack uniform and the reason for the +presence of the four boys in Peremysl at this time. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie seemed to be too much overcome by his emotion at what he +considered rank injustice to be able to carry on rational conversation. +</P> + +<P> +"I tell you, Ned," he sputtered, "just because I happen to have on some +clothes a little different from others they needn't think I'm any +different myself! I'll fix his clock, all right!" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't forget about using slang, Jimmie!" cautioned Ned, half laughing. +"But you see the German officer, von Liebknecht, is really more than a +little bit right at that." +</P> + +<P> +"How's that?" inquired Jimmie in astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +"They say clothes don't make the man," replied Ned, "but in a great +many cases clothes are like one's reputation—they play an important +part in other people's estimate of us. In this case, for instance, the +Germans have just captured this city from the Russians. You are +discovered wearing a Russian Cossack uniform, and they naturally and +almost excusably conclude that the wearer of the uniform is a subject +of the country it represents." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see," slowly replied the lad, nodding his red head. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Jimmie," put in Harry Stevens, "you see it pays to 'Be Prepared,' +just as our motto says. We never can tell just when we'll be required +to depend upon our reputation or our uniform for a favorable opinion +from those who see us or hear of us." +</P> + +<P> +"That's all very well," interrupted Jack Bosworth, "but how are we to +get Jimmie out of this predicament? General or Captain von Liebknecht +seems to think that he's going to make a German soldier out of Jimmie +just to keep him out of harm's way, and I don't like it." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps we can find some of the other uniforms or clothes of some sort +for Jimmie to change into," suggested Harry eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +Ned shook his head in a despondent manner. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid that wouldn't work, boys," he said presently. "We would +only be caught at it and all tried for spies, and maybe find ourselves +in a worse predicament than we now are. Perhaps the German officer +will listen to reason when he returns." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," scorned Jimmie. "Perhaps the sun will shine at midnight, or +water will start running uphill, or something like that will happen!" +</P> + +<P> +"You don't seem to have much faith in the German ability to change the +mind?" inquired Jack. "Maybe this fellow'll be different." +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir!" pursued Jimmie gloomily. "The average German is a pretty +decent fellow in a great many ways, but when it comes to changing his +mind—why, it 'can't be did,' because it's impossible." +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" commanded Ned. "Here he comes. I'll talk to him." +</P> + +<P> +But, though Ned endeavored by every art of conversation at his command +to influence the German Captain to change his mind, that individual +insisted that since Jimmie had been found in the captured city wearing +the uniform of a Russian Cossack he must be treated as one. The only +alternative he would admit was that Jimmie must give evidence of his +claim that he was not a Russian by enlisting in the German army. +</P> + +<P> +"So," decided the German, "you haf been to riding horses accustomed. +Goot. You shall now ride a horse for der Kaiser, und," he added +meaningly, "you shall do it vell. You may now say goot bye to dese +odder poys und come mit me. Der oath ve vill administer." +</P> + +<P> +Several soldiers fully armed, standing about, stepped forward at the +Captain's signal. Placing themselves between Jimmie and his chums, +they advanced, fairly compelling the lad to accompany them. +</P> + +<P> +Thunderstruck at the proceedings, but unable to render any assistance +to their comrade, the three lads watched Jimmie disappear through the +doorway. Then, as they were left quite alone, they turned to one +another with an air of dejection. +</P> + +<P> +"What shall we do, Ned?" inquired Jack presently. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, Ned," put in Harry, with something very like a catch in his +voice, "let's have your ideas. You are always ready with some +suggestion in an emergency. What shall we do?" +</P> + +<P> +"In the first place, boys," answered Ned, "I'm mighty glad to hear you +ask questions like that. It shows me that you are ready for action +instead of wanting to sit down and give way to despair. I'm ready for +action this minute if I could only decide what should be done." +</P> + +<P> +"I move we hunt around and find some guns and go hold that bunch of +Germans up and take Jimmie away from them!" said Harry impulsively. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you suppose the Captain will make good on his threat of making +Jimmie enlist in their cavalry regiment?" asked Jack, ignoring Harry's +suggestion. "If they do, can't he slip away some night?" +</P> + +<P> +"What if he does?" inquired Harry. "Where would he slip to, and where +shall we get to help him? It seems to me that every minute counts now. +If they get him into a cavalry regiment they'll want to be on the move +right away. At times like these, with Germany fighting the whole of +Europe, they can't afford to let a regiment remain idle." +</P> + +<P> +"That's very true," nodded Ned thoughtfully. "Germany has won a +victory over Russia, and that may relieve some of her forces in the +east, at least temporarily, until Russia gathers enough of an army to +make another assault. In that case they might send the cavalry +regiment toward the western front in Prance or Belgium, where Germany +is meeting the French, English and other troops." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think they will make Jimmie go along and fight the allies?" +questioned Jack. "If they do that, he may get killed." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps that would suit the German Captain as well as anything else," +observed Ned. "It would save him the trouble and responsibility of +ordering the red-head shot immediately." +</P> + +<P> +"Then in that case," continued Jack, "I second Harry's motion and hope +it is carried unanimously. Let's get busy and get the boy." +</P> + +<P> +"I think you are right," agreed Ned. "Now, if we can have some plan of +action we'll be able to make more headway than without it." +</P> + +<P> +"Right you are, Scout Master!" cried Jack. "What is your plan?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well," began Ned, glancing at his comrades, "it seems almost too bold +a thing to try just at first thought, but I can't think of anything +better than to try to get away from this place in the Eagle, and then +watch our chance to kidnap Jimmie from those fellows." +</P> + +<P> +"A fine idea!" was Harry's almost cheerful response. "Ned, there's +nothing too bold to try once, anyway. Maybe we can get Jimmie out of +their hands. If we ever do—" +</P> + +<P> +Harry's clenched first, which he shook at the door out of which the +Germans had led Jimmie, spoke more eloquently than his unfinished +sentence. Plainly he was ready for action. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's slip out of here while we have a chance," suggested Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Just the thing!" agreed Jack. "It's the best time we'll ever find. +The incoming army is pretty busy just now and won't see us." +</P> + +<P> +With one accord the three lads moved toward the door. Ned glanced +around the partially wrecked apartment in the hope of discovering +something that would be of use to them in their endeavor to help Jimmie +escape. An object in one corner caught his attention. +</P> + +<P> +As Ned stepped forward to examine the object he had seen, he was +startled to hear a cry from Jack, who had been looking from a window. +</P> + +<P> +"Look!" cried the boy, pointing toward the street. "They're actually +making Jimmie take an oath of enlistment!" +</P> + +<P> +Quickly joining Jack, Ned and Harry saw Jimmie standing in the street, +surrounded by German soldiers wearing the uniforms of Uhlans. Directly +behind the lad stood one of the soldiers with the muzzle of a gun +pressed against Jimmie's back. Before him an officer stood, apparently +administering some form of oath. The three boys could see Jimmie's +lips move in response to the prompting of the officer. +</P> + +<P> +Directly the ceremony was ended and the soldiers turned as if preparing +to mount their horses, standing near. +</P> + +<P> +"There's a bunch coming back to this house!" declared Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder what they want?" mused Harry in a puzzled manner. +</P> + +<P> +"I think they have decided they want three more recruits!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good night!" was the lad's startled ejaculation. "Let's go!" +</P> + +<P> +"Come over here," directed Ned, springing toward a corner of the room. +"I think I've found something that will help us out." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A FRIEND APPEARS +</H3> + +<P> +Harry and Jack hastened to cross the room strewn with wreckage left by +the exploding shell. Ned was already kneeling in the corner. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it, Ned?" cried Jack excitedly. "Have you got a gun?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, not a gun," replied Ned in suppressed excitement, "but it may +prove more useful than a gun at this time." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see what it is!" was Harry's exclamation. "Hurrah! We may be +able to beat them out after all. Hurry!" +</P> + +<P> +"Huh!" scornfully put in Jack. "Nothing but a trap door into the +cellar! I wouldn't give much for that!" +</P> + +<P> +Ned, without replying to either lad, was busily scraping away the +refuse from the corner. Almost concealed by the litter, he had seen a +huge ring in the floor and, naturally concluding that it was fitted +into a trap door, had begun an investigation for the purpose of +discovering if the door led to a passage that might afford a means of +escape for the lads. The proximity of the approaching soldiers made +their need of some haven of refuge an imperative one. +</P> + +<P> +Presently Ned discovered the outlines of the trap door, which he had +correctly surmised to be in that spot. The location of the debris +favored the quick plan that had formulated in Ned's fertile brain. He +rose to his feet and gave a quick glance about the room. +</P> + +<P> +Without wasting time or effort in conversation, the lad quickly pointed +toward a table that lay upturned not far from the trap door. +Signalling to his comrades for assistance, he darted toward the object +and began dragging it to a position directly over the trap door. +</P> + +<P> +Jack and Harry, divining his intention, hastened to assist Ned. Their +united efforts soon placed the table in position. It was the work of +but a moment to raise the trap door and prop it up with a short piece +of wood from the wreckage strewn about. Making the well-known signal +used by railroad men in the United States as a sign for a fireman to +shovel more coal into the firebox, Ned urged the others to descend into +the darkness that yawned mysteriously at their feet. +</P> + +<P> +Jack was first through the opening. He clung to the rim for a moment +with his hands. Then he released his hold and dropped. +</P> + +<P> +Harry and Ned, impatiently waiting for Jack to pass through the door, +heard him drop to a floor below and give a startled cry. Then they +prepared to follow just as the tramp of many feet resounded through the +passage outside the room. Harry slipped into the opening and in turn +dropped out of sight. Ned followed feet first and for an instant hung +from the sill. +</P> + +<P> +Grasping the stick that had been used as a prop, Ned gave a mighty +wrench backward and fell. He said afterward that it seemed as if he +had taken a full week to drop from his position to the floor below. In +reality the drop was not a great one. The distance was, however, +greater than the height of any of the three boys, and explained their +inability to gain a foothold before releasing their hold upon the floor +above. For a moment Ned was unable to regain his breath. +</P> + +<P> +Presently he sat upright and began to search for his comrades. +</P> + +<P> +"Jack, Harry!" he called softly. "Where are you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Here we are, Ned," came a whisper from the darkness that shut the boys +in on every hand. "Can you see us?" +</P> + +<P> +"Can't see a thing!" declared Ned. "Where are you, anyway?" +</P> + +<P> +"Stay right where you are and we'll be there in a moment," was Harry's +answer. "This is one horrible place or I'm a Dutchman!" +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, then, and be quick about it," urged Ned. "I wonder if we +have dropped out of the frying pan into the fire," he added. +</P> + +<P> +"Impossible," chuckled Jack, in spite of the seriousness of their +predicament. "Where there's fire there's light, and I can't see a +single ray of light in this miserable place!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush, Jack!" cautioned Harry. "Not so loud or they'll find us. Can't +you hear them tramping about in the room above?" +</P> + +<P> +Harry's question brought Ned and Jack to a realization of the fact that +the room they had so recently quitted was occupied by the soldiers from +whom they had tried to escape. Footsteps echoed along the stout floor, +and the boys could hear sounds indicating that pieces of furniture were +being hurriedly overturned. +</P> + +<P> +"Uh!" grunted Jack as he suddenly bumped into Ned. "Wonder you +wouldn't blow signals when you're going to cross ahead of a fellow." +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" whispered Ned. "They may hear us! Let's wait a bit!" +</P> + +<P> +All three boys drew close together. They instinctively clasped hands +in the darkness, looking for some degree of comfort in the act. +</P> + +<P> +The noises above them gradually lessened. Presently they ceased +altogether, and the boys could hear footsteps clattering along the +floor in the direction they assumed the door to be. Directly quiet +reigned in the place. +</P> + +<P> +"They've gone, I guess," Ned said after a moment's wait. "Now what +shall we do? Shall we climb back into the house?" +</P> + +<P> +"I move that we explore this apartment first," said Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, no!" urged Harry. "This isn't a nice place to go poking around +in. We have troubles enough already without hunting more." +</P> + +<P> +"What's your objection to looking the place over?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Rats!" was Harry's brief but expressive explanation. +</P> + +<P> +"Rats?" queried Ned. "What do you mean? Are there rats here?" +</P> + +<P> +"There certainly are, and lots of them," was the positive answer. +"When I dropped into this place I think I dropped onto one, and must +have crushed him before he had time to squeal. I heard others running." +</P> + +<P> +"We really ought to make a light," returned Ned. "We can't tell what +the place is like without some way of seeing it." +</P> + +<P> +"There's a light!" was Jack's sudden exclamation. "See it over there +to the right. Why," he added, "there are two lights!" +</P> + +<P> +"And I see others!" cried Harry. "I believe it's the eyes of the rats. +Perhaps they were frightened away and are coming back." +</P> + +<P> +"Have you any matches?" asked Ned. "I haven't a one with me. It's +careless, I know, but not a match can I find in my pockets." +</P> + +<P> +"Where's your searchlight?" inquired Jack. "Haven't you that?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; the Germans took that away from me when they searched us." +</P> + +<P> +"I have two matches," said Harry, "but I don't want to waste them. +Perhaps it will be a long time before we get any more, and I feel that +we ought to save them if possible." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe we can find some stuff here dry enough to make a fire with, and +that'll give us light!" suggested Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea!" responded Ned. "The place feels dry enough." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's keep hold of hands and move slowly about," put in Harry. "In +that way we won't be separated and may find just what we want." +</P> + +<P> +Acting on this suggestion, the boys clasped hands and moved slowly +about, feeling their way cautiously with their feet. They seemed to be +in a cellar with a solid stone floor that had been made quite smooth. +</P> + +<P> +"Here's something!" exclaimed Harry as his foot struck a small object. +"This feels like a piece of wood." +</P> + +<P> +"Here's my knife; let's whittle some shavings," offered Jack. +</P> + +<P> +In a short time the boy had succeeded in producing the desired shavings +from the board Harry had discovered. Gathering these carefully in his +hands, he held them ready to receive the flame from Harry's match. All +three lads eagerly gathered closer together as Harry prepared to strike +the match that would give them the desired ability to see. Harry's +hand trembled a trifle in spite of his effort at self-control. His +first effort was unsuccessful. +</P> + +<P> +"Careful, Harry," admonished Ned. "Better strike it on your shoe sole. +That makes a better match scratcher than your trousers." +</P> + +<P> +"Correct!" observed Jack. "And go easy," he added. "We have only two, +you know. If anything should happen, you understand—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I know," answered Harry. "That's why I'm trying to be extra +careful. I'm just as anxious for a light as you are." +</P> + +<P> +"The rats are coming closer," observed Jack, a slight quaver +perceptible in his voice. "I don't want them to start anything." +</P> + +<P> +"All right now, Harry; lean on me a bit to balance yourself," urged +Ned. "Make sure this time, and get it in your cupped hands." +</P> + +<P> +"Here goes!" announced Harry, lifting one foot and striking the match +upon the sole of his shoe. "Here comes the light!" +</P> + +<P> +But, contrary to expectations, the light did not come, although the lad +tried again and again. +</P> + +<P> +"Try the other match, Harry; maybe this one got wet somehow and won't +work," suggested Jack, stepping closer. +</P> + +<P> +"I have tried them both," declared Harry in a faint voice. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter, then?" demanded Jack excitedly. +</P> + +<P> +"I guess they are those safety matches that will light only on the +box," was Harry's explanation. "I haven't the box, either," he added +in a voice scarcely above a whisper. "It's no go, boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"Look through all your pockets," directed Ned, "and see if there isn't +a scrap of box left by oversight. We must have a light!" +</P> + +<P> +Frantically the three boys searched their pockets, but could discover +no shred or vestige of a box on which to strike the impregnated safety +matches held by Harry. At length they gave up the effort. +</P> + +<P> +"That's peculiar!" declared Jack with emphasis. "Just think of all the +matches used every day in the United States by thousands and thousands +of people who never think of saving them. We have used a whole lot of +matches ourselves needlessly, and now we want just one as badly as we +ever wanted anything. It's fierce!" +</P> + +<P> +"It surely is fierce," agreed Ned, "but we'll have to make the best of +it. It seems peculiar, too," he went on, "that the rats haven't begun +anything. They seem to be all about us." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but they are not moving about very fast," observed Harry. "Maybe +they 're afraid of us yet. Let's make a noise and scare them." +</P> + +<P> +"How shall we do it?" asked Jack. "What will you make a noise with if +you haven't anything to use? Tell me that!" +</P> + +<P> +"Stamp on the floor good and hard; that'll scare them." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; here goes!" agreed Jack, suiting the action to the word. +</P> + +<P> +All three boys were startled at the result of Jack's stamping. A +crackling sound was heard, followed by a tiny spurt of flame from the +floor under his foot. +</P> + +<P> +"Easy there, easy!" cried Harry, dropping to his knees. "That's just +what we wanted. Don't move now, but give me those shavings!" +</P> + +<P> +With trembling hands the lad took the shavings from Jack's hand. +Carefully shielding the tiny flame from possible draughts of air, the +boy held the point of one of the thin pieces of wood over the flare. +In a moment it had caught fire. Licking up the curl, the flame +gradually leaped from one piece of wood to another until the entire +handful was ablaze. The dancing light played upon the three faces and +sent a glow out into the surrounding blackness. Harry deposited the +burning shavings upon the floor, where the fire was soon transmitted to +the larger piece of wood Jack had used in whittling. +</P> + +<P> +As the boys saw that the matter of fire was assured, they glanced first +at each other, then let their gaze wander about the apartment. +</P> + +<P> +"Goodness, the rats don't seem to be much afraid of fire!" exclaimed +Jack, pointing toward a horde of rodents swarming about the place. +</P> + +<P> +"What's that on them?" asked Harry wonderingly. +</P> + +<P> +"I declare it's red!" exclaimed Ned. "It looks like blood!" +</P> + +<P> +"Where'd they get blood from, I'd like to know!" protested Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"There's only one answer to that just now, with all the dead and +wounded soldiers about," answered Ned, shaking his head. "It's awful!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let's get out of here as quick as we can," urged Jack. "Come on." +</P> + +<P> +With one accord the lads turned from the swarm of rats. +</P> + +<P> +"Where are you going?" demanded a strange voice from the darkness. +</P> + +<P> +"Who are you?" asked Ned, startled by the sudden question. +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe I'm a friend," was the answer. "Yes, I guess I am." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +OUT OF THE FLAMES +</H3> + +<P> +When the soldier who had been holding his rifle at Jimmie's back +lowered the weapon and the ceremony of administering the oath of +allegiance to the Kaiser had been completed, the red-headed Boy Scout +who had been masquerading under a Cossack uniform breathed a deep sigh +of relief that but faintly expressed his sentiments. +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Jimmie maintained a +mental reservation that little less than contradicted his words so +recently spoken. He felt that it would be only policy to obey the +orders of those in superior force, since he could see no advantage to +be gained by a flat refusal. His thoughts rapidly compassed the +situation, and he recognized the fact that the invading horde of +Germans were in no mood to consider dispassionately the matter of a boy +more or less who was found under the circumstances in which they had +discovered Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +Reluctantly, therefore, but because he thought it by far the better +plan, the lad had submitted to the course insisted upon. +</P> + +<P> +During all the time that he had been repeating the words after the +officer the boy had been mentally conjecturing a means of escape +whereby he might rejoin his chums and be fairly sure of the escape of +the entire party from the hands of the army that had so recently +captured Peremysl and who were now engaged in bringing order out of the +apparent chaos that reigned. +</P> + +<P> +Not until the searching party returned and reported to the Captain +their unsuccessful quest after his three comrades did Jimmie realize +that an effort was being made to apprehend them. +</P> + +<P> +Then he began to believe that it was not the intention of the German +Captain to allow the boys to leave the country. The thought was a very +disquieting one. In entertaining it, Jimmie felt himself fully +justified in taking any possible course of escape. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, my lad," began the Captain, addressing Jimmie in a not unkindly +tone, the while his blue eyes regarded the lad with an amused glance, +"now that you are a full-fledged Uhlan and your comrades are on their +way home, you will be fitted out with a new uniform by the proper +department. See that you select a good strong one, for we have plenty +of rough work ahead of us. Yes?" +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir!" replied Jimmie with outward politeness, although his +heart was filled with rage at the thought of donning the German +uniform. "I shall try to do well whatever I undertake." +</P> + +<P> +"Spoken like a man!" declared the officer with a short laugh. +</P> + +<P> +A brief order spoken in the German language to an orderly nearby +resulted in that individual signing to Jimmie. Obediently the lad +followed his new guide. Past groups of soldiers who were, by their +fair hair, round cheeks, blue eyes and general stocky build, members of +the German army, the boy and his conductor took their way. +</P> + +<P> +Not far down the street they came upon several wagons in charge of a +commissioned officer, before whom the guide stopped with a very formal +salute. After receiving a recognition of his salute the guide +explained his errand. A laughing response greeted his explanation of +circumstances. The officer called one of his aides, and the work of +outfitting the erstwhile Cossack began. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie discovered that the wagons were veritable stores on wheels, and +was greatly surprised at the neatness and order with which the large +assortment of goods were disposed. No difficulty was experienced in +securing clothing of the proper dimensions, and Jimmie soon stood forth +to all external appearances as loyal and brave a Uhlan as ever followed +the banner of the Emperor or stuck a lance into a dummy at riding +exercise. He could not restrain a laugh at the peculiar round cap that +was fitted to his head. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I'm hungry!" he declared as he surveyed himself in his new +regalia. "Where's the eats?" he asked of the guide. +</P> + +<P> +A stare from a pair of pale blue eyes was the only response. +</P> + +<P> +"I say," began Jimmie in a louder tone, "I haven't had anything to eat +for a long time. I'm hungry!" he finished in a shout. +</P> + +<P> +Another stare and a nod of the head greeted this outburst. +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, come off!" was Jimmied disgusted sally. "Where are your ears? +Wake up! It's six bells and the cook has struck. Here—" +</P> + +<P> +Seizing the guide by the sleeve, Jimmie shook his finger under the +other's nose for attention. Then he repeated his old-time universal +sign language denoting hunger. +</P> + +<P> +The guide followed with great interest Jimmie's motion of pointing into +his open mouth and gazed delightedly at the patting of the stomach. +Apparently, however, he could discover nothing amiss with the belt +buckle or any of the accoutrements that adorned the person of the +new-found recruit. He shook his head in a negative way. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you mutton-head!" scorned Jimmie. Then, recalling the few words +of German he had learned in haphazard fashion, he began again, pausing +between each word to give emphasis to his request. +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, Ich say, old scout," he stated, "Ich would like some brodt haben, +und sauer kraut, und wiener wurst, and kaffee, and pumpernickel, und +kaffekuchen, und Kolbfleisch, und—oh, whatever you have handy." +</P> + +<P> +A smile slowly spread over the face of the guide as he began to +comprehend Jimmie's meaning. He nodded vigorously. +</P> + +<P> +"And I say, dumbhead, Heute Ganse Braten!" Jimmie added vigorously. +"There!" he declared in an undertone, "I know I saw that sign in Dick +Stein's restaurant on the north side in Chicago one time when I was +there, and I asked the man what it meant. He said it was German for +'We have roast goose to-day,' and I'd like a little of that, too." +</P> + +<P> +"So-o," drawled the guide. "Und you haf been by Stein's restaurant? +Yes? Vell, I vas waiter dere for two, tree year. It is a nice blace." +</P> + +<P> +"You rascal!" shouted Jimmie. "You understood me all the time. Why +didn't you let me know you understood English at first?" +</P> + +<P> +"Maype I didn't understand," the other stated simply. +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe you didn't, and again maybe you did," retorted the lad rather +tartly. "If you keep on playing your monkey shines on me, you'll get +me sore pretty soon, and I'll be tempted to cloud up and rain all over +you. And there'll be considerable dunder und blitzen along with the +cyclonic disturbance in the atmosphere," he added. +</P> + +<P> +"All right," was the calm response. "You iss hungry. Maybe you vant +someding to eat. Yes? Or maybe not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Great frozen hot boxes!" cried Jimmie in a despairing tone. "I don't +see how, with all the scarcity of ivory in the market, the billiard +ball makers let you roam about at large so long. Why," he added with +rising indignation, "you're giving the exact symptoms of a chap who is +ossified from the shoulders to the sky! Of course I want to eat, and +I'd be de-lighted to perform that simple operation now." +</P> + +<P> +"But to eat before mess, it is verboten," declared the guide. +</P> + +<P> +"Say," retorted Jimmie, "just let me have your name and the address of +any relatives you want notified in case of accident. Something is +going to blow up pretty soon, and when the explosion is over they'll go +around with a sponge to gather up the pieces of the innocent +bystanders. Among those present was a former waiter at Dick Stein's." +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, yes," slowly replied the other. "My name iss Otto von +Freundlich. In America I am called Friendly Otto. It iss so in der +telephone book. Names iss backwards put down." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you'll just be good enough to get me one of those nice large +German pancakes that we used to get at Stein's, with a couple of cups +of coffee and a little 'T' bone steak well done, with some fried +potatoes and a side order of cauliflower in cream, some cold slaw, a +little lettuce, some lentils, and a small platter of sauer kraut, I'll +try to worry along until mess time. Can't we eat at all?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, not all of dot," soberly responded Otto seriously, evidently +believing that Jimmie intended to eat everything he had mentioned. +</P> + +<P> +"Then for pity's sake tell me what I can have. I'm getting so hungry I +could almost eat the wheels off this wagon." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe a little soup und some rye bread?" replied Otto inquiringly. +</P> + +<P> +"That listens good to your Uncle Dudley," was Jimmie's response in a +somewhat mollified tone. "Lead me to it and I'll do the rest." +</P> + +<P> +"Come," directed Otto, starting away and beckoning the lad to follow. +"Come; der cook maybe has something good for hungry soldiers." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie followed with much interest, taking note of everything as he +went along. Here he saw a group of soldiers resting after some +evidently heavy work. There another group were arranging their +accoutrements and polishing their weapons as they rested in the shade +of a broken wall that had withstood the heavy hammering of the immense +German guns during the days of bombardment of the city. +</P> + +<P> +Wagons were drawn up along the side of the street, gasoline trucks were +darting hither and thither on various errands, while small groups of +horsemen were constantly passing to and fro about the town. +</P> + +<P> +Everywhere was activity, indicating to Jimmie that not only were the +Germans investing the city and preparing it for their occupation, but +that other preparations were under way. This could only mean to the +lad that the commander of the invading forces was preparing to press +the advantage he had gained by following the Russian army he had driven +from Peremysl and attempt to administer a crushing blow. +</P> + +<P> +"What is all this bustle about, Otto?" he asked presently. +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, I know not," was the reply. "Und if I should know, it is +verboten that I should say. You will discover in good time." +</P> + +<P> +"That's all right, but I'll bet my last year's hat that you know pretty +well what's going on if you'd only talk a bit." +</P> + +<P> +"That is perhaps so and perhaps not so," replied Otto. +</P> + +<P> +"All right; I vote yes on the amendment," persisted Jimmie, feeling +that by a little maneuvering he could learn something from his guide. +"From what the Captain said while we were in the house and you were on +the street, I understand that your regiment will be one of the first to +be tolled off to pursue the Russians. Maybe he'll send me with them. +I do hope so, for that will give me a chance to get a whack at them in +payment for the hard treatment I received." +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, nein!" protested Otto, evidently endeavoring to set Jimmie right. +"My regiment is to return. We have done our work here." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought so all the time," muttered Jimmie. "You may have been in +America a while, but you haven't got wise to the great game of 'bluff' +the Americans pull off once in a while. You're easy." +</P> + +<P> +"What is dot?" inquired Otto. "I did not hear what you say." +</P> + +<P> +"I say," replied Jimmie in a louder tone, "I'm hungry. I want +something to eat, and I'm curious to know what is in that bundle you +are carrying so carefully. Is it dynamite or something?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nein; it is the Russian Cossack uniform you wore. I shall burn it +when we arrive at the kitchen you see ahead of us." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, so you don't like Cossack uniforms any better than I do." +</P> + +<P> +"It is orders," was the German's simple statement. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, here we are at the cook's place," announced Jimmie as the two +drew near a movable kitchen equipment in the street. +</P> + +<P> +A few words addressed to the person in charge of the kitchen brought +forth a smiling response. In a moment Jimmie was supplied with a small +dish of nourishing stew of cabbages and beans. +</P> + +<P> +He devoured the contents of the dish with an appetite, and gladly +accepted the cup of black unsweetened coffee that was tendered. +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you! That was just like mother used to make!" he said as he +returned the empty dish and cup. "I'll see you again." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie stepped back a pace, preparing to follow Otto, presuming that he +would lead the way to regimental headquarters. +</P> + +<P> +As he glanced about in search of his guide he discovered the German +stuffing the discarded Cossack uniform into the furnace underneath a +huge kettle. With a startled cry Jimmie grasped frantically at his +breast. Then he darted forward and snatched the clothing from the fire. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BURIED ALIVE +</H3> + +<P> +"Well, if you're a friend, step forward and let us see what you look +like," challenged Ned, turning in the direction from whence the strange +voice proceeded. "You needn't be afraid to show your face." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not the one who is afraid," was the reply. +</P> + +<P> +"We're not afraid, if that's what you mean," retorted the lad. +</P> + +<P> +A chuckle from the newcomer was the only response. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you coming forward?" asked Ned in a rather impatient tone, for his +experiences of the last few moments had been enough to cause him to be +slightly irritable. "I'd like to see you." +</P> + +<P> +As the lad spoke he peered eagerly toward the blackness surrounding +himself and his chums. Owing to the faintness of the flame from their +small fire, the darkness lying about them like a dense pall was too +great for his eyes to pierce. Try as he might, he could not +distinguish even the faintest outline of the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +"If you are afraid of the rats or the Germans you might step over this +way and we'll go to a more convenient and pleasant place. This isn't a +cheerful spot," was the stranger's suggestion. +</P> + +<P> +This invitation was received in silence by the three boys. +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," the other continued, "if you prefer to remain here and +talk it over with the rodents, I have no objections." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps we would rather take our own way out of here," Ned stated with +little friendliness in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," was the dry response from the utter darkness. "But," went +on the stranger, "you'd have a beautiful time doing it. There's only +one way out of this place except by the trap door through which you +came. Unless you're regular little derricks you can't move all that +rubbish piled on top of the trap door, and you'd not be apt to discover +the underground exit if you had the eyes of a hawk and an electric +light plant besides. Better come along." +</P> + +<P> +Ned had not relaxed his clasp on the hands of his companions, and now +drew them closer to him. In a whisper he asked: +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think, boys? Shall we do as he suggests?" +</P> + +<P> +"Might as well," said Jack. "We can't be in much worse case than we +are now, and those rats might get good and ugly when they get wise to +our being here. I move we follow him." +</P> + +<P> +"Second the motion, unless you've got a better suggestion," added +Harry. "This place is getting on my nerves. Let's go." +</P> + +<P> +"I rather feel as if we ought not to go with this fellow unless he's +willing to show himself and let us get an idea who he is," Ned stated +in a hesitating way. "Perhaps you boys are right, but I don't feel at +all easy about it. Maybe he's trying to get us into a trap." +</P> + +<P> +"That's so," agreed Harry. "At least if we remain where we are we'll +be no worse off than we would have been without him." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right there," put in Jack, "but on the other hand we're in a +bad fix, and Jimmie's outside and needs us. This fellow's coming may +be just the chance for escape that we are wanting. Suppose we follow +him as he suggests and all the while remember our motto to 'Be +Prepared.' Wouldn't that be the proper course?" +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you're right, Jack," Ned said with a sigh. "Perhaps I'm wrong +about it. I don't want to overlook a chance to help Jimmie and get +back to America. I'll withdraw my objections." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then, let's get started. Tell him so." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you there?" Ned called out in a louder tone, addressing himself +toward the place from which the stranger's voice had come. +</P> + +<P> +"I am for a minute," answered the other. "But I'm going now. If you +care to come with me I'll be glad to take you out of here." +</P> + +<P> +"Where will you take us?" asked Ned, reluctant still to follow. +</P> + +<P> +"That's something I cannot say right now. You'll find out." +</P> + +<P> +"All right," consented the boy, starting forward. "But remember," he +cautioned, "we shall not relish anything in the way of tricks." +</P> + +<P> +"Suspicious still, I see," laughed the other. "Well, follow this +light, and be careful how you step. There may be irregularities in the +floor that you'll have to discover for yourselves. It won't be safe to +do any talking for a while. The Germans are watchful." +</P> + +<P> +The three boys were startled to observe a circle of light appear upon +the stone floor of the apartment at some little distance from the spot +where they were standing. It appeared to emanate from an electric +searchlight held in the hands of the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +Ned took a step toward the light. Jack and Harry did likewise. Their +surprise increased as they observed that the light moved along the +floor at a pace about equal to their own. +</P> + +<P> +Ned thought that he could faintly discern the feet of the person +carrying the light, but was unable to learn anything of the character +of the person. He was torn between his desire to escape from the +apartment and the wish to learn the identity of the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +Only a few steps had been taken by the stranger before the light was +extinguished. Instantly the three boys halted. +</P> + +<P> +"S-s-sh!" came a warning hiss. "Be mighty careful now of your +conversation and your footsteps. Keep as quiet as possible and follow +me closely. We are all in extreme danger!" +</P> + +<P> +In spite of his efforts at self-control, Ned's muscles trembled and he +found it difficult to walk steadily. Assuming that his chums were in +like plight, the lad summoned all his courage and reached out a +reassuring hand to the others. The contact with his friends seemed to +restore the equilibrium that had been Ned's most valuable asset in +times of stress and danger in his many adventures. +</P> + +<P> +Long afterwards the boy declared that in all his experiences that +compassed many strange and hazardous enterprises in the United States, +Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, China and other countries he had never +felt so keenly the need of aid as he did at that moment. +</P> + +<P> +Not for long, however, were the boys permitted to consider the peril of +their position. Almost instantly they heard a faint grating sound +directly in front of them. A cold draught of damp, musty air struck +their faces, and they understood that a door had been opened into some +other apartment. The odor of the incoming air told them plainly that +the next apartment was also underground, and they surmised that it had +not recently been occupied. +</P> + +<P> +"Come!" was the command borne to their ears in the faintest of whispers +from the person leading the way. +</P> + +<P> +Unhesitatingly the lads advanced. Jack had taken but a couple of steps +before he collided with some solid object. The shock of contact +brought forth a grunt of surprise. At the same moment Harry went +through a similar experience. Ned met no resistance and nearly lost +his hold of the others before he recovered his balance. +</P> + +<P> +"Gee!" Jack whispered, "I've hit a wall!" +</P> + +<P> +"Here, too!" put in Harry, lowering his whisper to a mere breath. +</P> + +<P> +"Single file, lock step," directed Ned. +</P> + +<P> +Jack and Harry fell in behind their Scout Master obediently, and the +little party began groping its way along. Ned reached out a hand on +either side as he went forward. His hands came in contact with walls +that appeared to be made of stone. The dampness had gathered in great +drops on the surface. A slime had been deposited that made Ned shudder +as he felt it. He knew, however, that this was no time to permit an +interruption through squeamishness. +</P> + +<P> +There was now no guiding light in advance, and the boys cautiously +picked their way along the stones, with Ned feeling every inch of the +way before he set his foot down. Directly the lad heard another +warning hiss. This time the sound was closer than formerly. +</P> + +<P> +"Put your hand on my shoulder," came the whispered command. +</P> + +<P> +Ned followed this instruction immediately. He judged by the height to +which he raised his hand to rest it upon the other's shoulder that the +stranger was a person of about his own build. His sense of touch also +told him that the other's clothing was of a material similar to the +khaki uniform he himself was wearing. A faint odor of gasoline and +grease assailed his nostrils, particularly distinguishable because of +the damp air in which the party was traveling. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly the boys were startled by the sound of an explosion that came +faintly to their ears. The earth in their vicinity trembled. +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" asked Ned in a whisper. "What's going on?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" replied the guide. "The Germans are making some improvements +in the town. They are blowing down some dangerous walls. Now keep as +quiet as you can and follow me. We'll have to hurry!" +</P> + +<P> +Ned made no further attempt at conversation, but obediently gave his +entire attention to following the strange person in advance. +</P> + +<P> +Before the little party had traversed the passage to any considerable +distance they heard several other explosions similar to the first. One +particularly louder than the others was followed by the sound of small +pieces of rock tumbling from the roof and walls of the passage. Ned +pressed still closer to his guide, while Jack and Harry needed no +urging to make them crowd up to Ned in their impatience. +</P> + +<P> +Not far from the point where the boys had noticed the pieces of rock +falling the guide turned a corner abruptly. Ned wondered how he was +able in the intense blackness to distinguish so accurately the spot for +making the turn, but refrained from making any comment. +</P> + +<P> +As he followed the guide around the corner the lad's foot struck +against an object lying on the floor. A metallic ring from the object +he had kicked caught the lad's attention. Slipping his hand quickly +down the other's back in preparation for a movement to pick up the +object, Ned was surprised to come in contact with a belt. He was +startled to observe that the belt was filled with cartridges. +</P> + +<P> +Without stopping to comment upon the circumstance, Ned stooped quickly +with hand outstretched. His fingers came in contact with the object +his foot had struck. He instantly recognized it to be an automatic +pistol. Restraining his impulse to cry out, the lad shifted the weapon +in his hand to a grip that would permit him to use it in case such a +move was necessary. He straightened up at once. +</P> + +<P> +Scarcely had the boys taken another dozen steps before they heard the +voices of a number of men, all apparently endeavoring to talk at once +and using a language that was unintelligible to the lads. +</P> + +<P> +Greater caution, if possible, was now used by all in their negotiating +the dark passage. A few steps farther on carried them past the place +where the voices had been heard. Ned breathed a sigh of relief as the +voices died away in the distance. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the guide halted. He turned to a position where he could +face Ned. Still speaking in a whisper, he said: +</P> + +<P> +"We are not out of danger yet, but I'll thank you to let me have that +automatic you picked up back there. It's mine!" +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, now, hand it over," continued the other. +</P> + +<P> +"Where did you get it?" whispered Ned. "Can you prove what you say?" +</P> + +<P> +"Of course I can!" replied the other. "I'm a bird man, and that is +part of my equipment. You have no right to it!" +</P> + +<P> +A louder detonation than any they had heard yet drowned Ned's reply. +The walls in the passage seemed shaking as if about to fall. From the +passage in their rear came shrieks and groans. An odor of sulphur came +blowing upon their backs. A crashing and grinding noise filled the +air. Jack and Harry closed in upon the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's get out of here as quick as we can," urged Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"We're at the end of the passage!" declared the guide. "That blast has +probably filled the corridor back of us with rubbish. Unless we can +dig a way out of it, we're buried alive!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V. +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A GUARD IN DISGRACE +</H3> + +<P> +Jimmie's momentum carried him toward the camp kettle with such violence +that he was unable to check his speed. He could only swerve his course +enough to avoid actually falling into the open door through which fuel +had been fed. Unfortunately, however, the lad lost his footing and, as +he fell, thrust a hand against the hot iron. +</P> + +<P> +"Ow, wow!" yelled Jimmie, as he rolled over the ground, dragging with +him the already burning Cossack uniform. +</P> + +<P> +"Here, here!" shouted Otto, rousing from his phlegmatic attitude and +springing forward in Jimmie's direction. "Leave dot alone!" +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie rose to his feet nursing his burned hand and casting a glance of +extreme disgust toward his new-found friend. +</P> + +<P> +"What business have you got burning up my clothes, I'd like to know!" +he indignantly began. "You big sauer kraut eater. You don't seem to +know that clothes cost money and that these clothes were presented to +me by the Imperial Czar of Russia!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dot makes no difference about dot Russian bizness," answered Otto +doggedly; "my orders iss to burn dot uniform, und dot's chust vot I'm +going to do. Maybe you would like to watch me." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I'll watch you," Jimmie stated aggressively, his face flushing +until the freckles were scarcely distinguishable. "You can burn the +old uniform as fast as you like, but there is something in it that I +want before you start the conflagration." +</P> + +<P> +Otto stretched forth a hand in an effort to wrest the already charred +and smoldering garments from The Wolf. He evidently intended to take +matters strictly into his own hands and obey orders to the letter, +regardless of Jimmie's wishes in the matter. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie just as resolutely intended to have his own way about the +matter, although he had no objection to the ultimate burning of the +discarded insignia of the gallant troop he had at one time joined. +</P> + +<P> +Although suffering keenly from the hand that had come in contact with +the iron and that would be giving him pain for some time, Jimmie +directed his attention to a search of the garments. He thrust his +uninjured hand into one pocket after another, frantically groping for +some object. Directly he gave a glad shout and withdrew his hand, +clutching a small packet from which a loop of heavy cord hung. +</P> + +<P> +Otto had lost some of the zest with which he had been imbued when he +first raised an objection to Jimmie's action. His sluggish nature had +dominated his movements, and now he moved forward with the ponderous +motions of the average German agriculturist, although it was plain to +the observers standing about that nothing short of a superior force +could deter his progress or swerve him from his course. +</P> + +<P> +"I've got it!" shouted Jimmie gleefully as he grasped the packet and +attempted to gather up the scattered garments. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," put in Otto, in a voice which betokened his rage because his +beloved orders had not been obeyed, "you haf got it, und now you will +get someting else! I have someting for you right here!" +</P> + +<P> +"You're welcome to the uniform now," was Jimmie's response. "I'm +through with the uniform, and I hope with the Russian army." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe so," stated Otto, growling forth the words in a tone resembling +the greeting usually given a tramp by a bulldog, "but you ain't through +with the German army, by a long shot!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, the German army ain't so much," scorned Jimmie. "I've seen lots +of armies that could tie you Dutchmen into knots." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, they could—not!" derisively put in Otto, with an air that he had +evidently picked up during his experience on the north side of Chicago. +"You wait; I will show you someting!" +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie's interest in the packet had absorbed his attention to such an +extent that he had not noticed the approach of the German, and it was +not until Otto's great arms surrounded his form that the boy realized +his danger. He had considered Otto merely as a guide, and had not +thought it possible for him to act in any other capacity. Now he +understood that the German intended to do him bodily harm, if possible. +Quickly as the realization of his danger flashed through the boy's +active mind, he began to plan a means of escape. He well understood +that, struggle as he might, his strength would be far less than that of +his antagonist, and he knew that, in order to escape, he must resort to +his knowledge of wrestling and boxing. +</P> + +<P> +Although compelled to think and act quickly in the emergency, a +recollection of Ned Nestor's training and the drills to which he had +subjected his fellow Boy Scouts flashed across Jimmie's vision. +</P> + +<P> +Otto's arms had encircled Jimmie's form and were slowly tightening in a +python-like constriction that forced Jimmie's organs upward into his +ribs and shut off his heart action. Again Jimmie recalled vividly his +experiences in trying to break a "body scissors" on the mat, This time, +however, he cast aside the rules of conduct that forbid fouls and +determined to free himself at whatever cost. +</P> + +<P> +Otto's surprise at feeling Jimmie's heels gouging up and down his shin +was exceeded only by his astonishment at receiving a blow on the chin +from Jimmie's red head. Butting in a fight was a part of "the game" +that the former newsboy had picked up in his encounters on the Bowery +when protecting his corner from other vendors. +</P> + +<P> +Long since discarded, the accomplishment now served Jimmie well, and he +used it effectively, not forgetting to keep one foot in action as he +industriously pegged away at the foot upon which his heel had first +landed. Jimmie believed thoroughly in the old adage that 'continual +dropping will wear away a stone.' +</P> + +<P> +Black specks began to float slowly across Jimmie's vision and his +breath seemed to have left his body. In place of lungs the boy felt he +had only a great raging furnace. His foot began to be heavier and +heavier. He was about to give up in despair. +</P> + +<P> +Without warning, Otto released his grasp to fling Jimmie from him as he +stepped backward to escape the onslaught of kicks and blows from +Jimmie's active head. As he released the boy he aimed a vicious swing +that would have done a great deal of damage had it landed. +</P> + +<P> +Luckily for the red-headed Uhlan, his feet became tangled in the +remnants of the discarded and partly burned uniform that had been the +innocent cause of the battle. Just as Otto aimed the blow at Jimmie's +head the boy stumbled and fell backward. +</P> + +<P> +There flashed to the lad's mind the thought that the Russian uniform +had been the means of saving him from a most unwelcome hurt. +</P> + +<P> +Perhaps one of Jimmie's most lovable qualities was the ability to see +and appreciate a joke, no matter what the time or circumstances. This +quality so dominated the lad that his comrades often declared he would +laugh at his own expense even when he was hungry. Just now he was so +impressed with the absurdity of the uniform's being the cause of his +trouble and the means of his escape that he laughed aloud. +</P> + +<P> +Unnoticed by either of the contestants, a considerable number of the +cooks and "kitchen police" had gathered to witness the difficulty +between the two. These bystanders now offered words of encouragement +in an effort to prolong the battle. It seemed that the dominating +spirit of battle had not been satisfied during the several days of +awful history-making struggle between the armies around the stricken +city. The bloodlust was strong in their souls. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie heard their cries, although he could not distinguish the words +they used, nor could he have understood them had he done so. He +realized that Otto would probably hear and understand, and that for +very shame, if for no other reason, the other man would return to the +conflict. He therefore drew a deep breath and braced himself for the +expected advance. Something warm and wet seemed to be trickling down +over Jimmie's face. He put up a hand to wipe it away. The hand came +away wet and sticky. To Jimmie's astonishment the hand was red. +</P> + +<P> +A roar of rage assailed his ears, and Jimmie turned just in time to +duck under a mighty swing. Angered at the persistence displayed, +Jimmie let fly a stinging hook that fell short of its intended mark. +Instead of landing on Otto's chin, as he had purposed, Jimmie flung his +fist full upon the "Adam's apple" of his antagonist, bringing forth a +gurgling squawk that afforded merriment to the bystanders. +</P> + +<P> +He lost no time in following up his advantage. Quickly springing +forward, he landed a shower of blows, each one in a telling spot about +Otto's head. The lad's ire was fully roused, and he entered into the +matter of administering punishment with a zest. +</P> + +<P> +Handicapped by his lighter weight, the boy could not hope successfully +to cope with the burly German on anything like an equal footing, and +consequently determined to press the advantage to the utmost, hence he +wasted no blows, but made every one count. +</P> + +<P> +Eager to administer what he considered ample punishment, yet wary and +cautious, the lad gave his entire attention to his effort. He was +looking for an opening through which he might slip a "knockout," and +gave no heed to the events transpiring about him. Hence he did not +notice the approach of a small party of officers until he felt a hand +laid heavily upon his shoulder and a voice spoke in his ear. +</P> + +<P> +"So, this is the way my soldiers behave when I am not present!" Jimmie +heard the man say. He turned to gaze at the newcomer. +</P> + +<P> +"Captain von Liebknecht!" he gasped in utter amazement. +</P> + +<P> +"The same," replied the officer who had first interviewed Jimmie in the +partly ruined house. "It seems to me," he went on in a severe tone, +his pale blue eyes narrowing to mere points, "that my recruits might be +in better business than trying to spoil my veterans!" +</P> + +<P> +For a moment Jimmie forgot to be respectful. The old spirit of Bowery +repartee, so long held in leash and thoroughly muzzled by Ned Nestor's +training and Jimmie's own self-control, had broken bonds, and now +showed itself upon the surface without restraint. +</P> + +<P> +"You can't spoil a bad egg, Captain!" was the impertinent response. +"This fool Dutchman got too gay and I just put him into the clear!" +</P> + +<P> +"Silence!" roared von Liebknecht. "No reply is necessary." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I made one just the same," was Jimmie's undaunted retort. +</P> + +<P> +"So I observe," remarked the officer, "and for that you shall be +punished. It shall be my pleasant duty to see that you get your full +share of regular work, and in addition I shall assign you to the +delightful position of assisting the police detail." +</P> + +<P> +"But I'm not big enough to be a policeman," objected Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +A smile spread over the face of the officer as he observed: +</P> + +<P> +"That is your misfortune, not mine. If you had been so fortunate as to +be a German, you would have been much bigger and perhaps more +respectful. You will please remember in future to be at least civil." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie began to realize that it would not be to his advantage to +continue the conversation, especially in the spirit already shown. He +therefore drew himself up to his full height and gravely saluted, using +the well-known Boy Scout form, with thumb and little finger touching +and the other three fingers extended vertically, palm outward. +</P> + +<P> +The action seemed to please von Liebknecht immensely, although he would +not alter his decision in the least. A rapidly spoken order to an aide +standing near resulted in Jimmie's being hurried away in the direction +of the camp where the Uhlans' horses were quartered. +</P> + +<P> +He thought he saw the wings of an aeroplane resting in an open space. +Forms were moving about the plane. Jimmie started. +</P> + +<P> +The lad began moving his arms as if stretching himself or going through +a sort of setting-up exercise. Again and again he repeated the +movements. A smile lighted the freckled face. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL +</H3> + +<P> +"Good night!" ejaculated Harry, as the guide finished speaking. "You +certainly have got us into a tight box now!" +</P> + +<P> +"That's what I say," put in Jack, "you're a fine one!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let me have your searchlight," commanded Ned, retaining his grasp on +the other's cartridge belt, "hand it over quickly." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll run the searchlight myself," declared the unknown in a crisp +tone. "You've got my gun and I guess that's enough!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and I know how to use it, too," replied Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"There, there, Ned, this isn't any time to start arguing," urged Jack, +pacifically, "let's get out of here first of all." +</P> + +<P> +"Second the amendment," laughed Ned, controlling himself with a slight +effort, "I've got this fellow dead to rights, and if he will only help +us with his searchlight, we will try to get outside quickly." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, he's going to help us," volunteered Harry. "I'll see to that. +Just notice this big rock I am holding." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't get excited, hoys," urged the stranger. "I'm doing everything I +can to get all of us out of this mess. Our troubles all came about +simply because of the fact that we were not 'Prepared.'" +</P> + +<P> +"Then you believe in being prepared?" asked Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"That's my motto—'Be Prepared'!" answered the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +"That's our motto, also," put in Harry eagerly. "I wonder where you +got that motto. You don't talk like the United States." +</P> + +<P> +"Huh! I should say not!" declared the other. "But I came from a place +that is every bit as good as the United States," he added. +</P> + +<P> +"There's only one place that I know of," stated Ned emphatically, "that +answers that description. What part of Canada are you from?" +</P> + +<P> +"Vancouver," was the ready response. "Do you know the place?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we ought to. We put in some time in British Columbia chasing a +man who robbed the United States government." +</P> + +<P> +"Good," declared the stranger. "My name is Gilmore—David Gilmore. I +belong to the Moose Patrol of Vancouver." +</P> + +<P> +"Dave, for short, I suppose," put in Jack in a more friendly tone. +</P> + +<P> +"To my friends—yes," answered David with a short laugh. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, boys," began Ned, "if it's agreeable, I suggest—" +</P> + +<P> +A shriek of agony cut short the suggestion Ned was about to make. By +common consent the boys drew closer together as the awful sound echoed +through the narrow confines of the low tunnel in which they were +imprisoned. All thoughts of introductions were driven instantly from +their minds, to be replaced by their desire to render aid. +</P> + +<P> +"The searchlight, Dave," said Ned quickly, falling naturally into the +use of the shortened appellation. "Let's make haste." +</P> + +<P> +A circle of flame from the searchlight in David's hand was his reply to +this request. It fell upon the damp, slimy walls of the tunnel, +illuminating a small space in their immediate neighborhood. The boy +swung the searchlight to a position where it would give them a view of +the area through which they had just come. +</P> + +<P> +An appalling sight met their eyes. The explosion had wrecked the roof +and sides of the narrow space. Heaps of broken rock and other debris +choked the passage. Beneath one of the lumps projected the feet of a +man. Beyond that the boys could dimly see the forms of one or two +others. It seemed that several men had been unfortunately caught. +</P> + +<P> +"Where did that fellow come from?" queried Ned anxiously, pointing +toward the feet of the luckless individual who was screaming in agony. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," Jack stated briefly, "but we'll help him out." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, boys; let's get busy," urged Harry. +</P> + +<P> +No further suggestions were needed to enlist the aid of all four boys. +As they moved forward, their progress somewhat hindered by fallen +rocks, the cries grew fainter and presently ceased. +</P> + +<P> +As they reached the spot where the man lay imprisoned, David thrust the +searchlight to a favorable position, where it would show them the face +of the stranger. He knelt but a moment. Rising again to his feet, the +lad turned to his new-found companions. +</P> + +<P> +"I guess we're too late, boys," he said in a hushed voice. +</P> + +<P> +"That's too bad," said Ned sympathetically. "I'm sorry." +</P> + +<P> +"What shall we do?" questioned Jack. "Can't we help him at all?" +</P> + +<P> +David shook his head sadly. He again swung the searchlight around the +place, examining the walls carefully as he did so. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure that it's no use, boys," he said. "If the fellow had not +been beyond help he would not have stopped crying out. In such a time +as this, heartless though it may seem, we'll have to look out for +ourselves without spending energy on those beyond help." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right, I guess," agreed Ned sadly. "I heartily wish that we +were all back in America again, beyond the influence of this awful war. +I sincerely hope that it will be confined to Europe." +</P> + +<P> +"I echo your sentiment," said David. "And now," he added briskly, "let +us give our attention to getting out of this place. I wonder if we can +move some of these looser stones and get through into the room beyond. +We may be able to get out to the street that way." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you know about the layout of this place?" asked Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"We are now under one of the big buildings—I should say under the +ruins of one of the big buildings of Peremysl. It got struck by shells +during the early part of the engagement and was neglected after that. +The men we heard were refugees from the Russian army who thought they +would be able to appear after the German occupation and do some damage +to the invaders. They were well equipped with supplies of various +sorts, including ammunition, and intended to get out to-night." +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if they have all gone?" asked Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose the most of them are dead," answered David. "And we may +join them unless we get out. Our chances look slim." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know about that," objected Ned. "I notice that the smell of +powder is not so pronounced as it was a while ago. The air in here +seems much better than it did before the explosion, and I believe that +somewhere a passage has been opened which permits the air to flow in. +It seems to me I can smell sweet air." +</P> + +<P> +"I believe you're right, Ned," declared Harry sniffing. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's get at these stones, then," suggested Jack, suiting the action +to the word, and beginning to lift away lighter pieces of rock from the +heap that confronted the lads. +</P> + +<P> +All the boys took hold eagerly and began the task of removing the +barrier that prevented their exit. They took turns holding the +searchlight upon the work. Presently Jack announced that he could see +light through the crevices between the stones. This announcement was +hailed joyfully by the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" announced Harry gleefully, as he pushed a piece of rock +forward, opening a space wide enough to penult him to thrust an arm +through. "One more chunk out of here and we can get through." +</P> + +<P> +In another moment the four boys stood erect in a space that had +formerly been a cellar. They drew deep draughts of air into their +lungs and looked up beyond ruined walls to see the sky overhead. +</P> + +<P> +"That looks good to me," stated Ned, pointing upward. +</P> + +<P> +"Here too!" put in David. "Now I can get a good look at you fellows +and will be able to recognize you readily the next time I see you. +My," he added, "you are Boy Scouts, too." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, of course," said Ned in astonishment. "What did you think we +were? I hope you didn't take us for soldiers." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, not exactly," said David, smiling, "but I really didn't have +time to form a definite opinion before I heard that you were captured. +Would you like to get back to your plane?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Would we?" asked Jack in a tone expressive of his intense longing for +the Eagle. "You are just right, we would!" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps we can manage to make it if the Germans have not taken it +away," suggested David. "I can't say for sure, but we can try." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's be on our way, then," urged Harry, eager to start. +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose we look about and look for something to eat," suggested Ned. +"I'm beginning to appreciate Jimmie's feelings." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope you're not hungry already?" laughed Jack, "Why," he added, "you +had something to eat no longer ago than—" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, no longer ago than the last time we ate," interrupted Harry. +"You may not believe it, but I'm getting so hungry I could eat +anything." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; call the waiter, then, and we'll all eat." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps I can find something," volunteered David. "I know where the +Russians kept most of their stores. They had a place over here at one +side of this big space filled with things to eat and shoot and so on. +They had a lot of stuff in there." +</P> + +<P> +"Where do you suppose they have all gone?" asked Ned, glancing about. +</P> + +<P> +"I rather imagine they have gotten away as fast as they could after the +Germans began blowing down the tottering walls. Those fellows we saw +back there in the tunnel were possibly trying to get away by that +route," replied David. "I intended bringing you here when we left the +cellar where the rats were. I thought the way was clear." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you happen to be there?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"I got tired of being a prisoner," answered David. "Naturally, when +the chance offered, I just slipped into the passage and started. I +counted my steps to the end and found I must go the other way. When I +had reached the cellar where you were I was exploring it when I heard +the noise overhead. I just stayed in the dark until you made a light." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you thought you'd help us out?" asked Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," was the reply. "I felt that you needed a guide, and I had to do +one good turn a day, you know. I thought that would be one." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, we know," Harry stated in a low voice. "I guess that was pretty +nearly three good turns, wasn't it, Ned?" +</P> + +<P> +"We'll count it as three, anyhow," responded Ned heartily. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, you're hungry," interrupted David, rather loath to hear his own +praises. "Come over this way and we'll see what we can find." +</P> + +<P> +As David had predicted, the boys found a smaller room opening off the +large one in which they were gathered. There was a miscellaneous +collection of articles comprising food, ammunition, arms and many other +things. They at once attacked the food supply. +</P> + +<P> +Harry gleefully announced the discovery of a can of beef from Chicago, +while Jack went into ecstacies over a can of beans. +</P> + +<P> +Without the loss of a moment the boys fell to and soon satisfied their +hunger. Directly Jack began searching amongst the goods. +</P> + +<P> +"Where did they store their water?" he asked David. