Part 13 (2/2)
McKenzie's lips were set in a determined line. It was plain that he would need no urging.
”Well,” said one of the Germans, ”it's my belief you are also spies.”
”Hands up!” repeated Hal.
”If you must have it you must!” exclaimed the first German.
His hand flashed up and in it was a revolver.
McKenzie's revolver flashed. The German dropped back.
The man at the wheel released his hold on the steering apparatus and also reached for a gun. Hal dropped him without changing his position.
One of the Germans, before either Hal or McKenzie could stop him, hurled himself over the far side of the car. The other two raised their hands.
”That other fellow is probably bent on mischief,” said Hal to himself, ”but we'll have to take a chance. Cover 'em” he ordered McKenzie, ”while I get their guns!”
Hal advanced to the side of the car and deprived the two Germans of their revolvers. Then he climbed in and motioned the Germans to get out. After that he bent over the still form in the bottom of the car.
It was Chester.
”Keep those fellows covered, McKenzie,” he warned. ”Don't let them move. One of them may have the list.”
The Germans made no move under the muzzle of McKenzie's gun, held in a steady hand.
Hal lifted Chester's head to his knee. As he did so there was a sharp report from nearby, quickly followed by a second, and Hal felt a slight pain in his left arm.
He dropped Chester's head and leaped to the ground.
”That's the man who escaped,” he said. ”I'll have to get him, McKenzie. You watch, these fellows closely.”
”It's all right, Hal,” came a voice from the lads own car. ”I got him!”
It was the voice of Stubbs, and the little man now came forward.
”I stayed behind to cover you fellows,” he explained. ”The man who jumped out of the car made a detour and came up to my car. From its protection he took a shot at you. He didn't see me in the darkness, though, and I beat him to it. He was so close I couldn't miss.”
”Thanks, Stubbs,” said Hal quietly. ”Now you look in the car and see if you can't find some rope or blankets or something to tie these fellows with.”
Stubbs returned shortly with several thin blankets, which Hal quickly fas.h.i.+oned into an improvised rope. The two prisoners were bound.
”Now search 'em for the list,” said Hal.
The war correspondent did so. There was no list to be found.
”Search the one you just disposed of, Stubb,”' Hal ordered.
The little man obeyed, and a moment later gave an exclamation of triumph.
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