It must be safe enough now. These chaps won't hurt us."

But Jack was premature in thinking that. For no sooner did the
two linemen see them than they rushed for them, much to both lads'
surprise.

"You're the ones who cut that wire," said the first, a dark, young
fellow. "I've a mind to give you a good hiding!"

But they both rushed into explanations, and luckily, the other
lineman recognized Jack.

"It's the vicar's son from Bray, Tom," he said. "Let him alone."

And then, while their attention was distracted, a bullet sang over
their heads. And "Hands oop!" said in a guttural voice.




Chapter XIII


A Treacherous Deed


Harry Fleming had, of course, given up all hope of catching Graves
by a direct pursuit by the time he accepted the offer of a ride in
the motor truck that was carrying vegetables for the troops in
quarters in London. His only hope now was to get his information