"Why, no," replied Hal. "We are going to try and make our way back to our
lines to-night."

Young Dersi appeared to breathe easier, and this fact was not lost upon
either Hal or Chester.

"Well," he said, after a pause, "I haven't time to stay here. I just
dropped in a moment to see you, mother. You say the Germans went north?
How long have they been gone?"

"About an hour," said Chester.

"Good. Then it will be safe for me to continue on my way."

He bowed to the two lads, kissed his mother, and a moment later had left
the house, his mother accompanying him to the door.

"There is something queer about him," said Chester to Hal, as Mrs. Dersi
and her son left the room. "He's not telling the truth."

"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief he is
fleeing from the French lines to give information to the Germans."

"You mean you think he is a traitor?"

"I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am afraid
you have hit the nail on the head."

"In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried Chester.