"Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have learned
the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my own regiment.
But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone? If not, we can
all continue our journey together."

"They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.

"Then perhaps I can overtake them," said the young man. "In which
direction did they go?"

The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never
thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them. A moment later
young Dersi left the house, and soon the Germans were once more upon the
trail of the two lads.

Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them. It
was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that they were
that much closer to a place of safety. Darkness fell and still the two
lads plodded onward.

At length, coming upon a small brook beside the road, they stopped to
quench their thirst. Hal had risen to his feet and was waiting for
Chester when from the rear once more came the faint "chug-chug" of a
motorcycle, or motorcycles, the boys were unable to tell which.

Chester sprang to his feet.

"Here they come again," he cried. "We were right. It is the traitor Dersi
who has put them on our trail. Hustle!"