Side by side the two lads sprinted for a clump of trees almost
directly ahead. They reached their friendly shelter just before the
glare of a searchlight down the road gave evidence of the approach of
their pursuers.

Once among the trees the boys dropped to the ground and became
absolutely silent. A moment later and the band of Germans flashed by at
terrific speed.

The boys arose to their feet and continued on their way, keeping in among
the trees.

"We must be very careful," Hal warned Chester. "When they fail to
overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we'll climb
up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go ahead as
far as we can."

"That seems the best way to me," Chester agreed.

They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a sound
of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the presence
of the enemy.

Chester's cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard the
hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both dropped
to the ground.

They had not detected from which direction the bullet had come, and for
that reason were at a great disadvantage. Crouched close to the ground
they waited, ears strained for a sound by which they could locate the man