g glance at Chester. "We
think we had better take our departure at once."

Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that
they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell,
enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her
should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving
the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on
their weary journey toward the British lines.

CHAPTER XIII.

A FIGHT IN THE DARK.

Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed.
They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and
the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little
doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that
he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.

Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists
who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
was with them.

Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young
man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively
and inquired the cause of his sudden return.

"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have
learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my
own regiment. But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone?
If not, we can all continue our journey together."

"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.

"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
direction did they go?"

The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment
later young Dersi left the house; and soon the Germans were once more
upon the trail of the two lads.

Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them.
It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that
they were that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and
still the two lads plodded onward.

At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
Chester when from the rear onc