Hal turned to Chester.

"When they fail to find us," he said, "they'll come back, inquiring all
along as they return. They are sure to ask for us here." He turned to the
woman. "Have you a place where we can hide?"

"Yes," she replied, "there is a secret trap-door to the attic. You may go
up there and no one will be the wiser."

"Then we had better get up there at once," said Chester, "for there is no
telling how soon they may return."

A few moments later and they were safe in a little room at the very
top of the house. After showing them to their retreat, the good
woman departed, saying that she would return in a few minutes with
water and food.

"You'll need it," she said, when Hal protested against putting her to so
much trouble. "And, besides, I should be a poor Frenchwoman could I not
aid the friends of my own country."

She was back in a few moments, and the lads ate hungrily of the food she
brought them, for it had been long hours since food or water had passed
their lips.

After their benefactress had departed, Hal said to Chester:

"This is bound to be a tedious day. I guess we had better try and put it