ntinued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and,
remember, at the first false move I shall fire."

Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces
behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German
camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there.

His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon
a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just
as well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy.

As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In
attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this
time was right upon him.

Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse,
she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal,
spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand,
and with a quick leap seized it himself.

"Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to
get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance
between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be
forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I
am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one
life stand in the way."

The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran.

"I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I
could have brought myself to shoot."

He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his
opponents hors de combat.

The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he
sprang forward.

"What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated
surprise. "Well, here's some more then."

He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his
right fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh
and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground,
where he remained, unconscious.

"Now to get back across the river," said Hal to himself. "Wonder if I
can find a boat of some kind."

He walked slowly along the bank, keeping a keen eye out for any kind
of a craft in which to make the trip. He could find none; but, from
the direction of the great German camp, came the sound of excited
voices and the trampling of many feet.

"Great Scott! Here they come," exclaimed Hal aloud. "I guess it's up
to me to get away from here pretty quick."