be," said Hal. "Next time I'm going to get in the
first blow. Then we'll see how you like it. But come. We must be moving
away from here. See. The German is regaining consciousness. I don't want
to kill him, and we mustn't be here when he comes to. Come now."

Hal led the way rapidly along the row of tents.

"Looks as though we should be safe enough now," the lad said, after they
had walked for perhaps fifteen minutes.

The lad produced his watch, and by the soft light of the moon, took note
of the time.

"By Jove! half past one o'clock," he said. "We shall have to hurry back
or Chester will be worried."

"Let's hope Chester will be there when we arrive," said Stubbs.

"Oh, he'll be there, all right. Come on."

"Say," said Stubbs as they walked along, "what I want to know is how you
knew the German officer you knocked down had any valuable papers?"

"That's easy," was Hal's response. "Before entering the tent where your
little game was in progress, I overheard one of the officers without
mention the fact that an aide of General Ludwig's was in the tent and
that he carried important papers. The rest was very simple."

"I see," said Stubbs. "Now what--look there, Hal."

The little man broke off suddenly and pointed directly ahead. Advancing
toward them were perhaps a dozen German soldiers, with an officer at
their head.

"We'll have to get out of the way," said Hal, quietly. "We haven't time
to answer questions now."

He turned between the rows of tents and hurried on, with Stubbs close
behind him. And from the German officer came the command to halt.

Instead, Hal increased his speed and a moment later he and Stubbs were
running quietly between the rows of German tents. Behind came the sound
of pursuing footsteps.

"We're in for it now, Stubbs," panted Hal. "I was a fool to run. They
know now that there is something wrong and they won't rest until they
have scoured the entire camp."

"Then we are done for!" exclaimed Anthony Stubbs.

"Not yet!" replied Hal. "While there's life there's hope. Never say
die, Stubbs."

The little man did not reply. He saved all the breath he had left for
running purposes, for he felt that he was likely to have to run the rest
of the night.

Suddenly, making another short turn, Hal pulled up. Stubbs did likewise
and both listened attentively.

The footsteps were some distance back.

"We've gained a bit, Stubbs," said Hal.

"Well, what's the use of waiting here then