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know that," replied the boy. "What is in that barrel?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing but gasoline, judging by the smell," replied Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" shouted Ned, springing to his feet. "Just the thing!" +</P> + +<P> +"Not to drink!" objected Jack scornfully. "Not for me, anyway!" +</P> + +<P> +"No, but fine for the Eagle if we can get it there and find the plane +still in working order. Let's hope they haven't taken it away." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's go see," suggested David. "We can take along some of this +gasoline in some of these empty tins and cans." +</P> + +<P> +"You're a brick!" announced Jack. "I'm beginning to like you!" +</P> + +<P> +Scrambling over the wreckage and ruins of the building, the four boys, +each bearing a vessel with gasoline, gained the street. They turned a +corner and passed along apparently unnoticed. In a short time they +stood in the vacant space where the Eagle had landed. +</P> + +<P> +Before them the planes loomed large. Ned almost shouted for joy. +</P> + +<P> +"There are soldiers on that hill over there!" announced Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"One of them has gone crazy or something," said Harry, pointing. +</P> + +<P> +"That's Boy Scout semaphore signals!" declared David. +</P> + +<P> +"Answer him, Ned," suggested Jack. "Maybe he means us." +</P> + +<P> +"He's spelling 'Wolf' in American," stated Ned. "Here comes more." +</P> + +<P> +"Right arm above head, left horizontal—that's 'J,'" said David. +"Right diagonally down, left across chest—that's 'I;' right diagonally +down, left horizontal—that's 'M;' he repeats it; he repeats 'I;' right +down in front, left up diagonally—that's 'E.'" +</P> + +<P> +"That spells 'Jimmie!'" cried Harry in excitement. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A SUSPECTED SPY +</H3> + +<P> +For a time Jimmie forgot the drudgery to which he had been sentenced as +a result of his fight with Otto for possession of the tiny packet +concealed in the Cossack uniform. Forgotten were the multiplicity of +duties incident to his service as a member of the "kitchen police"—the +work to which all offenders in the army were subjected, and which +corresponded to the tasks of a garbage collector. +</P> + +<P> +Apparently the lad was devoting himself wholly to the strenuous labor +of calisthenics. There seemed to be no idea in his mind of making any +certain motion a given number of times for the purpose of developing +different muscles. Instead he merely placed his arms in various +positions and held them there a moment before assuming a different +attitude. Seldom did he repeat any motion. +</P> + +<P> +We know, of course, that he had seen the boys as they emerged from the +underground cavern that nearly proved their tomb. He had taken a +chance on their being his comrades and had made signals to attract +their attention. When he received an answering wave of the arm from +Ned he delightedly began sending a message by means of the well-known +semaphore code. Although the lad possessed no flags or other means of +carrying out fully the code as prescribed, he did the best he could +with only his arms for signals. We know that Ned and his chums were +able correctly to interpret the message Jimmie was sending. +</P> + +<P> +"Great frozen hot boxes!" mused the boy half aloud. "They are down +there among the ruins. I wonder how they got free of the searching +party. Things have been coming pretty fast for me lately, and I +declare I clean forgot the others. Wonder what they'll do." +</P> + +<P> +He had not long to wait. Directly he saw Ned and the others consulting +beside the aeroplane. The next moment Ned had stepped clear of the +machine and began waving his arms after the same fashion adopted by +Jimmie when he spelled out his own name. +</P> + +<P> +"There he goes!" declared Jimmie to himself. "There he is making the +letter 'C.' There comes 'A,' and next is 'N.' That is 'Can.' Now +here comes 'U;' 'Can You.' Here is 'G,' 'E,' 'T.' 'Can You Get—.' +Now he says 'A,' 'W,' 'A,' 'Y.' That's 'Away.' Can I get away? Not +very handy with all these Germans about. Guess I'll have to tell him +something myself. Here goes." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Jimmie began a reply in the same code. He briefly informed +Ned that he understood the regiment was to go west, probably to Verdun, +where Jimmie had heard that heavy fighting was taking place. He also +stated that he was unable to escape in daylight, but that he would try +to do so after nightfall. +</P> + +<P> +In response to this wig-wagging Ned began to give directions for their +co-operation in an attempt at escape by Jimmie, when suddenly he +discerned a soldier creeping up behind his red-headed friend. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly he gave the well-known danger signal and tried to tell Jimmie +that someone was near. For some strange reason the lad failed to +comprehend the information given, and not until it was too late did he +realize that it was himself who was in danger. +</P> + +<P> +Intently watching Ned and trying to interpret the signals being made by +the older boy, Jimmie did not observe the footsteps of the approaching +soldier. Suddenly he felt an arm thrown about his neck. He was drawn +irresistably backward by the strong arm that shut off his wind nearly +to the choking point. +</P> + +<P> +With all the energy in his lithe young body the lad tried to kick and +strike at his unseen antagonist, but his efforts were unavailing. +</P> + +<P> +For what seemed to the lad countless years the vise-like grasp was +maintained upon his windpipe. He began to understand that his +struggles were useless, and spent his entire energy in an effort to +stiffen the cords of his neck, hoping to assist his breathing by so +doing. Presently, as he ceased his struggles, the soldier who had so +skillfully captured him set the lad upon his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"So," began the soldier, "think you that we understand not the fact +that you are but a spy and that information you are giving to your +friends in the city? Yes. It is indeed so." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie's only reply was a wrinkling of his freckled nose in a grimace +of extreme disgust and contempt. Even had he been so minded, the +condition of his wrenched neck and strained muscles prevented sprightly +conversation. He winked rapidly to clear his tear-filled eyes, and +indulged in another wrinkling of the nose. +</P> + +<P> +"So," continued the other, paying no heed to Jimmie's motions of +contempt. "And this is why we have not had better success in our +campaign. We must fight not only the enemy in their trenches, but we +must also contend with traitors in our own camps!" +</P> + +<P> +"Who's a traitor?" demanded Jimmie in a belligerent tone. +</P> + +<P> +"Your name I know not," answered the soldier, "but the red hair and the +active nose, with its habit of turning up toward the sky, would be +identification enough without a name. I need no name." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, you haven't any name so far as I know," was the lad's +impertinent response. "And I don't want to get acquainted with you." +</P> + +<P> +"The subject we will not change," was the cool rejoinder of the German. +"We just now are discussing your giving information to the other +Russian spies down there in the city. You will not need a name after +to-morrow, or possibly after this evening, if Herr Captain von +Liebknecht is as zealous in the service of the Kaiser as he has been. +If I were giving orders, you would be shot now." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," began Jimmie, pursuing the subject, "I'm not shot yet and +you're not shot, but in the language of the little old United States +you certainly act like a fellow just about half-shot." +</P> + +<P> +"Half-shot?" inquired the German in a puzzled manner. "How can a man +be half-shot? He would then be only kerwundete." +</P> + +<P> +"You and I are getting on famously, Old Man," Jimmie observed, half +laughing. "From all appearances you'd like to stand me up against a +wall at sunrise and I'd like to see you in Halifax." +</P> + +<P> +"Halifax?" queried the soldier. "You speak of strange places." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, all right," Jimmie replied. "I guess we'd better be going now, +so I'll get my bucket from the place where I dumped its contents into +the ditch and we will go back to camp. I hold no resentment against +you for your harsh treatment of me, especially since you weigh just +about three times as much as I do." +</P> + +<P> +"The bucket will do well enough where it is," came the answer in a low +tone, cold as ice. "Just now you will appear before the Captain. Do +you not know you are under arrest?" +</P> + +<P> +"Under arrest?" puzzled Jimmie. "Who's pinching me?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ach! Ach!" protested the soldier, raising his hands in a gesture of +despair. "What a strange person! What a strange language!" +</P> + +<P> +"You're quite right there," Jimmie said, "and if I had my way we'd be +stranger still. Yes," he added, "I think we'd be still strangers. +That would just about suit me to perfection." +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, now," the German ordered, with a trace of impatience tinging +his phlegmatic manner. "Long enough we have waited." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm willing," said Jimmie, turning upon his heel. "We might as well +get the trouble off our minds. If I'm to be shot for keeps I hope +they'll do it soon and do a good job while they're at it." +</P> + +<P> +Although the boy's manner was light and buoyant enough to deceive even +the experienced and hardened Uhlan who had constituted himself captor, +his heart was heavy, for he well understood the danger of his position. +He could hope for little nursing from the peculiar German minds with +which he had to cope. Appearances certainly were against him, and he +knew that the evidence would be taken only at face value. +</P> + +<P> +Resolved, however, to make the most of a bad bargain, the boy +resolutely forced a smile to his freckled face and bore himself erect +and with apparent fearlessness as the two neared camp. +</P> + +<P> +No time was lost by the soldier who had Jimmie in charge. He went +directly to the spot where Captain von Liebknecht's tent was pitched. +A sentry paced up and down the narrow limits of his beat, carrying his +rifle in the prescribed position. In accordance with regulations, he +was equipped with his full outfit, including a vicious looking sword +bayonet and bandoliers of cartridges that gave forth a silent message +which to Jimmie's troubled mind spelled a most gloomy and forbidding +prospect for the immediate future. +</P> + +<P> +A challenge from the sentry halted the pair until the necessary +questions and answers could be exchanged. Upon being convinced that +Jimmie's conductor had an urgent message for the Captain, the sentry +ordered them to remain where they were while he hailed the guard +stationed inside the tent. To this individual the sentry explained the +reason for the visit and the request for an interview. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie was not left long in doubt. Almost instantly, it seemed, the +guard returned and, after exchanging a few words in a low tone with the +sentry, beckoned for the soldier and the lad to follow. +</P> + +<P> +He led the way into the tent, raising the flap for Jimmie and his +captor to pass. More than ever the lad felt his appellation of The +Wolf was well deserved. It seemed to him that circumstances were +conspiring to make him seem to the Germans a predatory animal, and +while he would have been willing and was even anxious to dispel this +notion from their minds, he well understood that nothing he could do or +say would be of effect in this direction. Feeling keenly the need of +most careful handling of the situation, Jimmie glanced quickly and +furtively about the tent. He was somewhat surprised to observe there a +number of officers of the regiment apparently in conference. +</P> + +<P> +A number of papers, amongst them maps, was spread upon the little table +in the center of the tent. Captain von Liebknecht had patently been +directing certain movements of troops, using the maps to further +explain his instructions. Jimmie's entrance had interrupted the +Captain's action of tracing with his finger the line of railroad +leading from Peremysl, or Przemysl, as it must henceforth be known. +</P> + +<P> +As the Captain raised his eyes to observe who his visitors might be, +Jimmie let his glance fall to the map, where he saw the finger pointing +at the town designated as Cracow. +</P> + +<P> +In a flash the boy realized that von Liebknecht had been giving +instructions for the transportation of troops by rail, and that Cracow +would be the next stopping point, where he guessed that the horses +would be detrained for water and rest if possible. +</P> + +<P> +Mentally making a note of this fact, Jimmie raised his glance +fearlessly to meet the cold blue eyes of the German officer. In that +glance Jimmie comprehended the fact that he could expect little mercy +from a man whose whole ambition in life seemed to be unquestioning and +unwavering devotion to his Emperor. He read also in the blue eyes +craft and skill in diplomacy and a keen intelligence withal. +</P> + +<P> +"Captain," began the soldier who had brought Jimmie to the tent, "this +Cossack has been giving information to his Russian friends." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie detected without any difficulty the implied sneer in the term +"Cossack," but forebore making any reply on the instant. +</P> + +<P> +"So?" observed von Liebknecht. "Again? Must we always be troubled at +critical times with this wonderful recruit?" +</P> + +<P> +As none of the group seemed able to reply, silence was the only +response. The Captain let his glance wander about from one to another +of his aides. His eyes rested for a moment upon the countenance of a +member of the group apparently older than the others. +</P> + +<P> +An almost imperceptible shake of the head answered the questioning +glance. For some reason The Wolf felt a sense of relief. +</P> + +<P> +"What have you to say for yourself, young man?" asked the Captain. +</P> + +<P> +"I guess I said enough before I enlisted," answered Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"Yet you have now some secret information," demanded the other. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir," protested the lad in wide-eyed amazement. +</P> + +<P> +"No?" queried von Liebknecht in his accustomed level tones. "Then what +is it you have in that little packet you took from the Cossack uniform +at so great a cost as a burned hand?" he added. +</P> + +<P> +Involuntarily Jimmie's hand clutched at his breast. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +FRUSTRATED PLANS +</H3> + +<P> +"Good night!" was David's ejaculation as the boys saw Jimmie at the +hilltop being captured by the German. "That ends it, I suppose!" +</P> + +<P> +"No," protested Ned, "it just begins the work. Up to now we have been +only playing, but here's where the real work starts." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean—'real work'?" was Jack's anxious inquiry. +</P> + +<P> +"Why," replied Ned, "they've got Jimmie enlisted in that Uhlan +regiment, and you can plainly see how closely they are watching him. +If we get him away from those fellows it means real work for all." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw! Go on!" put in Harry. "I move we go back to the cellar and get a +bunch of those Russian rifles with sufficient ammunition, fill the +tanks of the Eagle with some of this gasoline, get aboard a lot of +canned goods and swoop down on the German camp like a hawk after some +chickens. We can let down a trapeze for Jimmie to grab onto." +</P> + +<P> +"Sounds easy, doesn't it?" remarked David with a short laugh. +</P> + +<P> +"Easy?" questioned Harry. "You don't seem to know Jimmie very well or +you would mean just what you say. He can do it all right!" +</P> + +<P> +"But, I say," replied David, "wouldn't those German soldiers be on the +alert when we approached? Wouldn't they jolly well shoot us full of +holes, and wouldn't they make it rather difficult that way?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, see here, Dave," argued Harry, "if you could have seen Jimmie +when he rescued Havens, the aviator, in British Columbia by dropping +from our aeroplane to that of Havens by means of a single rope, you +wouldn't think the trick so very impossible." +</P> + +<P> +"Of course," admitted David, "I have no doubt your friend is a wonder, +although I have never met him. It is not so much his ability I +question as it is the possibility of our getting to him without being +detected by the Germans. My word, that is a big task." +</P> + +<P> +"Evidently there are a number of things you don't know," returned +Harry, it must be said in a somewhat boastful manner. "We'll have to +introduce you to Mr. Ned Nestor, the champion aviator of the Wolf +Patrol of New York City. And," the boy added, "that means, of course, +the United States. He is some aviator, I tell you!" +</P> + +<P> +"Why didn't you make it the world while you were at it?" asked Jack +quizzically, regarding Harry with an amused smile. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I guess I wouldn't have been far wrong at that," contended Harry +with a glance of pride in Ned's direction. "As the Irishman would say, +Ned has 'a way wid him,' and you know it as well as I do." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll not be the last one to admit that Ned certainly can coax an +aeroplane into doing stunts that seem marvelous, but I agree with Dave +here that unless our chum has some way of striking the Germans blind +and deaf we have a mighty slim chance of picking Jimmie up." +</P> + +<P> +Harry's glance of contempt at his comrade was withering in the extreme. +So great was his faith in Ned's ability that he would not have +hesitated at anything, no matter what the conditions. +</P> + +<P> +"I move," Harry went on, "that we cut out this argument, rob the +Russian cache back there in the cellar, and make ourselves scarce +around here while the 'beating' still remains in good condition." +</P> + +<P> +"I second the motion," added Ned, "so far as the matter of getting out +of Peremysl is concerned. We can take up the other matter later on." +</P> + +<P> +"Those in favor say 'Aye'," said Jack, turning upon his heel and +starting back toward the base of supplies the boys had discovered under +the pilotage of young Gilmore, the Vancouver Moose. +</P> + +<P> +"The 'Ayes' have it!" announced Harry, preparing to follow his chum. +"What do you need most, Ned, and what will you have first?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I guess we need something to eat, and a little more gasoline +wouldn't go so bad," stated Ned, picking up one of the empty vessels in +which gasoline had been brought to the Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough!" cried Jack. "I clean forgot the gasoline business. +Watch me give an imitation of a Boy Scout carrying water for the +elephant, only in this case the elephant happens to be an 'Eagle'." +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the seriousness of the situation in which the boys found +themselves, David could not repress a laugh of merriment and +appreciation of the light-hearted manner in which Harry and Jack met +the difficulties and dangers surrounding the little party. +</P> + +<P> +"I say, lads," he began, as the four boys took their way carefully from +the site on which the Eagle rested toward the underground cavern they +had recently quitted, "there's plenty for us in that storeroom, and all +we need to do is help ourselves. If only we are not interrupted by +some of the Germans patrolling the town, we will be all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Let me get my hands on one perfectly good shooting iron, with some +cartridges," stated Jack, "and it will go pretty hard with any German +who endeavors to stop us before we get good and going!" +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Jack," protested Ned, "that 'shooting iron' business will have to +be postponed, I'm afraid, until such time as we are more nearly out of +the woods than we are just now. It wouldn't be quite the thing." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, of course," said Jack in a tone intended to appear sulky, but with +a covert wink at Harry, "somebody is always taking the joy out of life. +Why can't I just shoot up a few Dutchmen, I'd like to know?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because they might not think it polite," answered Ned seriously. +"Besides," he added, "it wouldn't be strictly in accordance with Boy +Scout principles, as you yourself will admit." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," observed David with a sigh, "when I consider some of the things +that have happened during the last few days and weeks, I am almost +ready to admit that I'd like to resign temporarily." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" asked Ned. "Have the Germans been doing things to you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well," stated David, "isn't their capture and treatment of Jimmie +sufficient to make us want to do things to them?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, it is," admitted Ned, "but at the same time we must remember that +'two wrongs never make a right,' and, according to my recollection, +number ten of the Boy Scout laws states that a scout is brave and has +the courage to face danger in spite of fear, and defeat does not down +him." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," put in Jack, "and number three, which we all know so well, +states that a scout must do one good turn to somebody every day." +</P> + +<P> +"Am I to understand that you would not consider shooting a German a +good turn?" asked Harry, who was slightly in the lead. +</P> + +<P> +"A good turn to whom?" asked Ned, following closely upon Jack's heels. +"Would shooting be a good turn to the 'shootee'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I don't know about that," answered Jack. "I can easily +understand how some fellows might consider it a disadvantage." +</P> + +<P> +"My word," put in David, as the little party prepared to descend into +the subterranean cavern which they termed their base of supplies, +"these poor fellows here are not able to know whether it's a +disadvantage or not. Just look at that poor chap lying there." +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke David pointed toward the form of a Russian soldier lying in +a huddled heap upon the stone floor amidst a tangle of debris. +</P> + +<P> +Jack shuddered as he gazed upon the spectacle for an instant. +</P> + +<P> +"I guess I won't want to shoot any Germans," he said. "And I guess +that might include other folks besides Germans, too." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's hurry on, boys," urged Ned. "This awful war business will get +on my nerves directly. Let's get our supplies and make our getaway." +</P> + +<P> +Luckily for the little party, the German occupants of the defeated city +were busily engaged in occupations that required all their attention. +Hence the work of provisioning the Eagle was accomplished without +untoward incident. In a very short time the boys had succeeded in +placing aboard the air craft sufficient fuel and provisions from the +abandoned stores to satisfy the demand of even Jack and Harry, who well +remembered the hunger with which they had been assailed at the time of +their entrance into the stricken war zone. +</P> + +<P> +"Is everything all ready now?" asked Jack, wiping the sweat from his +forehead. "Have we got everything we need, Ned?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I think we have everything," Ned replied, glancing quickly but +carefully over the mechanism of the giant plane. +</P> + +<P> +"Just one minute, then," urged Jack. "While you're warming up the +engine I'll slip back and pick up one of those rifles I saw, for use in +case of emergency. Something, you know, might happen." +</P> + +<P> +Ned laughed as Jack darted away. Turning to the others, he said: +</P> + +<P> +"If we're not careful Jack will soon be as bloodthirsty as Jimmie +himself. But," he went on, "it might come in handy at that." +</P> + +<P> +Preferring not to use the self-starter, for the sake of quiet, Ned +turned an electric switch which controlled a circuit leading to a +contrivance designed by Harry for just such an emergency. This +delicate piece of mechanism was located at the carburetor, and was +called by Harry the "starting stove." Its office was to warm the +gasoline to such an extent that it would make vaporization much more +rapid than would ordinarily be the case. This would enable the aviator +to start his engine without the usual difficulty due to cold fuel. +</P> + +<P> +Scarcely had the electric current warmed the carburetor sufficiently +before Jack returned, carrying a rifle, together with a quantity of +cartridges. These he bundled into the fuselage. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, boys, get aboard and we will 'get out of town,' as that +Montana freight conductor used to say," urged Ned. +</P> + +<P> +David climbed to a seat beside the steering levers, which were in Ned's +grasp. Harry found a place beside a quantity of canned goods. +</P> + +<P> +"Beat it, Ned!" cried Jack from his position on the ground. "We're +just in time. Here come the German soldiers after us!" +</P> + +<P> +It was even as the boy said. A detachment of soldiers, evidently +policing the town, had discovered the activity of the boys in the +vicinity of the giant aeroplane and were coming forward to investigate. +</P> + +<P> +Ned stepped on the starting pedal energetically. Current from the +storage batteries flowed through the motor, saturating it almost +instantly. Ned's foot was pressed upon the cut-out lever, and the +resultant roar from the engines precluded absolutely the possibility of +further conversation. Like a thing of life the Eagle leaped forward. +Ned gave all his attention to the problem of steering. +</P> + +<P> +In an ever-widening circle the Eagle rose above the open space upon +which it had rested. Ned lifted his foot from the cut-out lever, +throwing the exhaust from the engine through the specially designed +muffler, which was perhaps Harry's greatest pride. +</P> + +<P> +The contrast between the clamor of a moment before and the comparative +quiet of the present instant was startling. +</P> + +<P> +In astonishment at the results achieved, David glanced in wonderment +and amazement at the fabric which was bearing the boys aloft. Fully +able to appreciate superior mechanism, the boy was lost in his +examination of the delicate and yet effective machinery. +</P> + +<P> +His glance of approval rested upon Ned and Harry in turn. He looked +about to give a friendly nod to Jack. Greatly to his surprise, Jack +was not to be seen anywhere in the fuselage. Startled greatly, he +turned toward Ned and laid a hand upon the boy's arm. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Jack?" he cried. "I don't see him anywhere!" +</P> + +<P> +Ned almost precipitated the entire party in a sudden plunge earthward +as he turned in response to David's query. For a moment only the boy +lost control of the great machine. But that moment was enough to cause +the aeroplane to dip swiftly toward the ground. +</P> + +<P> +Before Ned could regain control much of the altitude was lost. In +another instant he had again directed the course of their craft toward +the open air high above the ruined city. But the lost distance was +sufficient to bring the party within range of the rifles of the German +soldiers who had been running toward their location. +</P> + +<P> +A sharp report echoed from below. A whizzing, tearing sound assailed +the ears of the lads within the fuselage of the Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +"Pretty close that time," commented Harry with a slight tremble in his +voice. "Shall I reply to them, Ned?" he asked. +</P> + +<P> +"Not yet," replied Ned, shaking his head negatively. +</P> + +<P> +Another report from below was heard, followed instantly by the clang of +a bullet against metal. A shriek rose from below. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ABANDONING A REGIMENT +</H3> + +<P> +In wide-eyed amazement Jimmie stared for a moment at von Liebknecht, +not knowing what answer to make to the sudden question. He disliked +very much telling the officer the truth concerning the packet he had +been to so much trouble to rescue, yet felt that nothing else but the +exact truth would serve in the present instance. +</P> + +<P> +For a full minute he glanced about from one to another of the group in +the tent. The glances that met his in return were anything but +friendly. Some were indifferent, while others scowled fiercely as +their resentment against the lad mounted. Evidently all firmly +believed that the boy was what he had been accused of being—a spy. +</P> + +<P> +At length resolved to adhere to the truth at whatever cost, Jimmie +raised his head to direct his gaze straight into the Captain's eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"That packet," he began in a low tone, "is my own private property. I +don't know just what it contains, but it is not contraband." +</P> + +<P> +A faint smile lighted von Liebknecht's usually immobile countenance. +</P> + +<P> +"How, then," he asked, endeavoring to make his voice convey the spirit +of friendship he tried to feel for the lad, "can you say that it is not +contraband or infer that the packet does not contain information that +would be of value to our enemy if you do not know its contents?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because I received it from a man who was dying and who wanted badly to +make restitution for some things he had done that were wrong. He had +no interest in the dispute between your country and your enemies except +to make whatever money he might from the matter." +</P> + +<P> +"You speak in riddles. Please explain more fully." +</P> + +<P> +"Well," Jimmie continued, "there was a man in the United States who +brought over a ship load of ammunition. He stole a lot of money +intended for the relief of the suffering people of Poland. He +kidnapped and shanghaied me and generally proved himself a bad sort. +When he got over to Riga he was forced to enlist in the Russian Cossack +regiment, the same as I was, and when the Russian Cossacks attacked the +German troop train he was wounded badly. I tried to assist him, and +did what I could. When he found he was dying he asked me to take this +packet, which I understand contains the keys to a safe deposit box in +New York City, and when I get back there he wanted me to see what I +could do toward setting right some of his wrongdoings." +</P> + +<P> +"A very fine tale, indeed," was the comment of von Liebknecht, "but you +will scarcely expect us to believe that in the face of all the +circumstances. We don't mean to imply that you, necessarily, know +different, but the man's story as you have told it is improbable." +</P> + +<P> +"I am telling the exact truth as I understand it!" declared Jimmie +earnestly. "If he was lying to me, I do not know it. I believe he +told the truth, for he understood that he could not live much longer." +</P> + +<P> +"Nevertheless, we will be obliged to examine the contents of the +packet," stated von Liebknecht positively. "Is it not so?" he asked, +turning to the group of officers for confirmation of his decision. +</P> + +<P> +Vigorous nods from the ones addressed indicated their approval. +</P> + +<P> +Unwilling to submit to the proposed action, Jimmie took a step +backward. His action was misinterpreted by the soldier who had +captured the boy. With a quick motion the man again seized the +red-headed lad in the same manner as previously, and deftly slid his +hand to the pocket where the packet reposed. Before Jimmie could offer +any resistance the object sought was brought forth and tossed upon the +table. +</P> + +<P> +"Please make a note of the fact," stated von Liebknecht, addressing an +orderly seated nearby with a memorandum book, "that the packet is to be +opened with the full consent of Herr McGraw." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie gasped. He began to understand that the records of his presence +in the German regiment of Uhlans would be made to show favorably for +the officer in command in case anything serious happened. And that +something very serious would shortly happen to him the boy did not for +a single moment doubt. He felt vaguely uneasy. +</P> + +<P> +With a knife tendered by one of his associates von Liebknecht deftly +ripped the stitches that held the wrapping of the tiny packet. +</P> + +<P> +In another moment the oiled silk covering had been removed and an inner +wrapping opened. Jimmie leaned forward to gaze upon the contents with +as much interest as was displayed by the others. +</P> + +<P> +Presently, when the wrappings had been removed, he saw a key and a +folded paper. The key was of the peculiar construction adopted +generally by safe deposit vaults for the use of their patrons. The +paper had been prepared evidently for use in case of just the emergency +that had overtaken the man who had given it to Jimmie. It was covered +with memoranda and figures in very fine waiting. +</P> + +<P> +Von Liebknecht scowled as he pored over the document. The memorandum +had been made in a fragmentary way, and evidently referred to other +documents that would be found in the safe deposit box. +</P> + +<P> +The Captain puzzled over the document for a time, then passed it to the +officer nearest him. He then gave his attention to the key. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you make of if?" he asked Jimmie presently, tapping in a +nervous manner upon the table with the key. "What does it mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Just what I told you, I think," Jimmie replied. +</P> + +<P> +"It appears different to me," the Captain objected. "I am of the +opinion that it has to do with information concerning the dispute in +progress between my country and the enemies. I am sorry, but I shall +have to retain the packet for forwarding to headquarters. You will +receive it again if it is found to be what you claim. Otherwise—" +</P> + +<P> +He left the sentence unfinished, and Jimmie waited for a time, +expecting him to complete the statement. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, otherwise?" asked the boy half breathlessly. +</P> + +<P> +"Otherwise, we shall see," stated von Liebknecht with a smile. +</P> + +<P> +"And in the meantime?" went on the lad anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"In the meantime we are preparing to leave for the western theater of +war, where we are needed far more than here. You will accompany us +with the best grace possible under the circumstances." +</P> + +<P> +"But my comrades?" asked Jimmie, with a slight tremble in his voice. +"Will it not be possible to let all four of us return to America?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am sorry," returned the Captain, "but what you ask is impossible." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then," persisted the lad, "can't we at least let them know where +I am and where I am going, so that they won't worry?" +</P> + +<P> +"They are, no doubt, well acquainted with you and your abilities," went +on von Liebknecht. "If your capacity for taking care of yourself is +equal to your ability to make a disturbance, they should experience no +uneasiness on your behalf. Besides," he added, "it is impossible to +communicate with them just now. We do not know where they are." +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the seriousness of his own situation, Jimmie breathed a +sigh of relief, for he felt that the information given him was correct, +and he interpreted the Captain's statement to mean that the three boys +had succeeded in making their escape from the soldiers. +</P> + +<P> +He was, nevertheless, greatly perturbed over the prospect of leaving +the immediate vicinity, for he felt that his chances of escape were +greatly lessened. He knew that the boys would endeavor to assist him, +but, owing to the interrupted code message, he could only guess at how +this would be accomplished. +</P> + +<P> +The map, still spread upon the table, gave him a hint. He remembered +the fact that von Liebknecht's finger had pointed at Cracow. A firm +resolve formed within the boy's breast. He determined that, if his +suspicion proved correct and the regiment paused at Cracow, he would +make an attempt to escape there. He also decided that if it were at +all possible he would advise his chums of the fact. +</P> + +<P> +While Jimmie was turning over these points in his mind a buzz of +whispered conversation was going on between the officers around the +table. At length a decision was reached, and von Liebknecht again +turned his attention to his newest recruit. +</P> + +<P> +"You may go in company with this man," he said. "He and Otto +Freundlich will be given charge of you, and will be required to turn +you over to the proper officer upon demand. They will have orders to +insist upon your presence at all times, and in order to make sure that +you do not attempt to escape they will be given orders to shoot if +necessary. I would advise you for your own good not to try to leave +the regiment at any time." +</P> + +<P> +"If we are leaving this place and my chums are not here," Jimmie +replied, feeling that further argument would accomplish no alteration +of the Captain's decision, "I cannot see why I should attempt to +escape. You are entirely wrong in supposing that I am trying to get +information to the Russians concerning your army." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps you are right," assented von Liebknecht, not unkindly. "That +is a point that we shall ascertain in our own way. For the present +every circumstance is unfavorable for you, and we must be careful. You +understand, do you not?" he asked with a slight smile. +</P> + +<P> +"I see how you understand it," the boy said. "Of course, if you choose +to look at the facts as you do, I cannot help it. I don't want to get +shot, so I think I'll not try to make a getaway." +</P> + +<P> +"Good!" declared the Captain, apparently greatly relieved. "That makes +it easier for us. Now, I shall ask you to assist in getting your +equipment ready for the journey. Everybody will be required to work +hard if we leave at the time desired." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir," stated the boy, saluting in the approved Boy Scout +fashion. "I'll help all I can." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, he turned on his heel and signified to the soldier detailed +as his guard that he was ready to leave the place. +</P> + +<P> +"So we are to be comrades for a while at least?" inquired Jimmie +pleasantly as the pair left the tent. "We might as well get acquainted +before we go farther. My named is Jimmie McGraw. What is yours?" +</P> + +<P> +"Mine iss Frederich von Strassheim," answered the other, apparently +feeling no resentment against Jimmie for his kicks and blows delivered +during the process of capture. "We shall be well acquainted." +</P> + +<P> +"That's interesting," declared Jimmie. "I thought that the word 'von' +was used only for officers and persons of nobility, though." +</P> + +<P> +"The designation 'von,'" answered the other, proudly drawing himself +erect, "is used only by those entitled to it by royal decree. My +ancestors distinguished themselves and were of the house of +Hohenzollern. That is why I am allowed to use it." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, so that is it?" mused Jimmie. "All right, von Strassheim, I think +that I'll call you Fritz, though, if you don't object." +</P> + +<P> +"Goot; call me Fritz, then!" laughed the soldier. "Great friends we +shall be as I can perceive. And may I call you Jimmie?" +</P> + +<P> +"Call me Jimmie, Red-head, The Wolf, Freckles—oh, anything," stated +Jimmie with a laugh, in response to the other's good nature, "but," he +went on, "for pity's sake don't call me late for eats." +</P> + +<P> +"Mess call iss not yet," responded the other, again resuming his +accustomed gravity. "We shall have plenty of time to pack our kits." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's be about it," suggested the lad. "Where shall we go to +make a start, and what shall we do first, and how shall we do it?" +</P> + +<P> +"One at a time—one at a time," protested Fritz. "First we shall go +past the place where I found you signalling. Then we shall proceed to +the stables and look after our horses." +</P> + +<P> +"And then?" inquired Jimmie interestedly, feeling that any information +he might get from Fritz would be useful later on. +</P> + +<P> +"We shall in full marching order break camp," was the reply. "To the +train of cars we will ride, and there put our horses and baggage +aboard. Then we start for the west. But here is the exact spot where +you were standing when I interrupted your conversation." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, this is the place," acknowledged Jimmie. "And right over there +is the aeroplane of my friends. Oh, look!" the boy cried. "See, +they're starting out with it! Great frozen hot boxes! Those other +fellows are shooting! Good night!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +AN EAGLE'S TALONS +</H3> + +<P> +"What's that?" gasped Ned as the cry from beneath the airship reached +his ears. "That's too close to come from the ground!" +</P> + +<P> +"It must be Jack!" was Dave's startled exclamation. "He's not in the +aeroplane and I can't imagine where he may be!" +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't he get aboard when we started?" queried Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought he did," Harry responded instantly. "I was busy stowing +things out of our way, though, and wasn't paying much attention." +</P> + +<P> +"I missed him just a moment ago," stated Dave excitedly. "Where can he +have gone? Do you suppose he is captured by the Germans?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hope not," Ned replied. "Maybe he missed getting aboard and is with +those fellows down there who are doing the shooting." +</P> + +<P> +"Give me the glasses from that pocket beside you, Dave," requested +Harry. "Perhaps I can see the party well enough to distinguish him." +</P> + +<P> +At the instant Harry leaned over the edge of the car for the purpose of +getting a better view of the field they had so recently occupied +another shot rang out from below. Mingled with the report were shouts +and exclamations from several of the soldiers. +</P> + +<P> +As will be remembered distinctly by those of our readers who have had +the pleasure of riding in aircraft, sounds from the earth are +distinctly heard at a great altitude. In fact, sounds may be +distinguished clearly at a much greater distance in a vertical than in +a horizontal direction. It was owing to this fact that the shouts from +the group below came so clearly to the lads in the Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't hear Jack's voice amongst the clamor," declare Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder where he can be?" puzzled Dave, earnestly scanning the vacant +space below. "They cannot have hidden him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose we call out and see if we can get a signal from him," +suggested Harry. "He would try to answer us, I'm sure." +</P> + +<P> +"Go ahead," Ned agreed. "I'll try a little volplaning and see if we +can't get closer to that crowd without getting hit by a bullet." +</P> + +<P> +"Better be careful, Ned," cautioned Dave. "Those fellows are in +earnest, I think, and wouldn't stop at anything." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll be careful," was Ned's confident answer. "When you're ready, +just yell your heads off for Jack and then watch and listen." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to halloo out now," stated Harry, drawing a deep breath. +</P> + +<P> +"Let her go!" urged Ned, manipulating the levers in such a way as to +practically check the headway of the slowly moving machine. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Ja-a-a-ck!" called Harry at the top of his voice, making a trumpet +of his hands. "Oh, Ja-a-a-ack!" he called again. +</P> + +<P> +All three boys were startled to hear the voice of their chum proceeding +from a point seemingly directly beneath them. +</P> + +<P> +"Here I am," came Jack's cheery tones, although the boys thought they +could detect a slight trace of weariness. +</P> + +<P> +"Where?" cried Ned, greatly surprised at the sudden reply. +</P> + +<P> +"Under the Eagle," replied Jack. "I'm hanging onto a truss rod and can +stay here for quite a while if you want to leave the place." +</P> + +<P> +"We surely want to leave the place," answered Ned, reaching again for +the levers. "Can you hang on for a few minutes more?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm all right for a long time," answered Jack bravely, "but I'd just +as soon you'd hit up the speed a little." +</P> + +<P> +Ned's guiding touch upon the levers sent the Eagle forward at a rate of +speed that quickly carried the entire party to a distance well out of +rifle range from the party below. He was heading for a hill at no +great distance from their present location. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll land there," he said, indicating by a nod of his head the +eminence toward which they were running. "We ought to be able to help +Jack out of his position in a very few minutes." +</P> + +<P> +Harry turned the glasses toward the spot Ned had pointed out. +</P> + +<P> +"Look out, Ned!" he cried almost instantly. "I can see a lot of +helmets there that look as if they were German head dresses." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see the soldiers under the helmets?" asked Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a soldier!" declared Harry. "But," he added, "that doesn't say +they're not there. Those uniforms they are wearing blend so closely +with the natural colors of the landscape that one can't very well tell +whether a German is near or not until he feels the cloth." +</P> + +<P> +"Or the bullet," put in Dave with a grimace toward the hill. +</P> + +<P> +"We're getting nearer all the while," Ned said. "Keep your eyes open, +and if there are soldiers there we'll go somewhere else." +</P> + +<P> +For a moment Harry intently studied the spot they were fast +approaching. With the glasses in position he scanned every foot of +ground carefully, not omitting the slightest detail. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure I see them now," he stated positively as he lowered the +glasses. "We're in a nice mess with Jack hanging under this ship +simply by one of the truss rods. We've got to rescue him!" +</P> + +<P> +"What can we do?" asked Dave, at a loss to solve the difficulty. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you what we'll do!" cried Harry. "I'm the lightest of the +party, so I'll go down and get him! I can do it!" +</P> + +<P> +"Harry, are you crazy?" questioned Ned chidingly. "It's impossible!" +</P> + +<P> +"No, it's not!" stoutly maintained the boy. "He's there, and we've +simply got to get him. We can't land anywhere hereabouts, and by the +time we can land he'll be exhausted and will have dropped." +</P> + +<P> +"How will you do it?" asked Dave. "Let me help." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you'll have to do most of the work," replied Harry, reaching +into one of the lockers, from which he drew a coil of light line. +</P> + +<P> +"Not if you go under the fuselage to get Jack," objected Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir!" continued Harry. "When I get down there you'll have to do +all the work of engineering the deal. You'll have to do a whole lot of +pulling and hauling, and you'll have to run out on one side to balance +the machine. Mustn't have the ship list too much!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I see!" was Dave's response. "And," he continued, "I won't be +able to see where you are, because you'll be on the opposite side from +my own position. How shall we manage?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, here's my plan," Harry went on rapidly, as he began overhauling +the coil of line. "When I get out on one side I'll go along the +framework, of course. You'll be on the opposite side to balance. Then +when you see that the machine is tipping your way you are to get nearer +the center of gravity so as to stabilize the affair." +</P> + +<P> +"I understand," Dave replied, eagerly entering into the spirit of the +work. "And when I feel the machine tip away from me I'll go out +farther along the framework so as to again equalize the flight." +</P> + +<P> +"Exactly. Now, it will be a hard job for us to get this line passed +under the framework so that we can get a purchase and pull it to Jack. +I can't reach that far, and Jack probably is hanging on with his hands, +feet and eyelids, so he can't let go with one hand even." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you how we can fix that," Dave suggested. +</P> + +<P> +"How?" inquired Harry, ready at all times to consider any suggestions +and act upon them if they seemed better than the ones he had made. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's take a loop of the line and fasten it around my body under my +arms. You can be inside the machine paying out slack as I need it. I +can take a similar loop and by crawling under the machine I can reach +Jack all right and pass the loop about his body. Then you can haul in +slack bit by bit as he crawls along the truss rod to the side of the +fuselage. In that way there will be practically no danger, for the +loop of line about our bodies will prevent our falling if we should +slip." +</P> + +<P> +"Much obliged!" was Harry's acknowledgment of the suggestion. "But," +he went on, "I think it would be better for me to do the work." +</P> + +<P> +"Excuse me for insisting," Dave said in a modest manner, "but I am +quite sure that I am better fitted than you. My work in the Northwest +has always required considerable work with my arms, and besides that I +am pretty well developed about the arms and shoulders. I don't want to +discredit your ability, but I'm sure, don't you know, that I am +stronger than you and could do the work better. You'll let me try, +won't you? Really, you know, you ought to let me help!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's not to your discredit at all, Harry," put in Ned, "that Dave has +larger muscles than you and is perhaps stronger. This is a job that +requires all the muscle possible, so I think we'd better let him try +it. We must get Jack out of that place as quickly as possible." +</P> + +<P> +"All right," agreed Harry reluctantly, for he very much disliked to +permit anyone but himself to even attempt the rescue of his chum. +</P> + +<P> +Dave lost no time in tying a bowline in a bight at the two ends of the +length of line. One of these he passed over his own body. The other +he took in his teeth. In another moment he was over the side of the +car, while Harry did his best to balance the Eagle as he had planned +for Dave to do, at the same time paying out line as it was needed. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the lad felt the machine tipping slightly in his direction +and knew that Dave had succeeded in reaching the level of the bottom of +the car and was crawling along the truss rod underneath. +</P> + +<P> +For a short space of time the two boys in the ear anxiously waited. +Harry's patience at length was exhausted, and he called out: +</P> + +<P> +"Have you found Jack, Dave? Is he there all right?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, he's here and he's all right, but rather tired." +</P> + +<P> +"Can I help any?" was Harry's next question. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a bit just now. Jack is getting ready to make the climb. Stand +by the line that I am going to jerk. Haul in slowly." +</P> + +<P> +Bit by bit the line came aboard with its human freight in the loop at +the end. Harry was exceedingly careful to haul in very slowly, in +order that he might not trip his chum and cause a disaster. In a few +moments that seemed endless ages to Ned and Harry their comrade's head +showed and the Eagle again took a tilt to starboard. +</P> + +<P> +Harry quickly and carefully crawled to a position where he would +balance the unusual side strain. He relaxed his vigilance not one +whit, however, and hauled in carefully and slowly on the line. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that's over with!" sighed Jack as he tumbled over the side of +the car to a position of safety. "I'm glad it's ended, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"How did it happen?" queried Harry with keen interest. +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind the details just yet," panted Jack, stretching his shaking +arms and working his fingers to restore the circulation that had been +somewhat impeded because of the tense muscles. "Let's get Dave up here +safely first. That's one plucky Scout!" the boy added. +</P> + +<P> +"Right you are!" declared Harry. "I'd almost forgotten him!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Dave," called Ned, giving the levers a touch to bring the +Eagle clear of some treetops on a rise of ground. "Coming up?" +</P> + +<P> +"In just a minute," replied Dave from his position. "I'm resting +easily, and I think I see the camp where your comrade is located. Do +you suppose we might pick him up as we fly over the place?" +</P> + +<P> +"That would be a risky and nervy thing to do!" declared Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing so risky about it that I can see," protested Dave. "I'm all +right here, and if you'll pass that line down I'll try to manage to +drop the loop where he can get it if we find the right spot." +</P> + +<P> +"I believe Jimmie could do it?" cried Harry enthusiastically. +</P> + +<P> +"All right," assented Ned, "we can't any more than fail!" +</P> + +<P> +Although the feat that the boys proposed attempting would call for +considerable skill, and was certainly not lacking in danger to all +parties, they were not daunted. They had determined to rescue their +friend at whatever cost and knew that ordinary means would prove +useless. +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see Jimmie anywhere about that camp?" asked Ned, again handing +the glasses to Harry. "Take a good look," he advised. +</P> + +<P> +"I believe I can see him!" announced Harry, peering through the +binoculars. "He's walking out toward the edge of the hill toward the +same spot from which he signalled to us. Some one's with him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then we'll try it?" determinedly Ned continued. +</P> + +<P> +For a few moments the boys rode in absolute silence with only the whine +of the motors breaking the stillness. The Eagle was working perfectly +with not a single hitch about the delicate mechanism. +</P> + +<P> +As they approached the two Uhlans Ned slackened the speed of the +motors. Dave dangled the extra loop in a tempting manner. +</P> + +<P> +A rifle shot was heard. The Eagle rose suddenly relieved of weight. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +THE FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE +</H3> + +<P> +"Suppose so?" questioned Fritz as Jimmie made his announcement that the +Germans were shooting at the persons in the aeroplane. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, suppose so!" repeated Jimmie indignantly. "Why do you say +'Suppose so'? Where do you get that idea?" +</P> + +<P> +A shrug of the shoulders was the only answer. +</P> + +<P> +"I say," continued Jimmie with still less patience, "what's the big +idea—'suppose so'? Do you want them to shoot those boys?" +</P> + +<P> +"I care not," was the answer. "The ones in the aeroplane are trying to +escape are they not? Why, then, should they not come back?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, why shouldn't they get away?" questioned Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps they have information for your friends, the Russians!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you give me a fine large pain!" stormed the now thoroughly aroused +lad. "Every time you see a shadow, you jump on it for a spy. Is your +old information so precious that nobody must know it? What makes you +so suspicious of everybody and everything?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is not right that the enemy should have knowledge of the movements +of the Imperial army," replied Fritz. "That is all." +</P> + +<P> +"And that's quite enough to make me feel that I'd like to be a spy once +just for pure spite!" declared Jimmie. "You and your spy business make +me tired! We Boy Scouts don't care a rap about your old information!" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," was the smiling response. But Jimmie saw in the smile and +the single word a doubt of his statement. He was furious. +</P> + +<P> +He realized, however, that he could gain nothing by a loss of temper. +It was with a great effort that he controlled his temper and forced +himself to watch the flight of the aeroplane. Deep in his heart the +boy was hoping ardently for the success of those in the machine, for he +was now fully convinced that it was Ned and his comrades who had +attempted the flight. He watched every movement with great interest. +</P> + +<P> +When he saw the figure of his friend hanging to the truss rod beneath +the Eagle, Jimmie's heart almost stopped beating, so great was his +anxiety for the other's safety. As the sound of the rifle shots +reached his ears the lad turned away his head, for he did not in the +least doubt that the marksmen had been successful. +</P> + +<P> +When he again looked toward the speeding plane he danced with joy, for +he saw the figure still clinging to its perilous position and knew that +by great good fortune the chum he loved so dearly was unharmed. +</P> + +<P> +Both Jimmie and Fritz gazed eagerly toward the soaring plane, and +observed with great interest the movements incident to Jack's rescue. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" ejaculated Fritz, drawing a deep breath, as the two saw that Jack +had regained the deck of the Eagle. "He's a plucky boy!" +</P> + +<P> +"You bet he's a plucky boy!" replied Jimmie, condescending to +administer a friendly slap upon the Uhlan's shoulder. "They don't make +'em any more so! And he's a Boy Scout, too!" he added. +</P> + +<P> +"But there is still another boy under the machine," observed Fritz. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, he'll get out all right!" was Jimmie's confident answer. "You'll +have to go some with your whole army to beat four Boy Scouts!" +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe," admitted Fritz with another smile. "But I see that your +friends are heading this way. Perhaps they intend paying you a little +visit before we start to Verdun," he added. +</P> + +<P> +"They sure are headed this way," the lad said. "And the fellow +underneath is riding that way on purpose. I wonder why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Who can tell why a boy does anything?" was Fritz's comment. +</P> + +<P> +"I can tell you why Boy Scouts do a great many things," declared Jimmie +vehemently. "They do the things that are right and square because it +is best and because they are living up to the rules of conduct that +they are taught. That's why they do those things!" +</P> + +<P> +"And do the Boy Scout rules teach them to be spies?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now you're talking through your hat again!" was the lad's answer. +"Can't you ever get it out of your head that we are not interested in +your war? We don't want to mix up in your private scraps." +</P> + +<P> +Fritz wagged his head sagely and smiled in a manner that spoke more +eloquently than words of his disbelief in Jimmie's protestations. +</P> + +<P> +"All right," continued the boy, "you don't have to believe it if you +don't want to, but if you live long enough we'll show you!" +</P> + +<P> +"You say 'We,'" responded the soldier. "It would appear that you +expect your friends to join you presently for some enterprise." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it looks as if they expect to come pretty close to this place, +whether I expect them to or not," observed Jimmie, turning his eyes +toward the approaching plane and shading his eyes with a hand. +</P> + +<P> +"We shall return to the stables," decided Fritz. "Come." +</P> + +<P> +A movement of the Uhlan attracted Jimmie's attention. The lad saw a +glint of steel and wheeled to observe the erstwhile peaceable man +turned into an entirely different sort of individual, with his short +saber held in his hand in a threatening manner. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment the boy contemplated flight. An instant's reflection, +however, showed him the folly of such an attempt. He knew that, +although he was fleet of foot and believed that he could easily outrun +the other, he would be no match for a bullet if one should be sent +after him. Besides, he saw that his friends could not possibly reach +him with the plane if he should leave the elevated position on which he +stood. +</P> + +<P> +Concluding that his only hope of escape lay in patient waiting, the lad +turned reluctantly from his position and prepared to accompany Fritz as +he had been directed. He felt that he was giving up the only certain +means of getting away from the regiment he now thoroughly hated. +</P> + +<P> +"Gee!" he exclaimed petulantly, stepping forward a pace. "It seems as +if the whole bloomin' German army was determined that I should get +mixed up in the war! First it's von Liebknecht and now it's you and +Otto keeping after me, and I never did a thing to any of you!" +</P> + +<P> +"No?" queried Fritz. "But you do not say what you would like to do or +what you would do if you had the opportunity." +</P> + +<P> +"All right; you win the argument!" said Jimmie in a hopeless tone. +</P> + +<P> +"Then we go now to care for the horses and prepare for the trip to +Verdun," decided Fritz, with a twist of the keen blade he held. +</P> + +<P> +Entertaining visions of what might happen if Fritz became too careless +in his attentions with the saber, Jimmie cast a last look over his +shoulder at the rapidly approaching airship. He again took a +hesitating step toward the German, as if to accompany him. +</P> + +<P> +Fritz, believing that Jimmie was preparing to follow without further +parley, began replacing his saber in its scabbard. For an instant his +attention was concentrated on the task in hand. +</P> + +<P> +That instant was enough for the alert boy. With a sudden leap forward +he threw his weight into a low tackle and clasped his arms about the +other's legs. Both came heavily to earth. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie, having the advantage, was first to rise. As he jumped to his +feet he again turned to look for the oncoming plane. +</P> + +<P> +The hum of the motors was plainly discernable. He thought he could +even hear a sharp command given by one of the boys in charge. +</P> + +<P> +Almost overhead he saw the great wings outspread and knew that he had +been sighted and that his comrades were trying to afford him the +opportunity of escape he so much desired. +</P> + +<P> +One glance revealed the strange lad clinging to a perilous seat on the +truss rod. With one hand the newcomer was balancing himself, while +with the other he was shaking out into plain view the noose trailing at +the end of a line hanging from the under side of the plane. +</P> + +<P> +His actions clearly indicated that he wanted Jimmie to prepare to grasp +the loop and be drawn up to the airship as they rose above the camp of +Germans. Jimmie needed no second invitation. +</P> + +<P> +Without paying the slightest heed to the efforts of Fritz to right +himself from the undignified position into which Jimmie's onslaught had +placed him, the lad dashed forward to a point from which he thought he +could most advantageously grasp the trailing loop. +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer came the dangling line. The boy, under the extreme +excitement of the moment, began to imagine the feel of the rope in his +hands, and reviewed the motions he would have to make in order to seize +the line and be drawn up to his comrades. +</P> + +<P> +He gave a brief thought of thankfulness to the gymnasium training Ned +Nestor had so consistently urged upon the members of his patrol, and +flexed his biceps in anticipation of the strain they were to receive. +</P> + +<P> +Ned seemed to be handling the Eagle with consummate skill. He had +brought the machine to an altitude that was nicely calculated to afford +Jimmie just the opportunity needed without trailing the line upon the +ground, yet not having it out of the lad's reach. +</P> + +<P> +So absorbed were all the lads that they had not observed the activity +about the German camp caused by the approach of the aeroplane. They +failed to see several marksmen running toward their position with +rifles ready for instant use and with determination upon their faces. +</P> + +<P> +For the moment the lads seemed to forget that they were approaching a +camp of men who suspected them of being Russian spies and who would +hesitate at nothing to prevent their carrying out their designs. +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer swept the Eagle with her strange purpose. At length +Jimmie's hand was outstretched to grasp the loop of line Dave had so +cunningly fashioned. He started on a run in the same direction the +airship was going, for the purpose of lessening the shock of being +picked up from a standstill by the airship that was still moving at a +good speed. He felt the rope within his hand, and then he heard a shot. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly realizing that their maneuver had been discovered, the lad +knew that the soldiers would endeavor by every means within their power +to frustrate the designs of himself and comrades. Yet he was +determined to make the attempt at escape, desperate though it was. +</P> + +<P> +He felt himself lifted from his feet, and knew that his grasp on the +rope was all that was keeping him from being dashed to earth again. +</P> + +<P> +Another rifle shot rang out, and the boy knew that the Germans were +preparing to concentrate their fire upon himself and comrades. +</P> + +<P> +This time he heard the crash of a bullet as it ripped its way through +one of the wings of the Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +In another instant the lad saw by a quick glance earthward that the +Eagle was not rising rapidly enough to get away from the cluster of +tents toward which it was heading. He knew that Ned was doing all +possible to so manipulate the wings of the monster craft that the tents +would be cleared, and hoped ardently that he might be able to do so. +</P> + +<P> +As the Eagle began a sloping ascent that promised to accomplish the +purpose of its pilot another rifle in the hands of a German soldier +spoke its sharp command and another bullet sped toward the little party. +</P> + +<P> +A clang of lead upon the metal under part of the fuselage told Jimmie, +hanging in midair, that the last marksman had been more successful than +his companions, and he hoped that no damage was done. +</P> + +<P> +His surprise was indeed great to feel a great trembling and shaking of +the rope he grasped. He glanced upward to determine the cause. +</P> + +<P> +His astonishment at observing Dave slipping down the rope was so great +that he nearly loosed his own grip. +</P> + +<P> +Lower and lower came the other boy until he reached the knot of the +loop he had tied for Jimmie's benefit. There he hung a moment. Jimmie +looked toward the earth again and saw that they were nearly over the +tents. Mentally deciding that they would clear the tops, the lad again +glanced aloft to observe the strange boy. +</P> + +<P> +It seemed that coincidentally with another shot the Eagle suddenly +jumped miles high into the sky. Then he found himself bumping about +with the strange lad in a world of canvas with several other people. +</P> + +<P> +By a strange freak of fortune the last shot had severed the rope by +which the two boys clung to the airship and had precipitated them +straight onto the tent. There they floundered for a time. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" Jimmie heard as he opened his eyes. "Another recruit!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TEMPTATIONS +</H3> + +<P> +"Gee whiz!" exclaimed Harry excitedly, grasping a portion of the +framework of the Eagle to assist in keeping his balance as the great +plane shot skyward. "What's coming off here, anyhow?" +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter, Ned?" gasped Jack with equal astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +Ned was too busy, however, just at that moment to give a suitable reply +to the queries. The antics of the Eagle were occupying all his +attention, and he made extreme efforts to prevent the craft and its +freight from being dashed to an ignominious end in the midst of the +camp of Germans who had succeeded in making a prisoner of Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +Instinctively the lad knew that something had happened to the boys +beneath the machine, although at the moment he was unable to see just +what calamity had befallen them. +</P> + +<P> +With a great leap the Eagle soared away from the camp amidst the +humming of bullets from the rifles of the angry Uhlans, who fired +rapidly but without proper aim. Accustomed as they were to shooting at +targets on a level with themselves, they found it an entirely different +proposition to properly aim their weapons when their quarry was at some +distance above the earth. +</P> + +<P> +Several of the missiles, however, struck the fuselage and wings of the +Eagle, causing considerable alarm. The boys were devoutly thankful +that none of the leaden messengers struck a vital part. +</P> + +<P> +"Whew!" breathed Harry as the Eagle drew away from the scene. "We +didn't have much margin that time, I declare!" +</P> + +<P> +"I guess that next time we go through a German camp we'll just hang an +anchor out overboard and hook up everything we can as we pass," +suggested Jack, peering back at the camp they had just left. +</P> + +<P> +"Better get Dave out of his perilous position as soon as we can," put +in Harry, remembering their new-found friend who had done such valiant +service. "He'll be tired by this time, with all this rough riding and +bouncing about we have been giving him." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," added Jack with interest, "you certainly started upward with the +little old Eagle going on two wheels. You're some driver, Ned." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's make ready to help him out," persisted Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"No use," objected Ned, shaking his head disconsolately, "he isn't +there. I'm sure he dropped off back there at camp." +</P> + +<P> +"What!" cried Harry in amazement. "Why do you think that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, from the sudden way in which the Eagle's progress was checked, +I'm sure that Jimmie caught the loop of line all right," was Ned's +answer. "Then," he went on, "from the way in which the craft shook +just before she jumped skyward, I believe that the two boys were in +some sort of difficulty. All at once we began to climb, and that +indicated to me clearly that a considerable weight had been lost." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to say you think both Jimmie and Dave fell?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't see any other way out of it," declared Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, of all things!" was Harry's expression as the truth of the +matter began to dawn upon him. "What shall we do now?" +</P> + +<P> +"I move we circle back in a big spiral," stated Jack, "and see if we +can see what's going on there. Maybe the boys are hurt." +</P> + +<P> +"We weren't going high enough for the drop to badly injure either of +them," declared Harry. "Unless they were tangled in the rope, they +have landed upside down with care, all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Jimmie will come out of any mixup with his fists doubled up," was +Jack's almost laughing comment. "I believe that if that chap were to +fall into the hopper of a mud scow he'd come out with a clean shirt on +and a smile all over that freckled face of his." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and ready to fight the chap that pushed him in," added Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's get back there and see what we can see," urged Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Better not swing too close," advised Jack. "We can't tell what tricks +those fellows may have up their sleeves. They weren't prepared for our +sudden coming, and so failed to get us. Next time, though, they may be +more fortunate and we might get something not wanted." