had given him over the German and by so doing effect his
escape.

It was certain that in his American uniform he could not get through
the Germans who surrounded him. His only chance would be to make a
dash, and although he was a swift runner the bullets that would be sent
after him would be swifter.

_But in a German uniform_--

And here was one in the hole right beside him!

The plan came to him like a flash of light and he started at once to
put it into execution. But just then a sober second thought made him
pause.

If he were captured wearing his own uniform it would be just as an
ordinary prisoner, entitled to be treated as such by the laws of war.

But if they took him wearing a German uniform he would be regarded as a
spy and would be shot or hanged offhand, perhaps even without the form
of a court-martial.

He weighed the question carefully, for he knew that life or death might
result from the way he answered it.

To help him decide, he raised his head with infinite caution to the rim
of the shell hole and looked about him. In the faint light that came
from lanterns disposed at various places he could see men moving here
and there and catch the murmur of conversation where some of them were
sitting in groups.

Occasionally a man would rise from one of these gatherings and move
away, apparently without attracting notice or arousing question. Why
could he not do the same?

Of course there was the chance of a word being addressed to him and he
could not answer without revealing his ignorance of German. But
perhaps he could pretend not to hear or respond with a grunt that would
pass muster.

One thing was certain. If it were done at all it must be done at once
while there were many about. If he waited until things were quiet his
solitary figure would be sure to attract attention.

His choice was made. Between the certainty of capture and the chance
of being shot he would take the chance. If worse came to worst he had
his knife and his revolver and he would sell his life dearly.

He knelt down close by his captive and began to strip off his clothes.
The man was inclined to resist, but a sharp prick of Frank's knife told
him that his captor was in no mind to stand any nonsense and he lay
quiet. It was hard work because the man was heavy and the quarters
were cramped. The coat had to be cut off in places because Frank did
not dare to untie his prisoner's hands. But at last the clothes were