and are equal to
do it. I am proud to shake hands with you, and wish you all a successful
journey."

Which operation he proceeded to immediately put into execution; though
Tubby, having had one previous experience with a hearty Belgian
hand-grip, was mighty careful just how he allowed the other to take hold
of his plump digits.

Rob was quite satisfied now that they had done the right thing in coming
forward and joining the party. At least it had been the means of easing
the pain of those who were wounded, and stopping the flow of blood
sensibly.

The German had actually broken his silence to thank the boys when they
finished their work. It was evident, however, that he was not caring
very much what happened to him, since he knew the probable penalty for
allowing himself to be captured in the act of delivering important plans
of fortifications--death.

None of the boys so much as mentioned the fact that they believed the
Taube machine might have been injured, and even fallen a short distance
away. If the Belgians did not see fit to investigate conditions, it was
no part of the scouts' business to put them on the track. The dashing
aviator deserved to get away, Rob thought, and it would hardly be fair
for outsiders, who had really no interest in the matter, to betray him
to his enemies.

So they left the soldiers still waiting for their comrades to come along
with a superior officer in charge. The lieutenant had taken quite a
sudden fancy for Rob and his two chums; but then that was not strange,
Tubby told himself, since the patrol leader always had a knack of making
friends wherever he went.

They soon arrived at the stone wall, and to Tubby's satisfaction found a
break where they could actually pass to the road without once more
climbing the barrier.

The last they saw of the field was when the lighted lantern was being
waved in a way that looked as though the lieutenant might be signaling
to others. In the opposite quarter only darkness was to be seen. Rob
wondered what had become of the operator of the Taube aeroplane; whether
he had indeed come crashing to the earth, or managed to sail away to
safety. But they were never fated to know.

CHAPTER XV.

CHASING A JACK-O'-LANTERN.

"I wish you could tell me we were nearly at that old village, Rob. Seems
to me we've been trudging along for hours, and I own up to feeling just
a little bit tired."

Tubby had a beseeching way about him that was hard