Part 17 (1/2)

For another hour now the four rode on, and then a welcome sight confronted them. Hal was the first to perceive water ahead, and called the attention of the others to it.

”The Vistula,” said Alexis briefly.

There was not the sign of either friend or foe. For some unaccountable reason neither bank of the stream was guarded. Hal supplied an explanation.

”The Germans have probably been pushed back further to the South,” he suggested, ”thereby doing away with the necessity of a patrol here.”

They drew nearer the river. At this point the stream was very deep, and there was no bridge; but as the four drew up on the bank, Chester made out a cloud of smoke coming up the stream.

”A steamer!” he exclaimed.

The lad was right. The smoke drew nearer, and at last the friends were able to discern the outline of a small river vessel steaming toward them. They jumped from their horses, and advanced to the very edge of the water, where they awaited the approaching boat.

”She may be a German,” said Hal.

”It is hardly likely,” said Alexis.

”But I understood the Germans had fitted out several river steamers,”

said Hal.

”True,” replied Alexis; ”I had forgotten. We shall have to be careful.”

But now the vessel was close enough for those on sh.o.r.e to make out her flag. The emblem flying aloft was that of the Czar. Hal drew off his coat and waved it about his head.

”If they will stop and pick us up,” he explained, ”it may save us a tedious ride.”

A sharp blast of the whistle signified that Hal's signal had been seen.

The steamer came to a stop in midstream, a launch put off toward the sh.o.r.e, and soon grounded at the spot where the four friends stood.

Quickly they leaped into the little craft and were soon aboard the steamer, where they were greeted by the commander of the vessel. Hal explained their situation as briefly as possible.

”Well,” said the commander, ”I can't promise to put you ash.o.r.e immediately, for I am bound further up the river in pursuit of a German steamer that has been bombarding several upstream towns. When I have disposed of the enemy, however, I shall be glad to land you down the stream, for I shall return immediately I have sunk the foe.”

With this the fugitives had to be content. They were a.s.signed quarters on the steamer, and after was.h.i.+ng the dirt and grime from their hands and faces, they returned on deck, where they made themselves comfortable as the steamer continued on her way. They pa.s.sed several little towns without stopping.

Suddenly those on deck were brought to their feet by the booming of a single heavy gun. All strained their ears to listen. The first report was followed by the sound of others. The commander of the vessel sprang to action.

”Full speed ahead!” he cried.

The steamer leaped forward faster than before. The crew prepared for action. The guns were made ready and the crews stood to their posts. The commander, from his position, motioned the four friends toward him.

”We have run the enemy down,” he informed them. ”Can I count upon your services if they are needed?”

”You may,” replied Hal and Chester briefly.

Alexis and Stephan nodded their heads in a.s.sent.

”Good!” said the commander. ”You will stay here near me, then. I shall not hesitate to call upon you.”

Rounding a slight bend in the river, the Russian steamer came in full sight of the enemy. So silently had she approached, that the Germans, engaged in hurling sh.e.l.ls upon a little village, did not perceive their presence until a sh.e.l.l from the Russian plowed up the water under the prow of their boat.