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think, Ned," questioned Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"I think it would be unwise to go back there too close now," was Ned's +advice. "I'm of the opinion that our attempt to take Jimmie away had a +bad effect on them, and that they're quite angry." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, swing around a ways and let us take a peep through the glasses. +Maybe we can see what's going on back there." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Ned, in an effort to appease the curiosity of his chums, +brought the Eagle in a wide spiral to a position about three thousand +feet above the camp and a trifle to the westward. From this point of +vantage the lads could clearly see the camp within the range of their +field glasses. Jack nearly danced with joy as he looked. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" he shouted. "I can see a group about one of the tents that +looks all flattened out. I'll bet that Jimmie landed on top of the +tent and broke it down. They're standing in the middle of the group +there, and seem to be surrounded by officers." +</P> + +<P> +"Then the rest is easy," commented Ned, giving a touch of the levers +that carried the Eagle away on a straight flight to the westward. +</P> + +<P> +"Easy?" queried Harry. "What do you mean—easy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, they'll be taking train right away for the western front, unless +we're badly mistaken," answered Ned. "All we have to do is to leave +them alone for a few days until they arrive at the front, and there we +can help Jimmie and Dave to escape." +</P> + +<P> +"You figure that by that time the Germans will have forgotten us?" +</P> + +<P> +"Either that or they'll have other things to think of." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's beat it out of this neighborhood," suggested Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a minute," urged Jack. "What do you suppose they'll do to the +boys if we leave them there? Won't they try to take out their spite on +the lads and go to extreme measures?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly think so," argued Ned, tilting the planes to bring the Eagle +a trifle closer to the earth. "In the first place, I think the +officers will want to keep the two lads for the amusement of the +soldiers. It will give them something to think about for a few days." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, the two boys will amuse the soldiers, all right!" declared Jack. +"But what will happen to the two boys meanwhile?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's what I'm coming to," went on Ned. "I figure that they will not +be willing to see harm come to the lads through the Germans directly, +because it would make trouble between the German nation and ours and +that of Dave. They may make the lads go into the front lines when they +get to the front, and if they should get hit by a bullet from one of +their own countrymen the situation would be different." +</P> + +<P> +"I see," reflected Harry. "Then in that case the Germans could claim +they were not directly responsible. They might claim that the boys got +enthusiastic and enlisted voluntarily. If they got shot it was no +fault of the dear, kind Germans!" he finished sarcastically. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, that's about the way of it, I guess," answered Ned. "Anyhow," +he added, "I'm not a bit afraid for the boys' safety until Verdun is +reached. After that I'm not at all so sure as I'd like." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I agree that it's best that we just hit it up for the west." +</P> + +<P> +"Right-o!" cried Jack. "Let's get out of town, as that freight +conductor used to say. And let's be quick about it." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll be in plenty of time if we just jog along easily and save any +undue strain on the machine," advised Ned. "We'd better be on the +lookout for something to eat instead of worrying about speed." +</P> + +<P> +"We can eat some of this canned goods we put aboard back there in +Peremysl," suggested Harry. "I'm getting a little bit hungry now." +</P> + +<P> +"Then don't eat anything until you're good and hungry," Ned put in with +a smile. "We can't tell where we'll be apt to get anything after this +present supply is exhausted." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I won't eat just now," agreed Harry. "I'm not so hungry." +</P> + +<P> +Ned's laugh at the other's reply went far to break the spell of +melancholy that rested upon the group after they had discovered the +loss of their comrades. Truly they needed a bit of cheering, for the +situation was anything but pleasant and hopeful. +</P> + +<P> +"I see a little village off there to the right a piece," said Jack +presently. "We'd better find a favorable landing spot not far from the +town pretty soon, for it's coming on dark and we'll be unable to see +without showing searchlights that would expose ourselves." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right, I believe," Ned said. "We'd better land." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then," agreed Harry. "Let's come down easy, though." +</P> + +<P> +Under Ned's capable hands the Eagle swooped silently and swiftly toward +the earth. The great machine behaved splendidly in every particular. +All three boys craned their necks eagerly toward the earth as they +descended. With watchful eyes they peered about. +</P> + +<P> +In another five minutes they were standing beside the Eagle, which +rested easily in a grassy spot beneath some tall trees that screened +the lads from the eyes of anyone passing upon the road. +</P> + +<P> +Their flight through the twilight had been apparently unobserved, for +no outcry from the nearby village had reached their ears. +</P> + +<P> +For a few minutes the three lads stood peering anxiously forth from a +screen of bushes that separated them from the highway. +</P> + +<P> +At length Ned signalled his comrades to follow, and cautiously stepped +forth from the copse. The others were close upon this heels. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's go to the village," offered Ned, "and try to find out just where +we are. Then we can know what to do next." +</P> + +<P> +"Go ahead!" agreed Jack and Harry in chorus. +</P> + +<P> +Ned walked down the road a few paces, then turned to look back at the +spot where they had come through the bushes. He examined carefully the +shrubbery, and stood a short time examining the outline of the trees +and larger growth, carefully noting the contour. +</P> + +<P> +"Getting a landmark for use when you return?" asked Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"That's just it!" laughed Ned. "Never can tell, you know," he went on +in mock seriousness. "Might have to come back in a hurry!" +</P> + +<P> +Laughingly the three then proceeded on their way into the town. +</P> + +<P> +They had not far to go, and were congratulating themselves upon the +fact that the village seemed almost deserted, when a man stepped into +the road from the deep shadow of a low building. +</P> + +<P> +"Halt!" challenged the newcomer. "Who goes there?" +</P> + +<P> +"A friend!" was Ned's instant answer. +</P> + +<P> +"Advance for examination, friend!" came the next command. +</P> + +<P> +The boys stepped forward wonderingly, not understanding the cause for +the man's challenge nor who he might be. +</P> + +<P> +"Germans again, I'll bet!" whispered Harry as they proceeded. +</P> + +<P> +"What town is this?" inquired Ned as the three approached the spot +where their challenger stood. "We are lost and would like help." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, then you have come to the right place," the other said in a +pleasant tone. "We can surely help you to find yourself, and also can +give you a little lift upon your journey. Which way do you go?" +</P> + +<P> +"We want to get to the United States," Ned answered. "We have a little +work to do over here first, and would like to know just where we are +now. It will help us to get located correctly." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I will make a bargain with you," went on the other in a smooth +tone. "In exchange for information from us, we ask the same from you. +Are you willing to make an exchange?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps," Ned answered. "Maybe our information wouldn't help." +</P> + +<P> +"We shall see. Now, first, you are at Bochnia, a little way to the +east of Cracow. Vienna lies almost due southwest, and the city of +Berlin is almost due northwest. You are nearly one hundred and fifty +miles almost due west of Peremysl," he concluded. +</P> + +<P> +"That's good!" declared Ned. "We thank you heartily." +</P> + +<P> +"Food is scarce," went on the other. "Gasoline is also scarce, and so +is information. You may have all you want of either if you will be +fair enough to reciprocate my kindness." +</P> + +<P> +"What can we do for you in exchange for all this kindness?" +</P> + +<P> +"Tell me how many German troops are leaving Peremysl," said the man. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment Ned was about to speak. Then he stopped. +</P> + +<P> +"We can't tell you that!" he said in a low tone. "We're not spies!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A GREAT SURPRISE +</H3> + +<P> +From the tone in which the remark was made Jimmie understood that the +speaker was referring contemptuously to either himself or Dave. +</P> + +<P> +He thought that he recognized the voice, but could not at once +determine the identity of the one who made the statement. Just at the +moment there appeared to be a world of canvas and ropes wound about his +head and body. He gasped for breath. +</P> + +<P> +Struggling to free himself from the entangling mass of cloth that +seemed to be smothering and weighing him down, the lad presently found +an opening, through which he thrust his head. Blinking rapidly as he +cleared his eyes from the dust that had arisen because of the sudden +downfall of the tent, the lad gazed about in astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +"Here, here; cut it out!" he cried as he felt a rough hand laid upon +his ankle. "What do you think you are doing, anyway?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aus!" a rough voice sounded in his ear. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment Jimmie lay without making an effort to rise. He was +trying to regain his sense of location that had been momentarily +disturbed because of his fall and sudden change of scene. +</P> + +<P> +The next instant the hand shifted from his ankle to his collar, and he +was unceremoniously dragged forth from the enveloping folds of the tent +cloth. Without an apology the one who had so effectively taken the boy +from his position set him upon his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Hands off!" the lad cried with hot resentment at the treatment. +"Leave go of me or I'll start working on you! Who are you, anyway?" +</P> + +<P> +"That will do, young man," spoke a well-known voice, and Jimmie +recognized von Liebknecht. "Why do you enter my tent so rudely?" +</P> + +<P> +"Is this your tent?" asked Jimmie, wrinkling his freckled nose and +blinking at the officer as he sparred for time. +</P> + +<P> +"It was!" came the reply in icy tones, for von Liebknecht was plainly +angered. "Why do you enter unannounced?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you'd ever been on Wall street," Jimmie began, with a twinkle +in his eye, "you'd understand me perfectly when I say that I took a +little flier in aeroplanes. The stock went up rapidly, and I felt the +bottom drop out of the market. When I landed, my surprise was, to say +the least, quite 'in tents'!" +</P> + +<P> +"You speak strangely," von Liebknecht replied. "What do you mean?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sorry if I say things you can't understand," went on the boy, "but you +will have to let me tell the story in my own way. Not to change the +subject at all, but I'd like to ask after my partner." +</P> + +<P> +"Your partner?" was von Liebknecht's surprised question. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, the lad who came with me. Did you see anything of him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you mean the Boy Scout. He is somewhere about. He was not quite +so fortunate as you. He is being cared for." +</P> + +<P> +"Where?" was Jimmie's startled query. "Let me see him." +</P> + +<P> +"All in good time. He is over there," replied von Liebknecht, pointing +to a little group of officers and men not far away. +</P> + +<P> +"Excuse me; I'll be back in a minute," stated Jimmie, darting in the +direction indicated. "This is rotten luck!" he added as he approached +the group. "I hope that kid isn't hurt badly." +</P> + +<P> +Much to Jimmie's relief he saw the other boy rise to his feet as he +approached. In another instant he was by the other's side. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you hurt badly?" he inquired solicitously. +</P> + +<P> +"Not hurt a bit!" declared Dave, drawing himself to his full height and +stretching one arm after the other to prove his statement. +</P> + +<P> +"But you're pretty thoroughly shaken up, though!" declared the +red-headed lad. "You must have fallen harder than I did." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I'll admit that last statement," laughed Dave. "I guess the +breath was jolly well knocked out of me, don't you know." +</P> + +<P> +"Not quite Johnnie Bull enough to be English," mused Jimmie aloud, "but +still too much Johnnie Bull to be strictly United States. Say, Scout, +where are you from, and what is your name, and where are you going?" he +went on, gazing earnestly at the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +Dave laughed at Jimmie's broadside of questions and answered by +introducing himself. He received in turn a statement of Jimmie's name +and rank, together with the name of his patrol. +</P> + +<P> +"What were you trying to do?" asked Jimmie as he noted that Dave was +able to stand alone and even to walk a few steps. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, we were trying to give you a chance to get out of this mess," +replied Dave. "If it hadn't been for the rotten luck that German +marksman had in cutting the line by which we hung, we'd have made it, +too!" +</P> + +<P> +"And then the German army would surely have been defeated," put in +Jimmie with a broad smile, "for without this valuable addition to his +fighting forces the Kaiser would never be able to conduct this war at +all properly. They need me here in the army, it seems." +</P> + +<P> +"It begins to look to me as if they'll be needing me, too," added Dave. +"I'll wager a pretty penny they won't let either of us go now!" +</P> + +<P> +"We'll see about that," confidently replied The Wolf. "We may have a +word or two to say in our own behalf. We'll try, anyway." +</P> + +<P> +"What shall we do now?" asked Dave as he brushed a bit of dust from his +uniform. "We can't very well take French leave just now." +</P> + +<P> +"We'd better report to von Liebknecht, who is in command here. He'll +be apt to make us carry garbage away from the kitchen, but we'll have +to submit to that until the opportunity for escape appears. Here he +comes now. Just keep a stiff upper lip and leave the talking to me." +</P> + +<P> +But von Liebknecht spared both Jimmie and Dave the necessity of making +explanations. His men had already reported fully the attempted rescue +of their red-headed recruit by those in the aeroplane. +</P> + +<P> +A sharp order was given, and instantly the boys were being escorted +toward the stables. There they were assigned to tasks under the +watchful eyes of certain soldiers, amongst whom Jimmie noted his +erstwhile friend Otto. In the hurry and excitement of breaking camp +conversation between the newly made chums was impossible. +</P> + +<P> +From that moment the boys noted preparations for the departure of the +regiment. Far into the night they worked side by side with the +soldiers of the Imperial Kaiser, loading horses and various items of +baggage and supplies into a train waiting not far distant from the camp. +</P> + +<P> +By the time that the last horse had been properly placed in the cars +and the last item of baggage was correctly stowed, the lads were so +weary and exhausted they were glad to lay themselves on a pile of +forage. In another moment they were both fast asleep. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie was wakened by the stopping of the train. He reached out a hand +and touched Dave on the arm. As Dave turned and was about to rise, +Jimmie slid his hands over the other's lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Hush-sh-sh!" he whispered in a scarcely audible tone. "I don't know +where we are. Maybe we'll have a chance to make a getaway." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's try to find out where we are," replied Dave, instantly wide +awake and using the same cautious tone employed by The Wolf. +</P> + +<P> +Carefully the boys rose from their position and proceeded to a position +where they could look from the car. +</P> + +<P> +"No use!" declared Jimmie as he peered forth. "They've got the track +lighted up all along the train, and there are about 'steen billion or +so of soldiers patrolling the blooming train!" +</P> + +<P> +"I can count up to seventeen million myself," added Dave in the same +spirit. "After that I lose count on a fat one. I don't know whether +to count him as two or whether I'm seeing double." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you're not seeing double at all, at all," replied Jimmie. "I +think I see the same guy myself. He's certainly some big gun!" +</P> + +<P> +"Which one do you mean?" queried Dave, trying to locate the one Jimmie +referred to. "I can't quite make him out right now." +</P> + +<P> +"That fellow over there," answered the other, pointing toward the +forward end of the train. "Can't you see the big automobile that just +pulled up? I saw that big guy get out of it just now." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough!" declared Dave. "I can see the auto now, and I think I +can see the man, too. Wonder who he is and what he wants." +</P> + +<P> +"Probably he's only a station master or something," said Jimmie with +feigned unconcern. "Maybe it's the Kaiser himself for all we know. If +it is he, I'm going to scold him roundly for deserting all the +perfectly good sausages in Berlin and coming way out here just to stop +our perfectly good little train. Wonder what he wants." +</P> + +<P> +"There they come now," went on Dave excitedly. "They're all coming +along this way, and it looks as if he's going back to the caboose. +Maybe he's going to ride with us a little way." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see what they're trying to do now?" asked Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"In just a minute I will," was the answer. "Let me get a good hold +here and I'll lean out a ways from the car." +</P> + +<P> +Dave grasped the side of the door and leaned far out from the carriage +in which the boys were riding. Had he not done so the result might +have been far different. Jimmie had only time to utter a single word +of caution before he saw that his chum was slipping. +</P> + +<P> +With a cry Dave tried to regain his lost balance. Finding that it was +impossible to draw himself back into the car, the lad chose the only +other possible course and leaped into the air in an effort to land +squarely on his feet as he left the car. +</P> + +<P> +In this he was successful. He came down beside the track upon his +feet, turning just in time to face the approaching group. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie gazed in wonderment and amazement upon the features of the man +he had previously noted. For a moment he stared speechless. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I'll be sold for a cent!" he declared as he observed the +individual closely. "If it isn't the Kaiser I'll eat my hat!" +</P> + +<P> +It was indeed none other than the Kaiser himself! Jimmie had +recognized the man because he had seen so many pictures of the notable +person who was directing the fighting forces of a great nation. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly the lad recognized the fact that he was committing an act of +extreme incivility in thus shouting out the identity of so august and +important a personage. Yet he also knew that it was too late to +retract his statement. He therefore, with his usual air of unconcern, +determined to face the matter and make the best of it. +</P> + +<P> +Without waiting for further preliminaries the lad dropped to the ground +and placed himself beside his comrade. +</P> + +<P> +Drawing himself to his full height, the lad faced the Kaiser and +saluted, using the well-known form adopted by the Boy Scouts. +</P> + +<P> +Much to his astonishment, his salute was gravely returned by the other, +and the party came to a halt. +</P> + +<P> +"What can I do for you?" inquired the Kaiser in a not unkindly tone, +dropping his hand again to his side. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," began Jimmie, scarcely knowing just how he should address the +man, "in the first place, we are not spies, and then, besides, we'd +like to get back to the United States without any trouble." +</P> + +<P> +"So?" inquired the other. "And why do you wish to go to the United +States, may I ask? Is your business urgent there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not at all," replied Jimmie. "Nothing urgent about it except that we +understand you are having a war over here and we don't want to get +mixed up in it. That's all, and it's enough, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"And you declare that you are not spies. Who has said you were?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it seems to be the pretty general opinion that because I was +found in Peremysl with a Cossack uniform on that I am a Russian," went +on Jimmie. "Mr. von Liebknecht, here, seems to think that I am trying +to get back to the Russian army with a lot of information that I +haven't got and—oh, a whole lot of things!" +</P> + +<P> +So great was the lad's excitement at an opportunity to unburden his +grievances that he spoke rapidly. As he paused for breath the other +looked about the group of officers. Then he said: +</P> + +<P> +"This is indeed a strange circumstance. Just now the regiment is +moving westward, and it is not proper that they should be delayed. +Orders have been given for their departure, and they must be obeyed. +If you will come with me we will inquire into the merits of your case +and decide what shall be done. Will you do that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir, we'll be glad to," replied Jimmie, turning to Dave for +confirmation. "We'll go with you." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +BAFFLED PURSUERS +</H3> + +<P> +"There, there," said the man soothingly, "of course you're not spies. +I didn't intend to have you understand that you would be acting the +part of spies in giving me the trifle of information I wanted. You +failed to understand me, that's all." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then," replied Ned, "I apologize. I thought you were asking me +about the German troops and their movements." +</P> + +<P> +"So I was," went on the man. "I wanted to know so that the good people +of this stricken village could be prepared." +</P> + +<P> +"How could the people of this village resist the Germans?" asked Ned +wonderingly. "I don't see any fighting men about." +</P> + +<P> +"That's just the point," pursued the other. "All the men and boys +capable of carrying weapons or doing anything like a man's job at any +kind of work have been drafted by the Germans." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what's the excitement about?" put in Jack impatiently. "We can't +see why you or the village people should worry if the Germans have +taken everything that can be taken." +</P> + +<P> +"You don't understand, I see," continued the other. "The Germans have +left here only women and children and very old men. They even took +away with them such food supplies as could be transported easily. Now +there is very little grain left, and with it perhaps a few potatoes and +other things. But all the cattle and other food supply has been +removed. The villagers are on the point of starving." +</P> + +<P> +"Won't the soldiers feed them when they come—that is, if they're +actually coming?" inquired Jack, presenting his own solution of the +case. +</P> + +<P> +"We are afraid they will not," was the answer. "They have not a very +savory reputation here. It is the intention of the remaining people to +escape to the country, taking with them whatever they can carry, when +they know the Germans are again moving in this direction." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, then, don't they go now and be done with it?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Evidently you do not understand the characteristics of this people or +their love of their home, no matter how humble it may be," was the +answer. "If you only understood the fact that these good people have a +gentler side to their nature and that their love of home and family is +fully as great as you will find in your own country, you would not need +to ask such a question. It is a most serious matter to most if not all +of these people to go away from their homes." +</P> + +<P> +"But I don't see that any information we can give you would be of the +slightest assistance at this time," objected Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"It would give us time to prepare for the intended flight." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't see it," argued Ned. "You seem to know that the Germans are +moving westward from Peremysl. That is more than we know." +</P> + +<P> +"We know that they have been successful in their assault on the town, +and we understand that the capture of that stronghold will leave many +troops free for use at other points. What can be more natural than +that they should leave Peremysl in the hands of a force sufficient to +guard it against any possible attack by the Russians and rush the +remainder of their troops to other points where they are needed—say a +few regiments at strategic points like Verdun?" +</P> + +<P> +As he finished speaking the man glanced casually about the place, as if +observing a passer-by. Ned and his companions exchanged quick looks of +inquiry. Using the mute language in which the boys were adept, Ned +flashed a question at his chums. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you suppose he wants?" he asked. Then in the same manner he +went on: "Be careful. I mistrust this fellow! He is not square!" +</P> + +<P> +Jack and Harry had only time to nod their understanding of the message +before the man again turned to them and went on: +</P> + +<P> +"So you see, don't you, that you would be rendering a real aid to a +stricken and starving people by giving us whatever information you may +have about the movements of the German troops?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, I can't say that I do," replied Ned positively. "You seem to have +plenty of information on hand right now to enable you to make any +necessary preparations for the advent of the Germans if such a thing +should happen. For myself, I don't believe that the Germans would +visit this place a second time. It isn't at all likely." +</P> + +<P> +"And why not, pray?" was the man's query. +</P> + +<P> +"For the same reason that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same +place and a mule doesn't kick twice in the same place—they don't have +to," was Ned's quiet answer. "That's a good reason, isn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +Although Ned's answer had been made in a quiet tone, the words were +full of meaning, and it was apparent to all that the man was capable of +understanding the firmness and resolve in Ned's manner and voice. +</P> + +<P> +"So, then, you refuse to give me any information concerning the +movement of the troops?" went on the other with an air of finality. +"Of course, I suppose you realize that the result of a German raid on +this town would be laid at your door if an inquiry were made? The good +people here are not so ready to forgive as you may imagine. If you +have information that would help them to safety and do not give it, +could you blame them if they felt rather unfriendly toward you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Now see here, Mister—whatever your name is—," began Ned, slightly +nettled, "we came here only to find a place to buy some gasoline and +some food. We are not in this country as spies, and we have repeatedly +declined to give information to either side. We can't start now." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then," said the man, nodding his head slightly, "have your +own way about it. But," he went on, "if you fail to make any purchases +such as you desire, please don't blame anyone but yourselves." +</P> + +<P> +With these words he turned on his heel and left the three lads staring +after him in amazement. He proceeded quickly, and was soon out of +sight behind a house slightly larger than the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, he told us where we were, at any rate," said Ned with a huge +sigh as the man disappeared from their view. "He's generous!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nix on the sarcasm," counseled Harry; "it strikes me that we are in a +pretty tight fix right now. That fellow won't do a thing but make it +interesting for us if he gets half a chance." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right, Harry," put in Jack with vigor. "Do you know, boys, I +wouldn't object to making a little bet that our visitor is a German +himself, put here for the purpose of keeping an eye on everything that +goes on. He was just trying to pump us, that's all." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you really think so?" asked Ned. "He seemed all right at first." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought so, too," went on Jack, "but did you notice how rather +uppish he got when we wouldn't tell him all we know and then some?" +</P> + +<P> +"He was inclined to get rather dictatorial toward the last," admitted +Ned. "Come to think about it, he didn't look like an ordinary villager +at that. Wonder who he could have been." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not wondering so much at who he could have been as what he's +liable to do," was Jack's answer. "I began to suspect him just the +minute you warned us. I'm glad we didn't tell him anything." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's get out of here, boys," suggested Harry. "If that fellow is +within fourteen rows of apple trees of the truth and this village is +deserted by all the able-bodied men, we won't have much chance of +getting gasoline or food or information at this place." +</P> + +<P> +"What shall we do?" asked Ned. "What is your idea?" +</P> + +<P> +"I move we go back to the Eagle and 'get out of town'." +</P> + +<P> +"Second the motion," cried Jack eagerly. "I don't like this place a +little bit! Let's be going now." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then; right about face, march!" commanded Ned. +</P> + +<P> +All three boys wheeled and started back in the direction they had come. +They traveled at a good pace for the first few moments. +</P> + +<P> +Jack even essayed to whistle "Tipperary" between his teeth to help them +along. With visions of a speedy departure from that neighborhood in +their minds, the boys swung along at a good pace. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly they were startled to hear the report of a rifle and to be +greeted by the peculiar tearing sound made by a bullet in its flight +through the air. Almost as if actuated by a common impulse the three +lads crouched low and broke into a run. +</P> + +<P> +Again came the report of the rifle and the noise of a bullet speeding +on its errand of death. As Jack had stooped to run he had taken a +quick glance over his shoulder. Now he closed in nearer to Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"That fellow is in the house on our right," he panted. "I saw the +flash of the gun as he fired that time." +</P> + +<P> +Ned's only reply was a quick nod. He did not waste breath in making a +reply where none was needed. For answer he merely extended his hand to +administer a touch of encouragement on Jack's shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +By this time darkness had settled almost completely over the place, and +the boys found running in the not over-excellent highway a task that +required every ounce of their strength and agility. +</P> + +<P> +Presently Ned slackened speed. His companions did likewise. +</P> + +<P> +"Whew!" the boy panted. "That was rather exciting, wasn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure was," came Harry's labored answer. "But we ought to be somewhere +near the Eagle by this time," he added. +</P> + +<P> +"I think I recognize those trees there now," Ned put in as the three +advanced at a walk. "Let's get into the field and be on our way just +as quickly as we can. I don't like to be shot at." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think we have gasoline enough for an extended flight?" asked +Harry anxiously. "We'd feel nice to get caught with a flat tire or +something a mile up in the air." +</P> + +<P> +"We have plenty, I think," was Ned's answer. "We can gauge the tank +easily enough if we can't see the indicator." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, there she is now!" exclaimed Jack as the three boys broke through +the growth of underbrush and entered the field where the Eagle had been +left. "She's closer in than I thought," he went on. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, distances are mighty deceptive in the darkness," explained Ned. +"It is very easy to be mistaken on a little matter like that." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Boss," was Jack's answer in a relieved tone, now that he +was again near their beloved plane. "Let's have your searchlight." +</P> + +<P> +"Here it is," said Ned, producing the desired article. "Lucky for us +that I brought it along. Better start the engine with the muffler on. +We don't want the remaining villagers to come storming up here." +</P> + +<P> +Ned handed the searchlight to Jack and then prepared to make ready for +the anticipated flight by buttoning his coat tightly at the throat. He +knew that the damp chilliness of night would be uncomfortable. Just as +Ned and Harry were preparing to assist their chum they were startled to +hear him cry out in surprise: +</P> + +<P> +"This isn't the Eagle, boys! This is a strange machine!" +</P> + +<P> +"What?" gasped the two boys on the ground. "A strange machine?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly. Look here! Why," Jack continued, "I actually believe it's +a German aeroplane! Now, what do you think of that!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then in that case there are Germans near," decided Ned instantly. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, boys, I have an idea!" was Harry's excited statement. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, let's have it," requested Jack. "Such rare occurrences +should deserve special mention. We'll mention you in the log of the +trip. Perhaps you'll have a medal struck off just for that." +</P> + +<P> +Although the lads were in a situation that was anything but pleasant, +Jack could not resist the temptation to have a little fun. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's take the German gasoline and put it into our tanks," went on +Harry, without giving attention to the attempted joke. +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea!" declared Ned in lower tones. "But where's the Eagle?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think I can see it right over there," said Harry, pointing. +</P> + +<P> +It was even as the lad said. Their own machine lay not far from the +one they were examining. Working quickly, the lads produced a bucket +from the Eagle and in a short time had located the drain cock at the +bottom of the German plane's fuel tank. +</P> + +<P> +They had successfully transferred several loads of the precious fluid +to the tank of the Eagle, working with extreme caution, when Jack gave +a warning hiss from his post at the hedge screening the field. +</P> + +<P> +"They're coming!" he cried in a whisper as he hurried up. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A BIT OF SCIENCE +</H3> + +<P> +As Jimmie announced the willingness of the two lads to accompany the +German forces he was looking straight at Dave. The lad from the +Northwest thought he caught the slightest tremor of Jimmie's eyelid, +but was not positive. However, acting on the assumption that he was +correct and that Jimmie had some purpose in declaring in so positive a +manner his intentions, Dave thought best to offer no remonstrance. +</P> + +<P> +With senses keenly alert the two boys watched closely the actions of +the group of officers and soldiers about them. +</P> + +<P> +Their stay in this place would be short, for it would not take long to +change engines and have the troops moving westward again. A second +section of the train was following closely. The boys knew that no time +would be lost by those in charge of the movement of troop trains. +</P> + +<P> +Therefore they were especially anxious to discover some means of +escape, if possible. None, it seemed, presented itself. +</P> + +<P> +Hedged round by a ring of soldiers who were fully armed, the boys could +see others at a short distance patrolling the station grounds. An open +space of some considerable area was occupied just now by small groups +of soldiers who had left the train by permission and were walking about +for exercise. Electric lights were mounted on poles to give +illumination to the grounds. +</P> + +<P> +The Kaiser and his party again resumed their interrupted progress +toward the rear of the train, leaving an officer with the boys. +</P> + +<P> +"What are they waiting for, Jimmie?" asked Dave, peering about. +</P> + +<P> +"Search me," replied the red-headed lad. "They've got the engine +coupled on, I guess, and I'm ready to go." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you mean to go all the way to Verdun?" asked Dave anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Not on your photograph done in oils," responded Jimmie with more vigor +than elegance. "We shake this bunch as soon as a chance comes!" +</P> + +<P> +"Right-o!" was Dave's rejoinder. "That's what I say, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know where the other boys have gone by this time, but it's a +cinch that they won't stray far from the line of railroad if their +gasoline holds out. If we can drop off between stops we can signal +them and maybe they'll find us. It ought to be easy." +</P> + +<P> +"You jolly well keep up your spirit," said Dave admiringly. "I rather +think, don't you know, that I'm fortunate in finding you boys. It'll +be something to remember when I get back home." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks," returned Jimmie. "It's a good thing we can say the same. It +isn't often we meet up with fellows as full of grit as you." +</P> + +<P> +"I haven't done anything at all yet," replied Dave modestly. "In fact, +I only made a bally mess of what I attempted. But you wait—" +</P> + +<P> +"Listen!" commanded Jimmie, interrupting what Dave was about to say. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm listening, don't you know," replied Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you hear?" asked The Wolf, with his head on one side. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, bless my heart, it sounds quite like the exhaust of a motor. Now +I wonder what it can be. It's a petrol motor, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"I know what it is!" Jimmie almost cried out loud. "It's an airship!" +</P> + +<P> +"Can it be the boys coming back after us?" questioned Dave doubtingly. +</P> + +<P> +"That doesn't sound like the exhaust from the Eagle," protested Jimmie +with a shake of his head. "She's got a dandy muffler." +</P> + +<P> +Others of the party beside the train were now observing the noise that +the lads had noticed. An officer dashed across the open space on which +the soldiers were exercising. Running up to the group in which the +Kaiser walked, he saluted gravely and reported the circumstance. +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer came the sound. At length it appeared directly +overhead. Looking up, the boys could faintly make out a great gray +form at some distance above the train. For an instant only it +appeared, to vanish the next instant in the darkness. The clamor of +the motors, however, was not diminished. +</P> + +<P> +"He's going to land near here," whispered Jimmie, grasping Dave's arm +in his excitement. "We'll soon see who and what he is." +</P> + +<P> +The boy's prediction was correct. For a short time the aviator circled +about the station, evidently searching for a suitable place in which to +make a landing. In another moment it was seen clearly that he intended +to land as near the station as possible. +</P> + +<P> +Of all the observers none was more interested than the two Boy Scouts +so strangely thrown into the company of this train load of fighting men +and their emperor. Jimmie was the first to discover the pilot's +intentions. Grasping Dave's arm, he dragged the other a short distance +away from the spot, to be clear of the descending plane. +</P> + +<P> +A switch engine was bringing up a coach to attach it to the rear of the +train. The coach was evidently intended for the use of the Kaiser, for +it was stopped exactly opposite the little party surrounding him. +</P> + +<P> +At a signal from the man whom the whole German army worshipped the +engine moved the coach a short distance down the track while the +emperor and his staff gave their attention to the daring aviator. +</P> + +<P> +"Geewhillikins!" exclaimed Jimmie breathlessly. "Those fellows better +look out a little or they'll get run over!" +</P> + +<P> +It truly appeared as if this contingency were about to occur, for the +soldiers made no attempt to clear the tiny parade ground. Instead they +waited for the approach of the speeding plane. +</P> + +<P> +In another moment the machine was upon the ground and running along +upon its wheels. Many willing hands grasped portions of the framework +and assisted in bringing the machine to a halt. +</P> + +<P> +Before the task of stopping the aeroplane was fairly accomplished the +pilot had leaped from his seat. He approached the group of officers +about the Kaiser with rather unsteady steps and gravely saluted. +</P> + +<P> +The salute was returned by the entire party, who then stood at +attention. From the center of the party the Kaiser stepped forward. +</P> + +<P> +A few short, brisk sentences were exchanged between the Kaiser and the +stranger who had descended so precipitately from the sky. +</P> + +<P> +"Gee!" exclaimed Jimmie in disgust. "They're talking German, and I +can't understand it at all! What rotten luck!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush!" responded Dave. "I'm getting a word now and again. Perhaps I +can make out what it is the chap is reporting." +</P> + +<P> +"If you can understand that awful bunch of noises they call a language +you're going some!" declared Jimmie, half to himself. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a moment now," said Dave. "He's unburdening himself of a long +talk about the movement of some troops, I take it. Now he is saying," +the boy went on, "that he has seen or some one has seen a strange +aeroplane near here. It is supposed to be one of the French machines +that has somehow got past the lines and is scouting." +</P> + +<P> +"Let him report that stuff all he wants to," was Jimmie's comment in an +uninterested manner. "We should worry a lot about that!" +</P> + +<P> +"But suppose it is the Eagle he has sighted?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah!" was the lad's quick ejaculation. "It can't be the Eagle." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not?" asked Dave. "Isn't it entirely possible?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, come to think of it, you are right. It might be the Eagle he +has seen and is reporting. What can we do to stop him if he should +take a soldier or two with him now and start out to plug the little old +Eagle and her crew full of bullet holes?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't imagine, you know," was Dave's puzzled reply, "unless we +prevent his getting away at all. I don't see how that is to be done.'" +</P> + +<P> +A sudden resolve came to the red-headed lad as he pondered over the +situation. Glancing quickly about to observe whether the two were +under surveillance, he drew from his pocket several small objects. +</P> + +<P> +"Stay just about here, Dave," he said. "I'm going over to the machine +and see what I can do to fix it so they can't run very well. If I'm +successful it may mean that we can save the boys on the Eagle. If I'm +caught at it I'll take part in a little shooting-fest myself, and I'll +act the part of the shootee. Keep your eyes peeled, and if anyone +comes this way put me wise by whistling." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't try anything rash, now," was Dave's remark at this statement. +"If they catch you doing tricks to their machine it'll go hard." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to take a long chance," Jimmie answered, with the peculiar +setting of his jaws that his comrades had learned so well to understand +meant a resolve that nothing could swerve. "Keep your eyes open." +</P> + +<P> +"But, I say," was Dave's further objection, "it won't do any good to +drain his gasoline. There's likely a supply right here and he can +reload in a few minutes. Use all your caution, Jimmie!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, I'll use all my caution and something else," was the answer +as the lad moved slowly toward the aeroplane, as if to casually examine +the rigging out of a boy's natural curiosity. +</P> + +<P> +For some moments Dave stood fairly torn by his emotions. He was +fearful that Jimmie would be discovered meddling with the mechanism and +that the consequences of such discovery would be dire. +</P> + +<P> +Glancing alertly from side to side, the lad stood at his post in a +fever of excitement. He strove to keep his hands from trembling. His +knees seemed scarcely able to support the weight of his body. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the group of officers about the Kaiser seemed to have +questioned the aviator to their complete satisfaction, for several +turned and walked down the track toward the coach waiting for the use +of the Kaiser. Others walked briskly away across the parade ground, +while the aviator himself and the Kaiser walked together along the +track toward the aeroplane that had brought the man to earth. +</P> + +<P> +Dave was about to signal Jimmie that danger was near, when he saw that +the lad was coming back. So interested were the aviator and his +auditor in the conversation that was going on that they apparently did +not notice the boy leaving the vicinity of the machine. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie joined Dave with an air of extreme boredness. +</P> + +<P> +"What did you do, Jimmie?" asked Dave breathlessly. +</P> + +<P> +"I fixed his clock, all right!" was the answer. Jimmie pointed to one +of the electric lights swinging from a pole not far away. +</P> + +<P> +"See that electric light?" he asked. "Well, that's the greatest +invention of man. Without it the whole world would lose lots of time." +</P> + +<P> +"What has that to do with the aeroplane?" asked Dave wonderingly. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing. I just wanted to get your mind off the subject. You're +trembling like a leaf," answered Jimmie. "If they see you it'll be a +dead give-away. Can't you stop shaking so? What's the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to stop. I was just thinking about what would happen to you +if they saw you at the machine. I'm all right now." +</P> + +<P> +"You'd better be. If they start any questions, just remember that you +never saw an aeroplane nor a Boy Scout in your life." +</P> + +<P> +"There he is now," said Dave, pointing toward the machine. +</P> + +<P> +"He's going to try to make a start," said Jimmie. "But for goodness' +sake," the boy went on, "get your mind off it. Look away." +</P> + +<P> +By this time the aviator had reached the machine and was preparing for +another flight. Willing hands had been stretched forth from the crowd +of soldiers who had but a moment before ignored the machine entirely, +and the plane was turned about and headed away from the station. +</P> + +<P> +A preliminary explosion or two from the motors announced to all that +the aviator intended leaving the place. Other explosions rapidly +succeeded the first. Then came a silence. The aviator was examining +his machine, evidently seeking for the cause of some trouble. +</P> + +<P> +The exhausts of his motor had been regular, but something had gone +wrong, and he was trying to locate the difficulty. +</P> + +<P> +Presently he again started the engine in an effort to warm it up. +Becoming impatient at his failure to readily locate the cause of the +uneven running of his motor, the aviator turned on full power. +</P> + +<P> +For an instant the clatter of the motor drowned all other sounds. +Throughout the roar of the exhaust the sharp ears of the two boys could +discover a strange vibration that told of trouble. +</P> + +<P> +Before they could again turn to examine the aeroplane that had been +wheeled along the ground for some distance, there came a crash, +followed by a rending, tearing sound. Then all was still again. +</P> + +<P> +As Jimmie and Dave turned they saw the aeroplane lying a wreck, torn by +its own propellers. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +UNDER FALSE COLORS +</H3> + +<P> +"Well, let 'em come," declared Harry, hastening toward the Eagle with +the last load of gasoline. "We are ready for a quick start now, and if +they want to see a correct imitation of three boys beating it down the +road they'd better hurry. We can't wait much longer." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure!" put in Ned. "Shall we whistle a warning signal to hurry them +up a little, or shall we let them miss the boat?" +</P> + +<P> +"Let 'em miss the boat if they can't get here on time," laughed Jack, +carrying out the joke, although the case of the lads was apt to become +anything but a joke if their presence was discovered by the German +soldiers who were approaching at some distance down the road. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurry, boys," cautioned Ned, laying aside his jovial air as he began +preparations for departure. "We mustn't get caught now." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Boss, we're with you every minute," declared Jack. +</P> + +<P> +The boy was already in the fuselage of the Eagle. He reached an eager +hand to assist Harry with the gasoline. Harry climbed up to a +favorable position and was about to pour the gasoline into the fuel +tank while Ned, in his haste to be off, was priming the motors. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly all three were startled to hear a voice from the rear of the +machine they were occupying. +</P> + +<P> +"Halt!" they heard. "Come out of that machine or I fire!" +</P> + +<P> +"Who's that?" asked Jack, pausing in the operation of emptying the +fuel. "What do you want and how did you come there?" +</P> + +<P> +"Give her the gas, Ned!" urged Harry. "We're all ready to go and he's +on the ground. He can't catch us in a million years." +</P> + +<P> +"I can't make the engine go at all," almost sobbed Ned in his +excitement. "Somebody has been monkeying with the machinery." +</P> + +<P> +"Ha, ha!" laughed the newcomer. "So the engine won't run, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, it won't!" snapped Ned as he turned a wrathful face toward the +rear of the Eagle to observe the stranger. "Did you do it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yah!" came the answer. "Mine comrade and myself, ve done tings mit +der wires. Dere is no current by der spark plugs alretty!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good night!" was Ned's ejaculation of despair as he realized that the +words of the stranger were but too true. "No current!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yah!" laughed the stranger. "But," he added, "we haf current in our +guns. Maybe you like dot ve show you. Und ve vill, too, aber you +don'd come out of dot machine, und do id quick!" +</P> + +<P> +"I guess it's all up, boys," said Ned forlornly. "We might as well +unload. They have got the upper hand of us this time." +</P> + +<P> +"I move we cut and run for it," proposed Jack with spirit. "We could +easily beat them in the darkness and amongst the trees." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think so," cautioned Harry. "They have got help coming up the +road, and we don't know how many of them are near here." +</P> + +<P> +"No, boys," counseled Ned, "we'd better try some other stunt. If they +get angry at us they might do anything, and we can't stand it to get +shot to pieces just now. Remember, Jimmie and Dave need us." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then, Old Fox," was Jack's reply in a resigned tone, "we'll +just trot along as meek as lambs and leave the Eagle to their tender +mercies. I tell you, though, I hate to do it." +</P> + +<P> +"Hark! I hear the others coming through the hedge!" said Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"There's quite a bunch of them, to judge by the sound." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the more the merrier," declared Ned. "In numbers there is +strength, I've heard, and perhaps in numbers will come our chance. If +they'll only get in one another's way for a while we'll give them an +opportunity to hear what a real old-fashioned 'good-by' is like." +</P> + +<P> +"Come oudt, now," commanded the stranger, banging at the framework of +the Eagle with a very serviceable looking rifle. +</P> + +<P> +"Coming!" announced Jack as he prepared to descend. Ned and Harry at +once followed their comrade, and directly found themselves on the +ground, confronted by several men in the uniform of one of the German +regiments. The officer in command looked his surprise. +</P> + +<P> +Only a few words were needed from their captor to acquaint the officer +with the situation. He laughed immoderately at the apparent joke of +the purloiners of his gasoline being caught before they had time to use +it. His merriment was infectious, and presently the entire group were +giving vent to their feelings. +</P> + +<P> +The three boys felt that they were the object of the soldiers' +ridicule, yet they were unable to make any reply, since they did not +understand sufficient German to be able to converse with their captors. +</P> + +<P> +When the officer had finally laughed himself tired he gave a command +and the soldiers formed about the lads and began escorting them toward +the town. Once there, the officer led the way to a house with which he +was evidently familiar. +</P> + +<P> +Lights were brought and an examination of the lads was begun. After +several preliminary questions the officer found that he had met his +match in the matter of wits. Ned declined absolutely to give any +information other than that he and his comrades were from the United +States and heartily wished to be back there. +</P> + +<P> +"So-o-o," was the astonished comment of the officer. "Und you are +neutral and vish to be neutral all the while?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," was Ned's reply as he looked the other squarely in the eye. +"We are not spies and cannot give you any information." +</P> + +<P> +"But you, would go oudt and start somethings maybe if I let you go." +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, we wouldn't," declared Ned. "We came to this village and +wanted to buy some gasoline and food, but a man we met wouldn't sell +any. Instead of that we were shot at as we were leaving." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, vell," said the officer, waving his hand in a deprecating manner, +"who cares about a little ting like dot in var time?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if we had got hit by one of the bullets we wouldn't have felt +very joyful about it, I can tell you that!" said Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Und why was it that this man wouldn't sell you the gasoline?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know unless it was because we wouldn't answer his questions +about the movement of German troops," answered Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think that was it at all," laughed the officer. "It was those +uniforms of yours. You see, they are different than what he was +accustomed to seeing, and he probably thought they were Russian." +</P> + +<P> +"Possibly that was it," agreed Ned, although he secretly doubted this +flimsy explanation. "Of course, I don't know." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," the other went on, "I'm sure that was it, and I suggest that the +best plan would be to change them. You will therefore remove your +uniforms and we will provide you with others more suitable." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if you please," Ned remonstrated, "we'd much rather take our +chances wearing these same uniforms. They're ours and others are not. +It wouldn't be very nice to go back on your uniform." +</P> + +<P> +"But you will change, nevertheless," announced the other. "We need +those uniforms and you don't. So be quick about it." +</P> + +<P> +At a signal one of the men now came forward bearing an armful of +clothes, which he threw down upon the floor in front of the lads. +</P> + +<P> +"Good night!" said Jack as he put on a coarse shirt several sizes too +large. "This is no joke at all. Those fellows were laughing a few +minutes ago, but they'll laugh worse than ever when they see us." +</P> + +<P> +In fact, the boys had to laugh at each other, so strange was the +appearance of the three when they were finally dressed. +</P> + +<P> +"Now," said the officer with a smile, when the exchange of clothing had +been arranged, "we shall let you occupy this little room for a time." +</P> + +<P> +He indicated a small room leading from the larger one. It was the room +from which the soldier had provided the clothing the boys now wore. +</P> + +<P> +In another moment the lads found themselves alone with the door leading +into the outer room securely fastened. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a little bit dark in here, isn't it?" inquired Harry as the door +closed and the sound of the falling latch came to their ears. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but I managed to smuggle my pocket contents into these clothes," +said Ned. "I have the searchlight yet." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's use it, then, and be quick about it," suggested Harry. "I don't +somehow like the looks of this place. I'd like to be on the little old +Eagle again and homeward bound." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess that's the pretty general sentiment," said Ned as he brought +forth the searchlight and proceeded to send its flame into the corners +of the room. "We can't get anywhere by remaining here." +</P> + +<P> +"Hello!" exclaimed Harry, lighting upon some boxes in one corner. +"What's this stuff here? Looks like a gents' furnishing store." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, it's German uniforms, and lots of 'em!" declared Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough, it is!" agreed Harry, pulling several garments from one +of the boxes. "Now that looks more like business than these ragged old +clothes. I wonder if we could get a fit in here." +</P> + +<P> +"Go as far as you like!" urged Jack. "Throw a fit any old place and +see if we care. The house is yours, so help yourself." +</P> + +<P> +"Aw, you go on!" scorned Harry, administering a playful blow on Jack's +ear. "If you weren't so small I'd give you a licking." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, you would!" derisively answered the other. "You have never seen +the day you could do that. That," he added, "is a man's job!" +</P> + +<P> +"Boys, boys!" cautioned Ned. "A joke is a joke, but don't carry it too +far. We must save our strength for more vital things." +</P> + +<P> +Harry and Jack had been busily engaged in pulling the uniforms out of +the box, and now stood erect, each holding in his hands garments that +seemed to be of suitable size for the boys to wear. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the trouble now, Jack?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, I can't see whether these clothes are the right size or not." +</P> + +<P> +"You don't need to see," retorted Ned. "Try them on and they'll be +like the baby in the story." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I know that!" cried Harry eagerly. "The nurse didn't need a +thermometer, because if the water was too hot the baby turned red and +if it was too cold he turned blue. Is that the answer?" +</P> + +<P> +"Right you are!" declared Ned, laughing. "So we'll try the clothes on, +and if they're right they'll fit, and if they're not right, why—" +</P> + +<P> +"Why," interrupted Jack, "if they're not right we should worry." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I guess that's about it," answered Ned as he picked up an outfit +that he assumed to be the right size. +</P> + +<P> +The boys found little difficulty in getting clothing of suitable sizes, +and soon stood forth arrayed in German uniforms. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, then, let's see what the chances of escape may be," said Ned. +</P> + +<P> +A trial of the one small window showed that it was not locked. There +appeared to be no one outside guarding the exit, and, since the noises +in the outer room had ceased, the lads determined to leave by the +window. In a short time they again stood outside the house. +</P> + +<P> +To make their way back to the field where the Eagle had been left was a +short task and quickly accomplished. There they found, to their +astonishment, that the two aeroplanes remained in the same position and +were apparently unguarded. +</P> + +<P> +This time, however, the lads were more cautious in their approach, and +reconnoitered the vicinity thoroughly before approaching the plane. +</P> + +<P> +Ned set to work immediately and soon announced that he had again +connected the severed wires. In another moment the Eagle rose above +the field into the darkness of the night. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ACCUSED +</H3> + +<P> +A smile came to Jimmie's lips as he heard the crashing sound that +indicated wrecking of the plane. He turned to observe the condition in +which he would find the machinery, hoping that it had been damaged +beyond repair, or at least so badly damaged that its repair would be a +matter of considerable time and effort. +</P> + +<P> +As he wheeled he observed that Dave already had turned to look in that +direction, and that his face bore a look of astonishment and surprise. +Jimmie's own smile died away as the thought of possible injury to the +plucky pilot of the craft came to his mind. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, Dave!" he cried anxiously, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm. +"Can you see the pilot? Has he been hurt badly?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't see from here, but there's a big crowd gathering about the +wreckage, and they seem to be picking something up." +</P> + +<P> +"Gee!" was Jimmie's regretful rejoinder. "I surely hope he got out of +the mess without getting hurt. That's all. We haven't got any +particular grudge against him, and I didn't wish to harm him." +</P> + +<P> +"What on earth did you do, anyway, Jimmie?" inquired Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"That was easy enough," replied the other. "I had observed some bolts +through the hub of the propeller. I also had several bullets in my +pocket, and a good-sized chunk of lead that had been used for filling +some holes in a piece of iron back there in the camp at Peremysl. What +could be easier than to take out the loose bolt I noticed and fill the +hole plumb full of lead? That was all." +</P> + +<P> +"But lead wouldn't wreck a machine so completely as that!" +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you think it wouldn't!" boasted Jimmie, rather proud of the +manner in which he had brought about the destruction of the magnificent +machine. "Just you ask some one when you get home. Go to a machine +shop and ask 'em what an unbalanced condition will do to a high-speed +piece of machinery that isn't firmly fastened to a solid base." +</P> + +<P> +"But I can't understand, you know," went on Dave, "just how it was +done. I know that you unbalanced the apparatus, but how should that do +such damage as this we see here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, to be honest with you, I didn't expect that it would. My only +thought was to slip out the big bolt, put in enough lead to fill the +hole if I had time, and then let the vibration of the unbalanced +machine render it impossible for the aviator to steer or handle the +plane. I had not figured on anything giving way as it did." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you don't want all the credit for wrecking the machine?" inquired +Dave, with a twinkle in his eye. "Is that it?" +</P> + +<P> +"For some time I don't want any of the credit," replied Jimmie, +lowering his voice as an officer approached their position. +</P> + +<P> +"Here comes a fellow," Dave stated, "that would probably be mighty glad +to connect us with the incident. But I know nothing!" +</P> + +<P> +"Nor I!" declared Jimmie. "I didn't even see the thing happen!" +</P> + +<P> +"That's true, too, as I can easily testify," added Dave. +</P> + +<P> +Their visitor proved to be none other than von Liebknecht, the officer +in charge of the regiment, with whom they were now well acquainted. +</P> + +<P> +"You boys are wanted at the rear," he announced. "Walk directly along +the train and report at the coach reserved for the Kaiser." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," answered Jimmie, giving the Boy Scout salute. "And who +shall we find there to whom we shall report?" +</P> + +<P> +"Fritz and Otto, whom you both know, will be on duty. Tell them that I +have sent you back and that you are there for special duty. They are +expecting you and will give you instructions." +</P> + +<P> +"Very good, sir," replied Jimmie gravely. Then, as von Liebknecht +turned to proceed toward the little station building, he added: +</P> + +<P> +"I see an accident has happened to the aeroplane. I hope the aviator +was not badly injured. They're carrying him away." +</P> + +<P> +For a moment von Liebknecht paused to look searchingly into the face of +the boy. Jimmie returned his gaze unflinchingly. He said afterward +that it was quite the hardest thing he had ever attempted, and several +times he was on the point of letting his gaze wander. However, he +stood the ordeal well and presently heard the other say: +</P> + +<P> +"He is not badly injured. A few minor contusions and a scratch or so +comprise all his hurts. It is very fortunate, however, for all parties +concerned," placing peculiar emphasis upon the phrase, "that it is no +more serious. It might mean trouble for some one." +</P> + +<P> +"I sure am glad that the fellow is able to get about," was Jimmie's +statement. "He's a plucky chap, and from what I saw of him when he +landed he is an expert in the matter of handling the aeroplane. It +would certainly be a pity if he should be killed or badly injured." +</P> + +<P> +"The German army would lose one of its very best aviators if he were +gone," von Liebknecht replied, "and although the loss of his life would +be irreparable, it might be decided to take payment in kind." +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning?" asked Jimmie, paling slightly under the freckles as the full +import of the other's words came to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Meaning," von Liebknecht replied with wonderful self-control, "that +you will report at once as I directed you." +</P> + +<P> +With these words he turned and resumed his interrupted journey toward +the station, striding along with considerable haste. +</P> + +<P> +"Gee, Bo!" exclaimed Jimmie as the two lads started for the rear, "that +was some close shave! That fellow has got a suspicioner tucked away +inside his brain that is working overtime. Every little thing that +happens he thinks is caused by a spy or something like that. I +wouldn't have his disposition for a million dollars in Mexican money." +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the gravity of their position Dave could not resist the +temptation to laugh at Jimmie's exaggerated statement. +</P> + +<P> +The lads could see that the switching engine that had been moving the +coach was making preparations to couple it to the rear of the train, +and lost no time in proceeding in its direction. +</P> + +<P> +As stated by von Liebknecht, they found Otto and Fritz acting as guard. +The two had received the instructions and were prepared to take charge +of the two lads accordingly. +</P> + +<P> +Shortly after Jimmie and Dave reached the coach it was attached to the +train and the journey westward was resumed. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie and Dave had been placed in a compartment at the rear of the +coach, together with several of the attaches of the Kaiser's staff. +The Kaiser himself occupied a compartment near the forward end, and +here he was conducting the necessary details of preparation for the +exceedingly strenuous work that lay before the German forces. +</P> + +<P> +For a long time the train jolted on. Engines were changed and train +crews replaced by others, and still the regiment proceeded westward. +The soldiers disposed themselves about the cars in such positions as +were possible and slept the tired sleep of overworked humanity. +</P> + +<P> +Still the Kaiser and his staff sat and discussed plans and prepared +orders for the grave matters confronting them in the western +amphitheatre of war. Apparently their endurance knew no bounds. Sleep +seemed to be farthest from their thoughts. +</P> + +<P> +But at length, wearied from their long vigil and arduous labors, the +group were glad to find the Kaiser disposed to snatch a few moments of +rest. The maps were folded, the dispatch boxes closed, and all +prepared to find positions where they could sleep. +</P> + +<P> +"But the two boys!" von Liebknecht suggested as final preparations were +being made for dismissing the group. "What of them?" +</P> + +<P> +"Their case can be settled at once," declared the Kaiser. "Let them be +brought here and we shall question them." +</P> + +<P> +And so it was that as the dawn was breaking ruddily in the east Jimmie +and Dave were wakened from their sound sleep and informed that their +presence was desired in the compartment where the Kaiser waited. +</P> + +<P> +On their feet almost instantly, the two lads rubbed the sleep from +their eyes. They stretched and yawned prodigiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Setting-up exercise," commanded Jimmie sharply. "It'll wake us up in +fine shape. Here goes—one, two three." +</P> + +<P> +Dave followed Jimmie's example, and the two went through a short +routine of bending and turning exercises that started the blood +coursing through their veins and cleared away the fog of sleep. +</P> + +<P> +"There!" announced the red-headed lad presently to the officer. "Now +we're ready for the Kaiser or the whole bloomin' German army. Lead on +and we'll follow as closely as you like." +</P> + +<P> +Their movements had been closely observed by a group about them, and, +in spite of the fact that they were foreigners, many a kindly glance +told of the attitude of the men with whom they were placed. +</P> + +<P> +The train had slowed somewhat in climbing a grade, and the boys found +no difficulty in following their guide. As they proceeded slowly +toward the forward end of the coach Dave found a chance to nudge Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"If we only knew what was about here, this would be a grand chance, +don't you know, to give them the slip." +</P> + +<P> +"What do you mean, give them the slip?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, drop off the train and fade away into the landscape somewhere +hereabouts!" declared Dave with a glance over his shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"With the day just opening, like switching on all the electric lights +in the world!" objected Jimmie. "The intention of the gentleman from +Vancouver is excellent, but I'm afraid that his execution of the +maneuver would be decidedly rotten. It won't do just now." