Part 12 (1/2)

”But the question is, how?” said Hal quietly.

”I've got a big automobile waiting for me about a mile from here,” said Stubbs. ”If we can get into it we can go a long ways without interruption.”

”They'll wire ahead,” said Hal

”So they will,” Stubbs agreed, ”but I've also got a pocket full of the prettiest pa.s.sports and other credentials you ever saw. I didn't chop down my bridges behind me, as you seem to have done. Once in my car, as I say, and we'll move away from here.”

”Then we may as well be moving,” said McKenzie, who had not spoken until that moment.

”Right,” Hal agreed. ”But we must be careful. No telling how many Germans are nearby, scouring the streets for us. Lead the way, Stubbs.”

”That's right,” said Stubbs, ”pick me for the easy work.”

”I'll lead the way if the little man is afraid,” growled McKenzie.

Stubbs whirled on him in the darkness.

”Look here!” he exclaimed, ”I allow no man to talk to me like that.

Understand?”

McKenzie was somewhat taken aback, but he growled again:

”Then lead on and don't talk so much.”

Stubbs would have made another angry retort, but Hal nudged him to move.

Muttering to himself, Stubbs led the way to the street again.

There was no one in sight as they emerged from the darkened house, and they moved off down the street with rapid strides. Occasionally they saw pa.s.sing civilians, with now and then an officer or trooper or so, but Berlin seemed to be sleeping securely in the knowledge that the enemy was far from its door.

Hal gazed at his watch by the glare of a street light. It was almost 4 o'clock.

”Two hours to daylight,” he muttered. ”We shall have to hurry.”

Fifteen minutes later Stubbs slowed down.

”My automobile is in a small garage around the next corner,” he said, and added significantly, ”if nothing has happened to it.”

”Let's get it then,” said Hal. ”We don't want to stand here.”

Stubbs moved on again and Hal and McKenzie followed him closely.

There was no sign of a living person near the little garage. Stubbs approached and attempted to throw back the closed door. It would not budge.

”Let me try, Stubbs,” said Hal, pus.h.i.+ng forward.

He took from his pocket a short but well tempered piece of steel. He found that the door was held by a padlock. He inserted the piece of steel in the top, and, putting forth all his strength, broke the lock.