pot where they could see that
feeble little glow, made by the signaling lantern.

Rob was considerably interested in the adventure. It appealed to him in
a way that was almost irresistible. He could understand that this might
be only one of many methods taken by the astute Germans to get valuable
information to the Staff Headquarters, which were at that time supposed
to be located in the captured Belgian capital of Brussels.

Some spy, who had the run of the Belgian lines, would gather up certain
information which he believed might be appreciated. Then, at a given
time, when darkness covered the land, he was to be waiting for a daring
aviator, who would take such risks as always accompany night traveling
and landing with an aeroplane.

If the man aloft failed to receive the signal agreed on, he would hover
around up to a certain hour, and then go back to Brussels. But, if the
coast was clear, and the secret agent gave him assurance to that effect,
he could dart down, and take charge of the precious documents or maps
showing the positions of various hostile forces, or else some new
arrangement on the part of the defenses of Antwerp.

"I'd like to be able to just crawl up closer, and see what goes on,"
Merritt remarked, after they had stood there for a little while,
listening and watching, yet seeing only that small light in the open
space under the stars.

"Would it be safe?" asked Tubby cautiously; though, no doubt, if his
chums decided on the venture, he would be found remaining at their side.

As often happened, here again Rob had to show his leadership, and curb
his chum's impetuosity. Merritt was apt to do things sometimes on the
impulse of the moment which were really unwise.

The prospect of stealing along, like Indians on the warpath, and
gradually drawing closer to the spot where the pilot of the air-craft
and the spy were in consultation, was very inviting. Rob, however, took
a grip on himself, and decided that it would be most unwise of them to
accept such an unnecessary risk.

"It's really none of our business, Merritt," he said. "First of all----"

"Of course not, but----"

"And, if they discovered us, you know what it would mean?" Rob continued
gravely.

"I suppose they would fire on us," admitted Merritt.

"They certainly would, because they could only believe that we were
enemies," continued the other, who, once he had started in to convince
an impulsive comrade, believed in delivering sledg