chimed in. "It seemed to me he was trying his
best to get it to mount, but it balked. That could only mean something
had gone wrong with the machinery, or else a wing had been fractured."

"Huh! you talk just like the machine might be a baseball pitcher,"
commented Tubby. "But, if that's the case, the chances are he'll drop to
the ground right away, or else smash up against some tree."

"Just what may happen to him," agreed Merritt.

"You'll notice that the sound of motor and propeller has suddenly died
out," suggested Rob, "which I take it looks pretty rough for the
man-bird."

"Oh! that would be too bad, now!" Tubby whimpered, as he imagined he
could see the bold pilot of the crippled flier dashed to the ground
amidst the wreckage of his machine.

"Well, the shooting seems to be over!" remarked Merritt.

"I wonder what happened to the spy?" Rob observed, as he stared over the
top of the stone wall toward the spot where the late confusion had taken
place.

They could still see that little glow, proving that the lantern had not
been kicked over in all the riot when the creeping Belgians had pounced
on the enemy.

"Would it be wise for us to head over there now, Rob?"

Plainly Merritt was curious to know what had happened, and his manner of
putting this question to the patrol leader showed that he would never be
satisfied unless they made some sort of attempt to solve the mystery.

This time he found Rob more agreeable. Conditions had changed
considerably since the leader had put his foot down upon any suggestion
that they thrust themselves into the game. The Belgians were their
friends, and they could not believe any danger was to be feared from
that source.

"We might walk over that way," Rob admitted slowly; "that is, if Tubby
can get over this wall."

"If not, he could wait for us here," suggested Merritt, with a chuckle.

"I see myself waiting all alone on the other side of the wall, while you
two step forward and find out all there is going on. I can climb walls,
all right, if somebody only gives me a little boost. Try me, and see,
Rob. That's a good fellow!"

Of course Rob was ready to lend the desired assistance; and as Tubby
secured a hold on a large stone that crowned the wall, he was able to
hunch himself up, puffing and grunting at a great rate.

It was easy enough to get down, if one did not care how he fell; but
Tubby proved fortunate in finding toe places where he could secure a
hold, a