e-hammer blows in
succession, "and we're not aching to be filled with lead just yet."

"But," urged Merritt, "we might move along the road just a little bit
farther; that would take us closer to the place. I'd like to be able to
see that Taube machine fly over our heads again."

"Well, there's no objection to doing that, only we must keep mighty
quiet. And, Tubby, mind your feet!" said Rob.

Tubby did not bother making any reply, for none seemed necessary. He
knew well enough that, as a rule, he was inclined to be clumsy, and
could stumble, if given even half a chance. But, on the open road, and
with the starlight to help out, he could not believe there was any
danger.

So he sniffed disdainfully, and braced himself to move as softly as a
cat; for it is wonderful how light on their feet most fat people can be,
when they try their best.

Of course they could not see a thing, but then, imagination often helps
out, and by this means they could picture the daring air-pilot, having
successfully landed, in consultation with the secret agent.

When he had delivered what news he had picked up, perhaps verbally as
well as through some written process, the spy would most likely assist
the flier to get his Taube under way again, after which he could return
to take up his risky profession amidst the Belgian forces.

Once Tubby did come near falling, as his toe caught in a projecting
stone, which, of course, had been invisible. He managed to clutch hold
of Merritt, who was on his left, and in this way avoided a tumble that
might have caused more or less noise, even if it did not result in any
damage to his nose.

Then Rob came to a stop. The others understood that he must have decided
they were as near the place where the lantern glowed in the field as
they could get without clambering over the stone barrier. This wall
fence came up to Tubby's chin, so that he had to stand on his tiptoes to
see over it.

"Has he sailed away yet, Rob?" asked Tubby, in his hushed voice, which
sounded as though he might be using the soft pedal on his vocal organ.

"We would have heard the clatter of his motor if he had," returned Rob.
"So far it hasn't been found possible to deaden the rattle of the
propeller. And, on a still night like this, you could get that some ways
off. No, they're talking business yet, I reckon."

"Gee whiz! but they must have a lot to say," muttered Tubby.

"After they separate we'd better lie low a while," sugges