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps not," sighed Dave, "but just the same, I'd like to try it out +once to see whether we could make a go of it." +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing doing!" declared Jimmie. "We're under suspicion already, or I +miss my guess. The events of the last few hours are enough to let us +know that if we tried anything like that the Germans wouldn't take +kindly to any such plan. We wouldn't get very far, I fear." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then," agreed Dave. "I guess you're right." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure I am!" went on Jimmie reassuringly. "Just leave it to me, old +chap, and we'll grab the first opportunity that comes along with a +genuine Frank Gotch toe hold and hang on till we put the German +shoulders to the mat for the count. Leave it to me." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll be with you for all I'm worth!" declared Dave. +</P> + +<P> +Their conversation had attracted the attention of the officer, who now +commanded silence on their part. +</P> + +<P> +"We are now approaching the Kaiser's apartment," that worthy stated, +with a show of reverence as he pronounced the title of his superior. +"You shall not talk until you are asked to do so." +</P> + +<P> +"Correct!" came Jimmie's reply. "We will keep as still as mice." +</P> + +<P> +The three were admitted in response to the officer's knock, and the +boys found that the little compartment was now somewhat crowded. Their +presence filled the place until there was not a vacant seat. +</P> + +<P> +For some moments as the train rolled along the upgrade the Kaiser paid +no attention to them, busying himself over a bundle of papers. +</P> + +<P> +At length he looked up and searched the boys carefully with his +piercing gaze. After he had apparently taken a complete inventory of +the two boys—one in the uniform of his own Uhlans and the other in the +uniform of the Boy Scouts—he turned to one of his aides. +</P> + +<P> +"What is the charge you wish to bring against these young men?" +</P> + +<P> +"That of being spies and tampering with the aeroplane last night!" came +the startling answer. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +PURSUIT +</H3> + +<P> +As the Eagle circled about in a widening spiral Harry and Jack looked +over the rim of the fuselage at the country spreading like a gigantic +map in bas-relief beneath them. +</P> + +<P> +A tiny glow from the cowl lamp in front of the pilot's position showed +Ned that the Eagle was now headed almost directly west, while the +indicators showed an altitude of approximately three thousand feet. At +a speed approximating forty miles per hour the great bird-like machine +winged its way with its burden of adventurers. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell you what, boys," Jack said presently, growing weary of trying to +discover features in the obscurity below that covered the landscape, +"this makes me feel just like I imagine that old guy must have felt +when he went out after the Golden Fleece or something or other." +</P> + +<P> +"Who was that?" asked Harry as he reached for the binoculars for the +purpose of scanning their position in the hope of discerning some +indication of their whereabouts. "What are you talking about?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I guess it was Jason," answered Jack. "Remember the stories Ned +was reading to us about those old Greeks and others?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, yes, now I do remember. But where do we resemble him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, he went out after a great prize, and we are after the same sort +of thing, only with us we want live game. We are after the prize of +Jimmie's freedom and safety." +</P> + +<P> +"Good thought!" cried Ned. "And, like the chap in the story, I am sure +we'll go after the prize with the same determination and resolve to win +out at all costs." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right, we will!" exclaimed Harry with vigor. "We won't rest +content until we have Jimmie away from those German Uhlans!" +</P> + +<P> +"And Dave, too!" put in Jack. "We can't forget the fact that he wants +to get back as well as Jimmie. And he's done us pretty good service, +while we're speaking about him." +</P> + +<P> +"That he has," declared Ned. "I wonder just where those two young +rascals may be at this minute. I hope we're not running ahead of them +and missing them in the running." +</P> + +<P> +"They were going west by train unless Jimmie was greatly mistaken when +he gave us those signals from the hilltop," said Jack. "Now, if they +got going soon after we dropped Dave into their camp, we ought to be +able to see their train soon." +</P> + +<P> +"Are we anywhere near the line of railroad?" asked Harry, peering +through the glasses in an effort to sweep the surrounding country. +</P> + +<P> +"We are not a great distance away, at any rate," answered Ned as he +gave a touch to the levers to straighten the Eagle from a dip due to +running into an air pocket. "It should be near here, I think." +</P> + +<P> +"I think I can see an illumination away to the southward that looks +like it might be a locomotive," announced Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Let me have the glasses a moment," requested Jack. "Maybe I can pick +up something. But," he added, "I think the railroad will be more to +the northward. We passed Cracow some time ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Guess you're right, after all," agreed Harry. "Take a look over to +the northward and see what you can see." +</P> + +<P> +"More than likely," said Jack, preparing to shift his position +slightly, the better to observe the landscape to the northward, "it'll +be a case of the bear going over the mountain to see what he could see. +The other side of the mountain is about all we can discover. In this +darkness we can't get much of a view." +</P> + +<P> +"It won't do any harm to look, anyway," ventured Harry. +</P> + +<P> +Jack accordingly raised the binoculars and swept the northward section +of the country. Nothing could be seen that was of interest, and he +swung around, the better to complete his view. +</P> + +<P> +"Great smokes!" he ejaculated as he peered toward the rear. "If +they're not coming after us, I'll be a Dutchman myself!" +</P> + +<P> +"Who?" asked Ned eagerly. "Can you see the train?" +</P> + +<P> +"Train nothing!" declared Jack. "It's those bloomin' Dutchmen from the +village! They've evidently got a supply of gasoline to replace what we +stole and are coming up like a greyhound after a rabbit. That's some +speedy plane they've got!" +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see how many men are riding?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't make them out," replied Jack. "Suppose you look a bit. My eyes +get tired from the strain. Guess I look too hard." +</P> + +<P> +"Take the levers a minute," requested Ned, "and I'll see what I can +see. Maybe they're not after us at all." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if they're not after us, they stick to the trail most remarkably +close, that's all I can say!" remarked Jack as he prepared to take +Ned's place at the pilot's position. +</P> + +<P> +"I can see them now," announced Ned as he leveled the glasses at the +pursuing plane. "They are getting nearer all the while. It seems to +me I can discover three men in it, too." +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose they're too far away to discover what they look like," +suggested Harry, "I can just see the machine now myself." +</P> + +<P> +"It's pretty hard to tell what they are," said Ned, "only they seem to +be pretty well protected with helmets and heavy clothes." +</P> + +<P> +"Wish we were in the same comfortable condition," smiled Harry. "I'm +slightly chilly myself and hope you are the same, thank you." +</P> + +<P> +"Greatly obliged," returned Ned. "You are entirely correct." +</P> + +<P> +"Look here," interposed Jack, "if you fellows are sufficiently frozen, +I've got a scheme to propose. Want to hear it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Slip us an earful," said Harry in response to Jack's query, although +he winced slightly at Ned's reproachful glance, for he knew well the +older lad's aversion to slang. +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose the railroad is over there to the northward," went on Jack. +"In that case, Jimmie and Dave'll be in that direction. Now, by +running over that way we can get nearer to them and at the same time +discover whether that other machine is following us." +</P> + +<P> +"Fine!" declared Ned. "Head to the northward, and if they are after us +we'll quickly find it out. Then we can determine what to do." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Jack shifted the levers and the Eagle swung sharply to the +northward. Ned kept the glasses leveled at the following machine in an +effort to discover the movements of its pilot. +</P> + +<P> +Scarcely had the Eagle regained a level keel after the sharp turn +before Ned's exclamation of dismay attracted the attention of his chums. +</P> + +<P> +"They're after us as sure as shooting!" he cried. "They're cutting +across the corner of the angle. That'll give them some advantage. It +won't pay us to try any more dodging if we want to outrun them." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure!" declared Jack. "The pursuer always has the shorter course to +travel if the one running away tries to tack about any." +</P> + +<P> +"In that case it would be best to keep straight ahead and trust to our +speed to carry us away from them," suggested Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," agreed Jack, "stern chases are always long chases." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you suppose we can give them the slip somehow without using up all +our gasoline?" asked Jack. "I don't want to get too far away from +Jimmie and Dave, either. Can't we work it somehow?" +</P> + +<P> +"If it were only a little lighter," ventured Harry, "we might land +somewhere and argue it out with them from behind a stone wall or +trench." +</P> + +<P> +"That wouldn't be very profitable," Ned argued. "If we should start +anything like that we'd be in all kinds of trouble at once. Our best +plan would, I think, be to cut and run for it to the westward. If +they're after us and mean to catch us, they would try to follow. Even +though this may be an army plane they are using, I believe the Eagle is +capable of outrunning them." +</P> + +<P> +"Then here goes for a fast ride," declared Jack, reaching for the +handle controlling the mixing valve of the carburetor. "I'm going to +slip in a little more air and shove the spark ahead a few notches." +</P> + +<P> +"Hang onto your hat," laughed Harry. "If Jack gets the speed bug +nicely working there won't be much left that isn't tied on!" +</P> + +<P> +"Right you are," responded Jack as the Eagle seemed to fairly leap +forward in answer to his touch. "Hang on tight!" +</P> + +<P> +Jack's caution was needed, for the speed materially increased. Ned +continued to keep watch with the aid of the binoculars, while Harry +scanned the surrounding country in an effort to make out any features +that would guide them. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the others were delighted to hear a cry from Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"We're leaving them behind at last, boys!" he managed to shout as he +sheltered his head from the stinging blast of air singing through the +rigging of the Eagle. "They're getting smaller in the glasses!" +</P> + +<P> +"Slow down, Jack," advised Harry. "Let's watch them a bit and see what +they're going to do. Maybe it's only a trick." +</P> + +<P> +"No, it isn't a trick," said Ned as the Eagle's speed decreased. "That +plane is going to land, I believe. I think I can see a light on the +ground a little to the northward of their position." +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose we swing round in a big circle and see if we can discover what +they are going to do," suggested Jack, reaching for the rudder levers. +"If they're going to land and get assistance we ought to know it before +it's too late. If they're giving up it'll be all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Stand by to come about, then," agreed Ned. "It won't do any harm, and +if we cut in the muffler we should be able to ride above them without +being discovered. The upper sky is very dark yet." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Jack shifted the rudders and brought the Eagle sharply +about, heading directly eastward again. As the plane proceeded to +retrace the course so recently followed the lad brought the machine to +a higher level and cut in the muffler, entirely deadening the clamor of +the motors. He had been running with the exhaust partly open in order +to obtain every bit of the engine's efficiency in the flight. +</P> + +<P> +When the boys had reached an altitude that seemed sufficient Jack again +described a circle in the air that brought them almost directly over +the position to which the pursuing plane had descended. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" cried Ned, turning the glasses downward. "I can see a train +standing at a station. The grounds are lighted by shaded electric +lights, I believe, and there seem to be soldiers moving about beside +the train. I saw a shower of sparks just then that looked as if they +came from a switch engine. I'll bet that's a railroad terminal and the +train is one moving troops westward from Peremysl to Verdun!" +</P> + +<P> +"Hope you are right and that the train has got Jimmie and Dave on it," +put in Jack eagerly. "Maybe we can get a chance to rescue them yet. +What do you say to trying?" +</P> + +<P> +"The chances would be very poor just now, I'm thinking," replied Harry +doubtfully. "With all those soldiers there we wouldn't have much of a +chance, especially as we are not able to communicate with the boys, +even granting that they are on that train." +</P> + +<P> +"Better give up the idea, then," regretfully acknowledged Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Can you make out anything, Ned?" asked Harry, peering downward. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing in particular," replied the lad. "It seems to me that the +aviator is trying to start the plane again. I can see it at the +station under the lights. Can you hear the exhaust of his engine?" +</P> + +<P> +"I thought I did just then," replied Harry. "Listen!" +</P> + +<P> +All three boys strained their ears to catch any possible sounds from +below while the Eagle on noiseless wings circled high above the station +grounds. A confusion of minor sounds came faintly up. +</P> + +<P> +Out of the murmur a crashing, rending noise was heard. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +LESE MAJESTY +</H3> + +<P> +"But we're not spies!" snapped Jimmie truculently. "We wouldn't be +spies for anything!" +</P> + +<P> +"Silence!" commanded the officer in a voice denoting his displeasure at +the interruption. "It will be best for you to keep silent." +</P> + +<P> +"You may give your answer to the charges if you desire," said the +Kaiser in a not unkindly tone. "But," he went on, "you will remember +that if the report of Captain von Liebknecht is at all correct matters +look rather unfavorable for you at present." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll admit that latter part without argument," said Jimmie, much +relieved that he was being given an opportunity to speak. "Things look +rather odd, as you say, but it is only looks. The facts are that we +are over in this country on a peaceful mission, and have refused to +give information to either the Germans or the Russians. That rather +squares the account, doesn't it?" +</P> + +<P> +"In a measure, yes," admitted the Kaiser. "But your presence with the +Russian troops does not incline us to look with much favor upon +yourself or your comrades. Further," he continued, "the fact that your +comrades have a high-powered aeroplane in our territory and have tried +to rescue you from our regiment appears as if they do not care to be +open and frank with us. Can you explain that?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think I can," replied Jimmie gravely. "I can see now that our +actions would appear rather mysterious to your officers, but you must +also remember that they refused to take our word for anything. They +simply went ahead and acted on the opinion they received from first +sight. Our statements were not given any weight at all." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps the officers were a trifle over-zealous, we will admit," +continued the Kaiser, "but you have been well treated, have you not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Fairly well," replied Jimmie. "I may say," he added, "that we have +been very well treated considering all things. But I'd like to have +that little package that was taken from me." +</P> + +<P> +The Kaiser turned an inquiring glance toward von Liebknecht. +</P> + +<P> +"It is this little package to which I referred briefly in my +statement," explained von Liebknecht, producing the packet that had +been rescued from the Cossack uniform by Jimmie when Otto had attempted +to put the discarded clothes in the fire. +</P> + +<P> +"And what do you say is in this packet?" inquired the Kaiser, +addressing Jimmie, as he readied out a hand to take the parcel from von +Liebknecht. "Is it your own property?" +</P> + +<P> +"It was given to me by a man who was trying to make money selling +munitions to the Russians," replied the lad. "He was a villain if ever +there was one. He stole a lot of money in the United States and came +over on a ship to Riga. He kidnapped me and had me enlisted in a +Russian regiment of Cossacks, where he also found himself enlisted +against his will. When an attack was made on a German troop train +before the assault on Peremysl he was badly wounded." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, then you both were there?" asked the Kaiser interestedly. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," went on the boy. "When he found he was so badly wounded he gave +me this packet and asked me to go back to New York, where he had put +papers and other things in a safe deposit vault. He wanted me to try +to straighten out some of his wrongdoings." +</P> + +<P> +"Then this does not refer in any way to information that might be of +value to our enemy?" questioned the Kaiser, looking keenly at the lad. +</P> + +<P> +"Not in the least!" declared Jimmie, returning the other's gaze frankly +and fearlessly. "You are a good enough judge of human nature to +determine whether I'm telling you the truth or not." +</P> + +<P> +"I rather think you are telling the truth so far as you know it," was +the answer, accompanied by a smile in recognition of the tribute the +lad had paid. "But," he added, "is it not possible that the man +himself may have been telling things that were not so in the hope that +the information would fall into the hands of the Russians?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't believe it," returned Jimmie, positively. "He knew he was +going to die, and tried, I believe, to right the wrongs he had done." +</P> + +<P> +"No doubt you are correct. At any rate, I'm inclined to take a chance +and return the packet to you if you agree to keep it as directed and do +your best to follow the man's wishes." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll readily do that!" cried Jimmie, stretching his hand for the +extended packet. "I'll promise that as I promised him." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you," smiled Kaiser, in one of his, rare moods of unbending from +the dignity that marked his demeanor. "I am trusting you." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I suppose that we will be permitted to depart for America as +quickly as we can locate our comrades?" asked Jimmie, eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +A shake of the head preceded the reply to this question. +</P> + +<P> +"That can hardly be permitted at this time," said the other in a +deliberative manner. "There are several matters to be settled." +</P> + +<P> +"Will we have to go into action with the regiment and fight?" +</P> + +<P> +"Have you any objections to assisting us in return for the favors we +have granted you?" asked the Kaiser with apparent surprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir, we have!" declared the boy, earnestly. "We are not at all +concerned in the war and we don't wish to become engaged in it. We'd +rather not shoot at anybody unless it is necessary to do so for our own +protection or the defense of our country." +</P> + +<P> +"Those are very noble sentiments, my lad," was the answer to this +statement. "Just yet we cannot give you permission to depart, but we +shall not require from you service that you are not able to give." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, sir," both boys said in chorus. +</P> + +<P> +"But, if you please," objected von Liebknecht, with a look of meaning +in the direction of his superior, "the young men may be of great value +to us in the future, and I suggest that they be held in reserve for any +emergency that may arise." +</P> + +<P> +"Not a bad idea, I'm sure," agreed the Kaiser. Then, turning to the +boys, he added, "You will, of course, be expected to make no attempt at +escape. Your matter will be decided later on." +</P> + +<P> +In company with the officer who had guided them to the compartment they +returned to the rear of the coach and fell to discussing the prospects +the future held for them. +</P> + +<P> +They were awakened from a sound sleep into which they had fallen to +find that the train had made another stop and that the regiment was +disembarking. Men and horses were all about the track, baggage was +being hastily unloaded and every indication showed that their journey +by rail was at an end. +</P> + +<P> +"Ho, hum!" yawned Jimmie, before beginning his setting up exercise, in +which the lads found much benefit, "nothing to do till to-morrow, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"Looks that way, I declare!" said Dave. "But if I'm a judge, this is +tomorrow itself. I wonder are we going into action." +</P> + +<P> +"Something's brewing as sure as fate!" declared the other. "We +wouldn't unload like this just for exercise on a fine morning." +</P> + +<P> +"It is a fine morning, sure enough," agreed Dave, "but I think it is +going to rain. I thought I heard thunder just now." +</P> + +<P> +"Does sound remarkably like thunder," said Jimmie, with a glance at the +sky, "but," he continued, "there isn't a cloud in the sky, and a +thunder storm seems about the last thing we could expect." +</P> + +<P> +"What on earth is it, then?" queried Dave, puzzled at the strange sound +that came to their ears. "I see some of the Uhlans noticing it, too. +Only they seem to be pleased about something." +</P> + +<P> +"I know what it is!" announced Jimmie. "It's the sound of firing!" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe you are correct, Jimmie," acknowledged Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, I'm right!" declared the other. "Can't I tell what a cannon +shot sounds like? I ought to, for I heard them some time ago, but from +the other side of the lines." +</P> + +<P> +"You did?" asked Dave, interestedly. "How was that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why," went on Jimmie, with just a touch of pride in his voice, "we +were in France with the airship we had built before this present one. +We got nicely tangled up with the battling forces and nearly got blown +to bits once. We got lost in the fog above the lines where the big +shells were flying around like mosquitoes." +</P> + +<P> +"My word!" was Dave's astonished ejaculation. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," continued the red headed lad, "we thought once or twice we were +goners, but got out after all. The airship lived through all of it and +finally was drowned in the North Sea as we were trying to get home. I +was certainly sorry to lose that airship." +</P> + +<P> +"But you were fortunate to escape without losing your lives." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure were," was Jimmie's comment. "But look there! There's some +movement on foot or I'm mistaken. Wonder what it is?" +</P> + +<P> +The boys were not long left in doubt. An officer came toward them +apparently in some haste. As he approached he signalled the two to +follow him to a position where the Uhlans were mounting their horses. +</P> + +<P> +"You will follow these men," he said, as the lads drew near. He +indicated two soldiers nearby who were mounted and leading two horses. +</P> + +<P> +"Hello, Otto!" said Jimmie with a smile, as he wrinkled his freckled +nose. "And I declare! If little Fritz isn't on deck also!" +</P> + +<P> +"Here comes the Kaiser and his staff," said Jimmie, directly the line +was at rest. "He seems to be in a hurry about something." +</P> + +<P> +"They're stopping here," announced Dave. +</P> + +<P> +A group of approaching horsemen, at one side of which rode the Kaiser, +drew rein exactly opposite the two lads. Jimmie's mount, in a somewhat +restive mood, refused to remain standing, but gave the lad some +trouble. In his effort to quiet the animal the lad did not notice that +he was gradually drawing closer and closer to the Kaiser. +</P> + +<P> +Presently he succeeded in quieting the horse and took time to glance in +the direction in which the Kaiser was peering through a pair of +binoculars. The lad saw stretching far below him a gradual slope that +had once been wooded by a forest. Now, however, there stood only the +shattered stumps of trees, indicating that the place had been subjected +to a most galling fire from the enemy. +</P> + +<P> +A puff of smoke caught his attention. With a startled exclamation he +pointed to a small object flying through the air straight toward the +position occupied by himself and the Kaiser's staff. +</P> + +<P> +The next moment he kicked the Kaiser's mount in the ribs and dug his +heels into the flank of his own horse. Both leaped forward. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CAPTURED +</H3> + +<P> +"What was that noise?" asked Jack, instantly, as he busied himself with +the levers in an effort to maintain the position of the Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +"That sounded to me like one perfectly good aeroplane going to +smash—just like that!" answered Ned, leaning over the rim of the +fuselage and peering through the glasses. +</P> + +<P> +"Was it the German who was pursuing us?" asked Harry, eagerly. +</P> + +<P> +"I believe it was," declared Ned. "Yes," he went on, "I can see the +smashed plane there beside the train now. That's peculiar!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's peculiar?" asked Jack. "The train being there, or the plane, +or what? Please be a little more explicit." +</P> + +<P> +"No nonsense, now!" Ned replied. "I mean its peculiar how that plane +came to be smashed that way. I didn't see anything drop on it." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps a piece of the machinery gave way as he was starting." +</P> + +<P> +"It needn't worry us a particle to explain how it happened," said +Harry. "It's enough to know that the fellow can't chase us." +</P> + +<P> +"That's a good thing, anyway," was Ned's comment. +</P> + +<P> +Had the lads only known how close they had been to being again pursued +they might not have felt so easy in their minds, but they assumed that +their presence was not known to others than the pilot of the wrecked +machine, and therefore felt secure. +</P> + +<P> +"Now it's up to us to make a noise like a drum, I guess," said Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, let's get away from here as quickly as we can. If we hold +a course a little south of west we ought to be able to follow the +general line of the railroad and be able to overtake or meet Jimmie and +Dave before they reach Verdun and are forced into the fighting." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Jack increased the speed of the motors and brought the +Eagle to the course suggested. Presently they were flying at good +speed. +</P> + +<P> +"Ned, I'm afraid," Harry said after some time. "Let's go lower." +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter, Harry? Does this altitude affect you?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not in the least, except that it's cold. But you see that unless we +fly lower the first rays of the rising sun will strike us and we can be +seen and located by any one on the ground. They will still be in the +deep shadow and we will be in the brighter sunlight." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you're right, Harry," replied Ned, "and your suggestion is a +good one. Suppose we do seek a lower level, Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, hang on to your eye teeth and we'll get onto the toboggan," +replied the lad at the levers. "Going down!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's plain we'll have to run quite low from now on," said Ned, as he +laid aside the binoculars. "Daylight is coming on rapidly." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have to find a spot uninhabited enough for us to hide during the +daytime," ventured Harry. "We can't let them see us." +</P> + +<P> +"You're right," acquiesced Ned. "Suppose you take the glasses and tell +me if that dark spot ahead there looks like a good spot to hide in. It +appears to be a forest or at least woods of some sort." +</P> + +<P> +"That's what it is," declared Harry, after an extended observation. "I +don't altogether like the looks of the place, for there's a road of +some sort running near the woods, but it's perhaps better than no place +at all. If we can get to earth without being discovered we can hide +behind those trees until dark again." +</P> + +<P> +"Keep a sharp lookout, Ned, while Jack tries to land," advised Harry. +"I'll watch from this side and if we see any one who might observe us +we can easily be on our way again." +</P> + +<P> +Lower and lower circled the plane under the guidance of Jack, whose +experience in handling the great craft well fitted him for the task. +With scarcely a bump the machine rested in a little grade not far from +a brook overshadowed by the arching branches of trees. +</P> + +<P> +"There!" sighed Ned, clambering from the fuselage and springing to +earth. "The Eagle is a good little machine, all right, but it seems +good to get the ground under foot once more." +</P> + +<P> +"And I'm glad that we came down when we did, for a little longer up +there," said Jack, pointing to the graying eastern sky, "and we'd have +been fair targets for any old 'Schutzenfest' these chaps wanted." +</P> + +<P> +"Right you are!" declared Harry. "And now what I'd like would be a +real old fashioned imitation of three boys eating a hearty breakfast. +Just a plain, common, every-day square meal, I mean." +</P> + +<P> +"This is a pretty place," observed Ned, "all sheltered and obscure. We +ought to be able to get a dandy bath there in that brook and then make +whatever breakfast we want off the supplies we got from Peremysl." +</P> + +<P> +"My appetite is just about now equal to that of our absent and +red-headed friend McGraw," said Harry with a laugh. "I'm hungry." +</P> + +<P> +"A bath first," cried Ned, beginning to disrobe, "then the eats." +</P> + +<P> +Soon the lads had divested themselves of the German uniforms and were +enjoying the plunge in the cool, clear water of the brook. Presently +they emerged from the stream and again donned the uniforms they had +taken from the room that was intended as a prison. +</P> + +<P> +"Now," said Ned, as the three were again dressed, "what shall be the +menu of the morning? With this glorious sun peeping over the tops of +the hills to the eastward of us we ought to have a fine breakfast. The +weather looks mighty fine." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," agreed Jack, "but it don't sound very fine. I thought I heard a +rumble of thunder just now. Did you hear it?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," replied Ned, "I can't say I did. Was it thunder?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sounded like it," declared Jack. "There it goes again!" +</P> + +<P> +"That don't sound like thunder exactly," said Harry. "I wonder what it +can be. I thought it was a wagon passing a bridge." +</P> + +<P> +Ned's face went rather pale as he faced his comrades. +</P> + +<P> +"Boys," he stated, "I believe that must be the sound of cannon firing +we hear. It is coming more regularly now!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then we're pretty close to Verdun," was Harry's rejoinder. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, that's my idea, too," said Ned. "Let's get breakfast and be +prepared for whatever may happen. We don't know what may come along so +close to the lines as we are now, and we must not be napping." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll get a bucket of water from the brook," volunteered Jack, "while +you and Harry make ready the fire and get out the provisions." +</P> + +<P> +"There's plenty of wood hereabouts, I see," put in Harry, "so I'll +gather some wood for a fire and have it burned down to coals in no +time." +</P> + +<P> +"I rather think," objected Ned, "that we should not use wood." +</P> + +<P> +"And why not, if you please, Mr. Scout Master?" asked Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Because wood lying on the ground has more or less dampness in it and +is apt to give off a smoke that might be seen by some one." +</P> + +<P> +"Always on the lookout for trouble!" declared Jack, as he took the +bucket and started for the brook. "Well, make a fire of any thing." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite the contrary, Jack, as you know," protested Ned, laughingly. +"I'm only trying to avoid trouble as much as possible, and a smoke now +in this place would be a direct invitation to some one to investigate." +</P> + +<P> +"Right again," returned Jack, "go to the head of the class." +</P> + +<P> +"What shall I use, then, if not wood?" asked Harry. +</P> + +<P> +"Make a gasoline stove like we used to do when we had plenty of fuel," +answered Ned. "We have sufficient so we can spare a small amount." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps you'd better make the stove, Ned," said Harry. "You're better +at it than I am. You've had more experience. I'll get the supplies +out of the boxes. We'll want coffee, of course." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," agreed Ned, "bring some coffee, to be sure, and try to find that +tin of bacon. I feel just like having a strip of bacon done nice and +crisp. It begins to smell good already." +</P> + +<P> +"How'd you like a nice Spanish omelette and French fried potatoes with +some hot Parker House rolls and lots of rich yellow butter?" +</P> + +<P> +"Hush, boy, you'll have me so fussed up I can't light the fire," +protested Ned. "I guess Jimmie's affliction is catching. I'm +certainly getting an appetite or the appetite is getting me!" +</P> + +<P> +He proceeded to at once prepare the "stove" by sharpening a stick about +the size of a broom handle. When it was completed he thrust the sharp +end into the soft earth and then withdrew it, leaving a hole about a +foot or more deep. Another hole was made a short distance from the +first, but slanted so that the lower ends would meet. The second hole +was plugged up with a bit of turf. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, then," said Ned, as he finished the first 'stove', "we want some +gas. Can you bring it or shall I get it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Here's the can," answered Harry, "I can fetch it. Make another." +</P> + +<P> +Jack meanwhile had returned with the bucket of water and had filled the +coffee pot, into which he put a quantity of coffee. This was then +placed over one of the "stoves," while on the other was placed a bucket +containing a quantity of beans, together with some of the cereal +"sausage" found amongst the Russian supplies. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the lads were sniffing, as an appetizing odor filled the air. +A can of bacon was opened and set to sizzling in a frying pan. +</P> + +<P> +"Wonder where we are, any how?" remarked Ned as the lads lay stretched +at full length on the grass, waiting for the stew to cook. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't know," responded Jack, removing the frying pan from the fire. +"Suppose after we eat we get the wireless to work?" +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea," remarked Ned, as the three gathered about the pot of stew. +"After breakfast we'll draw straws to see who does the dishes and the +other two will string the aerials." +</P> + +<P> +"There won't be any dishes to wash," declared Harry, "if you fellows +are as hungry as I am. There won't be any need." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe so," laughed Ned, helping himself to the bacon and coffee. +</P> + +<P> +For a time the boys gave themselves over to a discussion of the most +excellent breakfast. When they had finished, Ned said: +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Jack, you and Harry get out the wireless while I clean up." +</P> + +<P> +In a few moments the two were busy at their task selecting two small +trees not far apart to act as masts. The equipment that had been +stowed in one of the lockers was spread on the grass and they waited +for Ned to return from the brook, where he had gone to wash the dishes. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Ned," said Jack. "Turn on the juice and we'll go." +</P> + +<P> +Ned stepped to the aeroplane and started the engine in an attempt to +operate the dynamo. No explosions followed his efforts. +</P> + +<P> +"The engine's stalled!" he cried. "What's the matter?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, the spark plugs are gone!" declared Ned. "And look here," he +went on, "here are tracks showing some one has been here!" +</P> + +<P> +Jack and Harry sprang to the side of their chum. They easily detected +the tracks mentioned by Ned. They were those of a man wearing heavy +shoes or boots and led away through the thicket. +</P> + +<P> +"After him, boys, while the tracks are fresh," said Jack. +</P> + +<P> +All three boys began to follow the tracks. They led around a clump of +brush near the aeroplane and seemed to be pointing in the direction of +the hilltop to the westward. +</P> + +<P> +"What's this?" said Jack. "Looks like other tracks here." +</P> + +<P> +The lads gathered closely about the spot. A lasso whizzed through the +air and settled about their shoulders. A jerk brought them locked +close together. Another tripped them into a heap. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI. +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ESCAPED PRISONERS +</H3> + +<P> +When Jimmie's toe prodded the Kaiser's horse in the ribs, that animal +gave a mighty spring and bounded from his position. Usually a +tractable, though mettlesome beast, the horse was greatly surprised at +the treatment he was receiving, and it is not surprising that he made +every effort to escape the punishment. +</P> + +<P> +At the first movement of his comrade, Dave had urged his own horse +forward in the expectation that Jimmie would attempt escape. +</P> + +<P> +So swiftly had the movement been executed by Jimmie that none of the +officers near by had been able to intercept the flight of the three. +</P> + +<P> +Before the Kaiser could check the mad rush of his mount and bring the +noble animal to a quivering stop, considerable distance had been +covered. Jimmie rode on the Kaiser's right Hank, his own horse's +shoulder close to the other's saddle. Dave followed immediately behind +Jimmie so close that when the halt was made he fairly crowded Jimmie +beside the Kaiser. He was still mystified when they stopped. +</P> + +<P> +With a face livid with wrath at the treatment, the Kaiser turned toward +Jimmie. The next instant he began a forceful speech. It was never +delivered. Jimmie slipped from his horse and began to drag the other +from his mount. He was too excited for coherent speech. +</P> + +<P> +"Young man—," began the other in a severe tone. +</P> + +<P> +"Shut up!" stormed Jimmie. "Get off your horse, quick! It's coming!" +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke, the boy, looking earnestly into the face of the man he had +pursued, pointed toward the French lines and in the direction of the +spot where the hasty flight had begun. +</P> + +<P> +Dave glanced back to see a knot of officers and Uhlans closely packed +about the very spot where the three had stood a moment before. As he +looked he shivered slightly. A huge black object was hurtling through +the air. It landed in the center of the group, bearing down with a +shriek of agony a horse and its rider. +</P> + +<P> +Instinctively Jimmie and Dave had thrown their arms up to cover their +faces. By this means they had protected themselves in a degree from +the force of the flying scraps of earth that stormed upon them like +hail. They were covered with dirt to a woeful degree. +</P> + +<P> +As the rain of dirt ceased Jimmie looked up at the man he had tried so +hard to rescue. His face bore a look of solicitude. +</P> + +<P> +"I tried to get you out of there," he said. "I saw it coming." +</P> + +<P> +"A pretty story!" stormed the other. "What conduct is this?" +</P> + +<P> +In amazement Jimmie drew back a pace. He grasped the bridle reins of +his horse in his left hand. Looking keenly at the mounted man, the lad +recognized the fact that his intentions had been misunderstood. +Without another word the lad mounted his animal. +</P> + +<P> +"Where are you going, Jimmie?" asked Dave anxiously as Jimmie wheeled +his mount. "What are you going to do now? Shall we make a break?" +</P> + +<P> +"I guess we've made break enough," replied Jimmie with set jaw. "Here +I go and rescue one perfectly good Kaiser from a dropping shell that he +don't see, and now he gets sore at me for doing it. I'm going back to +the position where I was ordered to stand, and they can all be shot to +pieces next time for all the help they get from me!" +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'm going with you!" declared Dave. "Come on!" +</P> + +<P> +Gravely Jimmie returned to the very rim of the crater that had been dug +in the solid earth by the bursting of the gigantic shell. Here he +halted, drew himself erect in the saddle and waited. Dave drew +alongside. +</P> + +<P> +In another instant the two were surrounded by officers and Uhlans. +</P> + +<P> +"Dismount at once!" ordered an officer. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie glanced quickly at the man and discovered him to be none other +than von Liebknecht, the man who had been so closely concerned in +Jimmie's recent experiences. Not deigning a reply, the lad obeyed. +His action was quickly followed by Dave. +</P> + +<P> +Following an order rapidly given in German, one of the Uhlans urged his +horse forward and grasped the reins of the two horses. He fairly +jerked the leathers from the hands of the boys and led the two away. +</P> + +<P> +"My word!" declared Dave with emphasis. "We're in for it now!" +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder just what they're going to do?" asked Jimmie in a whisper. +</P> + +<P> +"Firin' squad at sunrise, most likely!" said Dave. "We're now, as I +understand it, criminals of the worst sort." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't get you," puzzled Jimmie. "What's the big idea?" +</P> + +<P> +"We've committed one of the worst crimes in the calendar!" declared +Dave. "As I understand it, we've meddled with the person of the +Kaiser, and that's only one degree less awful than saying horrid things +about him. That's what I've been told, at any rate." +</P> + +<P> +"Great frozen hot boxes!" ejaculated Jimmie. "Is it a crime to save a +man's life when you get the chance?" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't just say how they'll look at it," replied Dave. "But here +comes the old top himself. Maybe he'll have a word to say." +</P> + +<P> +Von Liebknecht began what seemed to the lads to be an apology, but was +cut short by the Kaiser, who gave a command in German. Without +attempting to complete his unfinished speech, the Captain repeated the +command to an aide standing near, and he in turn addressed two Uhlans. +</P> + +<P> +Much to their surprise, the boys were confronted by their old +acquaintances, Otto and Fritz, who gave their orders in a single word. +</P> + +<P> +"Vorwarts!" came the command in crisp tones as the two crowded their +horses almost upon the two lads. +</P> + +<P> +"That means 'Hike!'" explained Jimmie, turning to Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Here goes, then," returned Dave, stepping out bravely. +</P> + +<P> +"I say, Otto," began Jimmie presently, "where are we going?" +</P> + +<P> +"Verboten!" came the only answer the Uhlan would offer. +</P> + +<P> +"Ha!" cried Jimmie. "I know what that means. I've seen a good many +signs with that word on it. It means that we are forbidden to walk on +the grass, breathe, live, eat, or do anything else without permits." +</P> + +<P> +"No, no, Jimmie," explained Dave. "He means that he is forbidden to +tell you where we are headed for. Isn't that it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know and don't much care!" was the other's reply. "They are +welcome to start a goat farm any time they wish. They've got mine for +a starter. Of all my going a-fishing, this is the limit." +</P> + +<P> +After about half an hour's walk they found themselves near a building +that had evidently been a farm residence. In common with many other +rural establishments of Germany, this place had been built with the +barns attached to the dwelling house. +</P> + +<P> +Into what had been the cow stable the boys were conducted by their +guards. A ladder stood in one corner, leading up through a trap door +to the fodder loft above. Up this ladder the boys were directed. +</P> + +<P> +"Fine little old prison!" declared Jimmie contemptuously. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it might be worse," said Dave consolingly. "We're here yet." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and if I ever get another chance at the Germans," declared Jimmie +with vigor, "I'll punch their heads as hard as I can!" +</P> + +<P> +"We might as well make ourselves comfortable," suggested Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Not on your life!" cried Jimmie heatedly. "From now on I'm going to +make every move in the calendar to get out of this place and away from +those Germans. If I ever get back to America I'll never eat another +bit of sauer kraut as long as I live!" +</P> + +<P> +Dave could not repress a laugh at this outburst. He could sympathize +with Jimmie's attitude, for he felt that they were being unjustly +treated. +</P> + +<P> +"How are we going to give them the slip?" asked Jimmie, beginning a +systematic search of the place. "Are there any windows?" +</P> + +<P> +"There are two on the east side," answered Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, then, let's tear up the bed sheets and knot them together," was +Jimmie's next suggestion, delivered in a half jesting mood. +</P> + +<P> +"A rope would be better," offered his companion. "Let's look for one." +</P> + +<P> +Presently he gave a cry and stooped to pick up an object at his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think of this?" he said gleefully as he held aloft the end +of a line nearly as thick as his finger. "Isn't that luck?" +</P> + +<P> +"My word!" said Dave heartily. "That's the silver lining, all right!" +</P> + +<P> +"Now to get a cleat or something across that window so we can take the +rope with us!" urged Jimmie. "Hurry, Dave, hurry!" +</P> + +<P> +They lost no time in doubling the line and passing the ends out of the +window. The loop which they still held was caught beneath the corners +of the window frame so that it would remain in position until the end +was loosened by the person descending. +</P> + +<P> +Ahead Jimmie could make out the outlines of an aeroplane in an open +space. Following Dave's pointing finger, the lad saw a man in Uhlan's +uniform rapidly running through the wood in the direction of the barn. +</P> + +<P> +A noise in advance of their position attracted his attention. He +gripped Dave's arm warningly and pointed to three figures in Uhlan +uniform moving about in the growth of underbrush. +</P> + +<P> +Dave quickly unslung the coil of line from his shoulder and proceeded +to reeve a slip noose in one end. When he had adjusted the noose to +his satisfaction the lad moved silently forward, crouching as he went. +</P> + +<P> +With a dexterous throw the lad sent the loop of line over the three +figures standing close together. Jimmie lent a hand to drag it tight. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +HELD UP! +</H3> + +<P> +"Pull, Jimmie, pull like the mischief!" cried Dave as the line +tightened about the forms beyond the shrubbery. +</P> + +<P> +"Pulling!" answered Jimmie, throwing his weight onto the line behind +Dave and straining every muscle in an effort to keep it taut. +</P> + +<P> +Presently they felt the tide turning in their favor. +</P> + +<P> +"Pull it taut, Jimmie!" cried Dave. "Keep them there until I can +manage to tie them. Don't slacken an inch or they'll get up." +</P> + +<P> +"Leave it to me," panted Jimmie, walking around the trunk of a small +tree with the free end of the lasso. "I'll take a turn around this +tree and they'll go some to get away. I'll hold 'em!" +</P> + +<P> +With movements that counted, the lad seized a small stone lying near, +laid the end of the line across a larger one and pounded vigorously in +an effort to sever a length of the lasso. +</P> + +<P> +Almost as quickly as the task could have been accomplished with a knife +Dave had cut off the desired piece of rope with which to tie the +captives. In another moment he dashed through the thicket in which the +three prisoners were struggling. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie, hanging onto the lasso with grim determination and taking in +every bit of slack given by the struggling trio, was startled to hear +his companion emit a shriek of astonishment. A glance over his +shoulder told the lad that something unusual was happening beyond the +bushes. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurry up, Dave!" he advised. "I can't hold 'em much longer!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let go, let go!" cried Dave, laughing and dancing about. +</P> + +<P> +"What's the matter?" asked Jimmie incredulously. "Gone crazy?" +</P> + +<P> +"My word, but this is funny!" laughed Dave, gasping for breath. "Here +are the boys, who were looking for us, and instead of rescuing us we +have captured them. Let go that line and let 'em up!" +</P> + +<P> +"What?" was Jimmie's open-mouthed question. "What's that?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough!" declared Dave, swinging his arms to indicate that he +wanted Jimmie to give more slack to the line. "It's the boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"Say that again, please!" cried Jimmie, dropping the lasso and bounding +forward. "That's good news if it's true." +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie lost no time in convincing himself that Dave was indeed correct +in his statement. One glance at the struggling trio and he sat down +upon the grass, where he doubled up with laughter. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," was Jack's scornful admonition, "better stop and save some of +it for another occasion. You might need it." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, ho, ho!" laughed Jimmie. "This is the best joke yet!" +</P> + +<P> +"Where's the joke?" asked Harry, struggling to his feet and throwing +off the loop of the lasso. "This is no joke for us!" +</P> + +<P> +"It's the best ever!" declared Jimmie. "Here I was going to be shot at +sunrise for this 'lese majesty' business, and now in only an hour I +have a chance to make the capture of my young life!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shot at sunrise?" queried Ned, joining the group. "What do you +mean—shot at sunrise? Is it another joke?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, it wouldn't have been much of a joke if they'd carried it out, +but the way things stand it is decidedly a good joke all round." +</P> + +<P> +"Would you like to step down to the camp and tell us about it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Just invite us and see!" declared the lad, reaching for the lasso and +coiling it neatly. "We came out here just for the purpose, boys!" +</P> + +<P> +"You did?" inquired Jack. "Why, how'd you know we were here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," went on Jimmie with a lofty air, "everybody pretty near knows +you're here. Next time you'd better be careful and shut the dampers +when you make a fire. That smoke was a dead give-away!" +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, ha, smarty!" declared Jack. "That's where you're wrong. We +didn't make any smoke at all. So that punctures your balloon." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, anyhow," went on Jimmie unabashed, "a little bird told us." +</P> + +<P> +"Now, see here, Jimmie," put in Ned as the five boys started for the +camp near the Eagle, "tell me the exact truth. It may have serious +consequences if you don't. Does anyone know we are here?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not that I know of, Ned," was Jimmie's sober reply. "We just stumbled +onto you as you were tracking something in the woods." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that reminds me," Ned said, halting. "We were on the track of +some fellow who visited our position and took out the spark plugs from +our engines. We were following his tracks in the woods when you came." +</P> + +<P> +"What sort of a guy was he?" asked Jimmie, intensely interested. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know," answered Ned. "We haven't seen him yet." +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't he leave any signs at all?" went on Jimmie. "Did he come and +go in an airship, or did he have wings and fly through the air?" +</P> + +<P> +"Neither," declared Ned. "He left some pretty fair tracks." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we'll get him!" asserted Jimmie, positively. "He can't get away. +Once we get on his trail he might as well quit!" +</P> + +<P> +"Good boy, Jimmie!" laughed Ned. "You're a sight for sore eyes. And," +he went on, "it's a pleasure to have your optimism to help." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks!" drily responded the Wolf. "Where are his tracks?" +</P> + +<P> +"Right around here at the front of the machine near the engine." +</P> + +<P> +"See anything, Dave?" asked Jimmie, at once, as the boys grouped about +the Eagle, being careful not to tread in the tracks left by the one who +had meddled with their engines. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," responded Dave, instantly. "He was a shortish chap, you know, +because he had to stand on his toes here to reach the engines." +</P> + +<P> +"And I think he was a Uhlan," went on Jimmie, pointing to other tracks. +"I can see the mark of the spur chain under his instep." +</P> + +<P> +"He must have put his hand right here," added Dave, indicating a spot +on the forward wings that showed grimy finger marks. "He had a scar +extending across all four fingers. See the print on it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll bet I know who it was!" declared Jimmie, seizing Dave by the +shoulder. "If that wasn't Otto, I'll go back and enlist all over!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough," replied Dave. "He was just about that height, and of +course he wore spurs and all that. I don't know about the scar." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we will look for a short, heavy set Uhlan with a scar on his +hand, and when we find him we'll choke those plugs out of him!" +</P> + +<P> +"Shall we start after him now, boys?" inquired Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"I vote 'No' on the original question," said Jimmie, instantly. "It's +pretty near dinner time and I'm as hungry as bears ever get and then +some. Have you got anything to eat, Ned?" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure we have," was Ned's hearty response. "Got some mighty fine food, +too. You'll like it, I'm sure. Those tracks can wait." +</P> + +<P> +"Just right!" declared the lad. "Dave and I are starved! Just throw +us together a little fried ham and some scalloped potatoes, a piece of +Yorkshire pudding with some roast beef for Dave, here, and a few loaves +of bread with a side of creamed cauliflower and some peas and carrots. +Two or three helpings of succotash and some green onions wouldn't go +bad either. With a couple of cups of coffee and some chocolate eclairs +and a cream puff with a little ice cream and some lemon pie we could +manage to worry along until tea time." +</P> + +<P> +"Good night!" said Ned. "Wouldn't you rather take pot luck?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," responded Jimmie, lightly, "any little old thing you wish." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we'll give you some stew," announced Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"Here's hoping, Ned," Jimmie said, laying a hand on Ned's arm, "that it +isn't cabbage stew with bunches of vegetarian sausages cooked in it." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" inquired Ned. "Don't you like that sort of food?" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh," exclaimed Jimmie, with a gesture of disgust, "we've had nothing +else for about four years! I feel just like poor old Ben Gunn in +'Treasure Island.' I'd like a little civilized food—a piece of cheese +or something like that. Don't say stew to me or I'll quit you cold." +</P> + +<P> +"If you want a piece of cheese, take me," declared Jack. "I feel +mightily ashamed of the way we let you two sneak up on us and catch us." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that's all right," offered Jimmie with great magnanimity, "you +really captured yourself, you know. Dave and I let you walk right up +onto us before Dave swung that rope. I must get that trick." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you learn that knack, Dave?" asked Ned, admiringly. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, that's quite easy, you know," replied the other with becoming +modesty. "I've spent some time in Alberta where there are cattle and I +learned to shoot and ride a horse and throw the rope pretty well." +</P> + +<P> +"That's quite an accomplishment, all right," offered Jack. +</P> + +<P> +"Agreed!" announced Jimmie. "But," he went on, "we're losing time and +I'm losing flesh while you argue about it. Leave Dave alone, now. +Can't you see him blushing over the praise you're giving him? Let's +hustle about and get some eats started. I'm hungry, I tell you!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Jimmie, your wants shall be supplied. We'll make another +pot of coffee and all hands will take a cup with you for luck." +</P> + +<P> +"This all happened so suddenly," said Ned, as the five lay about the +fires waiting for the cooking to be finished, "that I haven't had a +chance to ask you a question nor tell you how overjoyed I am to have +you with us again. But I'm really delighted. How did it happen?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well, they took us with them after Dave knocked over one of their +tents," began Jimmie, with a sly look at his companion. "If it hadn't +been for that plucky kid over there, I most likely would have lost my +temper two or three times and tried to whip the whole German army." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I say, you know," declared Dave. "He's putting it on too thick! +I really wasn't much help at all. It was Jimmie who got the Kaiser +into a good humor and then saved his life!" +</P> + +<P> +"Go on, go on!" urged Ned, excitedly. "Tell us about it quickly!" +</P> + +<P> +In response to the invitation, Jimmie and Dave together told the story +of their adventures since last seeing their chums. Jimmie was in turn +told of the exciting scenes through which the three boys had passed, +and to him also were made known the circumstances through which Dave +had joined the party. As the boys finally drew their narratives to a +conclusion, Jimmie, who had followed the tales of his comrades with +interest, turned to Ned and said: +</P> + +<P> +"And so you were on the point of rescuing me when that fellow shot the +rope by which Dave was hanging and you thought it was all off!" +</P> + +<P> +"You are right, we thought things were going wrong with us then." +</P> + +<P> +"And after that you pretty nearly got into a trap yourselves." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes and we were compelled to exchange our perfectly good uniforms for +some old rags that would disgrace a wharf rat!" was Ned's indignant +response. "Then we simply took the privilege of putting on these +garments. They are not what we would have chosen, but they match +yours." +</P> + +<P> +"They fooled Dave and myself, all right," laughed Jimmie. "We thought +that we had caught a mess of German soldiers." +</P> + +<P> +"That simply goes to show us, boys," gravely commented Ned, "that we +ought to be extremely careful about our outward appearance. It's so +easy for others to mistake us for what we are not." +</P> + +<P> +"Hands up!" the boys heard a rough voice say. They turned to see a +rifle muzzle showing through a clump of bushes. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +TABLES TURNED +</H3> + +<P> +"What's coming off here?" asked Jimmie, jumping to his feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Halt!" cried the voice from the shrubbery again as Jimmie rose. +</P> + +<P> +"Who's there?" asked the lad, wheeling toward the low undergrowth which +concealed their visitor. "Come out into the open if you dare." +</P> + +<P> +"Ach, yes!" replied the other. "I dare come out. You will all +stand—and in a line, please. Aber you don'dt, I shoot!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's this," asked Ned, "a hold-up or a joke?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nein," the newcomer replied. "Aber you don'dt line up dere you find +oudt it is no joke, not. Beside yourself stand, quick!" +</P> + +<P> +"This is enough to make anybody fairly beside themselves!" Jimmie +declared, unable to repress his tendency toward a joke. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on out, you Dutchman," taunted Jimmie in a moment. "I can see +you crouching there and see your uniform. Come on out!" +</P> + +<P> +As the faces appeared, Jimmie gave a gasp of astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +"Otto! Fritz!" he almost shrieked. "We left you guarding that old +barn up there. How does it come that you are here?" +</P> + +<P> +"My post I deserted," he began, stepping from the bushes, but with his +rifle still cautiously pointed toward the lads. "This country is +familiar to me, for that house was my uncle's. Many times have I in +this brook waded and swam. Today I thought of it when we over the hill +came and when we had put you in the barn I came right here to see the +beautiful brook once more and hear the birds singing in the trees." +</P> + +<P> +"Otto, open your left hand and let me see what you have in it!" +commanded Jimmie, as the other finished speaking. +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing have I in my hand," declared Otto, opening and extending the +member palm outward. "See, nothing in there is!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I thought you had the spark plugs from the Eagle," remarked the +lad. "You know you took them out. Where did you put them?" +</P> + +<P> +"In my pocket have they gone," answered Otto, simply as if stating the +most casual fact. "They are all there safe and sound." +</P> + +<P> +"So I see," acknowledged Jimmie. "That's very obvious. What are you +going to do now that you and Fritz have returned?" +</P> + +<P> +"We shall take you back to the barn and put you in the loft once +again," declared Otto in the same tone of voice he might have used in +commenting on the fact that the sun was shining. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you shall, shall you?" almost sneered Jimmie. "All right, but you +wouldn't put us back there hungry, would you? We were just about to +eat a little lunch. This won't be quite as good as you used to get at +Dick Stein's place, but it's eatable at any rate. If you think you +could eat a bit, we'll ask you to join us." +</P> + +<P> +"I can not eat now," replied the other. "I must guard you as +prisoners. But if you are hungry, we will let you eat." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, I say," protested Jimmie, "you'll have at least a cup of coffee +with us! That isn't sociable to stand and hold a gun at a fellow's +head while he's eating. It looks rather rough, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"You are now prisoners," replied Otto, shaking his head. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, of course, we are!" admitted the boy with an attempt at a laugh. +"We're prisoners in more ways than one. You have the spark plugs and +we couldn't make a decent get-away if we tried. Besides, you two +fellows have your rifles and we are unarmed." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess you've got us dead to rights," put in Dave. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure you have," resumed Jimmie. "Now, I'll tell you what," he went +on, "you sit here," indicating a position between the fire and the +aeroplane, "and we'll sit on the opposite side of the fire. You may +have your rifles across your laps or ready at your side. If we break +and run for it, you may shoot as fast as you please." +</P> + +<P> +"That's fair enough," urged Ned. "It isn't just the square thing to +take us prisoners without letting us get some food." +</P> + +<P> +"See here," continued Jimmie, reaching out a hand toward the coffee pot +bubbling over the tiny flame and lifting the lid, "did you ever smell +better coffee in your life? That's worth drinking, I say!" +</P> + +<P> +"Dot's goot cooffee!" announced Fritz, solemnly. "I take a cup." +</P> + +<P> +"Sure, you'll both have a cup!" declared Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"That's a real compliment, Otto," laughed Jimmie, winking at Dave as he +spoke. "When a German admits that any other nation on earth can make +good coffee it is going some. The Germans can make real coffee!" +</P> + +<P> +"We generally let Dave pour the coffee, because he's an extra boy in +the crowd and we make the newcomers do all the heavy work, but he's +awkward at it yet owing to his just recently coming off a cattle ranch +in Canada, where he had to lasso a lot of cattle every day. This time +I'm going to pour the coffee myself." +</P> + +<P> +As Jimmie spoke he glanced back toward Dave, sitting with the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, you just sit there, Dave," Jimmie chattered on, "until I tell you +to move. Remember," he added, "I'm doing this part of it. All you are +to do is to follow instructions. You're better at the lasso than you +are at pouring coffee!" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I guess that's the truth," admitted Dave with a mock sign of +resignation at finding his short-comings flaunted before strangers. +</P> + +<P> +It was well that the meal was served in the open, for Jimmie poured +until every cup ran over, thereby wasting much of the liquid. +</P> + +<P> +"Have some more, won't you?" he asked, grasping the coffee pot. +</P> + +<P> +"Just a little more," replied Otto. "I never had better." +</P> + +<P> +"Why," cried Jimmie in a surprised tone, "the pot is almost empty. I +guess you boys didn't make very much, did you? Here, Dave," he hurried +on, "you chase yourself up to the Eagle and get some of that coffee out +of the locker on the right-hand side. We'll brew another pot of it. I +haven't begun to eat yet." +</P> + +<P> +"See how quickly you can lasso a cup or two of the real stuff and hurry +back here," commanded Jimmie. "We'll have more in a jiffy." +</P> + +<P> +"Have a little of this stew while you're waiting," urged Ned, extending +the pot of stew toward the soldiers. "It's mighty good!" +</P> + +<P> +Ned and Jimmie rattled on in a whirlwind of conversation to keep the +attention of the soldiers in their own direction. So absorbed were +Otto and Fritz in listening to the chatter that they failed to hear the +faint whistle of a rope through the air, and it was not until the noose +of Dave's lasso settled about their shoulders and they were jerked +incontinently backward that they suspected anything wrong. +</P> + +<P> +Otto and Fritz were compelled to surrender to a superior force. +Lengths of small line secured from the Eagle were brought by Dave when +he saw that the two were securely held by his companions. +</P> + +<P> +"Let me get at this chap's pockets a moment," said Ned, advancing. "I +think he has some spark plugs that would look better in another place. +We can use them to good advantage ourselves." +</P> + +<P> +"Just the thing!" cried Jimmie, gleefully. "How thoughtful of him to +bring them back here so we could run the little old Eagle." +</P> + +<P> +Ned lost no time in producing the plugs and fitting them into position. +</P> + +<P> +"Now we 're off!" declared Jimmie. "Let's get the cooking utensils +aboard and beat it out of here. We won't want no wireless now!" +</P> + +<P> +"For one, I want to get to some place where I can exchange this uniform +for some real clothes!" stated Jack, vehemently. +</P> + +<P> +"And I want a real feed!" protested Jimmie. "I haven't eaten in weeks. +All I could do was to lunch along on this awful grub!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, boys, I guess you're right," Ned agreed with a laugh. +"We'll load up and be on our way even if it is daylight." +</P> + +<P> +"Won't the Germans see us rise out of here and take a shot at us?" +</P> + +<P> +"What if they do?" scorned Jimmie. "They'll be so busy with all this +fighting they won't have time to chase us very far. Hear those cannons +going all the time?" he went on. "They're wasting a lot of good powder +shooting at the Frenchmen and the allies!" +</P> + +<P> +As the aeroplane rose above the tree tops, two other planes were +sighted high overhead. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +A STERN CHASE +</H3> + +<P> +"Gee! I'm mighty glad Otto and Fritz came along just as they did to +bring us these spark plugs and rifles!" Jimmie announced as the Eagle +soared over the surrounding woods. +</P> + +<P> +"It was rather kind of them," answered Jack. "It looks like we might +need them, too, if those are German planes up there." +</P> + +<P> +"Wouldn't it be a good idea to rise as high as we can, Ned?" asked +Harry. "If we get well up, we'll be able to see where we are and can +have some idea where we are going." +</P> + +<P> +"Up we go," agreed Ned at the levers, as he tilted the planes for an +ascent. "I'm sure we need to get some idea of our location." +</P> + +<P> +"They see us!" cried Harry, who had been using the binoculars. "I +think they're both heading toward us now! They're coming fast, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"Let them come!" declared Dave. "If the Eagle lives up to the +reputation Jimmie has given her, we'll be able to outdistance them." +</P> + +<P> +"Maybe we would on a straight-away run," agreed Harry, "but we are one +to their two, and they probably have guns aboard." +</P> + +<P> +"What's the chances of landing and meeting them on a more equal +footing?" inquired Jack. "Is that at all possible?" +</P> + +<P> +"It's possible to land," replied Ned, "but I don't think we'd have as +good a chance as we have up here. Look down there and see." +</P> + +<P> +"Where are all the soldiers?" asked Harry, presently. "I can't see a +single soldier anywhere. But," he added, "the guns are fired." +</P> + +<P> +"They are all in bomb-proof trenches or else back of the hilltops," +said Ned. "I believe that those aeroplanes are scouting around to give +word to the gunners whether their aim has been correct or not." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, if this is war," observed Dave, "I'm going to be glad to get +back home once more. This doesn't look civilized to me." +</P> + +<P> +"We are headed toward home," replied Jack in an effort to cheer his +friend. "We'll be out of this in a little while, and then—good-by war +and fights and Kaiser and all for one good, long time!" +</P> + +<P> +"We're a long ways from Tipperary yet, boys. Don't crow too soon," +advised Harry, as he trained the glasses on the approaching planes. +</P> + +<P> +"What can you see, Harry?" asked Ned, giving his attention to the +levers. "Are they still heading toward us?