Altsheler, Joseph - WWI 01 - The Guns Of Europe Read online

  : "At any rate we haven't made a god out of war, and that's why we haven't seventeen-inch cannon. Perhaps by not setting up such a god we've gained something else republican fire and spirit that nothing can overcome." The twilight now deepened and the darkness in creased fast in the wood, but the deep thunder on the western horizon did not cease. John thought he saw flashes of fire from the giant cannon, but he was not sure. It might be sheaves of rays shot off by the sunken sun, or, again, it might be his imagination, always vivid, but stimulated to the last degree by the amazing scenes through which he was passing. After a while, although the throb of the great guns still came complete darkness enveloped the grove. It seemed now to John that the sound had moved far ther westward, but Lannes had just shown such keen emotion that he would not say the Germans were pushing their way farther into France. However, Lannes himself noticed it. Presently he said : "The battle goes against us, but you may be sure of one thing, Monsieur Jean the Scott, we were heav ily outnumbered and the German artillery must have been in caliber as four to our one." "I've no doubt it's so," said John with abundant sympathy. "The fire seems to be dying. Probably the night is too dark for the combat to go on. What do you think we ought to do, John?" "You're the airman, Phil. I'm only a raw begin ner." "But a beginner who has learned fast. I think the sound of that battle in France has weakened my nerve for the moment, and I want your advice. I ask for it again." "Then suppose we stay where we are. This isn't a bad little forest, as forests go in Europe, and in the night, at least, it's pretty dark. The enemy is all around us, and in the air over our heads. Suppose we sleep here beside the Arrow" "That's a good sound Yankee head of yours, John. Jus? as you think, it would be dangerous for us to run either on land or in the air, and so we'll stay here and take the chances. I secured two blankets at the village, and each will have one. You go to sleep, John, and I'll take the first watch." "No, I'll take the first. You need rest more than I do. You've been sailing the Arrow, and, besides, your nerves have been tried harder by the echo of that battle. Just for a little while I mean to boss. 'Boss,' I'll explain to you, means in our Ameri can idiom a commander, a Napoleon. Now, stop talking, wrap yourself in your blanket and go to sleep." "I obey. But keep your automatic handy." He fell asleep almost instantly, and John, lying near with his own blanket about him, kept watch over him and the 'Arrow. He did not feel sleepy at all. His nerves had been keyed to too high a pitch for rest to come yet. His situation and the scenes through which he had passed were so extraordinary that certain facul ties seemed to have become blunted. Although surrounded by many dangers all sensation of fear was gone. The blanket was sufficient protection even against the cool European night, and he had found a soft and comfortable place on the turf. The wood was silent, save for the rustle of a stray breeze among the leaves. Far in the night he heard twice the faint boom of the giant cannon deep down on the western horizon. For all he knew the sounds may have come from a point twenty miles away. He walked a little distance from the 'Arrow, and listened intently. But after the two shots the west was silent. The earth settled back into gloom and darkness. He returned to the Arrow and found that Lannes was still sleeping heavily, his face pale from exertion and from the painful emotions that he had felt. John was sorry for him, sorry from the bottom of his heart. Love of country was almost universal, and it must be almost death to a man, whose native land, having been trodden deep once, was about to be trodden again by the same foe. He went once more to the little stream and took another drink. He sat by its banks a few minutes, and listened to its faint trickle, a pleasant soothing sound, like the almost unheard sigh of the wind. Then he returned to his usual place near the Arroiv. Dead stillness reigned in the grove. There was no wind and the leaves ceased to rustle. Not another note came from the battle of the nations beyond the western horizon. The Arrow and its master both lay at peace on the turf. The stillness, the heavy quiet oppressed John. He had been in the woods at night many times at home, but there one heard the croaking of frogs at the water's edge, the buzzing of insects, and now and then the cry of night birds, but here in this degenerate forest nothing stirred, and the air was absolutely pulseless. Time began to lengthen. He looked at his watch, but it was not yet midnight, and Lannes was still motion less and sleeping. He had resolved, as most of the strain had fallen upon his comrade, to let him sleep far beyond his allotted half, and he walked about again, but soundlessly, in order to keep his faculties awake and keen. The night had been dark. Many clouds were floating between him and the moon. He looked up at them, and it seemed incredible now that beyond them human beings could float above the thunder and lightning, and look up at the peaceful moon and stars. Yet he had been there, not in any wild dash of a few