wing what this fake Lieutenant Rae and the men we
drove away from this house may have said to the Chinks, we may as well
be moving. It may be safer out on the road!"

"I should say so!" exclaimed Jack. "We can't fight a whole nation, can
we? Look there! That was a rocket, and means trouble."

The distant murmur was fast growing into a roar, and rockets were
flecking the clouds with their green, red, and blue lights. Shadowy
figures began to show in the darkness, and a group was seen ahead, in
the street which led away toward Peking.

"More dangerous than wild beasts!" exclaimed the officer. "Be careful
to keep together and in the middle of the road, when we get under way,
for if one of us gets pulled down there's an end of all things for him!"

"It is too bad we can't stay long enough to find Hans," Ned said.

"If we remain here five minutes longer," the officer replied, "someone
will have to come and find us. Are you ready?"

All were ready, and the next moment sixteen motorcycles shot out into
the street and headed northwest for Tientsin, which city lay in the
direct path to Peking. The group in the road ahead parted sullenly as
the squadron pressed on its outer circle and the company passed through
without mishap.

That was as wild a ride as any living being ever engaged in. Nothing
but the speed of the motorcycles saved the boys, for enemies sprung up
all along the way. Some mysterious system of signaling ahead seemed to
be in vogue there.

The sky cleared presently. The road was muddy, but the giant machines
made good progress, especially through little towns, through the doors
and windows of which curious eyes peered out on the silent company,
marching, seemingly, to the music of the spark explosions.

After a run of two hours the officer halted and dismounted.

"Now," he said, "we've got a bit of work cut out for us here. If we
make it, we may go on in peace. If we fail, all must keep together and
take chances on speed."

CHAPTER VII

THE MIDNIGHT CALL OF AN OWL

Ned glanced about keenly as he left his seat on the machine and stood
awaiting further instructions. There was little rain in the air now,
but it was still dark except for the faint reflection of a distant group
of lights.

"Where are we?" Ned asked.

"Near Tientsin."

"So soon? Why, I thought we'd be a long time on the way."

"I reckon you don't know how fast we have been traveling," said the
officer. "Fear l