But come, I am keeping you here idle when I know you are all anxious to
be about your work."

He led the way to the street, where a large touring car awaited them.

"I'll drive you as far as the border myself," said the Dutchman.

The four friends climbed in, and the car dashed away in the darkness.

For perhaps four or five hours they rode along at a fair speed and
soon, Hal knew, they would once more be within their own lines.

It was half-past four o'clock in the morning when Herr Block stopped
the car and said:

"I'll leave you here. You must make the rest of the trip alone."

"Great Scott! You can't get out here in the middle of the wilderness,"
said Hal.

"Don't worry," laughed Herr Block. "I haven't far to go. If you'll
look to the right there you will see the lights of a little town. I
shall be able to get a conveyance there for my homeward journey. I
brought you this way because it will save time and trouble."

He stepped from the car, then reached back and extended a hand to Hal,
who had taken his place at the wheel.

"I'm awfully glad to have met you," he said quietly, "and I am glad to
have been of assistance to you. I trust that we shall see more of each