them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the
opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly
shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on their weary journey
toward the British lines.




CHAPTER XIII.

A FIGHT IN THE DARK.


Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed. They
wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the
house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little doubt
in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that he would
soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.

Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later,
they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue
their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who
had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now,
instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself
was with them.

Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young man
himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively and
inquired the cause of his sudden return.