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's just what they're doing!" declared Harry. "They're coming +fast, too. Can't we coax a little more speed out of this old tub?" +</P> + +<P> +"You speak as if this were a ship in the water," responded Ned. "I +want you to understand that this is an aeroplane and that it is +performing a most remarkable feat in carrying five boys and two grown +men, besides a quantity of luggage and supplies." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess our ideas were all right, eh, Ned?" said Jack, as he ran an +admiring eye over the rigging of the craft. "It's some boat!" +</P> + +<P> +"It certainly is some boat!" declared Ned. "And I wish—" +</P> + +<P> +"What Ned wished was never known, for at that instant a sharp report +was heard and a bullet sang its way through the rigging of the Eagle +with a vicious twang that made the boys wince. +</P> + +<P> +"Wow!" was Jack's ejaculation. "That's too close for comfort!" +</P> + +<P> +"May I reply to them?" asked Dave, picking up one of the German rifles +that had been brought aboard. "I think I can get the range." +</P> + +<P> +"I'd rather not shoot too close to them," Ned answered, manipulating +the levers and valves in an effort to obtain more speed. "Perhaps we +can run away from both. In that case we won't have to shoot any one." +</P> + +<P> +"I think I'll take a crack at their propeller," announced Dave. "Maybe +I can send a bullet through that, and if I can it will stop them." +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke Dave took a quick sight, resting the rifle across the rim +of the fuselage. A sharp detonation echoed above the hum of the +motors. Dave peered eagerly toward the plane at which he had aimed. +</P> + +<P> +"I got 'em, I got 'em!" he announced, slapping his thigh in glee. +</P> + +<P> +"Who did you get?" asked Ned, without turning his head. +</P> + +<P> +"I am sure I winged their propeller!" declared Dave, gleefully. "I +aimed right at the circle in which the blades travel, and I'm sure I +saw splinters from the wooden blades. They're slowing up, too!" +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough!" cried Harry, peering through the glasses. "You're some +shot, Dave. I'll place all my bets on you hereafter!" +</P> + +<P> +"But the other fellow is hot after us!" was Jack's announcement. +</P> + +<P> +"Where are they? And what are they doing?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +"They're coming up fast from the left," said Jack. "I think they're +trying to get over us so as to drop a bomb or so." +</P> + +<P> +"I wish we didn't have these two prisoners with us!" Ned said, as he +urged the Eagle to her best paces. "It takes a lot of power to keep up +at this altitude when we're carrying so much weight." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll make out all right," responded Jack, encouragingly. "We can +take them along with us and when get across the French lines we'll just +dump them down as prisoners of war and let them be exchanged." +</P> + +<P> +"That would be a pretty good scheme," commented Harry. "The only thing +I can see to interfere with it is that fellow on our left." +</P> + +<P> +"He won't be able to do much when Dave gets in his work with the rifle +again," cried Jimmie, admiringly. "Dave's the boy!" +</P> + +<P> +"That was a lucky shot, though," protested Dave. "Don't expect every +one to do as much execution as that one did." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have to take a chance, that's all!" urged Jimmie. "We won't let +a little thing like that keep us from trying to make a landing." +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps not," went on Harry, "but at the same time it is a possibility +and must be considered. Besides," he added, "we're not free from that +fellow over here on our left yet. He's rising." +</P> + +<P> +"Is he going over us?" asked Ned, anxiously. "I can't get much more +speed out of this craft the way we're loaded." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Harry, training his glasses aloft. "He is trying to +pass above us. Perhaps he'll drop a bomb on us." +</P> + +<P> +"That's exactly what he's trying to do!" declared Jack. "What can we +do to prevent him? Dave, how about another shot?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll try," answered the boy, "but I'm not sure. There's considerable +vibration here, you know, and I haven't a rest." +</P> + +<P> +Presently he saw that unless he fired soon the other would be out of +reach, and taking a chance discharged the rifle. As he had +anticipated, the bullet went wild and resulted in no damage. Before he +could reload and again take aim the other had passed to a point where +the upper planes of the Eagle shut off his view. +</P> + +<P> +"Now they'll be able to bombard us to their own pleasure!" declared +Jimmie. "Gee, I wish I could climb up above this top plane and take a +little crack at them myself! Can't I get up there?" +</P> + +<P> +"None of that, Jimmie!" ordered Ned. "We have already all the danger +we can handle without trying such a stunt as that!" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then, but it would be well to alter our course a bit." +</P> + +<P> +"Here goes!" announced Ned, throwing his weight against one of the +levers controlling the horizontal rudders. "Stand by for a jerk!" +</P> + +<P> +Scarcely had the Eagle swerved sharply from her course before the lads +heard a rushing, whistling sound. Far below on the ground a missle +fell. A dull boom came up. A cloud of smoke rising from the spot +indicated that the missle had been a bomb remarkably well aimed. They +realized that only by a narrow margin had it missed them. +</P> + +<P> +"Plenty close enough," gritted Jimmie between his teeth. "Rise, if you +can, Ned, and give us a chance at them with our guns." +</P> + +<P> +From his seat Ned glanced quickly downward and observed the cloud of +smoke about the spot where the bomb had landed. +</P> + +<P> +"Give them another one, Dave," he cried, righting the Eagle and +altering the rudders so as to drive the machine higher. +</P> + +<P> +Without waiting for further instructions, Dave seized his rifle again +and began firing as rapidly as he could load. +</P> + +<P> +"We're getting over the French trenches now!" cried Harry in a moment. +"I can see the puffs of smoke from their guns, and the bursting shells +mean that the Germans are getting the range." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we haven't far to go before we are going to be able to land." +</P> + +<P> +"If we can hold this fellow off a while longer we'll be all right." +</P> + +<P> +"Can you see any place, Harry, that looks like a landing place?" asked +Ned, anxiously. "We better look for a good spot pretty soon." +</P> + +<P> +Harry turned the glasses to look forward. He swept the horizon with +eagerness. Presently he fixed his gaze upon one spot. +</P> + +<P> +"I see another plane coming out to give battle to us and this chap!" +</P> + +<P> +"Look out!" shrieked Jimmie. "See what Fritz is doing!" +</P> + +<P> +The next instant he had thrown himself forward and over the edge. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +ESCAPE +</H3> + +<P> +A gasp rose from the four boys as they saw Fritz hurl himself over the +rim of the car. They knew that nothing could be done, yet all threw +themselves toward the Uhlan in the vain hope of rescue. +</P> + +<P> +It needed little exercise of the imagination to picture the result of +Fritz's rash act. Too well the boys understood what would happen when +the soldier fell from such an altitude. +</P> + +<P> +"Good night!" gasped Jimmie, turning a pale face toward his friends. +</P> + +<P> +"How did he do it?" asked Jack, a tremble in his voice. +</P> + +<P> +"He must have been an acrobat of the first water to manage such a +thing!" declared Harry. "I thought he was as secure as anything." +</P> + +<P> +"Too late now to help him, and we've still got the German aeroplane to +reckon with," warned Ned. "Keep a sharp lookout for the fellow!" +</P> + +<P> +"What is the stranger doing now?" asked Jack, pointing to the plane +that had appeared from the westward. +</P> + +<P> +"He seems to be heading directly for us," replied Ned. "I wonder if he +takes us to be Germans, trying some trick or other." +</P> + +<P> +"Better take off these German uniforms," advised Jimmie, stripping off +his jacket as he spoke. "I'm going to drop mine overboard!" +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke the lad flung the jacket as far as he could and watched its +descent with interest. The others were not long in following his +example. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell you what we'll do!" offered Dave. "When we get near enough, +shut off the engine so it won't make any noise and we'll all shout +'Vive la France!' at him. He'll know then we're not enemies." +</P> + +<P> +"Good idea, but I can't speak French," returned Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, then, try something!" urged the lad. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't believe anything at all is necessary," stated Ned as the two +came nearer. "They seem to be after the Germans and not us!" +</P> + +<P> +"What's that place down there?" asked Harry after some time. "It looks +to me as if it were a camp of some sort. I see several tents." +</P> + +<P> +"That's an aviation camp just like the one we saw when we came through +France and gave General Joffre his fast ride!" declared Jimmie. +</P> + +<P> +"Sure enough!" declared Ned. "They have painted the tops of the wings +that peculiar color so that they cannot be readily seen from an enemy +air craft. That's rather a good idea, too!" +</P> + +<P> +With scarcely a bump the Eagle settled to the earth and was at once +surrounded by French soldiers, some garbed in the well-known suits and +helmets of aviators, others dressed as ordinary infantrymen, while +still others wore greasy overalls and jumpers. +</P> + +<P> +The language used was French, and they were at a loss to know what +their questions meant. +</P> + +<P> +"You'll have to talk United States!" declared Jimmie, rising and +holding up a hand for attention. "We can't understand that stuff." +</P> + +<P> +"Ah, so you speak English?" questioned one of the men. +</P> + +<P> +All five boys gathered about their prisoner as he stood beside the +Eagle. +</P> + +<P> +As the lads looked at the newcomer they saw a short, broad shouldered +man wearing a white moustache. The figure looked strangely familiar. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you recognize that man, Jimmie?" asked Ned. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmie's answer was lost in the roar of exhaust from one of the other +aeroplanes parked nearby. All turned in amazement at the noise. With +a rush the French plane swept by the group and began soaring into the +air. One glance showed the lads that Otto was at the levers. +</P> + +<P> +During the brief moment that their attention had been diverted, the +Uhlan had taken advantage of their preoccupation and had silently +stolen away to the machine whose engine had been left running. Now he +was beyond recall, and in a short time would be again on the eastern +side of the fighting line, where he would no doubt join his regiment. +</P> + +<P> +Chagrined, the lads looked at each other with crestfallen glances. +</P> + +<P> +As the clamor of the other motor died into a steady drone they turned +to look again at the advancing figure. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, that's General Joffre!" gasped Jimmie. "Hope he don't recognize +us. I feel too cheap for anything!" +</P> + +<P> +"I think I have seen these young men before," he began cordially. "You +are the young men who were of so much assistance to me at one time." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank you, General," replied Ned. "We are glad to see you again." +</P> + +<P> +"And what can I do for you in return for that kindness?" asked the +general without going into the details of the event with which those of +our readers who have read the previous volumes of this series are +already familiar. "If there is anything I can do, please command me." +</P> + +<P> +"We'd only like safe conduct to some seaport, sir," answered Ned, +"where we can take passage to the United States. We want to get home!" +</P> + +<P> +"That can be arranged, I am sure!" stated the general, heartily. "But +you must be rather hungry. Will you not step into the tent here and +have some lunch? You can tell me of your adventures while you eat." +</P> + +<P> +There they related to the general and some of his aides the incidents +leading up to their flight of that morning, not omitting to tell of +their neglect to retain the prisoner they had so strangely brought to +camp. +</P> + +<P> +As they finished, the general said, as he looked at Jimmie: +</P> + +<P> +"And so the Germans are rushing train loads of soldiers to the front, +are they? And are they bringing any guns?" +</P> + +<P> +"They're bringing lots of troops," replied Jimmie, "but I didn't see +any big guns. They've got some trains of ammunition on the way." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks!" acknowledged General Joffre. "That news is important!" +</P> + +<P> +"Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie, rising. "There I've gone and +given away a lot of perfectly good information! And all the time I +said I was going to remain perfectly neutral! Just my luck!" +</P> + +<P> +"But at least," continued the general, "you have your packet and will +be glad to return to your home so that you may carry out the wishes of +your acquaintance who was responsible for so many of your adventures. +Besides, you didn't intend to tell me anything, did you?" +</P> + +<P> +"If you would consider selling your airship we would like to purchase +it," the general said, turning again to Ned. "It appears to be a fine +machine and I think we could use it to advantage." +</P> + +<P> +"You are very kind, sir. We will be glad to sell it if you wish." +</P> + +<P> +In a short time, details of the purchase had been arranged and the boys +were on their way toward Havre, where they were to take boat for the +United States. As they left the camp they gave three rousing cheers +for General Joffre and swung their caps in farewell. +</P> + +<P> +As the camp was left behind, Dave turned to his companions with +grateful thanks for their kindnesses to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, pshaw!" declared Jimmie. "Don't say a word about that! You did +as much for us as we did for you. Now we're headed for home again +let's forget all about how we served under the Enemy and how the Forces +escaped!" +</P> + +<P> +"Just the same, I'll have a lot to tell the members of my Patrol when I +get back to Vancouver!" declared Dave, earnestly. "I'm glad I had the +chance to meet with the Black Bears and Wolves!" +</P> + +<P> +"And I hope that the next time you meet any of the Bears and Wolves you +won't have to come over here and meet them while they are in the German +army," put in Ned. "Hereafter I'm going to be like Jimmie. I'm going +to be neutral if I have to fight for it!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> +<hr class="full" noshade> + +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 22991-h.txt or 22991-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br> +<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/9/9/22991">http://www.gutenberg.org/2/2/9/9/22991</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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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: Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal + or Perils of the Black Bear Patrol + + +Author: G. Harvey Ralphson + + + +Release Date: October 12, 2007 [eBook #22991] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL*** + + +E-text prepared by Al Haines + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 22991-h.htm or 22991-h.zip: + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/9/9/22991/22991-h/22991-h.htm) + or + (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/9/9/22991/22991-h.zip) + + + + + +BOY SCOUTS MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL + +Or + +Perils of the Black Bear Patrol + +by + +G. HARVEY RALPHSON + + + + + + + +[Frontispiece: The Forces Finished a Brilliant Attack] + + + +M. A. Donohue & Company +Chicago -------- New York + +Copyright, 1916 +M. A. Donohue & Co. +Chicago + + + + +CONTENTS + + +CHAPTER + + I. AN UNWILLING RECRUIT + II. A FRIEND APPEARS + III. OUT OF THE FLAMES + IV. BURIED ALIVE + V. A GUARD IN DISGRACE + VI. A MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL + VII. A SUSPECTED SPY + VIII. FRUSTRATED PLANS + IX. ABANDONING A REGIMENT + X. AN EAGLE'S TALONS + XI. THE FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE + XII. TEMPTATIONS + XIII. A GREAT SURPRISE + XIV. BAFFLED PURSUERS + XV. A BIT OF SCIENCE + XVI. UNDER FALSE COLORS + XVII. ACCUSED + XVIII. PURSUIT + XIX. LESE MAJESTY + XX. CAPTURED + XXI. ESCAPED PRISONERS + XXII. HELD UP! + XXIII. TABLES TURNED + XXIV. A STERN CHASE + XXV. ESCAPE + + + + +Boy Scouts Mysterious Signal + +Or + +Perils of the Black-Bear Patrol + + +AN UNWILLING RECRUIT + +CHAPTER I + +"But I say it's not fair!" cried a red-headed lad, drawing himself up +to his full height. "You're not playing fair with us!" + +"Ach, it is not so!" protested the one to whom the boy spoke. "We find +you an enemy in our city, and you must take the consequences!" + +"Just because you wear an officer's uniform," retorted the boy, +beginning to lose his temper and gazing fearlessly into the pale blue +eyes of the other, "is no sign you know more than we do. You may think +that helmet and those stripes on your arm give you more brains than the +common run of people, but it isn't so! I say I protest!" + +"And much good your protest may do you at this time and place," was the +calm answer. Then, drawing his eyebrows down until the blue eyes were +scarcely able to peer beneath them, he continued: "I, Heinrich von +Liebknecht, Captain in His Imperial Majesty's army in command of a +detachment sent forward to capture this city, have decided that it is +better that you remain with us. There is nothing more to say." + +"But there is a great deal more to say!" stormed the boy. + +"Jimmie," cautioned another lad, stepping forward and laying a hand on +the arm of the red-headed boy, "perhaps it would be better to say no +more just at this time. There must be some way out of this." + +"Silence!" commanded the man who had called himself von Liebknecht. +"The decision has been made. I leave you now, but will return in a few +moments. By that time you will have said farewell to your friends and +be ready to accompany me for service under the Kaiser!" + +The lad addressed as Jimmie could scarcely restrain a sneer as the +other finished speaking. His contempt was unbounded, and he did not +seem to be making any great effort to conceal his emotion. + +Just as the door was closing behind the departing man Jimmie permitted +himself to wrinkle his freckled nose in that direction and accompanied +the gesture with a motion indicative of great disgust and contempt well +known to many. + +The scene was one unusual in the extreme. Four young boys were +standing in a room from which the ceiling had been partly removed by an +exploding shell from a cannon. They were in one of the houses that had +only partly escaped destruction during the bombardment of Peremysl by +the Germans on that memorable first day of June, 1915. + +Three of the boys were about eighteen years of age and wore the +well-known uniforms of the Boy Scouts of America. The eldest, Ned +Nestor, was slightly older than the others and wore insignia that +denoted his rank as patrol leader of the Wolf Patrol, New York City. + +Jack Bosworth and Harry Stevens stood beside Ned, their uniforms +slightly the worse for wear, due to the extremely active experiences +they had just undergone. These boys were members of the Black Bear +Patrol of New York City, and were fast friends of Ned Nestor and his +red-headed chum, Jimmie McGraw, the fourth member of the group. + +Just now Jimmie was not wearing the Boy Scout uniform. Instead he was +dressed in the uniform of a Russian Cossack, and this was the immediate +reason for the controversy that had arisen between the boy and the +German officer. Those of our readers who have followed the adventures +of the boys as related in previous volumes of this series, and +particularly that entitled "Boy Scouts with the Cossacks, or Poland +Recaptured," will at once recall the exciting circumstances that +resulted in Jimmie's donning the Cossack uniform and the reason for the +presence of the four boys in Peremysl at this time. + +Jimmie seemed to be too much overcome by his emotion at what he +considered rank injustice to be able to carry on rational conversation. + +"I tell you, Ned," he sputtered, "just because I happen to have on some +clothes a little different from others they needn't think I'm any +different myself! I'll fix his clock, all right!" + +"Don't forget about using slang, Jimmie!" cautioned Ned, half laughing. +"But you see the German officer, von Liebknecht, is really more than a +little bit right at that." + +"How's that?" inquired Jimmie in astonishment. + +"They say clothes don't make the man," replied Ned, "but in a great +many cases clothes are like one's reputation--they play an important +part in other people's estimate of us. In this case, for instance, the +Germans have just captured this city from the Russians. You are +discovered wearing a Russian Cossack uniform, and they naturally and +almost excusably conclude that the wearer of the uniform is a subject +of the country it represents." + +"Oh, I see," slowly replied the lad, nodding his red head. + +"Yes, Jimmie," put in Harry Stevens, "you see it pays to 'Be Prepared,' +just as our motto says. We never can tell just when we'll be required +to depend upon our reputation or our uniform for a favorable opinion +from those who see us or hear of us." + +"That's all very well," interrupted Jack Bosworth, "but how are we to +get Jimmie out of this predicament? General or Captain von Liebknecht +seems to think that he's going to make a German soldier out of Jimmie +just to keep him out of harm's way, and I don't like it." + +"Perhaps we can find some of the other uniforms or clothes of some sort +for Jimmie to change into," suggested Harry eagerly. + +Ned shook his head in a despondent manner. + +"I'm afraid that wouldn't work, boys," he said presently. "We would +only be caught at it and all tried for spies, and maybe find ourselves +in a worse predicament than we now are. Perhaps the German officer +will listen to reason when he returns." + +"Yes," scorned Jimmie. "Perhaps the sun will shine at midnight, or +water will start running uphill, or something like that will happen!" + +"You don't seem to have much faith in the German ability to change the +mind?" inquired Jack. "Maybe this fellow'll be different." + +"No, sir!" pursued Jimmie gloomily. "The average German is a pretty +decent fellow in a great many ways, but when it comes to changing his +mind--why, it 'can't be did,' because it's impossible." + +"Hush!" commanded Ned. "Here he comes. I'll talk to him." + +But, though Ned endeavored by every art of conversation at his command +to influence the German Captain to change his mind, that individual +insisted that since Jimmie had been found in the captured city wearing +the uniform of a Russian Cossack he must be treated as one. The only +alternative he would admit was that Jimmie must give evidence of his +claim that he was not a Russian by enlisting in the German army. + +"So," decided the German, "you haf been to riding horses accustomed. +Goot. You shall now ride a horse for der Kaiser, und," he added +meaningly, "you shall do it vell. You may now say goot bye to dese +odder poys und come mit me. Der oath ve vill administer." + +Several soldiers fully armed, standing about, stepped forward at the +Captain's signal. Placing themselves between Jimmie and his chums, +they advanced, fairly compelling the lad to accompany them. + +Thunderstruck at the proceedings, but unable to render any assistance +to their comrade, the three lads watched Jimmie disappear through the +doorway. Then, as they were left quite alone, they turned to one +another with an air of dejection. + +"What shall we do, Ned?" inquired Jack presently. + +"Yes, Ned," put in Harry, with something very like a catch in his +voice, "let's have your ideas. You are always ready with some +suggestion in an emergency. What shall we do?" + +"In the first place, boys," answered Ned, "I'm mighty glad to hear you +ask questions like that. It shows me that you are ready for action +instead of wanting to sit down and give way to despair. I'm ready for +action this minute if I could only decide what should be done." + +"I move we hunt around and find some guns and go hold that bunch of +Germans up and take Jimmie away from them!" said Harry impulsively. + +"Do you suppose the Captain will make good on his threat of making +Jimmie enlist in their cavalry regiment?" asked Jack, ignoring Harry's +suggestion. "If they do, can't he slip away some night?" + +"What if he does?" inquired Harry. "Where would he slip to, and where +shall we get to help him? It seems to me that every minute counts now. +If they get him into a cavalry regiment they'll want to be on the move +right away. At times like these, with Germany fighting the whole of +Europe, they can't afford to let a regiment remain idle." + +"That's very true," nodded Ned thoughtfully. "Germany has won a +victory over Russia, and that may relieve some of her forces in the +east, at least temporarily, until Russia gathers enough of an army to +make another assault. In that case they might send the cavalry +regiment toward the western front in Prance or Belgium, where Germany +is meeting the French, English and other troops." + +"Do you think they will make Jimmie go along and fight the allies?" +questioned Jack. "If they do that, he may get killed." + +"Perhaps that would suit the German Captain as well as anything else," +observed Ned. "It would save him the trouble and responsibility of +ordering the red-head shot immediately." + +"Then in that case," continued Jack, "I second Harry's motion and hope +it is carried unanimously. Let's get busy and get the boy." + +"I think you are right," agreed Ned. "Now, if we can have some plan of +action we'll be able to make more headway than without it." + +"Right you are, Scout Master!" cried Jack. "What is your plan?" + +"Well," began Ned, glancing at his comrades, "it seems almost too bold +a thing to try just at first thought, but I can't think of anything +better than to try to get away from this place in the Eagle, and then +watch our chance to kidnap Jimmie from those fellows." + +"A fine idea!" was Harry's almost cheerful response. "Ned, there's +nothing too bold to try once, anyway. Maybe we can get Jimmie out of +their hands. If we ever do--" + +Harry's clenched first, which he shook at the door out of which the +Germans had led Jimmie, spoke more eloquently than his unfinished +sentence. Plainly he was ready for action. + +"Let's slip out of here while we have a chance," suggested Ned. + +"Just the thing!" agreed Jack. "It's the best time we'll ever find. +The incoming army is pretty busy just now and won't see us." + +With one accord the three lads moved toward the door. Ned glanced +around the partially wrecked apartment in the hope of discovering +something that would be of use to them in their endeavor to help Jimmie +escape. An object in one corner caught his attention. + +As Ned stepped forward to examine the object he had seen, he was +startled to hear a cry from Jack, who had been looking from a window. + +"Look!" cried the boy, pointing toward the street. "They're actually +making Jimmie take an oath of enlistment!" + +Quickly joining Jack, Ned and Harry saw Jimmie standing in the street, +surrounded by German soldiers wearing the uniforms of Uhlans. Directly +behind the lad stood one of the soldiers with the muzzle of a gun +pressed against Jimmie's back. Before him an officer stood, apparently +administering some form of oath. The three boys could see Jimmie's +lips move in response to the prompting of the officer. + +Directly the ceremony was ended and the soldiers turned as if preparing +to mount their horses, standing near. + +"There's a bunch coming back to this house!" declared Jack. + +"Wonder what they want?" mused Harry in a puzzled manner. + +"I think they have decided they want three more recruits!" + +"Good night!" was the lad's startled ejaculation. "Let's go!" + +"Come over here," directed Ned, springing toward a corner of the room. +"I think I've found something that will help us out." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +A FRIEND APPEARS + +Harry and Jack hastened to cross the room strewn with wreckage left by +the exploding shell. Ned was already kneeling in the corner. + +"What is it, Ned?" cried Jack excitedly. "Have you got a gun?" + +"No, not a gun," replied Ned in suppressed excitement, "but it may +prove more useful than a gun at this time." + +"Oh, I see what it is!" was Harry's exclamation. "Hurrah! We may be +able to beat them out after all. Hurry!" + +"Huh!" scornfully put in Jack. "Nothing but a trap door into the +cellar! I wouldn't give much for that!" + +Ned, without replying to either lad, was busily scraping away the +refuse from the corner. Almost concealed by the litter, he had seen a +huge ring in the floor and, naturally concluding that it was fitted +into a trap door, had begun an investigation for the purpose of +discovering if the door led to a passage that might afford a means of +escape for the lads. The proximity of the approaching soldiers made +their need of some haven of refuge an imperative one. + +Presently Ned discovered the outlines of the trap door, which he had +correctly surmised to be in that spot. The location of the debris +favored the quick plan that had formulated in Ned's fertile brain. He +rose to his feet and gave a quick glance about the room. + +Without wasting time or effort in conversation, the lad quickly pointed +toward a table that lay upturned not far from the trap door. +Signalling to his comrades for assistance, he darted toward the object +and began dragging it to a position directly over the trap door. + +Jack and Harry, divining his intention, hastened to assist Ned. Their +united efforts soon placed the table in position. It was the work of +but a moment to raise the trap door and prop it up with a short piece +of wood from the wreckage strewn about. Making the well-known signal +used by railroad men in the United States as a sign for a fireman to +shovel more coal into the firebox, Ned urged the others to descend into +the darkness that yawned mysteriously at their feet. + +Jack was first through the opening. He clung to the rim for a moment +with his hands. Then he released his hold and dropped. + +Harry and Ned, impatiently waiting for Jack to pass through the door, +heard him drop to a floor below and give a startled cry. Then they +prepared to follow just as the tramp of many feet resounded through the +passage outside the room. Harry slipped into the opening and in turn +dropped out of sight. Ned followed feet first and for an instant hung +from the sill. + +Grasping the stick that had been used as a prop, Ned gave a mighty +wrench backward and fell. He said afterward that it seemed as if he +had taken a full week to drop from his position to the floor below. In +reality the drop was not a great one. The distance was, however, +greater than the height of any of the three boys, and explained their +inability to gain a foothold before releasing their hold upon the floor +above. For a moment Ned was unable to regain his breath. + +Presently he sat upright and began to search for his comrades. + +"Jack, Harry!" he called softly. "Where are you?" + +"Here we are, Ned," came a whisper from the darkness that shut the boys +in on every hand. "Can you see us?" + +"Can't see a thing!" declared Ned. "Where are you, anyway?" + +"Stay right where you are and we'll be there in a moment," was Harry's +answer. "This is one horrible place or I'm a Dutchman!" + +"Come on, then, and be quick about it," urged Ned. "I wonder if we +have dropped out of the frying pan into the fire," he added. + +"Impossible," chuckled Jack, in spite of the seriousness of their +predicament. "Where there's fire there's light, and I can't see a +single ray of light in this miserable place!" + +"Hush, Jack!" cautioned Harry. "Not so loud or they'll find us. Can't +you hear them tramping about in the room above?" + +Harry's question brought Ned and Jack to a realization of the fact that +the room they had so recently quitted was occupied by the soldiers from +whom they had tried to escape. Footsteps echoed along the stout floor, +and the boys could hear sounds indicating that pieces of furniture were +being hurriedly overturned. + +"Uh!" grunted Jack as he suddenly bumped into Ned. "Wonder you +wouldn't blow signals when you're going to cross ahead of a fellow." + +"Hush!" whispered Ned. "They may hear us! Let's wait a bit!" + +All three boys drew close together. They instinctively clasped hands +in the darkness, looking for some degree of comfort in the act. + +The noises above them gradually lessened. Presently they ceased +altogether, and the boys could hear footsteps clattering along the +floor in the direction they assumed the door to be. Directly quiet +reigned in the place. + +"They've gone, I guess," Ned said after a moment's wait. "Now what +shall we do? Shall we climb back into the house?" + +"I move that we explore this apartment first," said Jack. + +"Oh, no!" urged Harry. "This isn't a nice place to go poking around +in. We have troubles enough already without hunting more." + +"What's your objection to looking the place over?" asked Ned. + +"Rats!" was Harry's brief but expressive explanation. + +"Rats?" queried Ned. "What do you mean? Are there rats here?" + +"There certainly are, and lots of them," was the positive answer. +"When I dropped into this place I think I dropped onto one, and must +have crushed him before he had time to squeal. I heard others running." + +"We really ought to make a light," returned Ned. "We can't tell what +the place is like without some way of seeing it." + +"There's a light!" was Jack's sudden exclamation. "See it over there +to the right. Why," he added, "there are two lights!" + +"And I see others!" cried Harry. "I believe it's the eyes of the rats. +Perhaps they were frightened away and are coming back." + +"Have you any matches?" asked Ned. "I haven't a one with me. It's +careless, I know, but not a match can I find in my pockets." + +"Where's your searchlight?" inquired Jack. "Haven't you that?" + +"No; the Germans took that away from me when they searched us." + +"I have two matches," said Harry, "but I don't want to waste them. +Perhaps it will be a long time before we get any more, and I feel that +we ought to save them if possible." + +"Maybe we can find some stuff here dry enough to make a fire with, and +that'll give us light!" suggested Jack. + +"Good idea!" responded Ned. "The place feels dry enough." + +"Let's keep hold of hands and move slowly about," put in Harry. "In +that way we won't be separated and may find just what we want." + +Acting on this suggestion, the boys clasped hands and moved slowly +about, feeling their way cautiously with their feet. They seemed to be +in a cellar with a solid stone floor that had been made quite smooth. + +"Here's something!" exclaimed Harry as his foot struck a small object. +"This feels like a piece of wood." + +"Here's my knife; let's whittle some shavings," offered Jack. + +In a short time the boy had succeeded in producing the desired shavings +from the board Harry had discovered. Gathering these carefully in his +hands, he held them ready to receive the flame from Harry's match. All +three lads eagerly gathered closer together as Harry prepared to strike +the match that would give them the desired ability to see. Harry's +hand trembled a trifle in spite of his effort at self-control. His +first effort was unsuccessful. + +"Careful, Harry," admonished Ned. "Better strike it on your shoe sole. +That makes a better match scratcher than your trousers." + +"Correct!" observed Jack. "And go easy," he added. "We have only two, +you know. If anything should happen, you understand--" + +"Yes, I know," answered Harry. "That's why I'm trying to be extra +careful. I'm just as anxious for a light as you are." + +"The rats are coming closer," observed Jack, a slight quaver +perceptible in his voice. "I don't want them to start anything." + +"All right now, Harry; lean on me a bit to balance yourself," urged +Ned. "Make sure this time, and get it in your cupped hands." + +"Here goes!" announced Harry, lifting one foot and striking the match +upon the sole of his shoe. "Here comes the light!" + +But, contrary to expectations, the light did not come, although the lad +tried again and again. + +"Try the other match, Harry; maybe this one got wet somehow and won't +work," suggested Jack, stepping closer. + +"I have tried them both," declared Harry in a faint voice. + +"What's the matter, then?" demanded Jack excitedly. + +"I guess they are those safety matches that will light only on the +box," was Harry's explanation. "I haven't the box, either," he added +in a voice scarcely above a whisper. "It's no go, boys!" + +"Look through all your pockets," directed Ned, "and see if there isn't +a scrap of box left by oversight. We must have a light!" + +Frantically the three boys searched their pockets, but could discover +no shred or vestige of a box on which to strike the impregnated safety +matches held by Harry. At length they gave up the effort. + +"That's peculiar!" declared Jack with emphasis. "Just think of all the +matches used every day in the United States by thousands and thousands +of people who never think of saving them. We have used a whole lot of +matches ourselves needlessly, and now we want just one as badly as we +ever wanted anything. It's fierce!" + +"It surely is fierce," agreed Ned, "but we'll have to make the best of +it. It seems peculiar, too," he went on, "that the rats haven't begun +anything. They seem to be all about us." + +"Yes, but they are not moving about very fast," observed Harry. "Maybe +they 're afraid of us yet. Let's make a noise and scare them." + +"How shall we do it?" asked Jack. "What will you make a noise with if +you haven't anything to use? Tell me that!" + +"Stamp on the floor good and hard; that'll scare them." + +"All right; here goes!" agreed Jack, suiting the action to the word. + +All three boys were startled at the result of Jack's stamping. A +crackling sound was heard, followed by a tiny spurt of flame from the +floor under his foot. + +"Easy there, easy!" cried Harry, dropping to his knees. "That's just +what we wanted. Don't move now, but give me those shavings!" + +With trembling hands the lad took the shavings from Jack's hand. +Carefully shielding the tiny flame from possible draughts of air, the +boy held the point of one of the thin pieces of wood over the flare. +In a moment it had caught fire. Licking up the curl, the flame +gradually leaped from one piece of wood to another until the entire +handful was ablaze. The dancing light played upon the three faces and +sent a glow out into the surrounding blackness. Harry deposited the +burning shavings upon the floor, where the fire was soon transmitted to +the larger piece of wood Jack had used in whittling. + +As the boys saw that the matter of fire was assured, they glanced first +at each other, then let their gaze wander about the apartment. + +"Goodness, the rats don't seem to be much afraid of fire!" exclaimed +Jack, pointing toward a horde of rodents swarming about the place. + +"What's that on them?" asked Harry wonderingly. + +"I declare it's red!" exclaimed Ned. "It looks like blood!" + +"Where'd they get blood from, I'd like to know!" protested Harry. + +"There's only one answer to that just now, with all the dead and +wounded soldiers about," answered Ned, shaking his head. "It's awful!" + +"Let's get out of here as quick as we can," urged Jack. "Come on." + +With one accord the lads turned from the swarm of rats. + +"Where are you going?" demanded a strange voice from the darkness. + +"Who are you?" asked Ned, startled by the sudden question. + +"Maybe I'm a friend," was the answer. "Yes, I guess I am." + + + + +CHAPTER III + +OUT OF THE FLAMES + +When the soldier who had been holding his rifle at Jimmie's back +lowered the weapon and the ceremony of administering the oath of +allegiance to the Kaiser had been completed, the red-headed Boy Scout +who had been masquerading under a Cossack uniform breathed a deep sigh +of relief that but faintly expressed his sentiments. + +In spite of the seriousness of the situation, Jimmie maintained a +mental reservation that little less than contradicted his words so +recently spoken. He felt that it would be only policy to obey the +orders of those in superior force, since he could see no advantage to +be gained by a flat refusal. His thoughts rapidly compassed the +situation, and he recognized the fact that the invading horde of +Germans were in no mood to consider dispassionately the matter of a boy +more or less who was found under the circumstances in which they had +discovered Jimmie. + +Reluctantly, therefore, but because he thought it by far the better +plan, the lad had submitted to the course insisted upon. + +During all the time that he had been repeating the words after the +officer the boy had been mentally conjecturing a means of escape +whereby he might rejoin his chums and be fairly sure of the escape of +the entire party from the hands of the army that had so recently +captured Peremysl and who were now engaged in bringing order out of the +apparent chaos that reigned. + +Not until the searching party returned and reported to the Captain +their unsuccessful quest after his three comrades did Jimmie realize +that an effort was being made to apprehend them. + +Then he began to believe that it was not the intention of the German +Captain to allow the boys to leave the country. The thought was a very +disquieting one. In entertaining it, Jimmie felt himself fully +justified in taking any possible course of escape. + +"Well, my lad," began the Captain, addressing Jimmie in a not unkindly +tone, the while his blue eyes regarded the lad with an amused glance, +"now that you are a full-fledged Uhlan and your comrades are on their +way home, you will be fitted out with a new uniform by the proper +department. See that you select a good strong one, for we have plenty +of rough work ahead of us. Yes?" + +"Very good, sir!" replied Jimmie with outward politeness, although his +heart was filled with rage at the thought of donning the German +uniform. "I shall try to do well whatever I undertake." + +"Spoken like a man!" declared the officer with a short laugh. + +A brief order spoken in the German language to an orderly nearby +resulted in that individual signing to Jimmie. Obediently the lad +followed his new guide. Past groups of soldiers who were, by their +fair hair, round cheeks, blue eyes and general stocky build, members of +the German army, the boy and his conductor took their way. + +Not far down the street they came upon several wagons in charge of a +commissioned officer, before whom the guide stopped with a very formal +salute. After receiving a recognition of his salute the guide +explained his errand. A laughing response greeted his explanation of +circumstances. The officer called one of his aides, and the work of +outfitting the erstwhile Cossack began. + +Jimmie discovered that the wagons were veritable stores on wheels, and +was greatly surprised at the neatness and order with which the large +assortment of goods were disposed. No difficulty was experienced in +securing clothing of the proper dimensions, and Jimmie soon stood forth +to all external appearances as loyal and brave a Uhlan as ever followed +the banner of the Emperor or stuck a lance into a dummy at riding +exercise. He could not restrain a laugh at the peculiar round cap that +was fitted to his head. + +"Now I'm hungry!" he declared as he surveyed himself in his new +regalia. "Where's the eats?" he asked of the guide. + +A stare from a pair of pale blue eyes was the only response. + +"I say," began Jimmie in a louder tone, "I haven't had anything to eat +for a long time. I'm hungry!" he finished in a shout. + +Another stare and a nod of the head greeted this outburst. + +"Aw, come off!" was Jimmied disgusted sally. "Where are your ears? +Wake up! It's six bells and the cook has struck. Here--" + +Seizing the guide by the sleeve, Jimmie shook his finger under the +other's nose for attention. Then he repeated his old-time universal +sign language denoting hunger. + +The guide followed with great interest Jimmie's motion of pointing into +his open mouth and gazed delightedly at the patting of the stomach. +Apparently, however, he could discover nothing amiss with the belt +buckle or any of the accoutrements that adorned the person of the +new-found recruit. He shook his head in a negative way. + +"Oh, you mutton-head!" scorned Jimmie. Then, recalling the few words +of German he had learned in haphazard fashion, he began again, pausing +between each word to give emphasis to his request. + +"Ach, Ich say, old scout," he stated, "Ich would like some brodt haben, +und sauer kraut, und wiener wurst, and kaffee, and pumpernickel, und +kaffekuchen, und Kolbfleisch, und--oh, whatever you have handy." + +A smile slowly spread over the face of the guide as he began to +comprehend Jimmie's meaning. He nodded vigorously. + +"And I say, dumbhead, Heute Ganse Braten!" Jimmie added vigorously. +"There!" he declared in an undertone, "I know I saw that sign in Dick +Stein's restaurant on the north side in Chicago one time when I was +there, and I asked the man what it meant. He said it was German for +'We have roast goose to-day,' and I'd like a little of that, too." + +"So-o," drawled the guide. "Und you haf been by Stein's restaurant? +Yes? Vell, I vas waiter dere for two, tree year. It is a nice blace." + +"You rascal!" shouted Jimmie. "You understood me all the time. Why +didn't you let me know you understood English at first?" + +"Maype I didn't understand," the other stated simply. + +"Maybe you didn't, and again maybe you did," retorted the lad rather +tartly. "If you keep on playing your monkey shines on me, you'll get +me sore pretty soon, and I'll be tempted to cloud up and rain all over +you. And there'll be considerable dunder und blitzen along with the +cyclonic disturbance in the atmosphere," he added. + +"All right," was the calm response. "You iss hungry. Maybe you vant +someding to eat. Yes? Or maybe not?" + +"Great frozen hot boxes!" cried Jimmie in a despairing tone. "I don't +see how, with all the scarcity of ivory in the market, the billiard +ball makers let you roam about at large so long. Why," he added with +rising indignation, "you're giving the exact symptoms of a chap who is +ossified from the shoulders to the sky! Of course I want to eat, and +I'd be de-lighted to perform that simple operation now." + +"But to eat before mess, it is verboten," declared the guide. + +"Say," retorted Jimmie, "just let me have your name and the address of +any relatives you want notified in case of accident. Something is +going to blow up pretty soon, and when the explosion is over they'll go +around with a sponge to gather up the pieces of the innocent +bystanders. Among those present was a former waiter at Dick Stein's." + +"Ach, yes," slowly replied the other. "My name iss Otto von +Freundlich. In America I am called Friendly Otto. It iss so in der +telephone book. Names iss backwards put down." + +"Well, if you'll just be good enough to get me one of those nice large +German pancakes that we used to get at Stein's, with a couple of cups +of coffee and a little 'T' bone steak well done, with some fried +potatoes and a side order of cauliflower in cream, some cold slaw, a +little lettuce, some lentils, and a small platter of sauer kraut, I'll +try to worry along until mess time. Can't we eat at all?" + +"No, not all of dot," soberly responded Otto seriously, evidently +believing that Jimmie intended to eat everything he had mentioned. + +"Then for pity's sake tell me what I can have. I'm getting so hungry I +could almost eat the wheels off this wagon." + +"Maybe a little soup und some rye bread?" replied Otto inquiringly. + +"That listens good to your Uncle Dudley," was Jimmie's response in a +somewhat mollified tone. "Lead me to it and I'll do the rest." + +"Come," directed Otto, starting away and beckoning the lad to follow. +"Come; der cook maybe has something good for hungry soldiers." + +Jimmie followed with much interest, taking note of everything as he +went along. Here he saw a group of soldiers resting after some +evidently heavy work. There another group were arranging their +accoutrements and polishing their weapons as they rested in the shade +of a broken wall that had withstood the heavy hammering of the immense +German guns during the days of bombardment of the city. + +Wagons were drawn up along the side of the street, gasoline trucks were +darting hither and thither on various errands, while small groups of +horsemen were constantly passing to and fro about the town. + +Everywhere was activity, indicating to Jimmie that not only were the +Germans investing the city and preparing it for their occupation, but +that other preparations were under way. This could only mean to the +lad that the commander of the invading forces was preparing to press +the advantage he had gained by following the Russian army he had driven +from Peremysl and attempt to administer a crushing blow. + +"What is all this bustle about, Otto?" he asked presently. + +"Ach, I know not," was the reply. "Und if I should know, it is +verboten that I should say. You will discover in good time." + +"That's all right, but I'll bet my last year's hat that you know pretty +well what's going on if you'd only talk a bit." + +"That is perhaps so and perhaps not so," replied Otto. + +"All right; I vote yes on the amendment," persisted Jimmie, feeling +that by a little maneuvering he could learn something from his guide. +"From what the Captain said while we were in the house and you were on +the street, I understand that your regiment will be one of the first to +be tolled off to pursue the Russians. Maybe he'll send me with them. +I do hope so, for that will give me a chance to get a whack at them in +payment for the hard treatment I received." + +"Ach, nein!" protested Otto, evidently endeavoring to set Jimmie right. +"My regiment is to return. We have done our work here." + +"I thought so all the time," muttered Jimmie. "You may have been in +America a while, but you haven't got wise to the great game of 'bluff' +the Americans pull off once in a while. You're easy." + +"What is dot?" inquired Otto. "I did not hear what you say." + +"I say," replied Jimmie in a louder tone, "I'm hungry. I want +something to eat, and I'm curious to know what is in that bundle you +are carrying so carefully. Is it dynamite or something?" + +"Nein; it is the Russian Cossack uniform you wore. I shall burn it +when we arrive at the kitchen you see ahead of us." + +"Oh, so you don't like Cossack uniforms any better than I do." + +"It is orders," was the German's simple statement. + +"Well, here we are at the cook's place," announced Jimmie as the two +drew near a movable kitchen equipment in the street. + +A few words addressed to the person in charge of the kitchen brought +forth a smiling response. In a moment Jimmie was supplied with a small +dish of nourishing stew of cabbages and beans. + +He devoured the contents of the dish with an appetite, and gladly +accepted the cup of black unsweetened coffee that was tendered. + +"Thank you! That was just like mother used to make!" he said as he +returned the empty dish and cup. "I'll see you again." + +Jimmie stepped back a pace, preparing to follow Otto, presuming that he +would lead the way to regimental headquarters. + +As he glanced about in search of his guide he discovered the German +stuffing the discarded Cossack uniform into the furnace underneath a +huge kettle. With a startled cry Jimmie grasped frantically at his +breast. Then he darted forward and snatched the clothing from the fire. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +BURIED ALIVE + +"Well, if you're a friend, step forward and let us see what you look +like," challenged Ned, turning in the direction from whence the strange +voice proceeded. "You needn't be afraid to show your face." + +"I'm not the one who is afraid," was the reply. + +"We're not afraid, if that's what you mean," retorted the lad. + +A chuckle from the newcomer was the only response. + +"Are you coming forward?" asked Ned in a rather impatient tone, for his +experiences of the last few moments had been enough to cause him to be +slightly irritable. "I'd like to see you." + +As the lad spoke he peered eagerly toward the blackness surrounding +himself and his chums. Owing to the faintness of the flame from their +small fire, the darkness lying about them like a dense pall was too +great for his eyes to pierce. Try as he might, he could not +distinguish even the faintest outline of the stranger. + +"If you are afraid of the rats or the Germans you might step over this +way and we'll go to a more convenient and pleasant place. This isn't a +cheerful spot," was the stranger's suggestion. + +This invitation was received in silence by the three boys. + +"Of course," the other continued, "if you prefer to remain here and +talk it over with the rodents, I have no objections." + +"Perhaps we would rather take our own way out of here," Ned stated with +little friendliness in his voice. + +"Perhaps," was the dry response from the utter darkness. "But," went +on the stranger, "you'd have a beautiful time doing it. There's only +one way out of this place except by the trap door through which you +came. Unless you're regular little derricks you can't move all that +rubbish piled on top of the trap door, and you'd not be apt to discover +the underground exit if you had the eyes of a hawk and an electric +light plant besides. Better come along." + +Ned had not relaxed his clasp on the hands of his companions, and now +drew them closer to him. In a whisper he asked: + +"What do you think, boys? Shall we do as he suggests?" + +"Might as well," said Jack. "We can't be in much worse case than we +are now, and those rats might get good and ugly when they get wise to +our being here. I move we follow him." + +"Second the motion, unless you've got a better suggestion," added +Harry. "This place is getting on my nerves. Let's go." + +"I rather feel as if we ought not to go with this fellow unless he's +willing to show himself and let us get an idea who he is," Ned stated +in a hesitating way. "Perhaps you boys are right, but I don't feel at +all easy about it. Maybe he's trying to get us into a trap." + +"That's so," agreed Harry. "At least if we remain where we are we'll +be no worse off than we would have been without him." + +"You're right there," put in Jack, "but on the other hand we're in a +bad fix, and Jimmie's outside and needs us. This fellow's coming may +be just the chance for escape that we are wanting. Suppose we follow +him as he suggests and all the while remember our motto to 'Be +Prepared.' Wouldn't that be the proper course?" + +"I guess you're right, Jack," Ned said with a sigh. "Perhaps I'm wrong +about it. I don't want to overlook a chance to help Jimmie and get +back to America. I'll withdraw my objections." + +"All right, then, let's get started. Tell him so." + +"Are you there?" Ned called out in a louder tone, addressing himself +toward the place from which the stranger's voice had come. + +"I am for a minute," answered the other. "But I'm going now. If you +care to come with me I'll be glad to take you out of here." + +"Where will you take us?" asked Ned, reluctant still to follow. + +"That's something I cannot say right now. You'll find out." + +"All right," consented the boy, starting forward. "But remember," he +cautioned, "we shall not relish anything in the way of tricks." + +"Suspicious still, I see," laughed the other. "Well, follow this +light, and be careful how you step. There may be irregularities in the +floor that you'll have to discover for yourselves. It won't be safe to +do any talking for a while. The Germans are watchful." + +The three boys were startled to observe a circle of light appear upon +the stone floor of the apartment at some little distance from the spot +where they were standing. It appeared to emanate from an electric +searchlight held in the hands of the stranger. + +Ned took a step toward the light. Jack and Harry did likewise. Their +surprise increased as they observed that the light moved along the +floor at a pace about equal to their own. + +Ned thought that he could faintly discern the feet of the person +carrying the light, but was unable to learn anything of the character +of the person. He was torn between his desire to escape from the +apartment and the wish to learn the identity of the stranger. + +Only a few steps had been taken by the stranger before the light was +extinguished. Instantly the three boys halted. + +"S-s-sh!" came a warning hiss. "Be mighty careful now of your +conversation and your footsteps. Keep as quiet as possible and follow +me closely. We are all in extreme danger!" + +In spite of his efforts at self-control, Ned's muscles trembled and he +found it difficult to walk steadily. Assuming that his chums were in +like plight, the lad summoned all his courage and reached out a +reassuring hand to the others. The contact with his friends seemed to +restore the equilibrium that had been Ned's most valuable asset in +times of stress and danger in his many adventures. + +Long afterwards the boy declared that in all his experiences that +compassed many strange and hazardous enterprises in the United States, +Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, China and other countries he had never +felt so keenly the need of aid as he did at that moment. + +Not for long, however, were the boys permitted to consider the peril of +their position. Almost instantly they heard a faint grating sound +directly in front of them. A cold draught of damp, musty air struck +their faces, and they understood that a door had been opened into some +other apartment. The odor of the incoming air told them plainly that +the next apartment was also underground, and they surmised that it had +not recently been occupied. + +"Come!" was the command borne to their ears in the faintest of whispers +from the person leading the way. + +Unhesitatingly the lads advanced. Jack had taken but a couple of steps +before he collided with some solid object. The shock of contact +brought forth a grunt of surprise. At the same moment Harry went +through a similar experience. Ned met no resistance and nearly lost +his hold of the others before he recovered his balance. + +"Gee!" Jack whispered, "I've hit a wall!" + +"Here, too!" put in Harry, lowering his whisper to a mere breath. + +"Single file, lock step," directed Ned. + +Jack and Harry fell in behind their Scout Master obediently, and the +little party began groping its way along. Ned reached out a hand on +either side as he went forward. His hands came in contact with walls +that appeared to be made of stone. The dampness had gathered in great +drops on the surface. A slime had been deposited that made Ned shudder +as he felt it. He knew, however, that this was no time to permit an +interruption through squeamishness. + +There was now no guiding light in advance, and the boys cautiously +picked their way along the stones, with Ned feeling every inch of the +way before he set his foot down. Directly the lad heard another +warning hiss. This time the sound was closer than formerly. + +"Put your hand on my shoulder," came the whispered command. + +Ned followed this instruction immediately. He judged by the height to +which he raised his hand to rest it upon the other's shoulder that the +stranger was a person of about his own build. His sense of touch also +told him that the other's clothing was of a material similar to the +khaki uniform he himself was wearing. A faint odor of gasoline and +grease assailed his nostrils, particularly distinguishable because of +the damp air in which the party was traveling. + +Suddenly the boys were startled by the sound of an explosion that came +faintly to their ears. The earth in their vicinity trembled. + +"What's that?" asked Ned in a whisper. "What's going on?" + +"Hush!" replied the guide. "The Germans are making some improvements +in the town. They are blowing down some dangerous walls. Now keep as +quiet as you can and follow me. We'll have to hurry!" + +Ned made no further attempt at conversation, but obediently gave his +entire attention to following the strange person in advance. + +Before the little party had traversed the passage to any considerable +distance they heard several other explosions similar to the first. One +particularly louder than the others was followed by the sound of small +pieces of rock tumbling from the roof and walls of the passage. Ned +pressed still closer to his guide, while Jack and Harry needed no +urging to make them crowd up to Ned in their impatience. + +Not far from the point where the boys had noticed the pieces of rock +falling the guide turned a corner abruptly. Ned wondered how he was +able in the intense blackness to distinguish so accurately the spot for +making the turn, but refrained from making any comment. + +As he followed the guide around the corner the lad's foot struck +against an object lying on the floor. A metallic ring from the object +he had kicked caught the lad's attention. Slipping his hand quickly +down the other's back in preparation for a movement to pick up the +object, Ned was surprised to come in contact with a belt. He was +startled to observe that the belt was filled with cartridges. + +Without stopping to comment upon the circumstance, Ned stooped quickly +with hand outstretched. His fingers came in contact with the object +his foot had struck. He instantly recognized it to be an automatic +pistol. Restraining his impulse to cry out, the lad shifted the weapon +in his hand to a grip that would permit him to use it in case such a +move was necessary. He straightened up at once. + +Scarcely had the boys taken another dozen steps before they heard the +voices of a number of men, all apparently endeavoring to talk at once +and using a language that was unintelligible to the lads. + +Greater caution, if possible, was now used by all in their negotiating +the dark passage. A few steps farther on carried them past the place +where the voices had been heard. Ned breathed a sigh of relief as the +voices died away in the distance. + +Presently the guide halted. He turned to a position where he could +face Ned. Still speaking in a whisper, he said: + +"We are not out of danger yet, but I'll thank you to let me have that +automatic you picked up back there. It's mine!" + +"Come on, now, hand it over," continued the other. + +"Where did you get it?" whispered Ned. "Can you prove what you say?" + +"Of course I can!" replied the other. "I'm a bird man, and that is +part of my equipment. You have no right to it!" + +A louder detonation than any they had heard yet drowned Ned's reply. +The walls in the passage seemed shaking as if about to fall. From the +passage in their rear came shrieks and groans. An odor of sulphur came +blowing upon their backs. A crashing and grinding noise filled the +air. Jack and Harry closed in upon the others. + +"Let's get out of here as quick as we can," urged Ned. + +"We're at the end of the passage!" declared the guide. "That blast has +probably filled the corridor back of us with rubbish. Unless we can +dig a way out of it, we're buried alive!" + + + + +CHAPTER V + +A GUARD IN DISGRACE + +Jimmie's momentum carried him toward the camp kettle with such violence +that he was unable to check his speed. He could only swerve his course +enough to avoid actually falling into the open door through which fuel +had been fed. Unfortunately, however, the lad lost his footing and, as +he fell, thrust a hand against the hot iron. + +"Ow, wow!" yelled Jimmie, as he rolled over the ground, dragging with +him the already burning Cossack uniform. + +"Here, here!" shouted Otto, rousing from his phlegmatic attitude and +springing forward in Jimmie's direction. "Leave dot alone!" + +Jimmie rose to his feet nursing his burned hand and casting a glance of +extreme disgust toward his new-found friend. + +"What business have you got burning up my clothes, I'd like to know!" +he indignantly began. "You big sauer kraut eater. You don't seem to +know that clothes cost money and that these clothes were presented to +me by the Imperial Czar of Russia!" + +"Dot makes no difference about dot Russian bizness," answered Otto +doggedly; "my orders iss to burn dot uniform, und dot's chust vot I'm +going to do. Maybe you would like to watch me." + +"Yes, I'll watch you," Jimmie stated aggressively, his face flushing +until the freckles were scarcely distinguishable. "You can burn the +old uniform as fast as you like, but there is something in it that I +want before you start the conflagration." + +Otto stretched forth a hand in an effort to wrest the already charred +and smoldering garments from The Wolf. He evidently intended to take +matters strictly into his own hands and obey orders to the letter, +regardless of Jimmie's wishes in the matter. + +Jimmie just as resolutely intended to have his own way about the +matter, although he had no objection to the ultimate burning of the +discarded insignia of the gallant troop he had at one time joined. + +Although suffering keenly from the hand that had come in contact with +the iron and that would be giving him pain for some time, Jimmie +directed his attention to a search of the garments. He thrust his +uninjured hand into one pocket after another, frantically groping for +some object. Directly he gave a glad shout and withdrew his hand, +clutching a small packet from which a loop of heavy cord hung. + +Otto had lost some of the zest with which he had been imbued when he +first raised an objection to Jimmie's action. His sluggish nature had +dominated his movements, and now he moved forward with the ponderous +motions of the average German agriculturist, although it was plain to +the observers standing about that nothing short of a superior force +could deter his progress or swerve him from his course. + +"I've got it!" shouted Jimmie gleefully as he grasped the packet and +attempted to gather up the scattered garments. + +"Yes," put in Otto, in a voice which betokened his rage because his +beloved orders had not been obeyed, "you haf got it, und now you will +get someting else! I have someting for you right here!" + +"You're welcome to the uniform now," was Jimmie's response. "I'm +through with the uniform, and I hope with the Russian army." + +"Maybe so," stated Otto, growling forth the words in a tone resembling +the greeting usually given a tramp by a bulldog, "but you ain't through +with the German army, by a long shot!" + +"Oh, the German army ain't so much," scorned Jimmie. "I've seen lots +of armies that could tie you Dutchmen into knots." + +"Yes, they could--not!" derisively put in Otto, with an air that he had +evidently picked up during his experience on the north side of Chicago. +"You wait; I will show you someting!" + +Jimmie's interest in the packet had absorbed his attention to such an +extent that he had not noticed the approach of the German, and it was +not until Otto's great arms surrounded his form that the boy realized +his danger. He had considered Otto merely as a guide, and had not +thought it possible for him to act in any other capacity. Now he +understood that the German intended to do him bodily harm, if possible. +Quickly as the realization of his danger flashed through the boy's +active mind, he began to plan a means of escape. He well understood +that, struggle as he might, his strength would be far less than that of +his antagonist, and he knew that, in order to escape, he must resort to +his knowledge of wrestling and boxing. + +Although compelled to think and act quickly in the emergency, a +recollection of Ned Nestor's training and the drills to which he had +subjected his fellow Boy Scouts flashed across Jimmie's vision. + +Otto's arms had encircled Jimmie's form and were slowly tightening in a +python-like constriction that forced Jimmie's organs upward into his +ribs and shut off his heart action. Again Jimmie recalled vividly his +experiences in trying to break a "body scissors" on the mat, This time, +however, he cast aside the rules of conduct that forbid fouls and +determined to free himself at whatever cost. + +Otto's surprise at feeling Jimmie's heels gouging up and down his shin +was exceeded only by his astonishment at receiving a blow on the chin +from Jimmie's red head. Butting in a fight was a part of "the game" +that the former newsboy had picked up in his encounters on the Bowery +when protecting his corner from other vendors. + +Long since discarded, the accomplishment now served Jimmie well, and he +used it effectively, not forgetting to keep one foot in action as he +industriously pegged away at the foot upon which his heel had first +landed. Jimmie believed thoroughly in the old adage that 'continual +dropping will wear away a stone.' + +Black specks began to float slowly across Jimmie's vision and his +breath seemed to have left his body. In place of lungs the boy felt he +had only a great raging furnace. His foot began to be heavier and +heavier. He was about to give up in despair. + +Without warning, Otto released his grasp to fling Jimmie from him as he +stepped backward to escape the onslaught of kicks and blows from +Jimmie's active head. As he released the boy he aimed a vicious swing +that would have done a great deal of damage had it landed. + +Luckily for the red-headed Uhlan, his feet became tangled in the +remnants of the discarded and partly burned uniform that had been the +innocent cause of the battle. Just as Otto aimed the blow at Jimmie's +head the boy stumbled and fell backward. + +There flashed to the lad's mind the thought that the Russian uniform +had been the means of saving him from a most unwelcome hurt. + +Perhaps one of Jimmie's most lovable qualities was the ability to see +and appreciate a joke, no matter what the time or circumstances. This +quality so dominated the lad that his comrades often declared he would +laugh at his own expense even when he was hungry. Just now he was so +impressed with the absurdity of the uniform's being the cause of his +trouble and the means of his escape that he laughed aloud. + +Unnoticed by either of the contestants, a considerable number of the +cooks and "kitchen police" had gathered to witness the difficulty +between the two. These bystanders now offered words of encouragement +in an effort to prolong the battle. It seemed that the dominating +spirit of battle had not been satisfied during the several days of +awful history-making struggle between the armies around the stricken +city. The bloodlust was strong in their souls. + +Jimmie heard their cries, although he could not distinguish the words +they used, nor could he have understood them had he done so. He +realized that Otto would probably hear and understand, and that for +very shame, if for no other reason, the other man would return to the +conflict. He therefore drew a deep breath and braced himself for the +expected advance. Something warm and wet seemed to be trickling down +over Jimmie's face. He put up a hand to wipe it away. The hand came +away wet and sticky. To Jimmie's astonishment the hand was red. + +A roar of rage assailed his ears, and Jimmie turned just in time to +duck under a mighty swing. Angered at the persistence displayed, +Jimmie let fly a stinging hook that fell short of its intended mark. +Instead of landing on Otto's chin, as he had purposed, Jimmie flung his +fist full upon the "Adam's apple" of his antagonist, bringing forth a +gurgling squawk that afforded merriment to the bystanders. + +He lost no time in following up his advantage. Quickly springing +forward, he landed a shower of blows, each one in a telling spot about +Otto's head. The lad's ire was fully roused, and he entered into the +matter of administering punishment with a zest. + +Handicapped by his lighter weight, the boy could not hope successfully +to cope with the burly German on anything like an equal footing, and +consequently determined to press the advantage to the utmost, hence he +wasted no blows, but made every one count. + +Eager to administer what he considered ample punishment, yet wary and +cautious, the lad gave his entire attention to his effort. He was +looking for an opening through which he might slip a "knockout," and +gave no heed to the events transpiring about him. Hence he did not +notice the approach of a small party of officers until he felt a hand +laid heavily upon his shoulder and a voice spoke in his ear. + +"So, this is the way my soldiers behave when I am not present!" Jimmie +heard the man say. He turned to gaze at the newcomer. + +"Captain von Liebknecht!" he gasped in utter amazement. + +"The same," replied the officer who had first interviewed Jimmie in the +partly ruined house. "It seems to me," he went on in a severe tone, +his pale blue eyes narrowing to mere points, "that my recruits might be +in better business than trying to spoil my veterans!" + +For a moment Jimmie forgot to be respectful. The old spirit of Bowery +repartee, so long held in leash and thoroughly muzzled by Ned Nestor's +training and Jimmie's own self-control, had broken bonds, and now +showed itself upon the surface without restraint. + +"You can't spoil a bad egg, Captain!" was the impertinent response. +"This fool Dutchman got too gay and I just put him into the clear!" + +"Silence!" roared von Liebknecht. "No reply is necessary." + +"Well, I made one just the same," was Jimmie's undaunted retort. + +"So I observe," remarked the officer, "and for that you shall be +punished. It shall be my pleasant duty to see that you get your full +share of regular work, and in addition I shall assign you to the +delightful position of assisting the police detail." + +"But I'm not big enough to be a policeman," objected Jimmie. + +A smile spread over the face of the officer as he observed: + +"That is your misfortune, not mine. If you had been so fortunate as to +be a German, you would have been much bigger and perhaps more +respectful. You will please remember in future to be at least civil." + +Jimmie began to realize that it would not be to his advantage to +continue the conversation, especially in the spirit already shown. He +therefore drew himself up to his full height and gravely saluted, using +the well-known Boy Scout form, with thumb and little finger touching +and the other three fingers extended vertically, palm outward. + +The action seemed to please von Liebknecht immensely, although he would +not alter his decision in the least. A rapidly spoken order to an aide +standing near resulted in Jimmie's being hurried away in the direction +of the camp where the Uhlans' horses were quartered. + +He thought he saw the wings of an aeroplane resting in an open space. +Forms were moving about the plane. Jimmie started. + +The lad began moving his arms as if stretching himself or going through +a sort of setting-up exercise. Again and again he repeated the +movements. A smile lighted the freckled face. