As they emerged from where the trees were thickest into a little clearing
a sudden, guttural command brought them to an abrupt stop.

"Halt!" came a voice. "Halt, or I fire!"




CHAPTER XI.

CAPTURED.


Caught thus unexpectedly Hal immediately threw his hands above his head;
Chester followed his example. It was plain to both lads that there was
not a chance in a thousand to escape, for the German soldier had his
rifle pointed squarely at them.

Of course there was a possibility that by a sudden spring one of the lads
might have succeeded in knocking the man down; but this probably would
have meant the death of the other. Hal and Chester both realized that it
was no time to take such a chance.

"We surrender," called Hal in German, and immediately the soldier lowered
his weapon and approached them.

He passed his hands around their waists and then felt in the pockets of
their coats and relieved them of their weapons. Then he ordered:

"Right about; forward, march!"