ottom they are so constructed that
the water runs through an open network of great iron bars. Now, Hobbs
and I will go under the gates in the old-clothes you have given us. When
we are on the opposite side we'll stick close by the gate, and you may
pass our dry clothes out between the bars above the surface of the
water. Our guns, the map and the food, as well. It's very simple. Then
we'll drop down the canal a short distance and change our clothes in the
underbrush. Hobbs knows where we can procure horses and he knows a
trusty guide on the other side of the city. So long, Colonel. I'll see
you later."

"God be with you," said Quinnox fervently. The four men shook hands and
King slipped into the water without a moment's hesitation.

"Right after me, Hobbs," he said, and then his head went under.

A minute later he and Hobbs were on the outside of the gate, gasping for
breath. Standing in water to their necks, Quinnox and Haddan passed the
equipment through the barred openings. There were whispered good-byes
and then two invisible heads bobbed off in the night, wading in the
swift-flowing canal, up to their chins. Swimming would have been
dangerous, on account of the noise.

Holding their belongings high above their heads, with their hearts in
their mouths, King and the Englishman felt their way carefully along the
bed of the stream. Not a sound was to be heard, except the barking of
dogs in the distance. The stillness of death hung over the land. So
still, that the almost imperceptible sounds they made in breathing and
moving seemed like great volumes of noise in their tense ears.

A hundred yards from the gate they crawled ashore and made their way up
over the steep bank into the thick, wild underbrush. Not a word had been
spoken up to this time.

"Quietly now, Hobbs. Let us get out of these duds. 'Gad, they're like
ice. From now on, Hobbs, you lead the way. I'll do my customary act of
following."

Hobbs was shivering from the cold. "I say, Mr. King, you're a wonder,
that's wot you are. Think of going under those bally gates!"

"That's right, Hobbs, think of it, but don't talk."

They stealthily stripped themselves of the wet garments, and, after no
end of trouble, succeeded in getting into the dry substitutes. Then they
lowered the wet bundles into the water and quietly stole off through the
brush, Hobbs in the lead, intent upon striking the King's Highway, a
mile or two above town. It was slow, arduous goin