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +A MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL + +"Good night!" ejaculated Harry, as the guide finished speaking. "You +certainly have got us into a tight box now!" + +"That's what I say," put in Jack, "you're a fine one!" + +"Let me have your searchlight," commanded Ned, retaining his grasp on +the other's cartridge belt, "hand it over quickly." + +"I'll run the searchlight myself," declared the unknown in a crisp +tone. "You've got my gun and I guess that's enough!" + +"Yes, and I know how to use it, too," replied Ned. + +"There, there, Ned, this isn't any time to start arguing," urged Jack, +pacifically, "let's get out of here first of all." + +"Second the amendment," laughed Ned, controlling himself with a slight +effort, "I've got this fellow dead to rights, and if he will only help +us with his searchlight, we will try to get outside quickly." + +"Well, he's going to help us," volunteered Harry. "I'll see to that. +Just notice this big rock I am holding." + +"Don't get excited, hoys," urged the stranger. "I'm doing everything I +can to get all of us out of this mess. Our troubles all came about +simply because of the fact that we were not 'Prepared.'" + +"Then you believe in being prepared?" asked Jack. + +"That's my motto--'Be Prepared'!" answered the stranger. + +"That's our motto, also," put in Harry eagerly. "I wonder where you +got that motto. You don't talk like the United States." + +"Huh! I should say not!" declared the other. "But I came from a place +that is every bit as good as the United States," he added. + +"There's only one place that I know of," stated Ned emphatically, "that +answers that description. What part of Canada are you from?" + +"Vancouver," was the ready response. "Do you know the place?" + +"Well, we ought to. We put in some time in British Columbia chasing a +man who robbed the United States government." + +"Good," declared the stranger. "My name is Gilmore--David Gilmore. I +belong to the Moose Patrol of Vancouver." + +"Dave, for short, I suppose," put in Jack in a more friendly tone. + +"To my friends--yes," answered David with a short laugh. + +"Now, boys," began Ned, "if it's agreeable, I suggest--" + +A shriek of agony cut short the suggestion Ned was about to make. By +common consent the boys drew closer together as the awful sound echoed +through the narrow confines of the low tunnel in which they were +imprisoned. All thoughts of introductions were driven instantly from +their minds, to be replaced by their desire to render aid. + +"The searchlight, Dave," said Ned quickly, falling naturally into the +use of the shortened appellation. "Let's make haste." + +A circle of flame from the searchlight in David's hand was his reply to +this request. It fell upon the damp, slimy walls of the tunnel, +illuminating a small space in their immediate neighborhood. The boy +swung the searchlight to a position where it would give them a view of +the area through which they had just come. + +An appalling sight met their eyes. The explosion had wrecked the roof +and sides of the narrow space. Heaps of broken rock and other debris +choked the passage. Beneath one of the lumps projected the feet of a +man. Beyond that the boys could dimly see the forms of one or two +others. It seemed that several men had been unfortunately caught. + +"Where did that fellow come from?" queried Ned anxiously, pointing +toward the feet of the luckless individual who was screaming in agony. + +"I don't know," Jack stated briefly, "but we'll help him out." + +"All right, boys; let's get busy," urged Harry. + +No further suggestions were needed to enlist the aid of all four boys. +As they moved forward, their progress somewhat hindered by fallen +rocks, the cries grew fainter and presently ceased. + +As they reached the spot where the man lay imprisoned, David thrust the +searchlight to a favorable position, where it would show them the face +of the stranger. He knelt but a moment. Rising again to his feet, the +lad turned to his new-found companions. + +"I guess we're too late, boys," he said in a hushed voice. + +"That's too bad," said Ned sympathetically. "I'm sorry." + +"What shall we do?" questioned Jack. "Can't we help him at all?" + +David shook his head sadly. He again swung the searchlight around the +place, examining the walls carefully as he did so. + +"I'm sure that it's no use, boys," he said. "If the fellow had not +been beyond help he would not have stopped crying out. In such a time +as this, heartless though it may seem, we'll have to look out for +ourselves without spending energy on those beyond help." + +"You're right, I guess," agreed Ned sadly. "I heartily wish that we +were all back in America again, beyond the influence of this awful war. +I sincerely hope that it will be confined to Europe." + +"I echo your sentiment," said David. "And now," he added briskly, "let +us give our attention to getting out of this place. I wonder if we can +move some of these looser stones and get through into the room beyond. +We may be able to get out to the street that way." + +"What do you know about the layout of this place?" asked Jack. + +"We are now under one of the big buildings--I should say under the +ruins of one of the big buildings of Peremysl. It got struck by shells +during the early part of the engagement and was neglected after that. +The men we heard were refugees from the Russian army who thought they +would be able to appear after the German occupation and do some damage +to the invaders. They were well equipped with supplies of various +sorts, including ammunition, and intended to get out to-night." + +"I wonder if they have all gone?" asked Jack. + +"I suppose the most of them are dead," answered David. "And we may +join them unless we get out. Our chances look slim." + +"I don't know about that," objected Ned. "I notice that the smell of +powder is not so pronounced as it was a while ago. The air in here +seems much better than it did before the explosion, and I believe that +somewhere a passage has been opened which permits the air to flow in. +It seems to me I can smell sweet air." + +"I believe you're right, Ned," declared Harry sniffing. + +"Let's get at these stones, then," suggested Jack, suiting the action +to the word, and beginning to lift away lighter pieces of rock from the +heap that confronted the lads. + +All the boys took hold eagerly and began the task of removing the +barrier that prevented their exit. They took turns holding the +searchlight upon the work. Presently Jack announced that he could see +light through the crevices between the stones. This announcement was +hailed joyfully by the others. + +"Hurrah!" announced Harry gleefully, as he pushed a piece of rock +forward, opening a space wide enough to penult him to thrust an arm +through. "One more chunk out of here and we can get through." + +In another moment the four boys stood erect in a space that had +formerly been a cellar. They drew deep draughts of air into their +lungs and looked up beyond ruined walls to see the sky overhead. + +"That looks good to me," stated Ned, pointing upward. + +"Here too!" put in David. "Now I can get a good look at you fellows +and will be able to recognize you readily the next time I see you. +My," he added, "you are Boy Scouts, too." + +"Why, of course," said Ned in astonishment. "What did you think we +were? I hope you didn't take us for soldiers." + +"Well, not exactly," said David, smiling, "but I really didn't have +time to form a definite opinion before I heard that you were captured. +Would you like to get back to your plane?" he asked. + +"Would we?" asked Jack in a tone expressive of his intense longing for +the Eagle. "You are just right, we would!" + +"Perhaps we can manage to make it if the Germans have not taken it +away," suggested David. "I can't say for sure, but we can try." + +"Let's be on our way, then," urged Harry, eager to start. + +"Suppose we look about and look for something to eat," suggested Ned. +"I'm beginning to appreciate Jimmie's feelings." + +"I hope you're not hungry already?" laughed Jack, "Why," he added, "you +had something to eat no longer ago than--" + +"Yes, no longer ago than the last time we ate," interrupted Harry. +"You may not believe it, but I'm getting so hungry I could eat +anything." + +"All right; call the waiter, then, and we'll all eat." + +"Perhaps I can find something," volunteered David. "I know where the +Russians kept most of their stores. They had a place over here at one +side of this big space filled with things to eat and shoot and so on. +They had a lot of stuff in there." + +"Where do you suppose they have all gone?" asked Ned, glancing about. + +"I rather imagine they have gotten away as fast as they could after the +Germans began blowing down the tottering walls. Those fellows we saw +back there in the tunnel were possibly trying to get away by that +route," replied David. "I intended bringing you here when we left the +cellar where the rats were. I thought the way was clear." + +"How did you happen to be there?" asked Ned. + +"I got tired of being a prisoner," answered David. "Naturally, when +the chance offered, I just slipped into the passage and started. I +counted my steps to the end and found I must go the other way. When I +had reached the cellar where you were I was exploring it when I heard +the noise overhead. I just stayed in the dark until you made a light." + +"Then you thought you'd help us out?" asked Harry. + +"Yes," was the reply. "I felt that you needed a guide, and I had to do +one good turn a day, you know. I thought that would be one." + +"Sure, we know," Harry stated in a low voice. "I guess that was pretty +nearly three good turns, wasn't it, Ned?" + +"We'll count it as three, anyhow," responded Ned heartily. + +"Now, you're hungry," interrupted David, rather loath to hear his own +praises. "Come over this way and we'll see what we can find." + +As David had predicted, the boys found a smaller room opening off the +large one in which they were gathered. There was a miscellaneous +collection of articles comprising food, ammunition, arms and many other +things. They at once attacked the food supply. + +Harry gleefully announced the discovery of a can of beef from Chicago, +while Jack went into ecstacies over a can of beans. + +Without the loss of a moment the boys fell to and soon satisfied their +hunger. Directly Jack began searching amongst the goods. + +"Where did they store their water?" he asked David. + +"I don't know that," replied the boy. "What is in that barrel?" + +"Nothing but gasoline, judging by the smell," replied Jack. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Ned, springing to his feet. "Just the thing!" + +"Not to drink!" objected Jack scornfully. "Not for me, anyway!" + +"No, but fine for the Eagle if we can get it there and find the plane +still in working order. Let's hope they haven't taken it away." + +"Let's go see," suggested David. "We can take along some of this +gasoline in some of these empty tins and cans." + +"You're a brick!" announced Jack. "I'm beginning to like you!" + +Scrambling over the wreckage and ruins of the building, the four boys, +each bearing a vessel with gasoline, gained the street. They turned a +corner and passed along apparently unnoticed. In a short time they +stood in the vacant space where the Eagle had landed. + +Before them the planes loomed large. Ned almost shouted for joy. + +"There are soldiers on that hill over there!" announced Jack. + +"One of them has gone crazy or something," said Harry, pointing. + +"That's Boy Scout semaphore signals!" declared David. + +"Answer him, Ned," suggested Jack. "Maybe he means us." + +"He's spelling 'Wolf' in American," stated Ned. "Here comes more." + +"Right arm above head, left horizontal--that's 'J,'" said David. +"Right diagonally down, left across chest--that's 'I;' right diagonally +down, left horizontal--that's 'M;' he repeats it; he repeats 'I;' right +down in front, left up diagonally--that's 'E.'" + +"That spells 'Jimmie!'" cried Harry in excitement. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +A SUSPECTED SPY + +For a time Jimmie forgot the drudgery to which he had been sentenced as +a result of his fight with Otto for possession of the tiny packet +concealed in the Cossack uniform. Forgotten were the multiplicity of +duties incident to his service as a member of the "kitchen police"--the +work to which all offenders in the army were subjected, and which +corresponded to the tasks of a garbage collector. + +Apparently the lad was devoting himself wholly to the strenuous labor +of calisthenics. There seemed to be no idea in his mind of making any +certain motion a given number of times for the purpose of developing +different muscles. Instead he merely placed his arms in various +positions and held them there a moment before assuming a different +attitude. Seldom did he repeat any motion. + +We know, of course, that he had seen the boys as they emerged from the +underground cavern that nearly proved their tomb. He had taken a +chance on their being his comrades and had made signals to attract +their attention. When he received an answering wave of the arm from +Ned he delightedly began sending a message by means of the well-known +semaphore code. Although the lad possessed no flags or other means of +carrying out fully the code as prescribed, he did the best he could +with only his arms for signals. We know that Ned and his chums were +able correctly to interpret the message Jimmie was sending. + +"Great frozen hot boxes!" mused the boy half aloud. "They are down +there among the ruins. I wonder how they got free of the searching +party. Things have been coming pretty fast for me lately, and I +declare I clean forgot the others. Wonder what they'll do." + +He had not long to wait. Directly he saw Ned and the others consulting +beside the aeroplane. The next moment Ned had stepped clear of the +machine and began waving his arms after the same fashion adopted by +Jimmie when he spelled out his own name. + +"There he goes!" declared Jimmie to himself. "There he is making the +letter 'C.' There comes 'A,' and next is 'N.' That is 'Can.' Now +here comes 'U;' 'Can You.' Here is 'G,' 'E,' 'T.' 'Can You Get--.' +Now he says 'A,' 'W,' 'A,' 'Y.' That's 'Away.' Can I get away? Not +very handy with all these Germans about. Guess I'll have to tell him +something myself. Here goes." + +Accordingly Jimmie began a reply in the same code. He briefly informed +Ned that he understood the regiment was to go west, probably to Verdun, +where Jimmie had heard that heavy fighting was taking place. He also +stated that he was unable to escape in daylight, but that he would try +to do so after nightfall. + +In response to this wig-wagging Ned began to give directions for their +co-operation in an attempt at escape by Jimmie, when suddenly he +discerned a soldier creeping up behind his red-headed friend. + +Instantly he gave the well-known danger signal and tried to tell Jimmie +that someone was near. For some strange reason the lad failed to +comprehend the information given, and not until it was too late did he +realize that it was himself who was in danger. + +Intently watching Ned and trying to interpret the signals being made by +the older boy, Jimmie did not observe the footsteps of the approaching +soldier. Suddenly he felt an arm thrown about his neck. He was drawn +irresistably backward by the strong arm that shut off his wind nearly +to the choking point. + +With all the energy in his lithe young body the lad tried to kick and +strike at his unseen antagonist, but his efforts were unavailing. + +For what seemed to the lad countless years the vise-like grasp was +maintained upon his windpipe. He began to understand that his +struggles were useless, and spent his entire energy in an effort to +stiffen the cords of his neck, hoping to assist his breathing by so +doing. Presently, as he ceased his struggles, the soldier who had so +skillfully captured him set the lad upon his feet. + +"So," began the soldier, "think you that we understand not the fact +that you are but a spy and that information you are giving to your +friends in the city? Yes. It is indeed so." + +Jimmie's only reply was a wrinkling of his freckled nose in a grimace +of extreme disgust and contempt. Even had he been so minded, the +condition of his wrenched neck and strained muscles prevented sprightly +conversation. He winked rapidly to clear his tear-filled eyes, and +indulged in another wrinkling of the nose. + +"So," continued the other, paying no heed to Jimmie's motions of +contempt. "And this is why we have not had better success in our +campaign. We must fight not only the enemy in their trenches, but we +must also contend with traitors in our own camps!" + +"Who's a traitor?" demanded Jimmie in a belligerent tone. + +"Your name I know not," answered the soldier, "but the red hair and the +active nose, with its habit of turning up toward the sky, would be +identification enough without a name. I need no name." + +"Well, you haven't any name so far as I know," was the lad's +impertinent response. "And I don't want to get acquainted with you." + +"The subject we will not change," was the cool rejoinder of the German. +"We just now are discussing your giving information to the other +Russian spies down there in the city. You will not need a name after +to-morrow, or possibly after this evening, if Herr Captain von +Liebknecht is as zealous in the service of the Kaiser as he has been. +If I were giving orders, you would be shot now." + +"Well," began Jimmie, pursuing the subject, "I'm not shot yet and +you're not shot, but in the language of the little old United States +you certainly act like a fellow just about half-shot." + +"Half-shot?" inquired the German in a puzzled manner. "How can a man +be half-shot? He would then be only kerwundete." + +"You and I are getting on famously, Old Man," Jimmie observed, half +laughing. "From all appearances you'd like to stand me up against a +wall at sunrise and I'd like to see you in Halifax." + +"Halifax?" queried the soldier. "You speak of strange places." + +"Well, all right," Jimmie replied. "I guess we'd better be going now, +so I'll get my bucket from the place where I dumped its contents into +the ditch and we will go back to camp. I hold no resentment against +you for your harsh treatment of me, especially since you weigh just +about three times as much as I do." + +"The bucket will do well enough where it is," came the answer in a low +tone, cold as ice. "Just now you will appear before the Captain. Do +you not know you are under arrest?" + +"Under arrest?" puzzled Jimmie. "Who's pinching me?" + +"Ach! Ach!" protested the soldier, raising his hands in a gesture of +despair. "What a strange person! What a strange language!" + +"You're quite right there," Jimmie said, "and if I had my way we'd be +stranger still. Yes," he added, "I think we'd be still strangers. +That would just about suit me to perfection." + +"Come on, now," the German ordered, with a trace of impatience tinging +his phlegmatic manner. "Long enough we have waited." + +"I'm willing," said Jimmie, turning upon his heel. "We might as well +get the trouble off our minds. If I'm to be shot for keeps I hope +they'll do it soon and do a good job while they're at it." + +Although the boy's manner was light and buoyant enough to deceive even +the experienced and hardened Uhlan who had constituted himself captor, +his heart was heavy, for he well understood the danger of his position. +He could hope for little nursing from the peculiar German minds with +which he had to cope. Appearances certainly were against him, and he +knew that the evidence would be taken only at face value. + +Resolved, however, to make the most of a bad bargain, the boy +resolutely forced a smile to his freckled face and bore himself erect +and with apparent fearlessness as the two neared camp. + +No time was lost by the soldier who had Jimmie in charge. He went +directly to the spot where Captain von Liebknecht's tent was pitched. +A sentry paced up and down the narrow limits of his beat, carrying his +rifle in the prescribed position. In accordance with regulations, he +was equipped with his full outfit, including a vicious looking sword +bayonet and bandoliers of cartridges that gave forth a silent message +which to Jimmie's troubled mind spelled a most gloomy and forbidding +prospect for the immediate future. + +A challenge from the sentry halted the pair until the necessary +questions and answers could be exchanged. Upon being convinced that +Jimmie's conductor had an urgent message for the Captain, the sentry +ordered them to remain where they were while he hailed the guard +stationed inside the tent. To this individual the sentry explained the +reason for the visit and the request for an interview. + +Jimmie was not left long in doubt. Almost instantly, it seemed, the +guard returned and, after exchanging a few words in a low tone with the +sentry, beckoned for the soldier and the lad to follow. + +He led the way into the tent, raising the flap for Jimmie and his +captor to pass. More than ever the lad felt his appellation of The +Wolf was well deserved. It seemed to him that circumstances were +conspiring to make him seem to the Germans a predatory animal, and +while he would have been willing and was even anxious to dispel this +notion from their minds, he well understood that nothing he could do or +say would be of effect in this direction. Feeling keenly the need of +most careful handling of the situation, Jimmie glanced quickly and +furtively about the tent. He was somewhat surprised to observe there a +number of officers of the regiment apparently in conference. + +A number of papers, amongst them maps, was spread upon the little table +in the center of the tent. Captain von Liebknecht had patently been +directing certain movements of troops, using the maps to further +explain his instructions. Jimmie's entrance had interrupted the +Captain's action of tracing with his finger the line of railroad +leading from Peremysl, or Przemysl, as it must henceforth be known. + +As the Captain raised his eyes to observe who his visitors might be, +Jimmie let his glance fall to the map, where he saw the finger pointing +at the town designated as Cracow. + +In a flash the boy realized that von Liebknecht had been giving +instructions for the transportation of troops by rail, and that Cracow +would be the next stopping point, where he guessed that the horses +would be detrained for water and rest if possible. + +Mentally making a note of this fact, Jimmie raised his glance +fearlessly to meet the cold blue eyes of the German officer. In that +glance Jimmie comprehended the fact that he could expect little mercy +from a man whose whole ambition in life seemed to be unquestioning and +unwavering devotion to his Emperor. He read also in the blue eyes +craft and skill in diplomacy and a keen intelligence withal. + +"Captain," began the soldier who had brought Jimmie to the tent, "this +Cossack has been giving information to his Russian friends." + +Jimmie detected without any difficulty the implied sneer in the term +"Cossack," but forebore making any reply on the instant. + +"So?" observed von Liebknecht. "Again? Must we always be troubled at +critical times with this wonderful recruit?" + +As none of the group seemed able to reply, silence was the only +response. The Captain let his glance wander about from one to another +of his aides. His eyes rested for a moment upon the countenance of a +member of the group apparently older than the others. + +An almost imperceptible shake of the head answered the questioning +glance. For some reason The Wolf felt a sense of relief. + +"What have you to say for yourself, young man?" asked the Captain. + +"I guess I said enough before I enlisted," answered Jimmie. + +"Yet you have now some secret information," demanded the other. + +"No, sir," protested the lad in wide-eyed amazement. + +"No?" queried von Liebknecht in his accustomed level tones. "Then what +is it you have in that little packet you took from the Cossack uniform +at so great a cost as a burned hand?" he added. + +Involuntarily Jimmie's hand clutched at his breast. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +FRUSTRATED PLANS + +"Good night!" was David's ejaculation as the boys saw Jimmie at the +hilltop being captured by the German. "That ends it, I suppose!" + +"No," protested Ned, "it just begins the work. Up to now we have been +only playing, but here's where the real work starts." + +"What do you mean--'real work'?" was Jack's anxious inquiry. + +"Why," replied Ned, "they've got Jimmie enlisted in that Uhlan +regiment, and you can plainly see how closely they are watching him. +If we get him away from those fellows it means real work for all." + +"Aw! Go on!" put in Harry. "I move we go back to the cellar and get a +bunch of those Russian rifles with sufficient ammunition, fill the +tanks of the Eagle with some of this gasoline, get aboard a lot of +canned goods and swoop down on the German camp like a hawk after some +chickens. We can let down a trapeze for Jimmie to grab onto." + +"Sounds easy, doesn't it?" remarked David with a short laugh. + +"Easy?" questioned Harry. "You don't seem to know Jimmie very well or +you would mean just what you say. He can do it all right!" + +"But, I say," replied David, "wouldn't those German soldiers be on the +alert when we approached? Wouldn't they jolly well shoot us full of +holes, and wouldn't they make it rather difficult that way?" + +"Now, see here, Dave," argued Harry, "if you could have seen Jimmie +when he rescued Havens, the aviator, in British Columbia by dropping +from our aeroplane to that of Havens by means of a single rope, you +wouldn't think the trick so very impossible." + +"Of course," admitted David, "I have no doubt your friend is a wonder, +although I have never met him. It is not so much his ability I +question as it is the possibility of our getting to him without being +detected by the Germans. My word, that is a big task." + +"Evidently there are a number of things you don't know," returned +Harry, it must be said in a somewhat boastful manner. "We'll have to +introduce you to Mr. Ned Nestor, the champion aviator of the Wolf +Patrol of New York City. And," the boy added, "that means, of course, +the United States. He is some aviator, I tell you!" + +"Why didn't you make it the world while you were at it?" asked Jack +quizzically, regarding Harry with an amused smile. + +"Well, I guess I wouldn't have been far wrong at that," contended Harry +with a glance of pride in Ned's direction. "As the Irishman would say, +Ned has 'a way wid him,' and you know it as well as I do." + +"I'll not be the last one to admit that Ned certainly can coax an +aeroplane into doing stunts that seem marvelous, but I agree with Dave +here that unless our chum has some way of striking the Germans blind +and deaf we have a mighty slim chance of picking Jimmie up." + +Harry's glance of contempt at his comrade was withering in the extreme. +So great was his faith in Ned's ability that he would not have +hesitated at anything, no matter what the conditions. + +"I move," Harry went on, "that we cut out this argument, rob the +Russian cache back there in the cellar, and make ourselves scarce +around here while the 'beating' still remains in good condition." + +"I second the motion," added Ned, "so far as the matter of getting out +of Peremysl is concerned. We can take up the other matter later on." + +"Those in favor say 'Aye'," said Jack, turning upon his heel and +starting back toward the base of supplies the boys had discovered under +the pilotage of young Gilmore, the Vancouver Moose. + +"The 'Ayes' have it!" announced Harry, preparing to follow his chum. +"What do you need most, Ned, and what will you have first?" + +"Well, I guess we need something to eat, and a little more gasoline +wouldn't go so bad," stated Ned, picking up one of the empty vessels in +which gasoline had been brought to the Eagle. + +"Sure enough!" cried Jack. "I clean forgot the gasoline business. +Watch me give an imitation of a Boy Scout carrying water for the +elephant, only in this case the elephant happens to be an 'Eagle'." + +In spite of the seriousness of the situation in which the boys found +themselves, David could not repress a laugh of merriment and +appreciation of the light-hearted manner in which Harry and Jack met +the difficulties and dangers surrounding the little party. + +"I say, lads," he began, as the four boys took their way carefully from +the site on which the Eagle rested toward the underground cavern they +had recently quitted, "there's plenty for us in that storeroom, and all +we need to do is help ourselves. If only we are not interrupted by +some of the Germans patrolling the town, we will be all right." + +"Let me get my hands on one perfectly good shooting iron, with some +cartridges," stated Jack, "and it will go pretty hard with any German +who endeavors to stop us before we get good and going!" + +"Now, Jack," protested Ned, "that 'shooting iron' business will have to +be postponed, I'm afraid, until such time as we are more nearly out of +the woods than we are just now. It wouldn't be quite the thing." + +"Oh, of course," said Jack in a tone intended to appear sulky, but with +a covert wink at Harry, "somebody is always taking the joy out of life. +Why can't I just shoot up a few Dutchmen, I'd like to know?" + +"Because they might not think it polite," answered Ned seriously. +"Besides," he added, "it wouldn't be strictly in accordance with Boy +Scout principles, as you yourself will admit." + +"Well," observed David with a sigh, "when I consider some of the things +that have happened during the last few days and weeks, I am almost +ready to admit that I'd like to resign temporarily." + +"Why?" asked Ned. "Have the Germans been doing things to you?" + +"Well," stated David, "isn't their capture and treatment of Jimmie +sufficient to make us want to do things to them?" + +"Yes, it is," admitted Ned, "but at the same time we must remember that +'two wrongs never make a right,' and, according to my recollection, +number ten of the Boy Scout laws states that a scout is brave and has +the courage to face danger in spite of fear, and defeat does not down +him." + +"Yes," put in Jack, "and number three, which we all know so well, +states that a scout must do one good turn to somebody every day." + +"Am I to understand that you would not consider shooting a German a +good turn?" asked Harry, who was slightly in the lead. + +"A good turn to whom?" asked Ned, following closely upon Jack's heels. +"Would shooting be a good turn to the 'shootee'?" + +"Well, I don't know about that," answered Jack. "I can easily +understand how some fellows might consider it a disadvantage." + +"My word," put in David, as the little party prepared to descend into +the subterranean cavern which they termed their base of supplies, +"these poor fellows here are not able to know whether it's a +disadvantage or not. Just look at that poor chap lying there." + +As he spoke David pointed toward the form of a Russian soldier lying in +a huddled heap upon the stone floor amidst a tangle of debris. + +Jack shuddered as he gazed upon the spectacle for an instant. + +"I guess I won't want to shoot any Germans," he said. "And I guess +that might include other folks besides Germans, too." + +"Let's hurry on, boys," urged Ned. "This awful war business will get +on my nerves directly. Let's get our supplies and make our getaway." + +Luckily for the little party, the German occupants of the defeated city +were busily engaged in occupations that required all their attention. +Hence the work of provisioning the Eagle was accomplished without +untoward incident. In a very short time the boys had succeeded in +placing aboard the air craft sufficient fuel and provisions from the +abandoned stores to satisfy the demand of even Jack and Harry, who well +remembered the hunger with which they had been assailed at the time of +their entrance into the stricken war zone. + +"Is everything all ready now?" asked Jack, wiping the sweat from his +forehead. "Have we got everything we need, Ned?" + +"Yes, I think we have everything," Ned replied, glancing quickly but +carefully over the mechanism of the giant plane. + +"Just one minute, then," urged Jack. "While you're warming up the +engine I'll slip back and pick up one of those rifles I saw, for use in +case of emergency. Something, you know, might happen." + +Ned laughed as Jack darted away. Turning to the others, he said: + +"If we're not careful Jack will soon be as bloodthirsty as Jimmie +himself. But," he went on, "it might come in handy at that." + +Preferring not to use the self-starter, for the sake of quiet, Ned +turned an electric switch which controlled a circuit leading to a +contrivance designed by Harry for just such an emergency. This +delicate piece of mechanism was located at the carburetor, and was +called by Harry the "starting stove." Its office was to warm the +gasoline to such an extent that it would make vaporization much more +rapid than would ordinarily be the case. This would enable the aviator +to start his engine without the usual difficulty due to cold fuel. + +Scarcely had the electric current warmed the carburetor sufficiently +before Jack returned, carrying a rifle, together with a quantity of +cartridges. These he bundled into the fuselage. + +"All right, boys, get aboard and we will 'get out of town,' as that +Montana freight conductor used to say," urged Ned. + +David climbed to a seat beside the steering levers, which were in Ned's +grasp. Harry found a place beside a quantity of canned goods. + +"Beat it, Ned!" cried Jack from his position on the ground. "We're +just in time. Here come the German soldiers after us!" + +It was even as the boy said. A detachment of soldiers, evidently +policing the town, had discovered the activity of the boys in the +vicinity of the giant aeroplane and were coming forward to investigate. + +Ned stepped on the starting pedal energetically. Current from the +storage batteries flowed through the motor, saturating it almost +instantly. Ned's foot was pressed upon the cut-out lever, and the +resultant roar from the engines precluded absolutely the possibility of +further conversation. Like a thing of life the Eagle leaped forward. +Ned gave all his attention to the problem of steering. + +In an ever-widening circle the Eagle rose above the open space upon +which it had rested. Ned lifted his foot from the cut-out lever, +throwing the exhaust from the engine through the specially designed +muffler, which was perhaps Harry's greatest pride. + +The contrast between the clamor of a moment before and the comparative +quiet of the present instant was startling. + +In astonishment at the results achieved, David glanced in wonderment +and amazement at the fabric which was bearing the boys aloft. Fully +able to appreciate superior mechanism, the boy was lost in his +examination of the delicate and yet effective machinery. + +His glance of approval rested upon Ned and Harry in turn. He looked +about to give a friendly nod to Jack. Greatly to his surprise, Jack +was not to be seen anywhere in the fuselage. Startled greatly, he +turned toward Ned and laid a hand upon the boy's arm. + +"Where's Jack?" he cried. "I don't see him anywhere!" + +Ned almost precipitated the entire party in a sudden plunge earthward +as he turned in response to David's query. For a moment only the boy +lost control of the great machine. But that moment was enough to cause +the aeroplane to dip swiftly toward the ground. + +Before Ned could regain control much of the altitude was lost. In +another instant he had again directed the course of their craft toward +the open air high above the ruined city. But the lost distance was +sufficient to bring the party within range of the rifles of the German +soldiers who had been running toward their location. + +A sharp report echoed from below. A whizzing, tearing sound assailed +the ears of the lads within the fuselage of the Eagle. + +"Pretty close that time," commented Harry with a slight tremble in his +voice. "Shall I reply to them, Ned?" he asked. + +"Not yet," replied Ned, shaking his head negatively. + +Another report from below was heard, followed instantly by the clang of +a bullet against metal. A shriek rose from below. + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +ABANDONING A REGIMENT + +In wide-eyed amazement Jimmie stared for a moment at von Liebknecht, +not knowing what answer to make to the sudden question. He disliked +very much telling the officer the truth concerning the packet he had +been to so much trouble to rescue, yet felt that nothing else but the +exact truth would serve in the present instance. + +For a full minute he glanced about from one to another of the group in +the tent. The glances that met his in return were anything but +friendly. Some were indifferent, while others scowled fiercely as +their resentment against the lad mounted. Evidently all firmly +believed that the boy was what he had been accused of being--a spy. + +At length resolved to adhere to the truth at whatever cost, Jimmie +raised his head to direct his gaze straight into the Captain's eyes. + +"That packet," he began in a low tone, "is my own private property. I +don't know just what it contains, but it is not contraband." + +A faint smile lighted von Liebknecht's usually immobile countenance. + +"How, then," he asked, endeavoring to make his voice convey the spirit +of friendship he tried to feel for the lad, "can you say that it is not +contraband or infer that the packet does not contain information that +would be of value to our enemy if you do not know its contents?" + +"Because I received it from a man who was dying and who wanted badly to +make restitution for some things he had done that were wrong. He had +no interest in the dispute between your country and your enemies except +to make whatever money he might from the matter." + +"You speak in riddles. Please explain more fully." + +"Well," Jimmie continued, "there was a man in the United States who +brought over a ship load of ammunition. He stole a lot of money +intended for the relief of the suffering people of Poland. He +kidnapped and shanghaied me and generally proved himself a bad sort. +When he got over to Riga he was forced to enlist in the Russian Cossack +regiment, the same as I was, and when the Russian Cossacks attacked the +German troop train he was wounded badly. I tried to assist him, and +did what I could. When he found he was dying he asked me to take this +packet, which I understand contains the keys to a safe deposit box in +New York City, and when I get back there he wanted me to see what I +could do toward setting right some of his wrongdoings." + +"A very fine tale, indeed," was the comment of von Liebknecht, "but you +will scarcely expect us to believe that in the face of all the +circumstances. We don't mean to imply that you, necessarily, know +different, but the man's story as you have told it is improbable." + +"I am telling the exact truth as I understand it!" declared Jimmie +earnestly. "If he was lying to me, I do not know it. I believe he +told the truth, for he understood that he could not live much longer." + +"Nevertheless, we will be obliged to examine the contents of the +packet," stated von Liebknecht positively. "Is it not so?" he asked, +turning to the group of officers for confirmation of his decision. + +Vigorous nods from the ones addressed indicated their approval. + +Unwilling to submit to the proposed action, Jimmie took a step +backward. His action was misinterpreted by the soldier who had +captured the boy. With a quick motion the man again seized the +red-headed lad in the same manner as previously, and deftly slid his +hand to the pocket where the packet reposed. Before Jimmie could offer +any resistance the object sought was brought forth and tossed upon the +table. + +"Please make a note of the fact," stated von Liebknecht, addressing an +orderly seated nearby with a memorandum book, "that the packet is to be +opened with the full consent of Herr McGraw." + +Jimmie gasped. He began to understand that the records of his presence +in the German regiment of Uhlans would be made to show favorably for +the officer in command in case anything serious happened. And that +something very serious would shortly happen to him the boy did not for +a single moment doubt. He felt vaguely uneasy. + +With a knife tendered by one of his associates von Liebknecht deftly +ripped the stitches that held the wrapping of the tiny packet. + +In another moment the oiled silk covering had been removed and an inner +wrapping opened. Jimmie leaned forward to gaze upon the contents with +as much interest as was displayed by the others. + +Presently, when the wrappings had been removed, he saw a key and a +folded paper. The key was of the peculiar construction adopted +generally by safe deposit vaults for the use of their patrons. The +paper had been prepared evidently for use in case of just the emergency +that had overtaken the man who had given it to Jimmie. It was covered +with memoranda and figures in very fine waiting. + +Von Liebknecht scowled as he pored over the document. The memorandum +had been made in a fragmentary way, and evidently referred to other +documents that would be found in the safe deposit box. + +The Captain puzzled over the document for a time, then passed it to the +officer nearest him. He then gave his attention to the key. + +"What do you make of if?" he asked Jimmie presently, tapping in a +nervous manner upon the table with the key. "What does it mean?" + +"Just what I told you, I think," Jimmie replied. + +"It appears different to me," the Captain objected. "I am of the +opinion that it has to do with information concerning the dispute in +progress between my country and the enemies. I am sorry, but I shall +have to retain the packet for forwarding to headquarters. You will +receive it again if it is found to be what you claim. Otherwise--" + +He left the sentence unfinished, and Jimmie waited for a time, +expecting him to complete the statement. + +"Well, otherwise?" asked the boy half breathlessly. + +"Otherwise, we shall see," stated von Liebknecht with a smile. + +"And in the meantime?" went on the lad anxiously. + +"In the meantime we are preparing to leave for the western theater of +war, where we are needed far more than here. You will accompany us +with the best grace possible under the circumstances." + +"But my comrades?" asked Jimmie, with a slight tremble in his voice. +"Will it not be possible to let all four of us return to America?" + +"I am sorry," returned the Captain, "but what you ask is impossible." + +"Well, then," persisted the lad, "can't we at least let them know where +I am and where I am going, so that they won't worry?" + +"They are, no doubt, well acquainted with you and your abilities," went +on von Liebknecht. "If your capacity for taking care of yourself is +equal to your ability to make a disturbance, they should experience no +uneasiness on your behalf. Besides," he added, "it is impossible to +communicate with them just now. We do not know where they are." + +In spite of the seriousness of his own situation, Jimmie breathed a +sigh of relief, for he felt that the information given him was correct, +and he interpreted the Captain's statement to mean that the three boys +had succeeded in making their escape from the soldiers. + +He was, nevertheless, greatly perturbed over the prospect of leaving +the immediate vicinity, for he felt that his chances of escape were +greatly lessened. He knew that the boys would endeavor to assist him, +but, owing to the interrupted code message, he could only guess at how +this would be accomplished. + +The map, still spread upon the table, gave him a hint. He remembered +the fact that von Liebknecht's finger had pointed at Cracow. A firm +resolve formed within the boy's breast. He determined that, if his +suspicion proved correct and the regiment paused at Cracow, he would +make an attempt to escape there. He also decided that if it were at +all possible he would advise his chums of the fact. + +While Jimmie was turning over these points in his mind a buzz of +whispered conversation was going on between the officers around the +table. At length a decision was reached, and von Liebknecht again +turned his attention to his newest recruit. + +"You may go in company with this man," he said. "He and Otto +Freundlich will be given charge of you, and will be required to turn +you over to the proper officer upon demand. They will have orders to +insist upon your presence at all times, and in order to make sure that +you do not attempt to escape they will be given orders to shoot if +necessary. I would advise you for your own good not to try to leave +the regiment at any time." + +"If we are leaving this place and my chums are not here," Jimmie +replied, feeling that further argument would accomplish no alteration +of the Captain's decision, "I cannot see why I should attempt to +escape. You are entirely wrong in supposing that I am trying to get +information to the Russians concerning your army." + +"Perhaps you are right," assented von Liebknecht, not unkindly. "That +is a point that we shall ascertain in our own way. For the present +every circumstance is unfavorable for you, and we must be careful. You +understand, do you not?" he asked with a slight smile. + +"I see how you understand it," the boy said. "Of course, if you choose +to look at the facts as you do, I cannot help it. I don't want to get +shot, so I think I'll not try to make a getaway." + +"Good!" declared the Captain, apparently greatly relieved. "That makes +it easier for us. Now, I shall ask you to assist in getting your +equipment ready for the journey. Everybody will be required to work +hard if we leave at the time desired." + +"Very good, sir," stated the boy, saluting in the approved Boy Scout +fashion. "I'll help all I can." + +So saying, he turned on his heel and signified to the soldier detailed +as his guard that he was ready to leave the place. + +"So we are to be comrades for a while at least?" inquired Jimmie +pleasantly as the pair left the tent. "We might as well get acquainted +before we go farther. My named is Jimmie McGraw. What is yours?" + +"Mine iss Frederich von Strassheim," answered the other, apparently +feeling no resentment against Jimmie for his kicks and blows delivered +during the process of capture. "We shall be well acquainted." + +"That's interesting," declared Jimmie. "I thought that the word 'von' +was used only for officers and persons of nobility, though." + +"The designation 'von,'" answered the other, proudly drawing himself +erect, "is used only by those entitled to it by royal decree. My +ancestors distinguished themselves and were of the house of +Hohenzollern. That is why I am allowed to use it." + +"Oh, so that is it?" mused Jimmie. "All right, von Strassheim, I think +that I'll call you Fritz, though, if you don't object." + +"Goot; call me Fritz, then!" laughed the soldier. "Great friends we +shall be as I can perceive. And may I call you Jimmie?" + +"Call me Jimmie, Red-head, The Wolf, Freckles--oh, anything," stated +Jimmie with a laugh, in response to the other's good nature, "but," he +went on, "for pity's sake don't call me late for eats." + +"Mess call iss not yet," responded the other, again resuming his +accustomed gravity. "We shall have plenty of time to pack our kits." + +"Then let's be about it," suggested the lad. "Where shall we go to +make a start, and what shall we do first, and how shall we do it?" + +"One at a time--one at a time," protested Fritz. "First we shall go +past the place where I found you signalling. Then we shall proceed to +the stables and look after our horses." + +"And then?" inquired Jimmie interestedly, feeling that any information +he might get from Fritz would be useful later on. + +"We shall in full marching order break camp," was the reply. "To the +train of cars we will ride, and there put our horses and baggage +aboard. Then we start for the west. But here is the exact spot where +you were standing when I interrupted your conversation." + +"Yes, this is the place," acknowledged Jimmie. "And right over there +is the aeroplane of my friends. Oh, look!" the boy cried. "See, +they're starting out with it! Great frozen hot boxes! Those other +fellows are shooting! Good night!" + + + + +CHAPTER X + +AN EAGLE'S TALONS + +"What's that?" gasped Ned as the cry from beneath the airship reached +his ears. "That's too close to come from the ground!" + +"It must be Jack!" was Dave's startled exclamation. "He's not in the +aeroplane and I can't imagine where he may be!" + +"Didn't he get aboard when we started?" queried Ned. + +"I thought he did," Harry responded instantly. "I was busy stowing +things out of our way, though, and wasn't paying much attention." + +"I missed him just a moment ago," stated Dave excitedly. "Where can he +have gone? Do you suppose he is captured by the Germans?" + +"I hope not," Ned replied. "Maybe he missed getting aboard and is with +those fellows down there who are doing the shooting." + +"Give me the glasses from that pocket beside you, Dave," requested +Harry. "Perhaps I can see the party well enough to distinguish him." + +At the instant Harry leaned over the edge of the car for the purpose of +getting a better view of the field they had so recently occupied +another shot rang out from below. Mingled with the report were shouts +and exclamations from several of the soldiers. + +As will be remembered distinctly by those of our readers who have had +the pleasure of riding in aircraft, sounds from the earth are +distinctly heard at a great altitude. In fact, sounds may be +distinguished clearly at a much greater distance in a vertical than in +a horizontal direction. It was owing to this fact that the shouts from +the group below came so clearly to the lads in the Eagle. + +"I don't hear Jack's voice amongst the clamor," declare Harry. + +"I wonder where he can be?" puzzled Dave, earnestly scanning the vacant +space below. "They cannot have hidden him!" + +"Suppose we call out and see if we can get a signal from him," +suggested Harry. "He would try to answer us, I'm sure." + +"Go ahead," Ned agreed. "I'll try a little volplaning and see if we +can't get closer to that crowd without getting hit by a bullet." + +"Better be careful, Ned," cautioned Dave. "Those fellows are in +earnest, I think, and wouldn't stop at anything." + +"I'll be careful," was Ned's confident answer. "When you're ready, +just yell your heads off for Jack and then watch and listen." + +"I'm going to halloo out now," stated Harry, drawing a deep breath. + +"Let her go!" urged Ned, manipulating the levers in such a way as to +practically check the headway of the slowly moving machine. + +"Oh, Ja-a-a-ck!" called Harry at the top of his voice, making a trumpet +of his hands. "Oh, Ja-a-a-ack!" he called again. + +All three boys were startled to hear the voice of their chum proceeding +from a point seemingly directly beneath them. + +"Here I am," came Jack's cheery tones, although the boys thought they +could detect a slight trace of weariness. + +"Where?" cried Ned, greatly surprised at the sudden reply. + +"Under the Eagle," replied Jack. "I'm hanging onto a truss rod and can +stay here for quite a while if you want to leave the place." + +"We surely want to leave the place," answered Ned, reaching again for +the levers. "Can you hang on for a few minutes more?" + +"I'm all right for a long time," answered Jack bravely, "but I'd just +as soon you'd hit up the speed a little." + +Ned's guiding touch upon the levers sent the Eagle forward at a rate of +speed that quickly carried the entire party to a distance well out of +rifle range from the party below. He was heading for a hill at no +great distance from their present location. + +"I'll land there," he said, indicating by a nod of his head the +eminence toward which they were running. "We ought to be able to help +Jack out of his position in a very few minutes." + +Harry turned the glasses toward the spot Ned had pointed out. + +"Look out, Ned!" he cried almost instantly. "I can see a lot of +helmets there that look as if they were German head dresses." + +"Can you see the soldiers under the helmets?" asked Dave. + +"Not a soldier!" declared Harry. "But," he added, "that doesn't say +they're not there. Those uniforms they are wearing blend so closely +with the natural colors of the landscape that one can't very well tell +whether a German is near or not until he feels the cloth." + +"Or the bullet," put in Dave with a grimace toward the hill. + +"We're getting nearer all the while," Ned said. "Keep your eyes open, +and if there are soldiers there we'll go somewhere else." + +For a moment Harry intently studied the spot they were fast +approaching. With the glasses in position he scanned every foot of +ground carefully, not omitting the slightest detail. + +"I'm sure I see them now," he stated positively as he lowered the +glasses. "We're in a nice mess with Jack hanging under this ship +simply by one of the truss rods. We've got to rescue him!" + +"What can we do?" asked Dave, at a loss to solve the difficulty. + +"I'll tell you what we'll do!" cried Harry. "I'm the lightest of the +party, so I'll go down and get him! I can do it!" + +"Harry, are you crazy?" questioned Ned chidingly. "It's impossible!" + +"No, it's not!" stoutly maintained the boy. "He's there, and we've +simply got to get him. We can't land anywhere hereabouts, and by the +time we can land he'll be exhausted and will have dropped." + +"How will you do it?" asked Dave. "Let me help." + +"I guess you'll have to do most of the work," replied Harry, reaching +into one of the lockers, from which he drew a coil of light line. + +"Not if you go under the fuselage to get Jack," objected Dave. + +"Yes, sir!" continued Harry. "When I get down there you'll have to do +all the work of engineering the deal. You'll have to do a whole lot of +pulling and hauling, and you'll have to run out on one side to balance +the machine. Mustn't have the ship list too much!" + +"Oh, I see!" was Dave's response. "And," he continued, "I won't be +able to see where you are, because you'll be on the opposite side from +my own position. How shall we manage?" + +"Well, here's my plan," Harry went on rapidly, as he began overhauling +the coil of line. "When I get out on one side I'll go along the +framework, of course. You'll be on the opposite side to balance. Then +when you see that the machine is tipping your way you are to get nearer +the center of gravity so as to stabilize the affair." + +"I understand," Dave replied, eagerly entering into the spirit of the +work. "And when I feel the machine tip away from me I'll go out +farther along the framework so as to again equalize the flight." + +"Exactly. Now, it will be a hard job for us to get this line passed +under the framework so that we can get a purchase and pull it to Jack. +I can't reach that far, and Jack probably is hanging on with his hands, +feet and eyelids, so he can't let go with one hand even." + +"I'll tell you how we can fix that," Dave suggested. + +"How?" inquired Harry, ready at all times to consider any suggestions +and act upon them if they seemed better than the ones he had made. + +"Let's take a loop of the line and fasten it around my body under my +arms. You can be inside the machine paying out slack as I need it. I +can take a similar loop and by crawling under the machine I can reach +Jack all right and pass the loop about his body. Then you can haul in +slack bit by bit as he crawls along the truss rod to the side of the +fuselage. In that way there will be practically no danger, for the +loop of line about our bodies will prevent our falling if we should +slip." + +"Much obliged!" was Harry's acknowledgment of the suggestion. "But," +he went on, "I think it would be better for me to do the work." + +"Excuse me for insisting," Dave said in a modest manner, "but I am +quite sure that I am better fitted than you. My work in the Northwest +has always required considerable work with my arms, and besides that I +am pretty well developed about the arms and shoulders. I don't want to +discredit your ability, but I'm sure, don't you know, that I am +stronger than you and could do the work better. You'll let me try, +won't you? Really, you know, you ought to let me help!" + +"It's not to your discredit at all, Harry," put in Ned, "that Dave has +larger muscles than you and is perhaps stronger. This is a job that +requires all the muscle possible, so I think we'd better let him try +it. We must get Jack out of that place as quickly as possible." + +"All right," agreed Harry reluctantly, for he very much disliked to +permit anyone but himself to even attempt the rescue of his chum. + +Dave lost no time in tying a bowline in a bight at the two ends of the +length of line. One of these he passed over his own body. The other +he took in his teeth. In another moment he was over the side of the +car, while Harry did his best to balance the Eagle as he had planned +for Dave to do, at the same time paying out line as it was needed. + +Presently the lad felt the machine tipping slightly in his direction +and knew that Dave had succeeded in reaching the level of the bottom of +the car and was crawling along the truss rod underneath. + +For a short space of time the two boys in the ear anxiously waited. +Harry's patience at length was exhausted, and he called out: + +"Have you found Jack, Dave? Is he there all right?" + +"Yes, he's here and he's all right, but rather tired." + +"Can I help any?" was Harry's next question. + +"Not a bit just now. Jack is getting ready to make the climb. Stand +by the line that I am going to jerk. Haul in slowly." + +Bit by bit the line came aboard with its human freight in the loop at +the end. Harry was exceedingly careful to haul in very slowly, in +order that he might not trip his chum and cause a disaster. In a few +moments that seemed endless ages to Ned and Harry their comrade's head +showed and the Eagle again took a tilt to starboard. + +Harry quickly and carefully crawled to a position where he would +balance the unusual side strain. He relaxed his vigilance not one +whit, however, and hauled in carefully and slowly on the line. + +"Well, that's over with!" sighed Jack as he tumbled over the side of +the car to a position of safety. "I'm glad it's ended, too!" + +"How did it happen?" queried Harry with keen interest. + +"Never mind the details just yet," panted Jack, stretching his shaking +arms and working his fingers to restore the circulation that had been +somewhat impeded because of the tense muscles. "Let's get Dave up here +safely first. That's one plucky Scout!" the boy added. + +"Right you are!" declared Harry. "I'd almost forgotten him!" + +"All right, Dave," called Ned, giving the levers a touch to bring the +Eagle clear of some treetops on a rise of ground. "Coming up?" + +"In just a minute," replied Dave from his position. "I'm resting +easily, and I think I see the camp where your comrade is located. Do +you suppose we might pick him up as we fly over the place?" + +"That would be a risky and nervy thing to do!" declared Ned. + +"Nothing so risky about it that I can see," protested Dave. "I'm all +right here, and if you'll pass that line down I'll try to manage to +drop the loop where he can get it if we find the right spot." + +"I believe Jimmie could do it?" cried Harry enthusiastically. + +"All right," assented Ned, "we can't any more than fail!" + +Although the feat that the boys proposed attempting would call for +considerable skill, and was certainly not lacking in danger to all +parties, they were not daunted. They had determined to rescue their +friend at whatever cost and knew that ordinary means would prove +useless. + +"Can you see Jimmie anywhere about that camp?" asked Ned, again handing +the glasses to Harry. "Take a good look," he advised. + +"I believe I can see him!" announced Harry, peering through the +binoculars. "He's walking out toward the edge of the hill toward the +same spot from which he signalled to us. Some one's with him!" + +"Then we'll try it?" determinedly Ned continued. + +For a few moments the boys rode in absolute silence with only the whine +of the motors breaking the stillness. The Eagle was working perfectly +with not a single hitch about the delicate mechanism. + +As they approached the two Uhlans Ned slackened the speed of the +motors. Dave dangled the extra loop in a tempting manner. + +A rifle shot was heard. The Eagle rose suddenly relieved of weight. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE FLIGHT OF THE EAGLE + +"Suppose so?" questioned Fritz as Jimmie made his announcement that the +Germans were shooting at the persons in the aeroplane. + +"Well, suppose so!" repeated Jimmie indignantly. "Why do you say +'Suppose so'? Where do you get that idea?" + +A shrug of the shoulders was the only answer. + +"I say," continued Jimmie with still less patience, "what's the big +idea--'suppose so'? Do you want them to shoot those boys?" + +"I care not," was the answer. "The ones in the aeroplane are trying to +escape are they not? Why, then, should they not come back?" + +"Well, why shouldn't they get away?" questioned Jimmie. + +"Perhaps they have information for your friends, the Russians!" + +"Oh, you give me a fine large pain!" stormed the now thoroughly aroused +lad. "Every time you see a shadow, you jump on it for a spy. Is your +old information so precious that nobody must know it? What makes you +so suspicious of everybody and everything?" + +"It is not right that the enemy should have knowledge of the movements +of the Imperial army," replied Fritz. "That is all." + +"And that's quite enough to make me feel that I'd like to be a spy once +just for pure spite!" declared Jimmie. "You and your spy business make +me tired! We Boy Scouts don't care a rap about your old information!" + +"Perhaps," was the smiling response. But Jimmie saw in the smile and +the single word a doubt of his statement. He was furious. + +He realized, however, that he could gain nothing by a loss of temper. +It was with a great effort that he controlled his temper and forced +himself to watch the flight of the aeroplane. Deep in his heart the +boy was hoping ardently for the success of those in the machine, for he +was now fully convinced that it was Ned and his comrades who had +attempted the flight. He watched every movement with great interest. + +When he saw the figure of his friend hanging to the truss rod beneath +the Eagle, Jimmie's heart almost stopped beating, so great was his +anxiety for the other's safety. As the sound of the rifle shots +reached his ears the lad turned away his head, for he did not in the +least doubt that the marksmen had been successful. + +When he again looked toward the speeding plane he danced with joy, for +he saw the figure still clinging to its perilous position and knew that +by great good fortune the chum he loved so dearly was unharmed. + +Both Jimmie and Fritz gazed eagerly toward the soaring plane, and +observed with great interest the movements incident to Jack's rescue. + +"Ha!" ejaculated Fritz, drawing a deep breath, as the two saw that Jack +had regained the deck of the Eagle. "He's a plucky boy!" + +"You bet he's a plucky boy!" replied Jimmie, condescending to +administer a friendly slap upon the Uhlan's shoulder. "They don't make +'em any more so! And he's a Boy Scout, too!" he added. + +"But there is still another boy under the machine," observed Fritz. + +"Oh, he'll get out all right!" was Jimmie's confident answer. "You'll +have to go some with your whole army to beat four Boy Scouts!" + +"Maybe," admitted Fritz with another smile. "But I see that your +friends are heading this way. Perhaps they intend paying you a little +visit before we start to Verdun," he added. + +"They sure are headed this way," the lad said. "And the fellow +underneath is riding that way on purpose. I wonder why?" + +"Who can tell why a boy does anything?" was Fritz's comment. + +"I can tell you why Boy Scouts do a great many things," declared Jimmie +vehemently. "They do the things that are right and square because it +is best and because they are living up to the rules of conduct that +they are taught. That's why they do those things!" + +"And do the Boy Scout rules teach them to be spies?" + +"Now you're talking through your hat again!" was the lad's answer. +"Can't you ever get it out of your head that we are not interested in +your war? We don't want to mix up in your private scraps." + +Fritz wagged his head sagely and smiled in a manner that spoke more +eloquently than words of his disbelief in Jimmie's protestations. + +"All right," continued the boy, "you don't have to believe it if you +don't want to, but if you live long enough we'll show you!" + +"You say 'We,'" responded the soldier. "It would appear that you +expect your friends to join you presently for some enterprise." + +"Well, it looks as if they expect to come pretty close to this place, +whether I expect them to or not," observed Jimmie, turning his eyes +toward the approaching plane and shading his eyes with a hand. + +"We shall return to the stables," decided Fritz. "Come." + +A movement of the Uhlan attracted Jimmie's attention. The lad saw a +glint of steel and wheeled to observe the erstwhile peaceable man +turned into an entirely different sort of individual, with his short +saber held in his hand in a threatening manner. + +For a moment the boy contemplated flight. An instant's reflection, +however, showed him the folly of such an attempt. He knew that, +although he was fleet of foot and believed that he could easily outrun +the other, he would be no match for a bullet if one should be sent +after him. Besides, he saw that his friends could not possibly reach +him with the plane if he should leave the elevated position on which he +stood. + +Concluding that his only hope of escape lay in patient waiting, the lad +turned reluctantly from his position and prepared to accompany Fritz as +he had been directed. He felt that he was giving up the only certain +means of getting away from the regiment he now thoroughly hated. + +"Gee!" he exclaimed petulantly, stepping forward a pace. "It seems as +if the whole bloomin' German army was determined that I should get +mixed up in the war! First it's von Liebknecht and now it's you and +Otto keeping after me, and I never did a thing to any of you!" + +"No?" queried Fritz. "But you do not say what you would like to do or +what you would do if you had the opportunity." + +"All right; you win the argument!" said Jimmie in a hopeless tone. + +"Then we go now to care for the horses and prepare for the trip to +Verdun," decided Fritz, with a twist of the keen blade he held. + +Entertaining visions of what might happen if Fritz became too careless +in his attentions with the saber, Jimmie cast a last look over his +shoulder at the rapidly approaching airship. He again took a +hesitating step toward the German, as if to accompany him. + +Fritz, believing that Jimmie was preparing to follow without further +parley, began replacing his saber in its scabbard. For an instant his +attention was concentrated on the task in hand. + +That instant was enough for the alert boy. With a sudden leap forward +he threw his weight into a low tackle and clasped his arms about the +other's legs. Both came heavily to earth. + +Jimmie, having the advantage, was first to rise. As he jumped to his +feet he again turned to look for the oncoming plane. + +The hum of the motors was plainly discernable. He thought he could +even hear a sharp command given by one of the boys in charge. + +Almost overhead he saw the great wings outspread and knew that he had +been sighted and that his comrades were trying to afford him the +opportunity of escape he so much desired. + +One glance revealed the strange lad clinging to a perilous seat on the +truss rod. With one hand the newcomer was balancing himself, while +with the other he was shaking out into plain view the noose trailing at +the end of a line hanging from the under side of the plane. + +His actions clearly indicated that he wanted Jimmie to prepare to grasp +the loop and be drawn up to the airship as they rose above the camp of +Germans. Jimmie needed no second invitation. + +Without paying the slightest heed to the efforts of Fritz to right +himself from the undignified position into which Jimmie's onslaught had +placed him, the lad dashed forward to a point from which he thought he +could most advantageously grasp the trailing loop. + +Nearer and nearer came the dangling line. The boy, under the extreme +excitement of the moment, began to imagine the feel of the rope in his +hands, and reviewed the motions he would have to make in order to seize +the line and be drawn up to his comrades. + +He gave a brief thought of thankfulness to the gymnasium training Ned +Nestor had so consistently urged upon the members of his patrol, and +flexed his biceps in anticipation of the strain they were to receive. + +Ned seemed to be handling the Eagle with consummate skill. He had +brought the machine to an altitude that was nicely calculated to afford +Jimmie just the opportunity needed without trailing the line upon the +ground, yet not having it out of the lad's reach. + +So absorbed were all the lads that they had not observed the activity +about the German camp caused by the approach of the aeroplane. They +failed to see several marksmen running toward their position with +rifles ready for instant use and with determination upon their faces. + +For the moment the lads seemed to forget that they were approaching a +camp of men who suspected them of being Russian spies and who would +hesitate at nothing to prevent their carrying out their designs. + +Nearer and nearer swept the Eagle with her strange purpose. At length +Jimmie's hand was outstretched to grasp the loop of line Dave had so +cunningly fashioned. He started on a run in the same direction the +airship was going, for the purpose of lessening the shock of being +picked up from a standstill by the airship that was still moving at a +good speed. He felt the rope within his hand, and then he heard a shot. + +Instantly realizing that their maneuver had been discovered, the lad +knew that the soldiers would endeavor by every means within their power +to frustrate the designs of himself and comrades. Yet he was +determined to make the attempt at escape, desperate though it was. + +He felt himself lifted from his feet, and knew that his grasp on the +rope was all that was keeping him from being dashed to earth again. + +Another rifle shot rang out, and the boy knew that the Germans were +preparing to concentrate their fire upon himself and comrades. + +This time he heard the crash of a bullet as it ripped its way through +one of the wings of the Eagle. + +In another instant the lad saw by a quick glance earthward that the +Eagle was not rising rapidly enough to get away from the cluster of +tents toward which it was heading. He knew that Ned was doing all +possible to so manipulate the wings of the monster craft that the tents +would be cleared, and hoped ardently that he might be able to do so. + +As the Eagle began a sloping ascent that promised to accomplish the +purpose of its pilot another rifle in the hands of a German soldier +spoke its sharp command and another bullet sped toward the little party. + +A clang of lead upon the metal under part of the fuselage told Jimmie, +hanging in midair, that the last marksman had been more successful than +his companions, and he hoped that no damage was done. + +His surprise was indeed great to feel a great trembling and shaking of +the rope he grasped. He glanced upward to determine the cause. + +His astonishment at observing Dave slipping down the rope was so great +that he nearly