y was no less surprised. Both lads kept their revolvers
handy, for they weren't sure whether the Germans might not attack them,
bound and gagged as they were.

Hal addressed them.

"We expect to keep you company for some time," he said, "and we don't
want any foolishness. The first false move will be your last. Get over
there in the corner."

The men obeyed, growling to themselves.

Hal and Chester listened for sounds above that would indicate the retreat
of the Germans and the advance of the French. No such sounds came; and
with the fall of darkness Hal said:

"Well, I guess we had better change clothes with these fellows and make a
break for it."

"Good!" agreed Chester. "We'll have to unbind them while they disrobe.
We'll strip one at a time. You hold the gun while I do the work."

"Well, I guess everything is all ready," said Chester, when they were at
last garbed in the German uniforms and the men were safely tied up again.
"We may as well be moving."

"All right," said Hal, "climb up on my shoulders. I'll keep my gun on
these two fellows in the meantime. Can't trust 'em."

Chester followed Hal's instructions and a moment later gazed out of
the pit. Ahead he could see moving forms, but there was no one close
to the pit.

"Coast clear," he called to Hal. "Here I go. Be ready when I reach
down for you."

He pulled himself up.

CHAPTER XI

THROUGH THE LINES

"Ready, Hal?"

"All ready."

Hal stretched up his hands, and Chester, leaning far over the pit, seized
them and pulled. Hal came slowly upwards.

Suddenly he gave a cry of pain and twisted and squirmed vigorously.
Chester became alarmed.

"What's the matter?" he asked quickly.

"One of those fellows bit me in the leg!" exclaimed Hal.

It was true.

As Hal had soared upward, one of the Germans had sprung forward, and
being unable to free his hands, had seized the fleshy part of Hal's leg
between his teeth. Evidently the gag had not been properly adjusted.

"Kick him loose!" cried Chester.

Hal obeyed instructions. The German uttered a loud cry--another sign that
the lads had gagged him too carelessly.

In kicking out at the German, Hal had used too much violence and had
jerked loose from Chester's hold. Down into the pit he plunged again.
Apparently believing that Hal had come back with the intention of
silencing him forever, the ungagged German gave vent to a series of
loud cries.

"Quick, Chester!" called Hal. "Pull me