minutes, but in a great flight which swept over nights and days. His early thoughts were true. A long era had ended, and now one, charged with wonders and marvals, had begun. This mighty war was the signal of the change, and it would not be confined to the physi cal world. The mind and soul would undergo like changes. People would never look at things in the same way. There had been such mental revolutions in the long past, and it was not against nature for an other to come now. John was thoughtful, perhaps beyond his years, but he had been subjected to tremendous emotions. The unparalleled convulsion of the old world was enough to make even the foolish think. Event and surmise passed and repassed through his mind, while he walked up and down in the wood. Hours crept slowly by, the clouds drifted away, and the moon came out in a gush of silver. The stars, great and small, danced in a sky that was always blue, beyond the veil. He came back for the third time to the brook. He was thirsty that night, but before he knelt down to drink he paused and every muscle suddenly became rigid. He was like one of those early borderers in his own land who had heard a sinister sound in the thicket. It was little, a slight ring of steel, but every nerve in John was alive on the instant. Still obeying the instincts of ancestors, he knelt down among the trees. His vivid fancy might be at work once more! And then it might not! The ringing of steel on steel came again, then a second time and nearer. He slid noiselessly forward, and lay with his ear to the earth. Now he heard other sounds, and among them one clear note, the steady tread of hoofs. Calvary were approaching the grove, but which? German or French? John knew that he ought to go and awake Lannes at once, but old inherited in stincts, suddenly leaping into power, held him. By some marvelous mental process he reverted to a period generations ago. His curiosity was great, and his confidence in his powers absolute. He dragged himself twenty or thirty yards along the edge of the brook toward the tread of hoofs, and soon he heard them with great distinctness. Mingled with the sound was the jingling of bits and the occa sional impact of a steel lance-head upon another. John believed now that they were Germans and he began to creep away fr om the brook, toward which the troop was coming directly. It was not possible to estimate well from sound, but he thought they numbered at least five hundred. He was back thirty yards from the brook, lying flat in the grass, when the heads of horses and men emerged from the shadows. The helmets showed him at once that they were the Uhlans, and without the helmets the face of the leader alone was sufficient to tell him that the Prussian horsemen had ridden into the wood. The one who rode first with his helmet thrown back a little was Rudolf von Boehlen, the man with whom John had talked at Dresden, and who had made such an impression upon him. He had known the schol arly Prussian, the industrial Prussian, and the simple good-natured Prussian of the soil, but here was the Prussian to whom the first god was Mars, with the Kaiser as his prophet. 'It was he, and such as he, who ruled the industrious and kindly German people, teaching them that might was right, and that they always possessed both. John saw through the eyes of both fact and fancy. Von Boehlen was a figure of power. Mind and body were now at the work for which they had been trained, and to which the nature of their owner turned them. Despite his size and weight he sat his horse with light ness and grace, and his cold blue eyes searched the for est for victims rather than foes. John saw in him the product of cease
less and ruthless training, helped by nature. But von Boehlen, keen as his eyes were, did not see the figure of the watcher prone in the grass. He let his horse drink at the brook, and others rode up by his side, until there was a long line of horses with their heads bent down to the stream. It occurred to John then that their only purpose in entering the wood was to water their animals. He saw von Boehlen take a map from his pocket, and study it while the horse drank. He was not surprised at the act. He had no doubt that the brook, tiny though it might be, was marked on the map. He had heard that the Germans foresaw everything, attended to the last detail, and now he was seeing a proof of it. How was it possible to beat them! He did not consider the danger great, as he lis tened to the long lapping and gurgling sound, made by so many horses drinking. It was likely that the whole troop would ride away in a few minutes, and only a possible chance would take them in the direction where the Arrow and Lannes lay. But the trees grew thickly in the circle about them, and that chance was infinitely small. The Uhlans, under the lead of von Boehlen, turned presently, and rode back through the edge of the wood into a field, but they went no farther. John, following a safe distance, saw them unsaddle on the grass and make their camp. Then he hurried back to Lannes and awoke him gently. "What! what is it?" exclaimed Lannes. "The Germans in Paris! The capital fallen, you say!" "No! No! Not so loud! Come out of your dreams! Paris is all right, but there are Uhlans just beyond the edge of the wood, and some scouts