loosed his own grip. + +Lower and lower came the other boy until he reached the knot of the +loop he had tied for Jimmie's benefit. There he hung a moment. Jimmie +looked toward the earth again and saw that they were nearly over the +tents. Mentally deciding that they would clear the tops, the lad again +glanced aloft to observe the strange boy. + +It seemed that coincidentally with another shot the Eagle suddenly +jumped miles high into the sky. Then he found himself bumping about +with the strange lad in a world of canvas with several other people. + +By a strange freak of fortune the last shot had severed the rope by +which the two boys clung to the airship and had precipitated them +straight onto the tent. There they floundered for a time. + +"Ha!" Jimmie heard as he opened his eyes. "Another recruit!" + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +TEMPTATIONS + +"Gee whiz!" exclaimed Harry excitedly, grasping a portion of the +framework of the Eagle to assist in keeping his balance as the great +plane shot skyward. "What's coming off here, anyhow?" + +"What's the matter, Ned?" gasped Jack with equal astonishment. + +Ned was too busy, however, just at that moment to give a suitable reply +to the queries. The antics of the Eagle were occupying all his +attention, and he made extreme efforts to prevent the craft and its +freight from being dashed to an ignominious end in the midst of the +camp of Germans who had succeeded in making a prisoner of Jimmie. + +Instinctively the lad knew that something had happened to the boys +beneath the machine, although at the moment he was unable to see just +what calamity had befallen them. + +With a great leap the Eagle soared away from the camp amidst the +humming of bullets from the rifles of the angry Uhlans, who fired +rapidly but without proper aim. Accustomed as they were to shooting at +targets on a level with themselves, they found it an entirely different +proposition to properly aim their weapons when their quarry was at some +distance above the earth. + +Several of the missiles, however, struck the fuselage and wings of the +Eagle, causing considerable alarm. The boys were devoutly thankful +that none of the leaden messengers struck a vital part. + +"Whew!" breathed Harry as the Eagle drew away from the scene. "We +didn't have much margin that time, I declare!" + +"I guess that next time we go through a German camp we'll just hang an +anchor out overboard and hook up everything we can as we pass," +suggested Jack, peering back at the camp they had just left. + +"Better get Dave out of his perilous position as soon as we can," put +in Harry, remembering their new-found friend who had done such valiant +service. "He'll be tired by this time, with all this rough riding and +bouncing about we have been giving him." + +"Yes," added Jack with interest, "you certainly started upward with the +little old Eagle going on two wheels. You're some driver, Ned." + +"Let's make ready to help him out," persisted Harry. + +"No use," objected Ned, shaking his head disconsolately, "he isn't +there. I'm sure he dropped off back there at camp." + +"What!" cried Harry in amazement. "Why do you think that?" + +"Well, from the sudden way in which the Eagle's progress was checked, +I'm sure that Jimmie caught the loop of line all right," was Ned's +answer. "Then," he went on, "from the way in which the craft shook +just before she jumped skyward, I believe that the two boys were in +some sort of difficulty. All at once we began to climb, and that +indicated to me clearly that a considerable weight had been lost." + +"Do you mean to say you think both Jimmie and Dave fell?" + +"I can't see any other way out of it," declared Ned. + +"Well, of all things!" was Harry's expression as the truth of the +matter began to dawn upon him. "What shall we do now?" + +"I move we circle back in a big spiral," stated Jack, "and see if we +can see what's going on there. Maybe the boys are hurt." + +"We weren't going high enough for the drop to badly injure either of +them," declared Harry. "Unless they were tangled in the rope, they +have landed upside down with care, all right." + +"Jimmie will come out of any mixup with his fists doubled up," was +Jack's almost laughing comment. "I believe that if that chap were to +fall into the hopper of a mud scow he'd come out with a clean shirt on +and a smile all over that freckled face of his." + +"Yes, and ready to fight the chap that pushed him in," added Ned. + +"Then let's get back there and see what we can see," urged Harry. + +"Better not swing too close," advised Jack. "We can't tell what tricks +those fellows may have up their sleeves. They weren't prepared for our +sudden coming, and so failed to get us. Next time, though, they may be +more fortunate and we might get something not wanted." + +"What do you think, Ned," questioned Harry. + +"I think it would be unwise to go back there too close now," was Ned's +advice. "I'm of the opinion that our attempt to take Jimmie away had a +bad effect on them, and that they're quite angry." + +"Well, swing around a ways and let us take a peep through the glasses. +Maybe we can see what's going on back there." + +Accordingly Ned, in an effort to appease the curiosity of his chums, +brought the Eagle in a wide spiral to a position about three thousand +feet above the camp and a trifle to the westward. From this point of +vantage the lads could clearly see the camp within the range of their +field glasses. Jack nearly danced with joy as he looked. + +"Hurrah!" he shouted. "I can see a group about one of the tents that +looks all flattened out. I'll bet that Jimmie landed on top of the +tent and broke it down. They're standing in the middle of the group +there, and seem to be surrounded by officers." + +"Then the rest is easy," commented Ned, giving a touch of the levers +that carried the Eagle away on a straight flight to the westward. + +"Easy?" queried Harry. "What do you mean--easy?" + +"Why, they'll be taking train right away for the western front, unless +we're badly mistaken," answered Ned. "All we have to do is to leave +them alone for a few days until they arrive at the front, and there we +can help Jimmie and Dave to escape." + +"You figure that by that time the Germans will have forgotten us?" + +"Either that or they'll have other things to think of." + +"Then let's beat it out of this neighborhood," suggested Harry. + +"Wait a minute," urged Jack. "What do you suppose they'll do to the +boys if we leave them there? Won't they try to take out their spite on +the lads and go to extreme measures?" + +"I hardly think so," argued Ned, tilting the planes to bring the Eagle +a trifle closer to the earth. "In the first place, I think the +officers will want to keep the two lads for the amusement of the +soldiers. It will give them something to think about for a few days." + +"Yes, the two boys will amuse the soldiers, all right!" declared Jack. +"But what will happen to the two boys meanwhile?" + +"That's what I'm coming to," went on Ned. "I figure that they will not +be willing to see harm come to the lads through the Germans directly, +because it would make trouble between the German nation and ours and +that of Dave. They may make the lads go into the front lines when they +get to the front, and if they should get hit by a bullet from one of +their own countrymen the situation would be different." + +"I see," reflected Harry. "Then in that case the Germans could claim +they were not directly responsible. They might claim that the boys got +enthusiastic and enlisted voluntarily. If they got shot it was no +fault of the dear, kind Germans!" he finished sarcastically. + +"Well, that's about the way of it, I guess," answered Ned. "Anyhow," +he added, "I'm not a bit afraid for the boys' safety until Verdun is +reached. After that I'm not at all so sure as I'd like." + +"Then I agree that it's best that we just hit it up for the west." + +"Right-o!" cried Jack. "Let's get out of town, as that freight +conductor used to say. And let's be quick about it." + +"We'll be in plenty of time if we just jog along easily and save any +undue strain on the machine," advised Ned. "We'd better be on the +lookout for something to eat instead of worrying about speed." + +"We can eat some of this canned goods we put aboard back there in +Peremysl," suggested Harry. "I'm getting a little bit hungry now." + +"Then don't eat anything until you're good and hungry," Ned put in with +a smile. "We can't tell where we'll be apt to get anything after this +present supply is exhausted." + +"Then I won't eat just now," agreed Harry. "I'm not so hungry." + +Ned's laugh at the other's reply went far to break the spell of +melancholy that rested upon the group after they had discovered the +loss of their comrades. Truly they needed a bit of cheering, for the +situation was anything but pleasant and hopeful. + +"I see a little village off there to the right a piece," said Jack +presently. "We'd better find a favorable landing spot not far from the +town pretty soon, for it's coming on dark and we'll be unable to see +without showing searchlights that would expose ourselves." + +"You're right, I believe," Ned said. "We'd better land." + +"All right, then," agreed Harry. "Let's come down easy, though." + +Under Ned's capable hands the Eagle swooped silently and swiftly toward +the earth. The great machine behaved splendidly in every particular. +All three boys craned their necks eagerly toward the earth as they +descended. With watchful eyes they peered about. + +In another five minutes they were standing beside the Eagle, which +rested easily in a grassy spot beneath some tall trees that screened +the lads from the eyes of anyone passing upon the road. + +Their flight through the twilight had been apparently unobserved, for +no outcry from the nearby village had reached their ears. + +For a few minutes the three lads stood peering anxiously forth from a +screen of bushes that separated them from the highway. + +At length Ned signalled his comrades to follow, and cautiously stepped +forth from the copse. The others were close upon this heels. + +"Let's go to the village," offered Ned, "and try to find out just where +we are. Then we can know what to do next." + +"Go ahead!" agreed Jack and Harry in chorus. + +Ned walked down the road a few paces, then turned to look back at the +spot where they had come through the bushes. He examined carefully the +shrubbery, and stood a short time examining the outline of the trees +and larger growth, carefully noting the contour. + +"Getting a landmark for use when you return?" asked Harry. + +"That's just it!" laughed Ned. "Never can tell, you know," he went on +in mock seriousness. "Might have to come back in a hurry!" + +Laughingly the three then proceeded on their way into the town. + +They had not far to go, and were congratulating themselves upon the +fact that the village seemed almost deserted, when a man stepped into +the road from the deep shadow of a low building. + +"Halt!" challenged the newcomer. "Who goes there?" + +"A friend!" was Ned's instant answer. + +"Advance for examination, friend!" came the next command. + +The boys stepped forward wonderingly, not understanding the cause for +the man's challenge nor who he might be. + +"Germans again, I'll bet!" whispered Harry as they proceeded. + +"What town is this?" inquired Ned as the three approached the spot +where their challenger stood. "We are lost and would like help." + +"Ah, then you have come to the right place," the other said in a +pleasant tone. "We can surely help you to find yourself, and also can +give you a little lift upon your journey. Which way do you go?" + +"We want to get to the United States," Ned answered. "We have a little +work to do over here first, and would like to know just where we are +now. It will help us to get located correctly." + +"Then I will make a bargain with you," went on the other in a smooth +tone. "In exchange for information from us, we ask the same from you. +Are you willing to make an exchange?" + +"Perhaps," Ned answered. "Maybe our information wouldn't help." + +"We shall see. Now, first, you are at Bochnia, a little way to the +east of Cracow. Vienna lies almost due southwest, and the city of +Berlin is almost due northwest. You are nearly one hundred and fifty +miles almost due west of Peremysl," he concluded. + +"That's good!" declared Ned. "We thank you heartily." + +"Food is scarce," went on the other. "Gasoline is also scarce, and so +is information. You may have all you want of either if you will be +fair enough to reciprocate my kindness." + +"What can we do for you in exchange for all this kindness?" + +"Tell me how many German troops are leaving Peremysl," said the man. + +For a moment Ned was about to speak. Then he stopped. + +"We can't tell you that!" he said in a low tone. "We're not spies!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +A GREAT SURPRISE + +From the tone in which the remark was made Jimmie understood that the +speaker was referring contemptuously to either himself or Dave. + +He thought that he recognized the voice, but could not at once +determine the identity of the one who made the statement. Just at the +moment there appeared to be a world of canvas and ropes wound about his +head and body. He gasped for breath. + +Struggling to free himself from the entangling mass of cloth that +seemed to be smothering and weighing him down, the lad presently found +an opening, through which he thrust his head. Blinking rapidly as he +cleared his eyes from the dust that had arisen because of the sudden +downfall of the tent, the lad gazed about in astonishment. + +"Here, here; cut it out!" he cried as he felt a rough hand laid upon +his ankle. "What do you think you are doing, anyway?" + +"Aus!" a rough voice sounded in his ear. + +For a moment Jimmie lay without making an effort to rise. He was +trying to regain his sense of location that had been momentarily +disturbed because of his fall and sudden change of scene. + +The next instant the hand shifted from his ankle to his collar, and he +was unceremoniously dragged forth from the enveloping folds of the tent +cloth. Without an apology the one who had so effectively taken the boy +from his position set him upon his feet. + +"Hands off!" the lad cried with hot resentment at the treatment. +"Leave go of me or I'll start working on you! Who are you, anyway?" + +"That will do, young man," spoke a well-known voice, and Jimmie +recognized von Liebknecht. "Why do you enter my tent so rudely?" + +"Is this your tent?" asked Jimmie, wrinkling his freckled nose and +blinking at the officer as he sparred for time. + +"It was!" came the reply in icy tones, for von Liebknecht was plainly +angered. "Why do you enter unannounced?" + +"Well, if you'd ever been on Wall street," Jimmie began, with a twinkle +in his eye, "you'd understand me perfectly when I say that I took a +little flier in aeroplanes. The stock went up rapidly, and I felt the +bottom drop out of the market. When I landed, my surprise was, to say +the least, quite 'in tents'!" + +"You speak strangely," von Liebknecht replied. "What do you mean?" + +"Sorry if I say things you can't understand," went on the boy, "but you +will have to let me tell the story in my own way. Not to change the +subject at all, but I'd like to ask after my partner." + +"Your partner?" was von Liebknecht's surprised question. + +"Yes, the lad who came with me. Did you see anything of him?" + +"Oh, you mean the Boy Scout. He is somewhere about. He was not quite +so fortunate as you. He is being cared for." + +"Where?" was Jimmie's startled query. "Let me see him." + +"All in good time. He is over there," replied von Liebknecht, pointing +to a little group of officers and men not far away. + +"Excuse me; I'll be back in a minute," stated Jimmie, darting in the +direction indicated. "This is rotten luck!" he added as he approached +the group. "I hope that kid isn't hurt badly." + +Much to Jimmie's relief he saw the other boy rise to his feet as he +approached. In another instant he was by the other's side. + +"Are you hurt badly?" he inquired solicitously. + +"Not hurt a bit!" declared Dave, drawing himself to his full height and +stretching one arm after the other to prove his statement. + +"But you're pretty thoroughly shaken up, though!" declared the +red-headed lad. "You must have fallen harder than I did." + +"Well, I'll admit that last statement," laughed Dave. "I guess the +breath was jolly well knocked out of me, don't you know." + +"Not quite Johnnie Bull enough to be English," mused Jimmie aloud, "but +still too much Johnnie Bull to be strictly United States. Say, Scout, +where are you from, and what is your name, and where are you going?" he +went on, gazing earnestly at the stranger. + +Dave laughed at Jimmie's broadside of questions and answered by +introducing himself. He received in turn a statement of Jimmie's name +and rank, together with the name of his patrol. + +"What were you trying to do?" asked Jimmie as he noted that Dave was +able to stand alone and even to walk a few steps. + +"Why, we were trying to give you a chance to get out of this mess," +replied Dave. "If it hadn't been for the rotten luck that German +marksman had in cutting the line by which we hung, we'd have made it, +too!" + +"And then the German army would surely have been defeated," put in +Jimmie with a broad smile, "for without this valuable addition to his +fighting forces the Kaiser would never be able to conduct this war at +all properly. They need me here in the army, it seems." + +"It begins to look to me as if they'll be needing me, too," added Dave. +"I'll wager a pretty penny they won't let either of us go now!" + +"We'll see about that," confidently replied The Wolf. "We may have a +word or two to say in our own behalf. We'll try, anyway." + +"What shall we do now?" asked Dave as he brushed a bit of dust from his +uniform. "We can't very well take French leave just now." + +"We'd better report to von Liebknecht, who is in command here. He'll +be apt to make us carry garbage away from the kitchen, but we'll have +to submit to that until the opportunity for escape appears. Here he +comes now. Just keep a stiff upper lip and leave the talking to me." + +But von Liebknecht spared both Jimmie and Dave the necessity of making +explanations. His men had already reported fully the attempted rescue +of their red-headed recruit by those in the aeroplane. + +A sharp order was given, and instantly the boys were being escorted +toward the stables. There they were assigned to tasks under the +watchful eyes of certain soldiers, amongst whom Jimmie noted his +erstwhile friend Otto. In the hurry and excitement of breaking camp +conversation between the newly made chums was impossible. + +From that moment the boys noted preparations for the departure of the +regiment. Far into the night they worked side by side with the +soldiers of the Imperial Kaiser, loading horses and various items of +baggage and supplies into a train waiting not far distant from the camp. + +By the time that the last horse had been properly placed in the cars +and the last item of baggage was correctly stowed, the lads were so +weary and exhausted they were glad to lay themselves on a pile of +forage. In another moment they were both fast asleep. + +Jimmie was wakened by the stopping of the train. He reached out a hand +and touched Dave on the arm. As Dave turned and was about to rise, +Jimmie slid his hands over the other's lips. + +"Hush-sh-sh!" he whispered in a scarcely audible tone. "I don't know +where we are. Maybe we'll have a chance to make a getaway." + +"Let's try to find out where we are," replied Dave, instantly wide +awake and using the same cautious tone employed by The Wolf. + +Carefully the boys rose from their position and proceeded to a position +where they could look from the car. + +"No use!" declared Jimmie as he peered forth. "They've got the track +lighted up all along the train, and there are about 'steen billion or +so of soldiers patrolling the blooming train!" + +"I can count up to seventeen million myself," added Dave in the same +spirit. "After that I lose count on a fat one. I don't know whether +to count him as two or whether I'm seeing double." + +"I guess you're not seeing double at all, at all," replied Jimmie. "I +think I see the same guy myself. He's certainly some big gun!" + +"Which one do you mean?" queried Dave, trying to locate the one Jimmie +referred to. "I can't quite make him out right now." + +"That fellow over there," answered the other, pointing toward the +forward end of the train. "Can't you see the big automobile that just +pulled up? I saw that big guy get out of it just now." + +"Sure enough!" declared Dave. "I can see the auto now, and I think I +can see the man, too. Wonder who he is and what he wants." + +"Probably he's only a station master or something," said Jimmie with +feigned unconcern. "Maybe it's the Kaiser himself for all we know. If +it is he, I'm going to scold him roundly for deserting all the +perfectly good sausages in Berlin and coming way out here just to stop +our perfectly good little train. Wonder what he wants." + +"There they come now," went on Dave excitedly. "They're all coming +along this way, and it looks as if he's going back to the caboose. +Maybe he's going to ride with us a little way." + +"Can you see what they're trying to do now?" asked Jimmie. + +"In just a minute I will," was the answer. "Let me get a good hold +here and I'll lean out a ways from the car." + +Dave grasped the side of the door and leaned far out from the carriage +in which the boys were riding. Had he not done so the result might +have been far different. Jimmie had only time to utter a single word +of caution before he saw that his chum was slipping. + +With a cry Dave tried to regain his lost balance. Finding that it was +impossible to draw himself back into the car, the lad chose the only +other possible course and leaped into the air in an effort to land +squarely on his feet as he left the car. + +In this he was successful. He came down beside the track upon his +feet, turning just in time to face the approaching group. + +Jimmie gazed in wonderment and amazement upon the features of the man +he had previously noted. For a moment he stared speechless. + +"Well, I'll be sold for a cent!" he declared as he observed the +individual closely. "If it isn't the Kaiser I'll eat my hat!" + +It was indeed none other than the Kaiser himself! Jimmie had +recognized the man because he had seen so many pictures of the notable +person who was directing the fighting forces of a great nation. + +Instantly the lad recognized the fact that he was committing an act of +extreme incivility in thus shouting out the identity of so august and +important a personage. Yet he also knew that it was too late to +retract his statement. He therefore, with his usual air of unconcern, +determined to face the matter and make the best of it. + +Without waiting for further preliminaries the lad dropped to the ground +and placed himself beside his comrade. + +Drawing himself to his full height, the lad faced the Kaiser and +saluted, using the well-known form adopted by the Boy Scouts. + +Much to his astonishment, his salute was gravely returned by the other, +and the party came to a halt. + +"What can I do for you?" inquired the Kaiser in a not unkindly tone, +dropping his hand again to his side. + +"Well," began Jimmie, scarcely knowing just how he should address the +man, "in the first place, we are not spies, and then, besides, we'd +like to get back to the United States without any trouble." + +"So?" inquired the other. "And why do you wish to go to the United +States, may I ask? Is your business urgent there?" + +"Not at all," replied Jimmie. "Nothing urgent about it except that we +understand you are having a war over here and we don't want to get +mixed up in it. That's all, and it's enough, too!" + +"And you declare that you are not spies. Who has said you were?" + +"Well, it seems to be the pretty general opinion that because I was +found in Peremysl with a Cossack uniform on that I am a Russian," went +on Jimmie. "Mr. von Liebknecht, here, seems to think that I am trying +to get back to the Russian army with a lot of information that I +haven't got and--oh, a whole lot of things!" + +So great was the lad's excitement at an opportunity to unburden his +grievances that he spoke rapidly. As he paused for breath the other +looked about the group of officers. Then he said: + +"This is indeed a strange circumstance. Just now the regiment is +moving westward, and it is not proper that they should be delayed. +Orders have been given for their departure, and they must be obeyed. +If you will come with me we will inquire into the merits of your case +and decide what shall be done. Will you do that?" + +"Yes, sir, we'll be glad to," replied Jimmie, turning to Dave for +confirmation. "We'll go with you." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +BAFFLED PURSUERS + +"There, there," said the man soothingly, "of course you're not spies. +I didn't intend to have you understand that you would be acting the +part of spies in giving me the trifle of information I wanted. You +failed to understand me, that's all." + +"Well, then," replied Ned, "I apologize. I thought you were asking me +about the German troops and their movements." + +"So I was," went on the man. "I wanted to know so that the good people +of this stricken village could be prepared." + +"How could the people of this village resist the Germans?" asked Ned +wonderingly. "I don't see any fighting men about." + +"That's just the point," pursued the other. "All the men and boys +capable of carrying weapons or doing anything like a man's job at any +kind of work have been drafted by the Germans." + +"Then what's the excitement about?" put in Jack impatiently. "We can't +see why you or the village people should worry if the Germans have +taken everything that can be taken." + +"You don't understand, I see," continued the other. "The Germans have +left here only women and children and very old men. They even took +away with them such food supplies as could be transported easily. Now +there is very little grain left, and with it perhaps a few potatoes and +other things. But all the cattle and other food supply has been +removed. The villagers are on the point of starving." + +"Won't the soldiers feed them when they come--that is, if they're +actually coming?" inquired Jack, presenting his own solution of the +case. + +"We are afraid they will not," was the answer. "They have not a very +savory reputation here. It is the intention of the remaining people to +escape to the country, taking with them whatever they can carry, when +they know the Germans are again moving in this direction." + +"Why, then, don't they go now and be done with it?" asked Ned. + +"Evidently you do not understand the characteristics of this people or +their love of their home, no matter how humble it may be," was the +answer. "If you only understood the fact that these good people have a +gentler side to their nature and that their love of home and family is +fully as great as you will find in your own country, you would not need +to ask such a question. It is a most serious matter to most if not all +of these people to go away from their homes." + +"But I don't see that any information we can give you would be of the +slightest assistance at this time," objected Ned. + +"It would give us time to prepare for the intended flight." + +"I can't see it," argued Ned. "You seem to know that the Germans are +moving westward from Peremysl. That is more than we know." + +"We know that they have been successful in their assault on the town, +and we understand that the capture of that stronghold will leave many +troops free for use at other points. What can be more natural than +that they should leave Peremysl in the hands of a force sufficient to +guard it against any possible attack by the Russians and rush the +remainder of their troops to other points where they are needed--say a +few regiments at strategic points like Verdun?" + +As he finished speaking the man glanced casually about the place, as if +observing a passer-by. Ned and his companions exchanged quick looks of +inquiry. Using the mute language in which the boys were adept, Ned +flashed a question at his chums. + +"What do you suppose he wants?" he asked. Then in the same manner he +went on: "Be careful. I mistrust this fellow! He is not square!" + +Jack and Harry had only time to nod their understanding of the message +before the man again turned to them and went on: + +"So you see, don't you, that you would be rendering a real aid to a +stricken and starving people by giving us whatever information you may +have about the movements of the German troops?" + +"No, I can't say that I do," replied Ned positively. "You seem to have +plenty of information on hand right now to enable you to make any +necessary preparations for the advent of the Germans if such a thing +should happen. For myself, I don't believe that the Germans would +visit this place a second time. It isn't at all likely." + +"And why not, pray?" was the man's query. + +"For the same reason that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same +place and a mule doesn't kick twice in the same place--they don't have +to," was Ned's quiet answer. "That's a good reason, isn't it?" + +Although Ned's answer had been made in a quiet tone, the words were +full of meaning, and it was apparent to all that the man was capable of +understanding the firmness and resolve in Ned's manner and voice. + +"So, then, you refuse to give me any information concerning the +movement of the troops?" went on the other with an air of finality. +"Of course, I suppose you realize that the result of a German raid on +this town would be laid at your door if an inquiry were made? The good +people here are not so ready to forgive as you may imagine. If you +have information that would help them to safety and do not give it, +could you blame them if they felt rather unfriendly toward you?" + +"Now see here, Mister--whatever your name is--," began Ned, slightly +nettled, "we came here only to find a place to buy some gasoline and +some food. We are not in this country as spies, and we have repeatedly +declined to give information to either side. We can't start now." + +"All right, then," said the man, nodding his head slightly, "have your +own way about it. But," he went on, "if you fail to make any purchases +such as you desire, please don't blame anyone but yourselves." + +With these words he turned on his heel and left the three lads staring +after him in amazement. He proceeded quickly, and was soon out of +sight behind a house slightly larger than the others. + +"Well, he told us where we were, at any rate," said Ned with a huge +sigh as the man disappeared from their view. "He's generous!" + +"Nix on the sarcasm," counseled Harry; "it strikes me that we are in a +pretty tight fix right now. That fellow won't do a thing but make it +interesting for us if he gets half a chance." + +"You're right, Harry," put in Jack with vigor. "Do you know, boys, I +wouldn't object to making a little bet that our visitor is a German +himself, put here for the purpose of keeping an eye on everything that +goes on. He was just trying to pump us, that's all." + +"Do you really think so?" asked Ned. "He seemed all right at first." + +"I thought so, too," went on Jack, "but did you notice how rather +uppish he got when we wouldn't tell him all we know and then some?" + +"He was inclined to get rather dictatorial toward the last," admitted +Ned. "Come to think about it, he didn't look like an ordinary villager +at that. Wonder who he could have been." + +"I'm not wondering so much at who he could have been as what he's +liable to do," was Jack's answer. "I began to suspect him just the +minute you warned us. I'm glad we didn't tell him anything." + +"Let's get out of here, boys," suggested Harry. "If that fellow is +within fourteen rows of apple trees of the truth and this village is +deserted by all the able-bodied men, we won't have much chance of +getting gasoline or food or information at this place." + +"What shall we do?" asked Ned. "What is your idea?" + +"I move we go back to the Eagle and 'get out of town'." + +"Second the motion," cried Jack eagerly. "I don't like this place a +little bit! Let's be going now." + +"All right, then; right about face, march!" commanded Ned. + +All three boys wheeled and started back in the direction they had come. +They traveled at a good pace for the first few moments. + +Jack even essayed to whistle "Tipperary" between his teeth to help them +along. With visions of a speedy departure from that neighborhood in +their minds, the boys swung along at a good pace. + +Suddenly they were startled to hear the report of a rifle and to be +greeted by the peculiar tearing sound made by a bullet in its flight +through the air. Almost as if actuated by a common impulse the three +lads crouched low and broke into a run. + +Again came the report of the rifle and the noise of a bullet speeding +on its errand of death. As Jack had stooped to run he had taken a +quick glance over his shoulder. Now he closed in nearer to Ned. + +"That fellow is in the house on our right," he panted. "I saw the +flash of the gun as he fired that time." + +Ned's only reply was a quick nod. He did not waste breath in making a +reply where none was needed. For answer he merely extended his hand to +administer a touch of encouragement on Jack's shoulder. + +By this time darkness had settled almost completely over the place, and +the boys found running in the not over-excellent highway a task that +required every ounce of their strength and agility. + +Presently Ned slackened speed. His companions did likewise. + +"Whew!" the boy panted. "That was rather exciting, wasn't it?" + +"Sure was," came Harry's labored answer. "But we ought to be somewhere +near the Eagle by this time," he added. + +"I think I recognize those trees there now," Ned put in as the three +advanced at a walk. "Let's get into the field and be on our way just +as quickly as we can. I don't like to be shot at." + +"Do you think we have gasoline enough for an extended flight?" asked +Harry anxiously. "We'd feel nice to get caught with a flat tire or +something a mile up in the air." + +"We have plenty, I think," was Ned's answer. "We can gauge the tank +easily enough if we can't see the indicator." + +"Ha, there she is now!" exclaimed Jack as the three boys broke through +the growth of underbrush and entered the field where the Eagle had been +left. "She's closer in than I thought," he went on. + +"Well, distances are mighty deceptive in the darkness," explained Ned. +"It is very easy to be mistaken on a little matter like that." + +"All right, Boss," was Jack's answer in a relieved tone, now that he +was again near their beloved plane. "Let's have your searchlight." + +"Here it is," said Ned, producing the desired article. "Lucky for us +that I brought it along. Better start the engine with the muffler on. +We don't want the remaining villagers to come storming up here." + +Ned handed the searchlight to Jack and then prepared to make ready for +the anticipated flight by buttoning his coat tightly at the throat. He +knew that the damp chilliness of night would be uncomfortable. Just as +Ned and Harry were preparing to assist their chum they were startled to +hear him cry out in surprise: + +"This isn't the Eagle, boys! This is a strange machine!" + +"What?" gasped the two boys on the ground. "A strange machine?" + +"Certainly. Look here! Why," Jack continued, "I actually believe it's +a German aeroplane! Now, what do you think of that!" + +"Then in that case there are Germans near," decided Ned instantly. + +"Say, boys, I have an idea!" was Harry's excited statement. + +"All right, let's have it," requested Jack. "Such rare occurrences +should deserve special mention. We'll mention you in the log of the +trip. Perhaps you'll have a medal struck off just for that." + +Although the lads were in a situation that was anything but pleasant, +Jack could not resist the temptation to have a little fun. + +"Let's take the German gasoline and put it into our tanks," went on +Harry, without giving attention to the attempted joke. + +"Good idea!" declared Ned in lower tones. "But where's the Eagle?" + +"I think I can see it right over there," said Harry, pointing. + +It was even as the lad said. Their own machine lay not far from the +one they were examining. Working quickly, the lads produced a bucket +from the Eagle and in a short time had located the drain cock at the +bottom of the German plane's fuel tank. + +They had successfully transferred several loads of the precious fluid +to the tank of the Eagle, working with extreme caution, when Jack gave +a warning hiss from his post at the hedge screening the field. + +"They're coming!" he cried in a whisper as he hurried up. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A BIT OF SCIENCE + +As Jimmie announced the willingness of the two lads to accompany the +German forces he was looking straight at Dave. The lad from the +Northwest thought he caught the slightest tremor of Jimmie's eyelid, +but was not positive. However, acting on the assumption that he was +correct and that Jimmie had some purpose in declaring in so positive a +manner his intentions, Dave thought best to offer no remonstrance. + +With senses keenly alert the two boys watched closely the actions of +the group of officers and soldiers about them. + +Their stay in this place would be short, for it would not take long to +change engines and have the troops moving westward again. A second +section of the train was following closely. The boys knew that no time +would be lost by those in charge of the movement of troop trains. + +Therefore they were especially anxious to discover some means of +escape, if possible. None, it seemed, presented itself. + +Hedged round by a ring of soldiers who were fully armed, the boys could +see others at a short distance patrolling the station grounds. An open +space of some considerable area was occupied just now by small groups +of soldiers who had left the train by permission and were walking about +for exercise. Electric lights were mounted on poles to give +illumination to the grounds. + +The Kaiser and his party again resumed their interrupted progress +toward the rear of the train, leaving an officer with the boys. + +"What are they waiting for, Jimmie?" asked Dave, peering about. + +"Search me," replied the red-headed lad. "They've got the engine +coupled on, I guess, and I'm ready to go." + +"Do you mean to go all the way to Verdun?" asked Dave anxiously. + +"Not on your photograph done in oils," responded Jimmie with more vigor +than elegance. "We shake this bunch as soon as a chance comes!" + +"Right-o!" was Dave's rejoinder. "That's what I say, you know." + +"I don't know where the other boys have gone by this time, but it's a +cinch that they won't stray far from the line of railroad if their +gasoline holds out. If we can drop off between stops we can signal +them and maybe they'll find us. It ought to be easy." + +"You jolly well keep up your spirit," said Dave admiringly. "I rather +think, don't you know, that I'm fortunate in finding you boys. It'll +be something to remember when I get back home." + +"Thanks," returned Jimmie. "It's a good thing we can say the same. It +isn't often we meet up with fellows as full of grit as you." + +"I haven't done anything at all yet," replied Dave modestly. "In fact, +I only made a bally mess of what I attempted. But you wait--" + +"Listen!" commanded Jimmie, interrupting what Dave was about to say. + +"I'm listening, don't you know," replied Dave. + +"What do you hear?" asked The Wolf, with his head on one side. + +"Why, bless my heart, it sounds quite like the exhaust of a motor. Now +I wonder what it can be. It's a petrol motor, too!" + +"I know what it is!" Jimmie almost cried out loud. "It's an airship!" + +"Can it be the boys coming back after us?" questioned Dave doubtingly. + +"That doesn't sound like the exhaust from the Eagle," protested Jimmie +with a shake of his head. "She's got a dandy muffler." + +Others of the party beside the train were now observing the noise that +the lads had noticed. An officer dashed across the open space on which +the soldiers were exercising. Running up to the group in which the +Kaiser walked, he saluted gravely and reported the circumstance. + +Nearer and nearer came the sound. At length it appeared directly +overhead. Looking up, the boys could faintly make out a great gray +form at some distance above the train. For an instant only it +appeared, to vanish the next instant in the darkness. The clamor of +the motors, however, was not diminished. + +"He's going to land near here," whispered Jimmie, grasping Dave's arm +in his excitement. "We'll soon see who and what he is." + +The boy's prediction was correct. For a short time the aviator circled +about the station, evidently searching for a suitable place in which to +make a landing. In another moment it was seen clearly that he intended +to land as near the station as possible. + +Of all the observers none was more interested than the two Boy Scouts +so strangely thrown into the company of this train load of fighting men +and their emperor. Jimmie was the first to discover the pilot's +intentions. Grasping Dave's arm, he dragged the other a short distance +away from the spot, to be clear of the descending plane. + +A switch engine was bringing up a coach to attach it to the rear of the +train. The coach was evidently intended for the use of the Kaiser, for +it was stopped exactly opposite the little party surrounding him. + +At a signal from the man whom the whole German army worshipped the +engine moved the coach a short distance down the track while the +emperor and his staff gave their attention to the daring aviator. + +"Geewhillikins!" exclaimed Jimmie breathlessly. "Those fellows better +look out a little or they'll get run over!" + +It truly appeared as if this contingency were about to occur, for the +soldiers made no attempt to clear the tiny parade ground. Instead they +waited for the approach of the speeding plane. + +In another moment the machine was upon the ground and running along +upon its wheels. Many willing hands grasped portions of the framework +and assisted in bringing the machine to a halt. + +Before the task of stopping the aeroplane was fairly accomplished the +pilot had leaped from his seat. He approached the group of officers +about the Kaiser with rather unsteady steps and gravely saluted. + +The salute was returned by the entire party, who then stood at +attention. From the center of the party the Kaiser stepped forward. + +A few short, brisk sentences were exchanged between the Kaiser and the +stranger who had descended so precipitately from the sky. + +"Gee!" exclaimed Jimmie in disgust. "They're talking German, and I +can't understand it at all! What rotten luck!" + +"Hush!" responded Dave. "I'm getting a word now and again. Perhaps I +can make out what it is the chap is reporting." + +"If you can understand that awful bunch of noises they call a language +you're going some!" declared Jimmie, half to himself. + +"Just a moment now," said Dave. "He's unburdening himself of a long +talk about the movement of some troops, I take it. Now he is saying," +the boy went on, "that he has seen or some one has seen a strange +aeroplane near here. It is supposed to be one of the French machines +that has somehow got past the lines and is scouting." + +"Let him report that stuff all he wants to," was Jimmie's comment in an +uninterested manner. "We should worry a lot about that!" + +"But suppose it is the Eagle he has sighted?" + +"Ah!" was the lad's quick ejaculation. "It can't be the Eagle." + +"Why not?" asked Dave. "Isn't it entirely possible?" + +"Well, come to think of it, you are right. It might be the Eagle he +has seen and is reporting. What can we do to stop him if he should +take a soldier or two with him now and start out to plug the little old +Eagle and her crew full of bullet holes?" + +"I can't imagine, you know," was Dave's puzzled reply, "unless we +prevent his getting away at all. I don't see how that is to be done.'" + +A sudden resolve came to the red-headed lad as he pondered over the +situation. Glancing quickly about to observe whether the two were +under surveillance, he drew from his pocket several small objects. + +"Stay just about here, Dave," he said. "I'm going over to the machine +and see what I can do to fix it so they can't run very well. If I'm +successful it may mean that we can save the boys on the Eagle. If I'm +caught at it I'll take part in a little shooting-fest myself, and I'll +act the part of the shootee. Keep your eyes peeled, and if anyone +comes this way put me wise by whistling." + +"Don't try anything rash, now," was Dave's remark at this statement. +"If they catch you doing tricks to their machine it'll go hard." + +"I'm going to take a long chance," Jimmie answered, with the peculiar +setting of his jaws that his comrades had learned so well to understand +meant a resolve that nothing could swerve. "Keep your eyes open." + +"But, I say," was Dave's further objection, "it won't do any good to +drain his gasoline. There's likely a supply right here and he can +reload in a few minutes. Use all your caution, Jimmie!" + +"All right, I'll use all my caution and something else," was the answer +as the lad moved slowly toward the aeroplane, as if to casually examine +the rigging out of a boy's natural curiosity. + +For some moments Dave stood fairly torn by his emotions. He was +fearful that Jimmie would be discovered meddling with the mechanism and +that the consequences of such discovery would be dire. + +Glancing alertly from side to side, the lad stood at his post in a +fever of excitement. He strove to keep his hands from trembling. His +knees seemed scarcely able to support the weight of his body. + +Presently the group of officers about the Kaiser seemed to have +questioned the aviator to their complete satisfaction, for several +turned and walked down the track toward the coach waiting for the use +of the Kaiser. Others walked briskly away across the parade ground, +while the aviator himself and the Kaiser walked together along the +track toward the aeroplane that had brought the man to earth. + +Dave was about to signal Jimmie that danger was near, when he saw that +the lad was coming back. So interested were the aviator and his +auditor in the conversation that was going on that they apparently did +not notice the boy leaving the vicinity of the machine. + +Jimmie joined Dave with an air of extreme boredness. + +"What did you do, Jimmie?" asked Dave breathlessly. + +"I fixed his clock, all right!" was the answer. Jimmie pointed to one +of the electric lights swinging from a pole not far away. + +"See that electric light?" he asked. "Well, that's the greatest +invention of man. Without it the whole world would lose lots of time." + +"What has that to do with the aeroplane?" asked Dave wonderingly. + +"Nothing. I just wanted to get your mind off the subject. You're +trembling like a leaf," answered Jimmie. "If they see you it'll be a +dead give-away. Can't you stop shaking so? What's the matter?" + +"I'm going to stop. I was just thinking about what would happen to you +if they saw you at the machine. I'm all right now." + +"You'd better be. If they start any questions, just remember that you +never saw an aeroplane nor a Boy Scout in your life." + +"There he is now," said Dave, pointing toward the machine. + +"He's going to try to make a start," said Jimmie. "But for goodness' +sake," the boy went on, "get your mind off it. Look away." + +By this time the aviator had reached the machine and was preparing for +another flight. Willing hands had been stretched forth from the crowd +of soldiers who had but a moment before ignored the machine entirely, +and the plane was turned about and headed away from the station. + +A preliminary explosion or two from the motors announced to all that +the aviator intended leaving the place. Other explosions rapidly +succeeded the first. Then came a silence. The aviator was examining +his machine, evidently seeking for the cause of some trouble. + +The exhausts of his motor had been regular, but something had gone +wrong, and he was trying to locate the difficulty. + +Presently he again started the engine in an effort to warm it up. +Becoming impatient at his failure to readily locate the cause of the +uneven running of his motor, the aviator turned on full power. + +For an instant the clatter of the motor drowned all other sounds. +Throughout the roar of the exhaust the sharp ears of the two boys could +discover a strange vibration that told of trouble. + +Before they could again turn to examine the aeroplane that had been +wheeled along the ground for some distance, there came a crash, +followed by a rending, tearing sound. Then all was still again. + +As Jimmie and Dave turned they saw the aeroplane lying a wreck, torn by +its own propellers. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +UNDER FALSE COLORS + +"Well, let 'em come," declared Harry, hastening toward the Eagle with +the last load of gasoline. "We are ready for a quick start now, and if +they want to see a correct imitation of three boys beating it down the +road they'd better hurry. We can't wait much longer." + +"Sure!" put in Ned. "Shall we whistle a warning signal to hurry them +up a little, or shall we let them miss the boat?" + +"Let 'em miss the boat if they can't get here on time," laughed Jack, +carrying out the joke, although the case of the lads was apt to become +anything but a joke if their presence was discovered by the German +soldiers who were approaching at some distance down the road. + +"Hurry, boys," cautioned Ned, laying aside his jovial air as he began +preparations for departure. "We mustn't get caught now." + +"All right, Boss, we're with you every minute," declared Jack. + +The boy was already in the fuselage of the Eagle. He reached an eager +hand to assist Harry with the gasoline. Harry climbed up to a +favorable position and was about to pour the gasoline into the fuel +tank while Ned, in his haste to be off, was priming the motors. + +Suddenly all three were startled to hear a voice from the rear of the +machine they were occupying. + +"Halt!" they heard. "Come out of that machine or I fire!" + +"Who's that?" asked Jack, pausing in the operation of emptying the +fuel. "What do you want and how did you come there?" + +"Give her the gas, Ned!" urged Harry. "We're all ready to go and he's +on the ground. He can't catch us in a million years." + +"I can't make the engine go at all," almost sobbed Ned in his +excitement. "Somebody has been monkeying with the machinery." + +"Ha, ha!" laughed the newcomer. "So the engine won't run, eh?" + +"No, it won't!" snapped Ned as he turned a wrathful face toward the +rear of the Eagle to observe the stranger. "Did you do it?" + +"Yah!" came the answer. "Mine comrade and myself, ve done tings mit +der wires. Dere is no current by der spark plugs alretty!" + +"Good night!" was Ned's ejaculation of despair as he realized that the +words of the stranger were but too true. "No current!" + +"Yah!" laughed the stranger. "But," he added, "we haf current in our +guns. Maybe you like dot ve show you. Und ve vill, too, aber you +don'd come out of dot machine, und do id quick!" + +"I guess it's all up, boys," said Ned forlornly. "We might as well +unload. They have got the upper hand of us this time." + +"I move we cut and run for it," proposed Jack with spirit. "We could +easily beat them in the darkness and amongst the trees." + +"I don't think so," cautioned Harry. "They have got help coming up the +road, and we don't know how many of them are near here." + +"No, boys," counseled Ned, "we'd better try some other stunt. If they +get angry at us they might do anything, and we can't stand it to get +shot to pieces just now. Remember, Jimmie and Dave need us." + +"All right, then, Old Fox," was Jack's reply in a resigned tone, "we'll +just trot along as meek as lambs and leave the Eagle to their tender +mercies. I tell you, though, I hate to do it." + +"Hark! I hear the others coming through the hedge!" said Harry. + +"There's quite a bunch of them, to judge by the sound." + +"Well, the more the merrier," declared Ned. "In numbers there is +strength, I've heard, and perhaps in numbers will come our chance. If +they'll only get in one another's way for a while we'll give them an +opportunity to hear what a real old-fashioned 'good-by' is like." + +"Come oudt, now," commanded the stranger, banging at the framework of +the Eagle with a very serviceable looking rifle. + +"Coming!" announced Jack as he prepared to descend. Ned and Harry at +once followed their comrade, and directly found themselves on the +ground, confronted by several men in the uniform of one of the German +regiments. The officer in command looked his surprise. + +Only a few words were needed from their captor to acquaint the officer +with the situation. He laughed immoderately at the apparent joke of +the purloiners of his gasoline being caught before they had time to use +it. His merriment was infectious, and presently the entire group were +giving vent to their feelings. + +The three boys felt that they were the object of the soldiers' +ridicule, yet they were unable to make any reply, since they did not +understand sufficient German to be able to converse with their captors. + +When the officer had finally laughed himself tired he gave a command +and the soldiers formed about the lads and began escorting them toward +the town. Once there, the officer led the way to a house with which he +was evidently familiar. + +Lights were brought and an examination of the lads was begun. After +several preliminary questions the officer found that he had met his +match in the matter of wits. Ned declined absolutely to give any +information other than that he and his comrades were from the United +States and heartily wished to be back there. + +"So-o-o," was the astonished comment of the officer. "Und you are +neutral and vish to be neutral all the while?" + +"Yes, sir," was Ned's reply as he looked the other squarely in the eye. +"We are not spies and cannot give you any information." + +"But you, would go oudt and start somethings maybe if I let you go." + +"No, sir, we wouldn't," declared Ned. "We came to this village and +wanted to buy some gasoline and food, but a man we met wouldn't sell +any. Instead of that we were shot at as we were leaving." + +"Oh, vell," said the officer, waving his hand in a deprecating manner, +"who cares about a little ting like dot in var time?" + +"Well, if we had got hit by one of the bullets we wouldn't have felt +very joyful about it, I can tell you that!" said Ned. + +"Und why was it that this man wouldn't sell you the gasoline?" + +"I don't know unless it was because we wouldn't answer his questions +about the movement of German troops," answered Ned. + +"I don't think that was it at all," laughed the officer. "It was those +uniforms of yours. You see, they are different than what he was +accustomed to seeing, and he probably thought they were Russian." + +"Possibly that was it," agreed Ned, although he secretly doubted this +flimsy explanation. "Of course, I don't know." + +"Yes," the other went on, "I'm sure that was it, and I suggest that the +best plan would be to change them. You will therefore remove your +uniforms and we will provide you with others more suitable." + +"Well, if you please," Ned remonstrated, "we'd much rather take our +chances wearing these same uniforms. They're ours and others are not. +It wouldn't be very nice to go back on your uniform." + +"But you will change, nevertheless," announced the other. "We need +those uniforms and you don't. So be quick about it." + +At a signal one of the men now came forward bearing an armful of +clothes, which he threw down upon the floor in front of the lads. + +"Good night!" said Jack as he put on a coarse shirt several sizes too +large. "This is no joke at all. Those fellows were laughing a few +minutes ago, but they'll laugh worse than ever when they see us." + +In fact, the boys had to laugh at each other, so strange was the +appearance of the three when they were finally dressed. + +"Now," said the officer with a smile, when the exchange of clothing had +been arranged, "we shall let you occupy this little room for a time." + +He indicated a small room leading from the larger one. It was the room +from which the soldier had provided the clothing the boys now wore. + +In another moment the lads found themselves alone with the door leading +into the outer room securely fastened. + +"Just a little bit dark in here, isn't it?" inquired Harry as the door +closed and the sound of the falling latch came to their ears. + +"Yes, but I managed to smuggle my pocket contents into these clothes," +said Ned. "I have the searchlight yet." + +"Let's use it, then, and be quick about it," suggested Harry. "I don't +somehow like the looks of this place. I'd like to be on the little old +Eagle again and homeward bound." + +"I guess that's the pretty general sentiment," said Ned as he brought +forth the searchlight and proceeded to send its flame into the corners +of the room. "We can't get anywhere by remaining here." + +"Hello!" exclaimed Harry, lighting upon some boxes in one corner. +"What's this stuff here? Looks like a gents' furnishing store." + +"Why, it's German uniforms, and lots of 'em!" declared Jack. + +"Sure enough, it is!" agreed Harry, pulling several garments from one +of the boxes. "Now that looks more like business than these ragged old +clothes. I wonder if we could get a fit in here." + +"Go as far as you like!" urged Jack. "Throw a fit any old place and +see if we care. The house is yours, so help yourself." + +"Aw, you go on!" scorned Harry, administering a playful blow on Jack's +ear. "If you weren't so small I'd give you a licking." + +"Yes, you would!" derisively answered the other. "You have never seen +the day you could do that. That," he added, "is a man's job!" + +"Boys, boys!" cautioned Ned. "A joke is a joke, but don't carry it too +far. We must save our strength for more vital things." + +Harry and Jack had been busily engaged in pulling the uniforms out of +the box, and now stood erect, each holding in his hands garments that +seemed to be of suitable size for the boys to wear. + +"What's the trouble now, Jack?" asked Ned. + +"Why, I can't see whether these clothes are the right size or not." + +"You don't need to see," retorted Ned. "Try them on and they'll be +like the baby in the story." + +"Oh, I know that!" cried Harry eagerly. "The nurse didn't need a +thermometer, because if the water was too hot the baby turned red and +if it was too cold he turned blue. Is that the answer?" + +"Right you are!" declared Ned, laughing. "So we'll try the clothes on, +and if they're right they'll fit, and if they're not right, why--" + +"Why," interrupted Jack, "if they're not right we should worry." + +"Yes, I guess that's about it," answered Ned as he picked up an outfit +that he assumed to be the right size. + +The boys found little difficulty in getting clothing of suitable sizes, +and soon stood forth arrayed in German uniforms. + +"Now, then, let's see what the chances of escape may be," said Ned. + +A trial of the one small window showed that it was not locked. There +appeared to be no one outside guarding the exit, and, since the noises +in the outer room had ceased, the lads determined to leave by the +window. In a short time they again stood outside the house. + +To make their way back to the field where the Eagle had been left was a +short task and quickly accomplished. There they found, to their +astonishment, that the two aeroplanes remained in the same position and +were apparently unguarded. + +This time, however, the lads were more cautious in their approach, and +reconnoitered the vicinity thoroughly before approaching the plane. + +Ned set to work immediately and soon announced that he had again +connected the severed wires. In another moment the Eagle rose above +the field into the darkness of the night. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +ACCUSED + +A smile came to Jimmie's lips as he heard the crashing sound that +indicated wrecking of the plane. He turned to observe the condition in +which he would find the machinery, hoping that it had been damaged +beyond repair, or at least so badly damaged that its repair would be a +matter of considerable time and effort. + +As he wheeled he observed that Dave already had turned to look in that +direction, and that his face bore a look of astonishment and surprise. +Jimmie's own smile died away as the thought of possible injury to the +plucky pilot of the craft came to his mind. + +"Oh, Dave!" he cried anxiously, laying his hand upon his comrade's arm. +"Can you see the pilot? Has he been hurt badly?" + +"I can't see from here, but there's a big crowd gathering about the +wreckage, and they seem to be picking something up." + +"Gee!" was Jimmie's regretful rejoinder. "I surely hope he got out of +the mess without getting hurt. That's all. We haven't got any +particular grudge against him, and I didn't wish to harm him." + +"What on earth did you do, anyway, Jimmie?" inquired Dave. + +"That was easy enough," replied the other. "I had observed some bolts +through the hub of the propeller. I also had several bullets in my +pocket, and a good-sized chunk of lead that had been used for filling +some holes in a piece of iron back there in the camp at Peremysl. What +could be easier than to take out the loose bolt I noticed and fill the +hole plumb full of lead? That was all." + +"But lead wouldn't wreck a machine so completely as that!" + +"Don't you think it wouldn't!" boasted Jimmie, rather proud of the +manner in which he had brought about the destruction of the magnificent +machine. "Just you ask some one when you get home. Go to a machine +shop and ask 'em what an unbalanced condition will do to a high-speed +piece of machinery that isn't firmly fastened to a solid base." + +"But I can't understand, you know," went on Dave, "just how it was +done. I know that you unbalanced the apparatus, but how should that do +such damage as this we see here?" + +"Well, to be honest with you, I didn't expect that it would. My only +thought was to slip out the big bolt, put in enough lead to fill the +hole if I had time, and then let the vibration of the unbalanced +machine render it impossible for the aviator to steer or handle the +plane. I had not figured on anything giving way as it did." + +"Then you don't want all the credit for wrecking the machine?" inquired +Dave, with a twinkle in his eye. "Is that it?" + +"For some time I don't want any of the credit," replied Jimmie, +lowering his voice as an officer approached their position. + +"Here comes a fellow," Dave stated, "that would probably be mighty glad +to connect us with the incident. But I know nothing!" + +"Nor I!" declared Jimmie. "I didn't even see the thing happen!" + +"That's true, too, as I can easily testify," added Dave. + +Their visitor proved to be none other than von Liebknecht, the officer +in charge of the regiment, with whom they were now well acquainted. + +"You boys are wanted at the rear," he announced. "Walk directly along +the train and report at the coach reserved for the Kaiser." + +"Yes, sir," answered Jimmie, giving the Boy Scout salute. "And who +shall we find there to whom we shall report?" + +"Fritz and Otto, whom you both know, will be on duty. Tell them that I +have sent you back and that you are there for special duty. They are +expecting you and will give you instructions." + +"Very good, sir," replied Jimmie gravely. Then, as von Liebknecht +turned to proceed toward the little station building, he added: + +"I see an accident has happened to the aeroplane. I hope the aviator +was not badly injured. They're carrying him away." + +For a moment von Liebknecht paused to look searchingly into the face of +the boy. Jimmie returned his gaze unflinchingly. He said afterward +that it was quite the hardest thing he had ever attempted, and several +times he was on the point of letting his gaze wander. However, he +stood the ordeal well and presently heard the other say: + +"He is not badly injured. A few minor contusions and a scratch or so +comprise all his hurts. It is very fortunate, however, for all parties +concerned," placing peculiar emphasis upon the phrase, "that it is no +more serious. It might mean trouble for some one." + +"I sure am glad that the fellow is able to get about," was Jimmie's +statement. "He's a plucky chap, and from what I saw of him when he +landed he is an expert in the matter of handling the aeroplane. It +would certainly be a pity if he should be killed or badly injured." + +"The German army would lose one of its very best aviators if he were +gone," von Liebknecht replied, "and although the loss of his life would +be irreparable, it might be decided to take payment in kind." + +"Meaning?" asked Jimmie, paling slightly under the freckles as the full +import of the other's words came to him. + +"Meaning," von Liebknecht replied with wonderful self-control, "that +you will report at once as I directed you." + +With these words he turned and resumed his interrupted journey toward +the station, striding along with considerable haste. + +"Gee, Bo!" exclaimed Jimmie as the two lads started for the rear, "that +was some close shave! That fellow has got a suspicioner tucked away +inside his brain that is working overtime. Every little thing that +happens he thinks is caused by a spy or something like that. I +wouldn't have his disposition for a million dollars in Mexican money." + +In spite of the gravity of their position Dave could not resist the +temptation to laugh at Jimmie's exaggerated statement. + +The lads could see that the switching engine that had been moving the +coach was making preparations to couple it to the rear of the train, +and lost no time in proceeding in its direction. + +As stated by von Liebknecht, they found Otto and Fritz acting as guard. +The two had received the instructions and were prepared to take charge +of the two lads accordingly. + +Shortly after Jimmie and Dave reached the coach it was attached to the +train and the journey westward was resumed. + +Jimmie and Dave had been placed in a compartment at the rear of the +coach, together with several of the attaches of the Kaiser's staff. +The Kaiser himself occupied a compartment near the forward end, and +here he was conducting the necessary details of preparation for the +exceedingly strenuous work that lay before the German forces. + +For a long time the train jolted on. Engines were changed and train +crews replaced by others, and still the regiment proceeded westward. +The soldiers disposed themselves about the cars in such positions as +were possible and slept the tired sleep of overworked humanity. + +Still the Kaiser and his staff sat and discussed plans and prepared +orders for the grave matters confronting them in the western +amphitheatre of war. Apparently their endurance knew no bounds. Sleep +seemed to be farthest from their thoughts. + +But at length, wearied from their long vigil and arduous labors, the +group were glad to find the Kaiser disposed to snatch a few moments of +rest. The maps were folded, the dispatch boxes closed, and all +prepared to find positions where they could sleep. + +"But the two boys!" von Liebknecht suggested as final preparations were +being made for dismissing the group. "What of them?" + +"Their case can be settled at once," declared the Kaiser. "Let them be +brought here and we shall question them." + +And so it was that as the dawn was breaking ruddily in the east Jimmie +and Dave were wakened from their sound sleep and informed that their +presence was desired in the compartment where the Kaiser waited. + +On their feet almost instantly, the two lads rubbed the sleep from +their eyes. They stretched and yawned prodigiously. + +"Setting-up exercise," commanded Jimmie sharply. "It'll wake us up in +fine shape. Here goes--one, two three." + +Dave followed Jimmie's example, and the two went through a short +routine of bending and turning exercises that started the blood +coursing through their veins and cleared away the fog of sleep. + +"There!" announced the red-headed lad presently to the officer. "Now +we're ready for the Kaiser or the whole bloomin' German army. Lead on +and we'll follow as closely as you like." + +Their movements had been closely observed by a group about them, and, +in spite of the fact that they were foreigners, many a kindly glance +told of the attitude of the men with whom they were placed. + +The train had slowed somewhat in climbing a grade, and the boys found +no difficulty in following their guide. As they proceeded slowly +toward the forward end of the coach Dave found a chance to nudge Jimmie. + +"If we only knew what was about here, this would be a grand chance, +don't you know, to give them the slip." + +"What do you mean, give them the slip?" + +"Why, drop off the train and fade away into the landscape somewhere +hereabouts!" declared Dave with a glance over his shoulder. + +"With the day just opening, like switching on all the electric lights +in the world!" objected Jimmie. "The intention of the gentleman from +Vancouver is excellent, but I'm afraid that his execution of the +maneuver would be decidedly rotten. It won't do just now." + +"Perhaps not," sighed Dave, "but just the same, I'd like to try it out +once to see whether we could make a go of it." + +"Nothing doing!" declared Jimmie. "We're under suspicion already, or I +miss my guess. The events of the last few hours are enough to let us +know that if we tried anything like that the Germans wouldn't take +kindly to any such plan. We wouldn't get very far, I fear." + +"All right, then," agreed Dave. "I guess you're right." + +"Sure I am!" went on Jimmie reassuringly. "Just leave it to me, old +chap, and we'll grab the first opportunity that comes along with a +genuine Frank Gotch toe hold and hang on till we put the German +shoulders to the mat for the count. Leave it to me." + +"I'll be with you for all I'm worth!" declared Dave. + +Their conversation had attracted the attention of the officer, who now +commanded silence on their part. + +"We are now approaching the Kaiser's apartment," that worthy stated, +with a show of reverence as he pronounced the title of his superior. +"You shall not talk until you are asked to do so." + +"Correct!" came Jimmie's reply. "We will keep as still as mice." + +The three were admitted in response to the officer's knock, and the +boys found that the little compartment was now somewhat crowded. Their +presence filled the place until there was not a vacant seat. + +For some moments as the train rolled along the upgrade the Kaiser paid +no attention to them, busying himself over a bundle of papers. + +At length he looked up and searched the boys carefully with his +piercing gaze. After he had apparently taken a complete inventory of +the two boys--one in the uniform of his own Uhlans and the other in the +uniform of the Boy Scouts--he turned to one of his aides. + +"What is the charge you wish to bring against these young men?" + +"That of being spies and tampering with the aeroplane last night!" came +the startling answer. