Without a moment's hesitation he advanced to the water's edge and
plunged into the stream. The water was icy cold, and Hal's breath was
taken away by the suddenness of the shock.

He recovered himself in a moment, however, and struck out for the
opposite shore. About half way across he became aware of voices on the
shore immediately behind him.

"I don't believe there is anyone there," said a voice.

"The woman is a spy herself, that's my belief," said a second. "She
has concocted this story as an excuse for her being abroad at this
hour. I certainly don't believe there is a spy on this side of the
river."

"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a
searchlight. Turn yours on."

Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was
well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed
across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back
and forth across the water. He could see no one.

"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get
away from here."

"Good," returned the other. "Come on."

Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the
surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick
breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he
rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in
their search anyhow, had gone.

Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made
out the sound of retreating footsteps.

"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to
get out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."

With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon
the farther shore. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance
away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:

"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and
get thawed out before I continue my journey."

He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence
was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing
footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.

"Halt!" he commanded.

"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."

"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not
lowering his weapon.

Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German
uniform and his rifle leaped up again.

"So," he exc