of theirs may come tramping here." Lannes was thoroughly awake in another instant. "You did not wake me when my time came, John," he said. "I didn't because you needed the rest more than I did." "Where did you say the Uhlans were?" "In a field at the eastern edge of the wood. They are Prussians led by an officer, von Boehlen, whom I saw at Dresden before the war began. They rode into the wood to water their horses, but now they've gone back to make a camp." "You've certainly watched well, John, and now I suppose we must run again. They follow us in the air and they follow us on the ground. This is a bad trap, John. Suppose you go to von Boehlen, tell him who you are, how you were kidnapped in a way, and throw yourself on his mercy. You'll be safe. The Germans want the friendship of the Americans." "And desert you at such a time? Philip Lannes, you're not worthy to bear the name of the great Mar shal!" Lannes laughed in an embarrassed manner. "It was merely an offer," he said. "I didn't expect you to accept it." "You knew I wouldn't. Come, think quick, and tell us what we're going to do!" "You fit fast into your new role of what you call boss, Monsieur Jean the Scott!" "And I mean to be boss for the next five minutes. Then you will have decided how we're going to es cape and you'll resume your place." "As I said we won't abandon the Arrow, so our passage will be through the air. John, I mean that we shall run the gantlet. We'll pass their air fleet and reach our own." He spoke in low tones, but they contained the ring 1 of daring. John responded. With the ending of the era, the changing of the world, he had changed, too. Shy and sensitive the spirit of adventure flamed up in him. Those flights in the air had touched him with the magic of achievements, impossible, but which yet had been done. "Suppose we launch the 'Arrow at once," he said. "I'm ready to try anything with you." "I knew that, too. One thing in our favor is the number of clouds hanging low in the west, where their air fleet is. It's likely that most of the planes and dirigibles have gone to the ground, but they'll keep enough above to watch. The clouds may enable us to slip by." "If I had my way I'd wrap myself in the thickest and blackest of the clouds and float westward with it." "We'll have to go slowly to keep down the drumming of the motor. Now a big push and a long push. So! There! Now we're rising!" The Arrow, the strength and delicacy of which jus tified all of Lannes' pride, rose like a feather, and floated gracefully above the trees, where it hung poised for a few minutes. Then, as they were not able to see anything, Lannes took it a few hundred yards higher. There they caught the gleam of steel beyond the wood, and looked down on the camp of Uhlans. With the aid of the glasses they saw most of the men asleep on the ground, but twenty on horseback kept watch about the field. "One look is enough," said Lannes. "I hope I'll never see 'em again." "Maybe not, but there are millions of Germans." "That's the worst of it. Millions of 'em and all armed and ready. John, I've chosen our road. We'll go north by west, and I think we'd better rise high. During the night the German machines are likely to hang low, and we may be able to pass over 'em without detection. What do you think of those clouds?" "They're not drifting much. They may hide us as a fog hides a ship at sea." The Arrow began to soar. The Uhlans and the grove soon faded away, and they rode among the clouds. John's watch showed that it was about three o'clock in the morning. He no longer felt the chill of the air in those upper regions. Excitement and suspense made his blood leap, warm, through his veins. Lannes, after his long sleep, was stronger and keener than ever. His hand on the steering rudder knew no uncertainty, and always he peered through the clouds for a sign of the foe, who, he knew well, was to be dreaded so much. John, glasses at eye, sought the same enemy. But they heard and saw nothing, save the sights and sounds of the elements. A cold, wet wind flew across their faces, and the planet below once more turned in space, invisible to eye. "One could almost think," said John, "that we don't turn with it, that we hang here in the void, while it whirls about, independent of us." "I wish that were so," said Lannes with a laugh. "Then we could stay where we are, while it turned around enough beneath us to take the Germans far away. But don't you hear a faint buzzing there to the west, John?" "Yes, I was just about to speak of it, and I know the sound, too. It's one of the big Zeppelins." "Then it's likely to be much below. I judge from the presence of the trees that, we must be somewhere near the German outposts." "I wish that we dared to descend enough to see." "But we don't dare, Monsieur Jean the Scott. We'd drop into a nest of hornets." "Better slow down then. Their scouting planes must be somewhere near." "Good advice again. Oh, you're learning fast. And meanwhile you're committing yourself more and more deeply to our cause." "I've already committed myself deeply enough. I've told you that your prediction about my joining a British force is true." "But you'll have to stay with us French until the British come. John, is it my imagination or do I hear that buzzing below us again" "You really hear