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +PURSUIT + +As the Eagle circled about in a widening spiral Harry and Jack looked +over the rim of the fuselage at the country spreading like a gigantic +map in bas-relief beneath them. + +A tiny glow from the cowl lamp in front of the pilot's position showed +Ned that the Eagle was now headed almost directly west, while the +indicators showed an altitude of approximately three thousand feet. At +a speed approximating forty miles per hour the great bird-like machine +winged its way with its burden of adventurers. + +"Tell you what, boys," Jack said presently, growing weary of trying to +discover features in the obscurity below that covered the landscape, +"this makes me feel just like I imagine that old guy must have felt +when he went out after the Golden Fleece or something or other." + +"Who was that?" asked Harry as he reached for the binoculars for the +purpose of scanning their position in the hope of discerning some +indication of their whereabouts. "What are you talking about?" + +"Well, I guess it was Jason," answered Jack. "Remember the stories Ned +was reading to us about those old Greeks and others?" + +"Oh, yes, now I do remember. But where do we resemble him?" + +"Well, he went out after a great prize, and we are after the same sort +of thing, only with us we want live game. We are after the prize of +Jimmie's freedom and safety." + +"Good thought!" cried Ned. "And, like the chap in the story, I am sure +we'll go after the prize with the same determination and resolve to win +out at all costs." + +"You're right, we will!" exclaimed Harry with vigor. "We won't rest +content until we have Jimmie away from those German Uhlans!" + +"And Dave, too!" put in Jack. "We can't forget the fact that he wants +to get back as well as Jimmie. And he's done us pretty good service, +while we're speaking about him." + +"That he has," declared Ned. "I wonder just where those two young +rascals may be at this minute. I hope we're not running ahead of them +and missing them in the running." + +"They were going west by train unless Jimmie was greatly mistaken when +he gave us those signals from the hilltop," said Jack. "Now, if they +got going soon after we dropped Dave into their camp, we ought to be +able to see their train soon." + +"Are we anywhere near the line of railroad?" asked Harry, peering +through the glasses in an effort to sweep the surrounding country. + +"We are not a great distance away, at any rate," answered Ned as he +gave a touch to the levers to straighten the Eagle from a dip due to +running into an air pocket. "It should be near here, I think." + +"I think I can see an illumination away to the southward that looks +like it might be a locomotive," announced Harry. + +"Let me have the glasses a moment," requested Jack. "Maybe I can pick +up something. But," he added, "I think the railroad will be more to +the northward. We passed Cracow some time ago." + +"Guess you're right, after all," agreed Harry. "Take a look over to +the northward and see what you can see." + +"More than likely," said Jack, preparing to shift his position +slightly, the better to observe the landscape to the northward, "it'll +be a case of the bear going over the mountain to see what he could see. +The other side of the mountain is about all we can discover. In this +darkness we can't get much of a view." + +"It won't do any harm to look, anyway," ventured Harry. + +Jack accordingly raised the binoculars and swept the northward section +of the country. Nothing could be seen that was of interest, and he +swung around, the better to complete his view. + +"Great smokes!" he ejaculated as he peered toward the rear. "If +they're not coming after us, I'll be a Dutchman myself!" + +"Who?" asked Ned eagerly. "Can you see the train?" + +"Train nothing!" declared Jack. "It's those bloomin' Dutchmen from the +village! They've evidently got a supply of gasoline to replace what we +stole and are coming up like a greyhound after a rabbit. That's some +speedy plane they've got!" + +"Can you see how many men are riding?" asked Ned. + +"Can't make them out," replied Jack. "Suppose you look a bit. My eyes +get tired from the strain. Guess I look too hard." + +"Take the levers a minute," requested Ned, "and I'll see what I can +see. Maybe they're not after us at all." + +"Well, if they're not after us, they stick to the trail most remarkably +close, that's all I can say!" remarked Jack as he prepared to take +Ned's place at the pilot's position. + +"I can see them now," announced Ned as he leveled the glasses at the +pursuing plane. "They are getting nearer all the while. It seems to +me I can discover three men in it, too." + +"I suppose they're too far away to discover what they look like," +suggested Harry, "I can just see the machine now myself." + +"It's pretty hard to tell what they are," said Ned, "only they seem to +be pretty well protected with helmets and heavy clothes." + +"Wish we were in the same comfortable condition," smiled Harry. "I'm +slightly chilly myself and hope you are the same, thank you." + +"Greatly obliged," returned Ned. "You are entirely correct." + +"Look here," interposed Jack, "if you fellows are sufficiently frozen, +I've got a scheme to propose. Want to hear it?" + +"Slip us an earful," said Harry in response to Jack's query, although +he winced slightly at Ned's reproachful glance, for he knew well the +older lad's aversion to slang. + +"Suppose the railroad is over there to the northward," went on Jack. +"In that case, Jimmie and Dave'll be in that direction. Now, by +running over that way we can get nearer to them and at the same time +discover whether that other machine is following us." + +"Fine!" declared Ned. "Head to the northward, and if they are after us +we'll quickly find it out. Then we can determine what to do." + +Accordingly Jack shifted the levers and the Eagle swung sharply to the +northward. Ned kept the glasses leveled at the following machine in an +effort to discover the movements of its pilot. + +Scarcely had the Eagle regained a level keel after the sharp turn +before Ned's exclamation of dismay attracted the attention of his chums. + +"They're after us as sure as shooting!" he cried. "They're cutting +across the corner of the angle. That'll give them some advantage. It +won't pay us to try any more dodging if we want to outrun them." + +"Sure!" declared Jack. "The pursuer always has the shorter course to +travel if the one running away tries to tack about any." + +"In that case it would be best to keep straight ahead and trust to our +speed to carry us away from them," suggested Harry. + +"Yes," agreed Jack, "stern chases are always long chases." + +"Do you suppose we can give them the slip somehow without using up all +our gasoline?" asked Jack. "I don't want to get too far away from +Jimmie and Dave, either. Can't we work it somehow?" + +"If it were only a little lighter," ventured Harry, "we might land +somewhere and argue it out with them from behind a stone wall or +trench." + +"That wouldn't be very profitable," Ned argued. "If we should start +anything like that we'd be in all kinds of trouble at once. Our best +plan would, I think, be to cut and run for it to the westward. If +they're after us and mean to catch us, they would try to follow. Even +though this may be an army plane they are using, I believe the Eagle is +capable of outrunning them." + +"Then here goes for a fast ride," declared Jack, reaching for the +handle controlling the mixing valve of the carburetor. "I'm going to +slip in a little more air and shove the spark ahead a few notches." + +"Hang onto your hat," laughed Harry. "If Jack gets the speed bug +nicely working there won't be much left that isn't tied on!" + +"Right you are," responded Jack as the Eagle seemed to fairly leap +forward in answer to his touch. "Hang on tight!" + +Jack's caution was needed, for the speed materially increased. Ned +continued to keep watch with the aid of the binoculars, while Harry +scanned the surrounding country in an effort to make out any features +that would guide them. + +Presently the others were delighted to hear a cry from Ned. + +"We're leaving them behind at last, boys!" he managed to shout as he +sheltered his head from the stinging blast of air singing through the +rigging of the Eagle. "They're getting smaller in the glasses!" + +"Slow down, Jack," advised Harry. "Let's watch them a bit and see what +they're going to do. Maybe it's only a trick." + +"No, it isn't a trick," said Ned as the Eagle's speed decreased. "That +plane is going to land, I believe. I think I can see a light on the +ground a little to the northward of their position." + +"Suppose we swing round in a big circle and see if we can discover what +they are going to do," suggested Jack, reaching for the rudder levers. +"If they're going to land and get assistance we ought to know it before +it's too late. If they're giving up it'll be all right." + +"Stand by to come about, then," agreed Ned. "It won't do any harm, and +if we cut in the muffler we should be able to ride above them without +being discovered. The upper sky is very dark yet." + +Accordingly Jack shifted the rudders and brought the Eagle sharply +about, heading directly eastward again. As the plane proceeded to +retrace the course so recently followed the lad brought the machine to +a higher level and cut in the muffler, entirely deadening the clamor of +the motors. He had been running with the exhaust partly open in order +to obtain every bit of the engine's efficiency in the flight. + +When the boys had reached an altitude that seemed sufficient Jack again +described a circle in the air that brought them almost directly over +the position to which the pursuing plane had descended. + +"Ha!" cried Ned, turning the glasses downward. "I can see a train +standing at a station. The grounds are lighted by shaded electric +lights, I believe, and there seem to be soldiers moving about beside +the train. I saw a shower of sparks just then that looked as if they +came from a switch engine. I'll bet that's a railroad terminal and the +train is one moving troops westward from Peremysl to Verdun!" + +"Hope you are right and that the train has got Jimmie and Dave on it," +put in Jack eagerly. "Maybe we can get a chance to rescue them yet. +What do you say to trying?" + +"The chances would be very poor just now, I'm thinking," replied Harry +doubtfully. "With all those soldiers there we wouldn't have much of a +chance, especially as we are not able to communicate with the boys, +even granting that they are on that train." + +"Better give up the idea, then," regretfully acknowledged Jack. + +"Can you make out anything, Ned?" asked Harry, peering downward. + +"Nothing in particular," replied the lad. "It seems to me that the +aviator is trying to start the plane again. I can see it at the +station under the lights. Can you hear the exhaust of his engine?" + +"I thought I did just then," replied Harry. "Listen!" + +All three boys strained their ears to catch any possible sounds from +below while the Eagle on noiseless wings circled high above the station +grounds. A confusion of minor sounds came faintly up. + +Out of the murmur a crashing, rending noise was heard. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +LESE MAJESTY + +"But we're not spies!" snapped Jimmie truculently. "We wouldn't be +spies for anything!" + +"Silence!" commanded the officer in a voice denoting his displeasure at +the interruption. "It will be best for you to keep silent." + +"You may give your answer to the charges if you desire," said the +Kaiser in a not unkindly tone. "But," he went on, "you will remember +that if the report of Captain von Liebknecht is at all correct matters +look rather unfavorable for you at present." + +"I'll admit that latter part without argument," said Jimmie, much +relieved that he was being given an opportunity to speak. "Things look +rather odd, as you say, but it is only looks. The facts are that we +are over in this country on a peaceful mission, and have refused to +give information to either the Germans or the Russians. That rather +squares the account, doesn't it?" + +"In a measure, yes," admitted the Kaiser. "But your presence with the +Russian troops does not incline us to look with much favor upon +yourself or your comrades. Further," he continued, "the fact that your +comrades have a high-powered aeroplane in our territory and have tried +to rescue you from our regiment appears as if they do not care to be +open and frank with us. Can you explain that?" + +"I think I can," replied Jimmie gravely. "I can see now that our +actions would appear rather mysterious to your officers, but you must +also remember that they refused to take our word for anything. They +simply went ahead and acted on the opinion they received from first +sight. Our statements were not given any weight at all." + +"Perhaps the officers were a trifle over-zealous, we will admit," +continued the Kaiser, "but you have been well treated, have you not?" + +"Fairly well," replied Jimmie. "I may say," he added, "that we have +been very well treated considering all things. But I'd like to have +that little package that was taken from me." + +The Kaiser turned an inquiring glance toward von Liebknecht. + +"It is this little package to which I referred briefly in my +statement," explained von Liebknecht, producing the packet that had +been rescued from the Cossack uniform by Jimmie when Otto had attempted +to put the discarded clothes in the fire. + +"And what do you say is in this packet?" inquired the Kaiser, +addressing Jimmie, as he readied out a hand to take the parcel from von +Liebknecht. "Is it your own property?" + +"It was given to me by a man who was trying to make money selling +munitions to the Russians," replied the lad. "He was a villain if ever +there was one. He stole a lot of money in the United States and came +over on a ship to Riga. He kidnapped me and had me enlisted in a +Russian regiment of Cossacks, where he also found himself enlisted +against his will. When an attack was made on a German troop train +before the assault on Peremysl he was badly wounded." + +"Ah, then you both were there?" asked the Kaiser interestedly. + +"Yes," went on the boy. "When he found he was so badly wounded he gave +me this packet and asked me to go back to New York, where he had put +papers and other things in a safe deposit vault. He wanted me to try +to straighten out some of his wrongdoings." + +"Then this does not refer in any way to information that might be of +value to our enemy?" questioned the Kaiser, looking keenly at the lad. + +"Not in the least!" declared Jimmie, returning the other's gaze frankly +and fearlessly. "You are a good enough judge of human nature to +determine whether I'm telling you the truth or not." + +"I rather think you are telling the truth so far as you know it," was +the answer, accompanied by a smile in recognition of the tribute the +lad had paid. "But," he added, "is it not possible that the man +himself may have been telling things that were not so in the hope that +the information would fall into the hands of the Russians?" + +"I don't believe it," returned Jimmie, positively. "He knew he was +going to die, and tried, I believe, to right the wrongs he had done." + +"No doubt you are correct. At any rate, I'm inclined to take a chance +and return the packet to you if you agree to keep it as directed and do +your best to follow the man's wishes." + +"I'll readily do that!" cried Jimmie, stretching his hand for the +extended packet. "I'll promise that as I promised him." + +"Thank you," smiled Kaiser, in one of his, rare moods of unbending from +the dignity that marked his demeanor. "I am trusting you." + +"Then I suppose that we will be permitted to depart for America as +quickly as we can locate our comrades?" asked Jimmie, eagerly. + +A shake of the head preceded the reply to this question. + +"That can hardly be permitted at this time," said the other in a +deliberative manner. "There are several matters to be settled." + +"Will we have to go into action with the regiment and fight?" + +"Have you any objections to assisting us in return for the favors we +have granted you?" asked the Kaiser with apparent surprise. + +"Yes, sir, we have!" declared the boy, earnestly. "We are not at all +concerned in the war and we don't wish to become engaged in it. We'd +rather not shoot at anybody unless it is necessary to do so for our own +protection or the defense of our country." + +"Those are very noble sentiments, my lad," was the answer to this +statement. "Just yet we cannot give you permission to depart, but we +shall not require from you service that you are not able to give." + +"Thank you, sir," both boys said in chorus. + +"But, if you please," objected von Liebknecht, with a look of meaning +in the direction of his superior, "the young men may be of great value +to us in the future, and I suggest that they be held in reserve for any +emergency that may arise." + +"Not a bad idea, I'm sure," agreed the Kaiser. Then, turning to the +boys, he added, "You will, of course, be expected to make no attempt at +escape. Your matter will be decided later on." + +In company with the officer who had guided them to the compartment they +returned to the rear of the coach and fell to discussing the prospects +the future held for them. + +They were awakened from a sound sleep into which they had fallen to +find that the train had made another stop and that the regiment was +disembarking. Men and horses were all about the track, baggage was +being hastily unloaded and every indication showed that their journey +by rail was at an end. + +"Ho, hum!" yawned Jimmie, before beginning his setting up exercise, in +which the lads found much benefit, "nothing to do till to-morrow, eh?" + +"Looks that way, I declare!" said Dave. "But if I'm a judge, this is +tomorrow itself. I wonder are we going into action." + +"Something's brewing as sure as fate!" declared the other. "We +wouldn't unload like this just for exercise on a fine morning." + +"It is a fine morning, sure enough," agreed Dave, "but I think it is +going to rain. I thought I heard thunder just now." + +"Does sound remarkably like thunder," said Jimmie, with a glance at the +sky, "but," he continued, "there isn't a cloud in the sky, and a +thunder storm seems about the last thing we could expect." + +"What on earth is it, then?" queried Dave, puzzled at the strange sound +that came to their ears. "I see some of the Uhlans noticing it, too. +Only they seem to be pleased about something." + +"I know what it is!" announced Jimmie. "It's the sound of firing!" + +"I believe you are correct, Jimmie," acknowledged Dave. + +"Sure, I'm right!" declared the other. "Can't I tell what a cannon +shot sounds like? I ought to, for I heard them some time ago, but from +the other side of the lines." + +"You did?" asked Dave, interestedly. "How was that?" + +"Why," went on Jimmie, with just a touch of pride in his voice, "we +were in France with the airship we had built before this present one. +We got nicely tangled up with the battling forces and nearly got blown +to bits once. We got lost in the fog above the lines where the big +shells were flying around like mosquitoes." + +"My word!" was Dave's astonished ejaculation. + +"Yes," continued the red headed lad, "we thought once or twice we were +goners, but got out after all. The airship lived through all of it and +finally was drowned in the North Sea as we were trying to get home. I +was certainly sorry to lose that airship." + +"But you were fortunate to escape without losing your lives." + +"Sure were," was Jimmie's comment. "But look there! There's some +movement on foot or I'm mistaken. Wonder what it is?" + +The boys were not long left in doubt. An officer came toward them +apparently in some haste. As he approached he signalled the two to +follow him to a position where the Uhlans were mounting their horses. + +"You will follow these men," he said, as the lads drew near. He +indicated two soldiers nearby who were mounted and leading two horses. + +"Hello, Otto!" said Jimmie with a smile, as he wrinkled his freckled +nose. "And I declare! If little Fritz isn't on deck also!" + +"Here comes the Kaiser and his staff," said Jimmie, directly the line +was at rest. "He seems to be in a hurry about something." + +"They're stopping here," announced Dave. + +A group of approaching horsemen, at one side of which rode the Kaiser, +drew rein exactly opposite the two lads. Jimmie's mount, in a somewhat +restive mood, refused to remain standing, but gave the lad some +trouble. In his effort to quiet the animal the lad did not notice that +he was gradually drawing closer and closer to the Kaiser. + +Presently he succeeded in quieting the horse and took time to glance in +the direction in which the Kaiser was peering through a pair of +binoculars. The lad saw stretching far below him a gradual slope that +had once been wooded by a forest. Now, however, there stood only the +shattered stumps of trees, indicating that the place had been subjected +to a most galling fire from the enemy. + +A puff of smoke caught his attention. With a startled exclamation he +pointed to a small object flying through the air straight toward the +position occupied by himself and the Kaiser's staff. + +The next moment he kicked the Kaiser's mount in the ribs and dug his +heels into the flank of his own horse. Both leaped forward. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +CAPTURED + +"What was that noise?" asked Jack, instantly, as he busied himself with +the levers in an effort to maintain the position of the Eagle. + +"That sounded to me like one perfectly good aeroplane going to +smash--just like that!" answered Ned, leaning over the rim of the +fuselage and peering through the glasses. + +"Was it the German who was pursuing us?" asked Harry, eagerly. + +"I believe it was," declared Ned. "Yes," he went on, "I can see the +smashed plane there beside the train now. That's peculiar!" + +"What's peculiar?" asked Jack. "The train being there, or the plane, +or what? Please be a little more explicit." + +"No nonsense, now!" Ned replied. "I mean its peculiar how that plane +came to be smashed that way. I didn't see anything drop on it." + +"Perhaps a piece of the machinery gave way as he was starting." + +"It needn't worry us a particle to explain how it happened," said +Harry. "It's enough to know that the fellow can't chase us." + +"That's a good thing, anyway," was Ned's comment. + +Had the lads only known how close they had been to being again pursued +they might not have felt so easy in their minds, but they assumed that +their presence was not known to others than the pilot of the wrecked +machine, and therefore felt secure. + +"Now it's up to us to make a noise like a drum, I guess," said Jack. + +"All right, let's get away from here as quickly as we can. If we hold +a course a little south of west we ought to be able to follow the +general line of the railroad and be able to overtake or meet Jimmie and +Dave before they reach Verdun and are forced into the fighting." + +Accordingly Jack increased the speed of the motors and brought the +Eagle to the course suggested. Presently they were flying at good +speed. + +"Ned, I'm afraid," Harry said after some time. "Let's go lower." + +"What's the matter, Harry? Does this altitude affect you?" + +"Not in the least, except that it's cold. But you see that unless we +fly lower the first rays of the rising sun will strike us and we can be +seen and located by any one on the ground. They will still be in the +deep shadow and we will be in the brighter sunlight." + +"I guess you're right, Harry," replied Ned, "and your suggestion is a +good one. Suppose we do seek a lower level, Jack." + +"All right, hang on to your eye teeth and we'll get onto the toboggan," +replied the lad at the levers. "Going down!" + +"It's plain we'll have to run quite low from now on," said Ned, as he +laid aside the binoculars. "Daylight is coming on rapidly." + +"We'll have to find a spot uninhabited enough for us to hide during the +daytime," ventured Harry. "We can't let them see us." + +"You're right," acquiesced Ned. "Suppose you take the glasses and tell +me if that dark spot ahead there looks like a good spot to hide in. It +appears to be a forest or at least woods of some sort." + +"That's what it is," declared Harry, after an extended observation. "I +don't altogether like the looks of the place, for there's a road of +some sort running near the woods, but it's perhaps better than no place +at all. If we can get to earth without being discovered we can hide +behind those trees until dark again." + +"Keep a sharp lookout, Ned, while Jack tries to land," advised Harry. +"I'll watch from this side and if we see any one who might observe us +we can easily be on our way again." + +Lower and lower circled the plane under the guidance of Jack, whose +experience in handling the great craft well fitted him for the task. +With scarcely a bump the machine rested in a little grade not far from +a brook overshadowed by the arching branches of trees. + +"There!" sighed Ned, clambering from the fuselage and springing to +earth. "The Eagle is a good little machine, all right, but it seems +good to get the ground under foot once more." + +"And I'm glad that we came down when we did, for a little longer up +there," said Jack, pointing to the graying eastern sky, "and we'd have +been fair targets for any old 'Schutzenfest' these chaps wanted." + +"Right you are!" declared Harry. "And now what I'd like would be a +real old fashioned imitation of three boys eating a hearty breakfast. +Just a plain, common, every-day square meal, I mean." + +"This is a pretty place," observed Ned, "all sheltered and obscure. We +ought to be able to get a dandy bath there in that brook and then make +whatever breakfast we want off the supplies we got from Peremysl." + +"My appetite is just about now equal to that of our absent and +red-headed friend McGraw," said Harry with a laugh. "I'm hungry." + +"A bath first," cried Ned, beginning to disrobe, "then the eats." + +Soon the lads had divested themselves of the German uniforms and were +enjoying the plunge in the cool, clear water of the brook. Presently +they emerged from the stream and again donned the uniforms they had +taken from the room that was intended as a prison. + +"Now," said Ned, as the three were again dressed, "what shall be the +menu of the morning? With this glorious sun peeping over the tops of +the hills to the eastward of us we ought to have a fine breakfast. The +weather looks mighty fine." + +"Yes," agreed Jack, "but it don't sound very fine. I thought I heard a +rumble of thunder just now. Did you hear it?" + +"No," replied Ned, "I can't say I did. Was it thunder?" + +"Sounded like it," declared Jack. "There it goes again!" + +"That don't sound like thunder exactly," said Harry. "I wonder what it +can be. I thought it was a wagon passing a bridge." + +Ned's face went rather pale as he faced his comrades. + +"Boys," he stated, "I believe that must be the sound of cannon firing +we hear. It is coming more regularly now!" + +"Then we're pretty close to Verdun," was Harry's rejoinder. + +"Yes, that's my idea, too," said Ned. "Let's get breakfast and be +prepared for whatever may happen. We don't know what may come along so +close to the lines as we are now, and we must not be napping." + +"I'll get a bucket of water from the brook," volunteered Jack, "while +you and Harry make ready the fire and get out the provisions." + +"There's plenty of wood hereabouts, I see," put in Harry, "so I'll +gather some wood for a fire and have it burned down to coals in no +time." + +"I rather think," objected Ned, "that we should not use wood." + +"And why not, if you please, Mr. Scout Master?" asked Harry. + +"Because wood lying on the ground has more or less dampness in it and +is apt to give off a smoke that might be seen by some one." + +"Always on the lookout for trouble!" declared Jack, as he took the +bucket and started for the brook. "Well, make a fire of any thing." + +"Quite the contrary, Jack, as you know," protested Ned, laughingly. +"I'm only trying to avoid trouble as much as possible, and a smoke now +in this place would be a direct invitation to some one to investigate." + +"Right again," returned Jack, "go to the head of the class." + +"What shall I use, then, if not wood?" asked Harry. + +"Make a gasoline stove like we used to do when we had plenty of fuel," +answered Ned. "We have sufficient so we can spare a small amount." + +"Perhaps you'd better make the stove, Ned," said Harry. "You're better +at it than I am. You've had more experience. I'll get the supplies +out of the boxes. We'll want coffee, of course." + +"Yes," agreed Ned, "bring some coffee, to be sure, and try to find that +tin of bacon. I feel just like having a strip of bacon done nice and +crisp. It begins to smell good already." + +"How'd you like a nice Spanish omelette and French fried potatoes with +some hot Parker House rolls and lots of rich yellow butter?" + +"Hush, boy, you'll have me so fussed up I can't light the fire," +protested Ned. "I guess Jimmie's affliction is catching. I'm +certainly getting an appetite or the appetite is getting me!" + +He proceeded to at once prepare the "stove" by sharpening a stick about +the size of a broom handle. When it was completed he thrust the sharp +end into the soft earth and then withdrew it, leaving a hole about a +foot or more deep. Another hole was made a short distance from the +first, but slanted so that the lower ends would meet. The second hole +was plugged up with a bit of turf. + +"Now, then," said Ned, as he finished the first 'stove', "we want some +gas. Can you bring it or shall I get it?" + +"Here's the can," answered Harry, "I can fetch it. Make another." + +Jack meanwhile had returned with the bucket of water and had filled the +coffee pot, into which he put a quantity of coffee. This was then +placed over one of the "stoves," while on the other was placed a bucket +containing a quantity of beans, together with some of the cereal +"sausage" found amongst the Russian supplies. + +Presently the lads were sniffing, as an appetizing odor filled the air. +A can of bacon was opened and set to sizzling in a frying pan. + +"Wonder where we are, any how?" remarked Ned as the lads lay stretched +at full length on the grass, waiting for the stew to cook. + +"Don't know," responded Jack, removing the frying pan from the fire. +"Suppose after we eat we get the wireless to work?" + +"Good idea," remarked Ned, as the three gathered about the pot of stew. +"After breakfast we'll draw straws to see who does the dishes and the +other two will string the aerials." + +"There won't be any dishes to wash," declared Harry, "if you fellows +are as hungry as I am. There won't be any need." + +"Maybe so," laughed Ned, helping himself to the bacon and coffee. + +For a time the boys gave themselves over to a discussion of the most +excellent breakfast. When they had finished, Ned said: + +"Now, Jack, you and Harry get out the wireless while I clean up." + +In a few moments the two were busy at their task selecting two small +trees not far apart to act as masts. The equipment that had been +stowed in one of the lockers was spread on the grass and they waited +for Ned to return from the brook, where he had gone to wash the dishes. + +"All right, Ned," said Jack. "Turn on the juice and we'll go." + +Ned stepped to the aeroplane and started the engine in an attempt to +operate the dynamo. No explosions followed his efforts. + +"The engine's stalled!" he cried. "What's the matter?" + +"Why, the spark plugs are gone!" declared Ned. "And look here," he +went on, "here are tracks showing some one has been here!" + +Jack and Harry sprang to the side of their chum. They easily detected +the tracks mentioned by Ned. They were those of a man wearing heavy +shoes or boots and led away through the thicket. + +"After him, boys, while the tracks are fresh," said Jack. + +All three boys began to follow the tracks. They led around a clump of +brush near the aeroplane and seemed to be pointing in the direction of +the hilltop to the westward. + +"What's this?" said Jack. "Looks like other tracks here." + +The lads gathered closely about the spot. A lasso whizzed through the +air and settled about their shoulders. A jerk brought them locked +close together. Another tripped them into a heap. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +ESCAPED PRISONERS + +When Jimmie's toe prodded the Kaiser's horse in the ribs, that animal +gave a mighty spring and bounded from his position. Usually a +tractable, though mettlesome beast, the horse was greatly surprised at +the treatment he was receiving, and it is not surprising that he made +every effort to escape the punishment. + +At the first movement of his comrade, Dave had urged his own horse +forward in the expectation that Jimmie would attempt escape. + +So swiftly had the movement been executed by Jimmie that none of the +officers near by had been able to intercept the flight of the three. + +Before the Kaiser could check the mad rush of his mount and bring the +noble animal to a quivering stop, considerable distance had been +covered. Jimmie rode on the Kaiser's right Hank, his own horse's +shoulder close to the other's saddle. Dave followed immediately behind +Jimmie so close that when the halt was made he fairly crowded Jimmie +beside the Kaiser. He was still mystified when they stopped. + +With a face livid with wrath at the treatment, the Kaiser turned toward +Jimmie. The next instant he began a forceful speech. It was never +delivered. Jimmie slipped from his horse and began to drag the other +from his mount. He was too excited for coherent speech. + +"Young man--," began the other in a severe tone. + +"Shut up!" stormed Jimmie. "Get off your horse, quick! It's coming!" + +As he spoke, the boy, looking earnestly into the face of the man he had +pursued, pointed toward the French lines and in the direction of the +spot where the hasty flight had begun. + +Dave glanced back to see a knot of officers and Uhlans closely packed +about the very spot where the three had stood a moment before. As he +looked he shivered slightly. A huge black object was hurtling through +the air. It landed in the center of the group, bearing down with a +shriek of agony a horse and its rider. + +Instinctively Jimmie and Dave had thrown their arms up to cover their +faces. By this means they had protected themselves in a degree from +the force of the flying scraps of earth that stormed upon them like +hail. They were covered with dirt to a woeful degree. + +As the rain of dirt ceased Jimmie looked up at the man he had tried so +hard to rescue. His face bore a look of solicitude. + +"I tried to get you out of there," he said. "I saw it coming." + +"A pretty story!" stormed the other. "What conduct is this?" + +In amazement Jimmie drew back a pace. He grasped the bridle reins of +his horse in his left hand. Looking keenly at the mounted man, the lad +recognized the fact that his intentions had been misunderstood. +Without another word the lad mounted his animal. + +"Where are you going, Jimmie?" asked Dave anxiously as Jimmie wheeled +his mount. "What are you going to do now? Shall we make a break?" + +"I guess we've made break enough," replied Jimmie with set jaw. "Here +I go and rescue one perfectly good Kaiser from a dropping shell that he +don't see, and now he gets sore at me for doing it. I'm going back to +the position where I was ordered to stand, and they can all be shot to +pieces next time for all the help they get from me!" + +"Then I'm going with you!" declared Dave. "Come on!" + +Gravely Jimmie returned to the very rim of the crater that had been dug +in the solid earth by the bursting of the gigantic shell. Here he +halted, drew himself erect in the saddle and waited. Dave drew +alongside. + +In another instant the two were surrounded by officers and Uhlans. + +"Dismount at once!" ordered an officer. + +Jimmie glanced quickly at the man and discovered him to be none other +than von Liebknecht, the man who had been so closely concerned in +Jimmie's recent experiences. Not deigning a reply, the lad obeyed. +His action was quickly followed by Dave. + +Following an order rapidly given in German, one of the Uhlans urged his +horse forward and grasped the reins of the two horses. He fairly +jerked the leathers from the hands of the boys and led the two away. + +"My word!" declared Dave with emphasis. "We're in for it now!" + +"I wonder just what they're going to do?" asked Jimmie in a whisper. + +"Firin' squad at sunrise, most likely!" said Dave. "We're now, as I +understand it, criminals of the worst sort." + +"I don't get you," puzzled Jimmie. "What's the big idea?" + +"We've committed one of the worst crimes in the calendar!" declared +Dave. "As I understand it, we've meddled with the person of the +Kaiser, and that's only one degree less awful than saying horrid things +about him. That's what I've been told, at any rate." + +"Great frozen hot boxes!" ejaculated Jimmie. "Is it a crime to save a +man's life when you get the chance?" + +"I can't just say how they'll look at it," replied Dave. "But here +comes the old top himself. Maybe he'll have a word to say." + +Von Liebknecht began what seemed to the lads to be an apology, but was +cut short by the Kaiser, who gave a command in German. Without +attempting to complete his unfinished speech, the Captain repeated the +command to an aide standing near, and he in turn addressed two Uhlans. + +Much to their surprise, the boys were confronted by their old +acquaintances, Otto and Fritz, who gave their orders in a single word. + +"Vorwarts!" came the command in crisp tones as the two crowded their +horses almost upon the two lads. + +"That means 'Hike!'" explained Jimmie, turning to Dave. + +"Here goes, then," returned Dave, stepping out bravely. + +"I say, Otto," began Jimmie presently, "where are we going?" + +"Verboten!" came the only answer the Uhlan would offer. + +"Ha!" cried Jimmie. "I know what that means. I've seen a good many +signs with that word on it. It means that we are forbidden to walk on +the grass, breathe, live, eat, or do anything else without permits." + +"No, no, Jimmie," explained Dave. "He means that he is forbidden to +tell you where we are headed for. Isn't that it?" + +"I don't know and don't much care!" was the other's reply. "They are +welcome to start a goat farm any time they wish. They've got mine for +a starter. Of all my going a-fishing, this is the limit." + +After about half an hour's walk they found themselves near a building +that had evidently been a farm residence. In common with many other +rural establishments of Germany, this place had been built with the +barns attached to the dwelling house. + +Into what had been the cow stable the boys were conducted by their +guards. A ladder stood in one corner, leading up through a trap door +to the fodder loft above. Up this ladder the boys were directed. + +"Fine little old prison!" declared Jimmie contemptuously. + +"Well, it might be worse," said Dave consolingly. "We're here yet." + +"Yes, and if I ever get another chance at the Germans," declared Jimmie +with vigor, "I'll punch their heads as hard as I can!" + +"We might as well make ourselves comfortable," suggested Dave. + +"Not on your life!" cried Jimmie heatedly. "From now on I'm going to +make every move in the calendar to get out of this place and away from +those Germans. If I ever get back to America I'll never eat another +bit of sauer kraut as long as I live!" + +Dave could not repress a laugh at this outburst. He could sympathize +with Jimmie's attitude, for he felt that they were being unjustly +treated. + +"How are we going to give them the slip?" asked Jimmie, beginning a +systematic search of the place. "Are there any windows?" + +"There are two on the east side," answered Dave. + +"Now, then, let's tear up the bed sheets and knot them together," was +Jimmie's next suggestion, delivered in a half jesting mood. + +"A rope would be better," offered his companion. "Let's look for one." + +Presently he gave a cry and stooped to pick up an object at his feet. + +"What do you think of this?" he said gleefully as he held aloft the end +of a line nearly as thick as his finger. "Isn't that luck?" + +"My word!" said Dave heartily. "That's the silver lining, all right!" + +"Now to get a cleat or something across that window so we can take the +rope with us!" urged Jimmie. "Hurry, Dave, hurry!" + +They lost no time in doubling the line and passing the ends out of the +window. The loop which they still held was caught beneath the corners +of the window frame so that it would remain in position until the end +was loosened by the person descending. + +Ahead Jimmie could make out the outlines of an aeroplane in an open +space. Following Dave's pointing finger, the lad saw a man in Uhlan's +uniform rapidly running through the wood in the direction of the barn. + +A noise in advance of their position attracted his attention. He +gripped Dave's arm warningly and pointed to three figures in Uhlan +uniform moving about in the growth of underbrush. + +Dave quickly unslung the coil of line from his shoulder and proceeded +to reeve a slip noose in one end. When he had adjusted the noose to +his satisfaction the lad moved silently forward, crouching as he went. + +With a dexterous throw the lad sent the loop of line over the three +figures standing close together. Jimmie lent a hand to drag it tight. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +HELD UP! + +"Pull, Jimmie, pull like the mischief!" cried Dave as the line +tightened about the forms beyond the shrubbery. + +"Pulling!" answered Jimmie, throwing his weight onto the line behind +Dave and straining every muscle in an effort to keep it taut. + +Presently they felt the tide turning in their favor. + +"Pull it taut, Jimmie!" cried Dave. "Keep them there until I can +manage to tie them. Don't slacken an inch or they'll get up." + +"Leave it to me," panted Jimmie, walking around the trunk of a small +tree with the free end of the lasso. "I'll take a turn around this +tree and they'll go some to get away. I'll hold 'em!" + +With movements that counted, the lad seized a small stone lying near, +laid the end of the line across a larger one and pounded vigorously in +an effort to sever a length of the lasso. + +Almost as quickly as the task could have been accomplished with a knife +Dave had cut off the desired piece of rope with which to tie the +captives. In another moment he dashed through the thicket in which the +three prisoners were struggling. + +Jimmie, hanging onto the lasso with grim determination and taking in +every bit of slack given by the struggling trio, was startled to hear +his companion emit a shriek of astonishment. A glance over his +shoulder told the lad that something unusual was happening beyond the +bushes. + +"Hurry up, Dave!" he advised. "I can't hold 'em much longer!" + +"Let go, let go!" cried Dave, laughing and dancing about. + +"What's the matter?" asked Jimmie incredulously. "Gone crazy?" + +"My word, but this is funny!" laughed Dave, gasping for breath. "Here +are the boys, who were looking for us, and instead of rescuing us we +have captured them. Let go that line and let 'em up!" + +"What?" was Jimmie's open-mouthed question. "What's that?" + +"Sure enough!" declared Dave, swinging his arms to indicate that he +wanted Jimmie to give more slack to the line. "It's the boys!" + +"Say that again, please!" cried Jimmie, dropping the lasso and bounding +forward. "That's good news if it's true." + +Jimmie lost no time in convincing himself that Dave was indeed correct +in his statement. One glance at the struggling trio and he sat down +upon the grass, where he doubled up with laughter. + +"Well," was Jack's scornful admonition, "better stop and save some of +it for another occasion. You might need it." + +"Oh, ho, ho!" laughed Jimmie. "This is the best joke yet!" + +"Where's the joke?" asked Harry, struggling to his feet and throwing +off the loop of the lasso. "This is no joke for us!" + +"It's the best ever!" declared Jimmie. "Here I was going to be shot at +sunrise for this 'lese majesty' business, and now in only an hour I +have a chance to make the capture of my young life!" + +"Shot at sunrise?" queried Ned, joining the group. "What do you +mean--shot at sunrise? Is it another joke?" + +"Well, it wouldn't have been much of a joke if they'd carried it out, +but the way things stand it is decidedly a good joke all round." + +"Would you like to step down to the camp and tell us about it?" + +"Just invite us and see!" declared the lad, reaching for the lasso and +coiling it neatly. "We came out here just for the purpose, boys!" + +"You did?" inquired Jack. "Why, how'd you know we were here?" + +"Oh," went on Jimmie with a lofty air, "everybody pretty near knows +you're here. Next time you'd better be careful and shut the dampers +when you make a fire. That smoke was a dead give-away!" + +"Ah, ha, smarty!" declared Jack. "That's where you're wrong. We +didn't make any smoke at all. So that punctures your balloon." + +"Well, anyhow," went on Jimmie unabashed, "a little bird told us." + +"Now, see here, Jimmie," put in Ned as the five boys started for the +camp near the Eagle, "tell me the exact truth. It may have serious +consequences if you don't. Does anyone know we are here?" + +"Not that I know of, Ned," was Jimmie's sober reply. "We just stumbled +onto you as you were tracking something in the woods." + +"Oh, that reminds me," Ned said, halting. "We were on the track of +some fellow who visited our position and took out the spark plugs from +our engines. We were following his tracks in the woods when you came." + +"What sort of a guy was he?" asked Jimmie, intensely interested. + +"I don't know," answered Ned. "We haven't seen him yet." + +"Didn't he leave any signs at all?" went on Jimmie. "Did he come and +go in an airship, or did he have wings and fly through the air?" + +"Neither," declared Ned. "He left some pretty fair tracks." + +"Then we'll get him!" asserted Jimmie, positively. "He can't get away. +Once we get on his trail he might as well quit!" + +"Good boy, Jimmie!" laughed Ned. "You're a sight for sore eyes. And," +he went on, "it's a pleasure to have your optimism to help." + +"Thanks!" drily responded the Wolf. "Where are his tracks?" + +"Right around here at the front of the machine near the engine." + +"See anything, Dave?" asked Jimmie, at once, as the boys grouped about +the Eagle, being careful not to tread in the tracks left by the one who +had meddled with their engines. + +"Yes," responded Dave, instantly. "He was a shortish chap, you know, +because he had to stand on his toes here to reach the engines." + +"And I think he was a Uhlan," went on Jimmie, pointing to other tracks. +"I can see the mark of the spur chain under his instep." + +"He must have put his hand right here," added Dave, indicating a spot +on the forward wings that showed grimy finger marks. "He had a scar +extending across all four fingers. See the print on it?" + +"I'll bet I know who it was!" declared Jimmie, seizing Dave by the +shoulder. "If that wasn't Otto, I'll go back and enlist all over!" + +"Sure enough," replied Dave. "He was just about that height, and of +course he wore spurs and all that. I don't know about the scar." + +"Well, we will look for a short, heavy set Uhlan with a scar on his +hand, and when we find him we'll choke those plugs out of him!" + +"Shall we start after him now, boys?" inquired Jack. + +"I vote 'No' on the original question," said Jimmie, instantly. "It's +pretty near dinner time and I'm as hungry as bears ever get and then +some. Have you got anything to eat, Ned?" + +"Sure we have," was Ned's hearty response. "Got some mighty fine food, +too. You'll like it, I'm sure. Those tracks can wait." + +"Just right!" declared the lad. "Dave and I are starved! Just throw +us together a little fried ham and some scalloped potatoes, a piece of +Yorkshire pudding with some roast beef for Dave, here, and a few loaves +of bread with a side of creamed cauliflower and some peas and carrots. +Two or three helpings of succotash and some green onions wouldn't go +bad either. With a couple of cups of coffee and some chocolate eclairs +and a cream puff with a little ice cream and some lemon pie we could +manage to worry along until tea time." + +"Good night!" said Ned. "Wouldn't you rather take pot luck?" + +"Oh," responded Jimmie, lightly, "any little old thing you wish." + +"Then we'll give you some stew," announced Ned. + +"Here's hoping, Ned," Jimmie said, laying a hand on Ned's arm, "that it +isn't cabbage stew with bunches of vegetarian sausages cooked in it." + +"Why?" inquired Ned. "Don't you like that sort of food?" + +"Oh," exclaimed Jimmie, with a gesture of disgust, "we've had nothing +else for about four years! I feel just like poor old Ben Gunn in +'Treasure Island.' I'd like a little civilized food--a piece of cheese +or something like that. Don't say stew to me or I'll quit you cold." + +"If you want a piece of cheese, take me," declared Jack. "I feel +mightily ashamed of the way we let you two sneak up on us and catch us." + +"Oh, that's all right," offered Jimmie with great magnanimity, "you +really captured yourself, you know. Dave and I let you walk right up +onto us before Dave swung that rope. I must get that trick." + +"How did you learn that knack, Dave?" asked Ned, admiringly. + +"Oh, that's quite easy, you know," replied the other with becoming +modesty. "I've spent some time in Alberta where there are cattle and I +learned to shoot and ride a horse and throw the rope pretty well." + +"That's quite an accomplishment, all right," offered Jack. + +"Agreed!" announced Jimmie. "But," he went on, "we're losing time and +I'm losing flesh while you argue about it. Leave Dave alone, now. +Can't you see him blushing over the praise you're giving him? Let's +hustle about and get some eats started. I'm hungry, I tell you!" + +"All right, Jimmie, your wants shall be supplied. We'll make another +pot of coffee and all hands will take a cup with you for luck." + +"This all happened so suddenly," said Ned, as the five lay about the +fires waiting for the cooking to be finished, "that I haven't had a +chance to ask you a question nor tell you how overjoyed I am to have +you with us again. But I'm really delighted. How did it happen?" + +"Well, they took us with them after Dave knocked over one of their +tents," began Jimmie, with a sly look at his companion. "If it hadn't +been for that plucky kid over there, I most likely would have lost my +temper two or three times and tried to whip the whole German army." + +"Oh, I say, you know," declared Dave. "He's putting it on too thick! +I really wasn't much help at all. It was Jimmie who got the Kaiser +into a good humor and then saved his life!" + +"Go on, go on!" urged Ned, excitedly. "Tell us about it quickly!" + +In response to the invitation, Jimmie and Dave together told the story +of their adventures since last seeing their chums. Jimmie was in turn +told of the exciting scenes through which the three boys had passed, +and to him also were made known the circumstances through which Dave +had joined the party. As the boys finally drew their narratives to a +conclusion, Jimmie, who had followed the tales of his comrades with +interest, turned to Ned and said: + +"And so you were on the point of rescuing me when that fellow shot the +rope by which Dave was hanging and you thought it was all off!" + +"You are right, we thought things were going wrong with us then." + +"And after that you pretty nearly got into a trap yourselves." + +"Yes and we were compelled to exchange our perfectly good uniforms for +some old rags that would disgrace a wharf rat!" was Ned's indignant +response. "Then we simply took the privilege of putting on these +garments. They are not what we would have chosen, but they match +yours." + +"They fooled Dave and myself, all right," laughed Jimmie. "We thought +that we had caught a mess of German soldiers." + +"That simply goes to show us, boys," gravely commented Ned, "that we +ought to be extremely careful about our outward appearance. It's so +easy for others to mistake us for what we are not." + +"Hands up!" the boys heard a rough voice say. They turned to see a +rifle muzzle showing through a clump of bushes. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +TABLES TURNED + +"What's coming off here?" asked Jimmie, jumping to his feet. + +"Halt!" cried the voice from the shrubbery again as Jimmie rose. + +"Who's there?" asked the lad, wheeling toward the low undergrowth which +concealed their visitor. "Come out into the open if you dare." + +"Ach, yes!" replied the other. "I dare come out. You will all +stand--and in a line, please. Aber you don'dt, I shoot!" + +"What's this," asked Ned, "a hold-up or a joke?" + +"Nein," the newcomer replied. "Aber you don'dt line up dere you find +oudt it is no joke, not. Beside yourself stand, quick!" + +"This is enough to make anybody fairly beside themselves!" Jimmie +declared, unable to repress his tendency toward a joke. + +"Come on out, you Dutchman," taunted Jimmie in a moment. "I can see +you crouching there and see your uniform. Come on out!" + +As the faces appeared, Jimmie gave a gasp of astonishment. + +"Otto! Fritz!" he almost shrieked. "We left you guarding that old +barn up there. How does it come that you are here?" + +"My post I deserted," he began, stepping from the bushes, but with his +rifle still cautiously pointed toward the lads. "This country is +familiar to me, for that house was my uncle's. Many times have I in +this brook waded and swam. Today I thought of it when we over the hill +came and when we had put you in the barn I came right here to see the +beautiful brook once more and hear the birds singing in the trees." + +"Otto, open your left hand and let me see what you have in it!" +commanded Jimmie, as the other finished speaking. + +"Nothing have I in my hand," declared Otto, opening and extending the +member palm outward. "See, nothing in there is!" + +"Oh, I thought you had the spark plugs from the Eagle," remarked the +lad. "You know you took them out. Where did you put them?" + +"In my pocket have they gone," answered Otto, simply as if stating the +most casual fact. "They are all there safe and sound." + +"So I see," acknowledged Jimmie. "That's very obvious. What are you +going to do now that you and Fritz have returned?" + +"We shall take you back to the barn and put you in the loft once +again," declared Otto in the same tone of voice he might have used in +commenting on the fact that the sun was shining. + +"Oh, you shall, shall you?" almost sneered Jimmie. "All right, but you +wouldn't put us back there hungry, would you? We were just about to +eat a little lunch. This won't be quite as good as you used to get at +Dick Stein's place, but it's eatable at any rate. If you think you +could eat a bit, we'll ask you to join us." + +"I can not eat now," replied the other. "I must guard you as +prisoners. But if you are hungry, we will let you eat." + +"Oh, I say," protested Jimmie, "you'll have at least a cup of coffee +with us! That isn't sociable to stand and hold a gun at a fellow's +head while he's eating. It looks rather rough, too!" + +"You are now prisoners," replied Otto, shaking his head. + +"Why, of course, we are!" admitted the boy with an attempt at a laugh. +"We're prisoners in more ways than one. You have the spark plugs and +we couldn't make a decent get-away if we tried. Besides, you two +fellows have your rifles and we are unarmed." + +"I guess you've got us dead to rights," put in Dave. + +"Sure you have," resumed Jimmie. "Now, I'll tell you what," he went +on, "you sit here," indicating a position between the fire and the +aeroplane, "and we'll sit on the opposite side of the fire. You may +have your rifles across your laps or ready at your side. If we break +and run for it, you may shoot as fast as you please." + +"That's fair enough," urged Ned. "It isn't just the square thing to +take us prisoners without letting us get some food." + +"See here," continued Jimmie, reaching out a hand toward the coffee pot +bubbling over the tiny flame and lifting the lid, "did you ever smell +better coffee in your life? That's worth drinking, I say!" + +"Dot's goot cooffee!" announced Fritz, solemnly. "I take a cup." + +"Sure, you'll both have a cup!" declared Jimmie. + +"That's a real compliment, Otto," laughed Jimmie, winking at Dave as he +spoke. "When a German admits that any other nation on earth can make +good coffee it is going some. The Germans can make real coffee!" + +"We generally let Dave pour the coffee, because he's an extra boy in +the crowd and we make the newcomers do all the heavy work, but he's +awkward at it yet owing to his just recently coming off a cattle ranch +in Canada, where he had to lasso a lot of cattle every day. This time +I'm going to pour the coffee myself." + +As Jimmie spoke he glanced back toward Dave, sitting with the others. + +"Now, you just sit there, Dave," Jimmie chattered on, "until I tell you +to move. Remember," he added, "I'm doing this part of it. All you are +to do is to follow instructions. You're better at the lasso than you +are at pouring coffee!" + +"Yes, I guess that's the truth," admitted Dave with a mock sign of +resignation at finding his short-comings flaunted before strangers. + +It was well that the meal was served in the open, for Jimmie poured +until every cup ran over, thereby wasting much of the liquid. + +"Have some more, won't you?" he asked, grasping the coffee pot. + +"Just a little more," replied Otto. "I never had better." + +"Why," cried Jimmie in a surprised tone, "the pot is almost empty. I +guess you boys didn't make very much, did you? Here, Dave," he hurried +on, "you chase yourself up to the Eagle and get some of that coffee out +of the locker on the right-hand side. We'll brew another pot of it. I +haven't begun to eat yet." + +"See how quickly you can lasso a cup or two of the real stuff and hurry +back here," commanded Jimmie. "We'll have more in a jiffy." + +"Have a little of this stew while you're waiting," urged Ned, extending +the pot of stew toward the soldiers. "It's mighty good!" + +Ned and Jimmie rattled on in a whirlwind of conversation to keep the +attention of the soldiers in their own direction. So absorbed were +Otto and Fritz in listening to the chatter that they failed to hear the +faint whistle of a rope through the air, and it was not until the noose +of Dave's lasso settled about their shoulders and they were jerked +incontinently backward that they suspected anything wrong. + +Otto and Fritz were compelled to surrender to a superior force. +Lengths of small line secured from the Eagle were brought by Dave when +he saw that the two were securely held by his companions. + +"Let me get at this chap's pockets a moment," said Ned, advancing. "I +think he has some spark plugs that would look better in another place. +We can use them to good advantage ourselves." + +"Just the thing!" cried Jimmie, gleefully. "How thoughtful of him to +bring them back here so we could run the little old Eagle." + +Ned lost no time in producing the plugs and fitting them into position. + +"Now we 're off!" declared Jimmie. "Let's get the cooking utensils +aboard and beat it out of here. We won't want no wireless now!" + +"For one, I want to get to some place where I can exchange this uniform +for some real clothes!" stated Jack, vehemently. + +"And I want a real feed!" protested Jimmie. "I haven't eaten in weeks. +All I could do was to lunch along on this awful grub!" + +"All right, boys, I guess you're right," Ned agreed with a laugh. +"We'll load up and be on our way even if it is daylight." + +"Won't the Germans see us rise out of here and take a shot at us?" + +"What if they do?" scorned Jimmie. "They'll be so busy with all this +fighting they won't have time to chase us very far. Hear those cannons +going all the time?" he went on. "They're wasting a lot of good powder +shooting at the Frenchmen and the allies!" + +As the aeroplane rose above the tree tops, two other planes were +sighted high overhead. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +A STERN CHASE + +"Gee! I'm mighty glad Otto and Fritz came along just as they did to +bring us these spark plugs and rifles!" Jimmie announced as the Eagle +soared over the surrounding woods. + +"It was rather kind of them," answered Jack. "It looks like we might +need them, too, if those are German planes up there." + +"Wouldn't it be a good idea to rise as high as we can, Ned?" asked +Harry. "If we get well up, we'll be able to see where we are and can +have some idea where we are going." + +"Up we go," agreed Ned at the levers, as he tilted the planes for an +ascent. "I'm sure we need to get some idea of our location." + +"They see us!" cried Harry, who had been using the binoculars. "I +think they're both heading toward us now! They're coming fast, too!" + +"Let them come!" declared Dave. "If the Eagle lives up to the +reputation Jimmie has given her, we'll be able to outdistance them." + +"Maybe we would on a straight-away run," agreed Harry, "but we are one +to their two, and they probably have guns aboard." + +"What's the chances of landing and meeting them on a more equal +footing?" inquired Jack. "Is that at all possible?" + +"It's possible to land," replied Ned, "but I don't think we'd have as +good a chance as we have up here. Look down there and see." + +"Where are all the soldiers?" asked Harry, presently. "I can't see a +single soldier anywhere. But," he added, "the guns are fired." + +"They are all in bomb-proof trenches or else back of the hilltops," +said Ned. "I believe that those aeroplanes are scouting around to give +word to the gunners whether their aim has been correct or not." + +"Well, if this is war," observed Dave, "I'm going to be glad to get +back home once more. This doesn't look civilized to me." + +"We are headed toward home," replied Jack in an effort to cheer his +friend. "We'll be out of this in a little while, and then--good-by war +and fights and Kaiser and all for one good, long time!" + +"We're a long ways from Tipperary yet, boys. Don't crow too soon," +advised Harry, as he trained the glasses on the approaching planes. + +"What can you see, Harry?" asked Ned, giving his attention to the +levers. "Are they still heading toward us?" + +"That's just what they're doing!" declared Harry. "They're coming +fast, too. Can't we coax a little more speed out of this old tub?" + +"You speak as if this were a ship in the water," responded Ned. "I +want you to understand that this is an aeroplane and that it is +performing a most remarkable feat in carrying five boys and two grown +men, besides a quantity of luggage and supplies." + +"I guess our ideas were all right, eh, Ned?" said Jack, as he ran an +admiring eye over the rigging of the craft. "It's some boat!" + +"It certainly is some boat!" declared Ned. "And I wish--" + +"What Ned wished was never known, for at that instant a sharp report +was heard and a bullet sang its way through the rigging of the Eagle +with a vicious twang that made the boys wince. + +"Wow!" was Jack's ejaculation. "That's too close for comfort!" + +"May I reply to them?" asked Dave, picking up one of the German rifles +that had been brought aboard. "I think I can get the range." + +"I'd rather not shoot too close to them," Ned answered, manipulating +the levers and valves in an effort to obtain more speed. "Perhaps we +can run away from both. In that case we won't have to shoot any one." + +"I think I'll take a crack at their propeller," announced Dave. "Maybe +I can send a bullet through that, and if I can it will stop them." + +As he spoke Dave took a quick sight, resting the rifle across the rim +of the fuselage. A sharp detonation echoed above the hum of the +motors. Dave peered eagerly toward the plane at which he had aimed. + +"I got 'em, I got 'em!" he announced, slapping his thigh in glee. + +"Who did you get?" asked Ned, without turning his head. + +"I am sure I winged their propeller!" declared Dave, gleefully. "I +aimed right at the circle in which the blades travel, and I'm sure I +saw splinters from the wooden blades. They're slowing up, too!" + +"Sure enough!" cried Harry, peering through the glasses. "You're some +shot, Dave. I'll place all my bets on you hereafter!" + +"But the other fellow is hot after us!" was Jack's announcement. + +"Where are they? And what are they doing?" asked Ned. + +"They're coming up fast from the left," said Jack. "I think they're +trying to get over us so as to drop a bomb or so." + +"I wish we didn't have these two prisoners with us!" Ned said, as he +urged the Eagle to her best paces. "It takes a lot of power to keep up +at this altitude when we're carrying so much weight." + +"We'll make out all right," responded Jack, encouragingly. "We can +take them along with us and when get across the French lines we'll just +dump them down as prisoners of war and let them be exchanged." + +"That would be a pretty good scheme," commented Harry. "The only thing +I can see to interfere with it is that fellow on our left." + +"He won't be able to do much when Dave gets in his work with the rifle +again," cried Jimmie, admiringly. "Dave's the boy!" + +"That was a lucky shot, though," protested Dave. "Don't expect every +one to do as much execution as that one did." + +"We'll have to take a chance, that's all!" urged Jimmie. "We won't let +a little thing like that keep us from trying to make a landing." + +"Perhaps not," went on Harry, "but at the same time it is a possibility +and must be considered. Besides," he added, "we're not free from that +fellow over here on our left yet. He's rising." + +"Is he going over us?" asked Ned, anxiously. "I can't get much more +speed out of this craft the way we're loaded." + +"Yes," replied Harry, training his glasses aloft. "He is trying to +pass above us. Perhaps he'll drop a bomb on us." + +"That's exactly what he's trying to do!" declared Jack. "What can we +do to prevent him? Dave, how about another shot?" + +"I'll try," answered the boy, "but I'm not sure. There's considerable +vibration here, you know, and I haven't a rest." + +Presently he saw that unless he fired soon the other would be out of +reach, and taking a chance discharged the rifle. As he had +anticipated, the bullet went wild and resulted in no damage. Before he +could reload and again take aim the other had passed to a point where +the upper planes of the Eagle shut off his view. + +"Now they'll be able to bombard us to their own pleasure!" declared +Jimmie. "Gee, I wish I could climb up above this top plane and take a +little crack at them myself! Can't I get up there?" + +"None of that, Jimmie!" ordered Ned. "We have already all the danger +we can handle without trying such a stunt as that!" + +"All right, then, but it would be well to alter our course a bit." + +"Here goes!" announced Ned, throwing his weight against one of the +levers controlling the horizontal rudders. "Stand by for a jerk!" + +Scarcely had the Eagle swerved sharply from her course before the lads +heard a rushing, whistling sound. Far below on the ground a missle +fell. A dull boom came up. A cloud of smoke rising from the spot +indicated that the missle had been a bomb remarkably well aimed. They +realized that only by a narrow margin had it missed them. + +"Plenty close enough," gritted Jimmie between his teeth. "Rise, if you +can, Ned, and give us a chance at them with our guns." + +From his seat Ned glanced quickly downward and observed the cloud of +smoke about the spot where the bomb had landed. + +"Give them another one, Dave," he cried, righting the Eagle and +altering the rudders so as to drive the machine higher. + +Without waiting for further instructions, Dave seized his rifle again +and began firing as rapidly as he could load. + +"We're getting over the French trenches now!" cried Harry in a moment. +"I can see the puffs of smoke from their guns, and the bursting shells +mean that the Germans are getting the range." + +"Then we haven't far to go before we are going to be able to land." + +"If we can hold this fellow off a while longer we'll be all right." + +"Can you see any place, Harry, that looks like a landing place?" asked +Ned, anxiously. "We better look for a good spot pretty soon." + +Harry turned the glasses to look forward. He swept the horizon with +eagerness. Presently he fixed his gaze upon one spot. + +"I see another plane coming out to give battle to us and this chap!" + +"Look out!" shrieked Jimmie. "See what Fritz is doing!" + +The next instant he had thrown himself forward and over the edge. + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +ESCAPE + +A gasp rose from the four boys as they saw Fritz hurl himself over the +rim of the car. They knew that nothing could be done, yet all threw +themselves toward the Uhlan in the vain hope of rescue. + +It needed little exercise of the imagination to picture the result of +Fritz's rash act. Too well the boys understood what would happen when +the soldier fell from such an altitude. + +"Good night!" gasped Jimmie, turning a pale face toward his friends. + +"How did he do it?" asked Jack, a tremble in his voice. + +"He must have been an acrobat of the first water to manage such a +thing!" declared Harry. "I thought he was as secure as anything." + +"Too late now to help him, and we've still got the German aeroplane to +reckon with," warned Ned. "Keep a sharp lookout for the fellow!" + +"What is the stranger doing now?" asked Jack, pointing to the plane +that had appeared from the westward. + +"He seems to be heading directly for us," replied Ned. "I wonder if he +takes us to be Germans, trying some trick or other." + +"Better take off these German uniforms," advised Jimmie, stripping off +his jacket as he spoke. "I'm going to drop mine overboard!" + +As he spoke the lad flung the jacket as far as he could and watched its +descent with interest. The others were not long in following his +example. + +"I'll tell you what we'll do!" offered Dave. "When we get near enough, +shut off the engine so it won't make any noise and we'll all shout +'Vive la France!' at him. He'll know then we're not enemies." + +"Good idea, but I can't speak French," returned Jimmie. + +"Well, then, try something!" urged the lad. + +"I don't believe anything at all is necessary," stated Ned as the two +came nearer. "They seem to be after the Germans and not us!" + +"What's that place down there?" asked Harry after some time. "It looks +to me as if it were a camp of some sort. I see several tents." + +"That's an aviation camp just like the one we saw when we came through +France and gave General Joffre his fast ride!" declared Jimmie. + +"Sure enough!" declared Ned. "They have painted the tops of the wings +that peculiar color so that they cannot be readily seen from an enemy +air craft. That's rather a good idea, too!" + +With scarcely a bump the Eagle settled to the earth and was at once +surrounded by French soldiers, some garbed in the well-known suits and +helmets of aviators, others dressed as ordinary infantrymen, while +still others wore greasy overalls and jumpers. + +The language used was French, and they were at a loss to know what +their questions meant. + +"You'll have to talk United States!" declared Jimmie, rising and +holding up a hand for attention. "We can't understand that stuff." + +"Ah, so you speak English?" questioned one of the men. + +All five boys gathered about their prisoner as he stood beside the +Eagle. + +As the lads looked at the newcomer they saw a short, broad shouldered +man wearing a white moustache. The figure looked strangely familiar. + +"Do you recognize that man, Jimmie?" asked Ned. + +Jimmie's answer was lost in the roar of exhaust from one of the other +aeroplanes parked nearby. All turned in amazement at the noise. With +a rush the French plane swept by the group and began soaring into the +air. One glance showed the lads that Otto was at the levers. + +During the brief moment that their attention had been diverted, the +Uhlan had taken advantage of their preoccupation and had silently +stolen away to the machine whose engine had been left running. Now he +was beyond recall, and in a short time would be again on the eastern +side of the fighting line, where he would no doubt join his regiment. + +Chagrined, the lads looked at each other with crestfallen glances. + +As the clamor of the other motor died into a steady drone they turned +to look again at the advancing figure. + +"Why, that's General Joffre!" gasped Jimmie. "Hope he don't recognize +us. I feel too cheap for anything!" + +"I think I have seen these young men before," he began cordially. "You +are the young men who were of so much assistance to me at one time." + +"Thank you, General," replied Ned. "We are glad to see you again." + +"And what can I do for you in return for that kindness?" asked the +general without going into the details of the event with which those of +our readers who have read the previous volumes of this series are +already familiar. "If there is anything I can do, please command me." + +"We'd only like safe conduct to some seaport, sir," answered Ned, +"where we can take passage to the United States. We want to get home!" + +"That can be arranged, I am sure!" stated the general, heartily. "But +you must be rather hungry. Will you not step into the tent here and +have some lunch? You can tell me of your adventures while you eat." + +There they related to the general and some of his aides the incidents +leading up to their flight of that morning, not omitting to tell of +their neglect to retain the prisoner they had so strangely brought to +camp. + +As they finished, the general said, as he looked at Jimmie: + +"And so the Germans are rushing train loads of soldiers to the front, +are they? And are they bringing any guns?" + +"They're bringing lots of troops," replied Jimmie, "but I didn't see +any big guns. They've got some trains of ammunition on the way." + +"Thanks!" acknowledged General Joffre. "That news is important!" + +"Great Frozen Hot Boxes!" cried Jimmie, rising. "There I've gone and +given away a lot of perfectly good information! And all the time I +said I was going to remain perfectly neutral! Just my luck!" + +"But at least," continued the general, "you have your packet and will +be glad to return to your home so that you may carry out the wishes of +your acquaintance who was responsible for so many of your adventures. +Besides, you didn't intend to tell me anything, did you?" + +"If you would consider selling your airship we would like to purchase +it," the general said, turning again to Ned. "It appears to be a fine +machine and I think we could use it to advantage." + +"You are very kind, sir. We will be glad to sell it if you wish." + +In a short time, details of the purchase had been arranged and the boys +were on their way toward Havre, where they were to take boat for the +United States. As they left the camp they gave three rousing cheers +for General Joffre and swung their caps in farewell. + +As the camp was left behind, Dave turned to his companions with +grateful thanks for their kindnesses to him. + +"Oh, pshaw!" declared Jimmie. "Don't say a word about that! You did +as much for us as we did for you. Now we're headed for home again +let's forget all about how we served under the Enemy and how the Forces +escaped!" + +"Just the same, I'll have a lot to tell the members of my Patrol when I +get back to Vancouver!" declared Dave, earnestly. "I'm glad I had the +chance to meet with the Black Bears and Wolves!" + +"And I hope that the next time you meet any of the Bears and Wolves you +won't have to come over here and meet them while they are in the German +army," put in Ned. "Hereafter I'm going to be like Jimmie. I'm going +to be neutral if I have to fight for it!" + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOY SCOUTS MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL*** + + +******* This file should be named 22991.txt or 22991.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/2/9/9/22991 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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