Part 40 (1/2)

Instead, Hal increased his speed and a moment later he and Stubbs were running quietly between the rows of German tents. Behind came the sound of pursuing footsteps.

”We're in for it now, Stubbs,” panted Hal. ”I was a fool to run. They know now that there is something wrong and they won't rest until they have scoured the entire camp.”

”Then we are done for!” exclaimed Anthony Stubbs.

”Not yet!” replied Hal. ”While there's life there's hope. Never say die, Stubbs.”

The little man did not reply. He saved all the breath he had left for running purposes, for he felt that he was likely to have to run the rest of the night.

Suddenly, making another short turn, Hal pulled up. Stubbs did likewise and both listened attentively.

The footsteps were some distance back.

”We've gained a bit, Stubbs,” said Hal.

”Well, what's the use of waiting here then?” demanded the war correspondent. ”Let's gain a bit more.”

”Hold on!” exclaimed Hal, as Stubbs would have taken to his heels again.

”We can't run clear through the German camp like this, you know. We're bound to be caught if we try it. It must be strategy rather than fleetness of foot if we hope to get out of this situation safely.”

”All right,” Stubbs agreed. ”Whatever you say suits me. But if it is strategy that is going to get us out of this, tell me some strategy real quick.”

Hal considered a moment. Every second the pursuing footsteps were coming closer. Stubbs squirmed about uneasily.

”Say,” he said at last; ”hear those fellows coming? I'm going to get away from here.”

Again he took to his heels; and there was nothing for Hal to do but follow, for he did not wish to lose sight of the little man. Besides, in that moment's pause, Hal had decided upon a plan that he believed had a fair chance of success.

For perhaps five minutes more they ran on, Hal fearful at every moment that German soldiers would pour from their tents and interrupt their flight. Fortunately, this did not happen, however.

Hal, fleet of foot as he was, was hard pressed to catch up with Stubbs, who had gained a slight lead and was covering the ground with rapid strides. But at last the lad overtook him and laid a hand on his shoulder.

”Slow down, there,” he commanded. ”First thing you know you'll have the whole camp after us. Those shoes of yours must be at least number elevens. They shake the whole earth when you run.”

”Well, they have come in pretty handy to-night,” said Stubbs. ”What are you stopping here for?”

”Because I don't want to arouse every German in the camp. I'll tell you about that strategy now.”

”Well, let's hear it real quick,” said Stubbs, impatiently. ”I want to get away from here.”

”So do I,” said Hal, ”but I want to get away all in one piece. Here's my plan: We can't hope to get away by running. Sooner or later, before we are clear of the German lines, we are certain to b.u.mp into some one.

That would settle it. We'll go ahead a little more, then we'll enter one of these tents, tap the occupants on the head with our revolver b.u.t.ts and crawl into their cots. Then when our pursuers have gone by we'll go back.”

”By Jove!” said Stubbs, ”that's not half bad. Wonder why I can't think of things like that?”

”Because you're too busy running,” returned Hal.

The first of the pursuers came into sight at that moment and uttered a cry. This told the others following that the prey had been sighted and they dashed forward.