it, and I do, too. It's a big Zep pelin beyond a doubt, and therefore we must not be far from a German base. You know they have to build huge sheds in which to keep the Zeppelins." "No doubt they have such a station near enough on their side of the border. But, John, I'm going to have a look at that air-elephant. In all this thick darkness they'd never know what we are. Are you ready for it?" "Ready and anxious." The Arrow dropped down toward the buzzing sound, which rapidly grew louder. John had heard that a silencer had been invented for Zeppelins, but either it was a mistake or they apprehended a hostile presence so little that they did not care to use it. He was rapidly becoming inured to extreme danger, but his heart throbbed nevertheless, and he felt the chill of the high damp air. At the suggestion of Lannes, who called him the eyes of the ship, he retained the glasses, and, with them, sought continually to pierce the heavy masses of cloud. He could not yet see anything, but the heavy buzzing noise, much like the rattling of a train, increased steadily. The Zeppelin could not be very far beneath them now. John felt a sudden rush of wind near him and a dark object swung by. Lannes swiftly changed their own course, and darted almost at a right angle in the darkness. "A Taube?" whispered John. "Yes, one of the armored kind. Two men were in it, and most likely they carried rifles . They're on watch despite the night. Maybe they fear some of our own planes, which must be not many miles in front. Oh, France, is not sleeping, John! Don't think that! We are not prepared as the Germans were, but we've the tools, and we know how to use them." He corrected the course of the Arrow and again dropped down slowly toward the Zeppelin. John's eyes, used to the darkness, caught a glimpse of Lannes's face, and he was surprised. He had never before seen one express such terrible resolution. Some dim idea of his purpose entered the American's mind, but he did not yet realize it fully. But his sense of the weird, of ac
ting in elements, hitherto unknown to man, grew. The Arrow, smooth, sleek and dangerous as death, was feeling its way in the darkness among a swarm of enemies. Its very safety lay in the fact that it was one among many, and, wrapped in the dark, the others could not tell its real character, fifty feet away. John could truthfully say to himself afterwards that he did not feel fear at that time. He was so absorbed, so much overwhelmed by the excitement, the novelty and the cloud of darkness hiding all these actors in the heavens that no room was left in him for fear. Lower and lower they dropped. The Zeppelin, evi dently not far above the earth, was moving slowly. John was reminded irresistibly of an enormous whale lounging in the depths of the ocean, which here was made up of heavy clouds. In another minute by the aid of the powerful glasses he made out two captive balloons, and a little farther westward three aeroplanes flying about like sentinels pacing their beats. He also saw beneath them lights which he knew to be the fires of a great camp, but he could not see the men and the cannon. "The German camp is beneath us," he said. "I thought you'd find it there," returned Lannes bitterly. "It's where our own camp ought to be, but our men were defeated in that battle which we heard, and here the Germans are." John did not see him this time, but the look of piti less resolve in the eyes of the young Frenchman deep ened. That the Germans should come upon the soil of France and drive the French before them over whelmed him with an agony that left no room for mercy. "There goes another of the Taubes," he whispered, as a shadow flitted to the right. "They're cruising about in lively fashion. If anybody hails us don't an swer. I'll turn away in the darkness, pretending that we haven't heard." The hail came almost as he spoke, but the 'Arrow veered to one side again at an angle, and then, after a few minutes, came back to a point, where it hov ered directly over the Zeppelin and not far away. John saw beneath them now the huge shape, ploughing along slowly through the heavy bank of air. It loomed, in the darkness, a form, monstrous and in credible. "Are we just over the thing, John?" asked Lannes. "Exactly. Look down and you can see." "I see." Then his arm flashed out, and he hurled something downward with all the concentrated force of hate. There came a stunning crash mingled with rending and tearing sounds and frightened cries, and then the mon strous shape was gone. The place where it had hung in the heavens was empty and silent. John's heart missed a dozen beats. His jaw fell and he stared at Lannes. "Yes, I intended it from the first," said Lannes, "and I haven't a single compunction. I got that bomb, and three others in the Swiss village when I left you at the inn. I did not tell you of them because well, because, I thought it better to keep the secret to my self. It's war. The men in that Zeppelin came to destroy our towns and to kill our men." "I'm not accusing you. I suppose, as you say, it's war. But hadn't we better get away from here as fast as we can?" "We're doing it now. While we were talking I was steering the Arrow westward. Hark, do you hear those shots!" "I hear them. It can't be that they're firing at ran dom in the air, as they would be more likely to hit one another than a slim and single little shape like the Arrow." "They're signaling. Of course they're organized, and they're probably trying to draw all the planes to one spot, after which they'll spread out and seek us. But they won't find us. Ah, my sleek Arrow! my lovely little Arrow, so fast and true! You've done your duty tonight and more! We've run the gantlet, John! We're through their air fleet, and we've left a trail of fire! They won't forget this night!" John sat silent, while Lannes exulted. Meanwhile the Arrow, piercing the low clouds, rushed westward, unpursued. CHAPTER VIII THE FRENCH DEFENSE THEY flew on in the darkness, and both remained silent. John at first had felt resentment against Lannes, but he reflected that this was war, and it was no worse to kill with a bomb in the air than with a shell on land. It was hard, however, to convince oneself that destruction and death were sovereigns in Europe. After a long time Lannes pointed to the east, where a thin gray was showing. "The sun will soon be up," he said, "and it will drive the last cloud before it. We're going to have a fine day. Look down at this, our France, Monsieur Jean the Scott, and see what a beautiful land it is! Can you wonder that we don't want the armed feet of the Germans to tread it down?" The darkness was shredding away -o fast that John got a clear view. He was surprised, too, to find how low they were flying. They were not more than a hundred yards above the tops of the trees, and the glorious country was all that Lannes had claimed for it. He saw woods heavy in foliage, fields checkered in green and brown, white roads, neat villages and farm houses, and the spires of churches. It seemed impos sible that war should come upon such a land. This word "impossible" was often recurring to John. It was impossible that all Europe should go to war and yet the impossible was happening. The world would not allow twenty million men to spring at one an other's throats, and yet they were doing it. Lannes suddenly uttered a deep "Ah!" and pointed with a long forefinger. "Our camp," he said. "On the hill about five miles to the left. The planes have seen us. Three are coming to meet us." John saw the camp distinctly through the glasses, a long intrenched position on a low, broad hill, many guns in front and many horses in the rear, with the banners of France floating over the works. "We'll be there soon," said Lannes joyfully. "Here, John, wave this!" He took a small French flag from the locker and John waved it with vigor. The fastest of the planes was soon beside them and Lannes called out gayly : "The Arrow, Philip Lannes at the rudder, and John Scott, an American, who is going to fight with us, as passenger and cjmrade!" Thus they flew into the republican camp, and a great crowd came forward to meet them. Lannes stepped out of the Arrow, saluted an officer in the uniform of a captain, and asked: "What corps is this?" "That of General AVillon." "Then, sir, would you be so good as to conduct me to his headquarters? I have been in both Berlin and Vienna in disguise, and on service for our government. 'I have information and minute maps." "Come with me at once," said the officer eagerly. "I ask you to make my comrade comfortable while I am gone. He is an American, John Scott, whom an accident threw with me. He is the bravest of the brave and he's going to serve with us." Lannes was dramatic and impressive. Again he was the center of a scene that he loved, and, as always, he made the most of it. John reddened at his high praise, and would have withdrawn farther into the crowd, but enthusiastic young officers about him would not let him. "Vive l'Americain!" they shouted and patted him on the shoulders. Lannes went at once with the captain, and John was left with his new friends. Friends, in truth they were, and their enthusiasm grew as he told of their extraordinary flight, their battle with the Taubes, and the destruction of the Zeppelin by Lannes. Then their applause became thunder, and, seeing it in the distance and the perspective, John became more recon ciled to the throwing of the bomb. War was killing and one could not change it. While they heard his story and cheered him the French did not neglect his comfort. Young officers, many of whom were mere boys, insisted upon entertaining this guest from the air. It was so early that they had not yet had their own breakfasts, and while different groups fought for him he finally sat down beside a fire with a dozen lieutenants of about his own age. The food was abundant and good, and, as he ate and drank, he was compelled to tell their story over again. "I'm glad Lannes got that monster, the Zeppelin," said one of the young lieutenants. "God knows we've had little enough success so far. They say we were ready for war, and had planned to strike. But it was the Germans who struck. That proves who had done the planning. They say that our officers were in Belgium, making ready for the French army to march through that country, and yet when the Germans pushed into Belgium they found no French. The accusation refutes itself." "Are the Germans in Belgium?" asked John, as tonished. "With a great army, and England has declared herself. She is sending a force to our help. You will not lack for comrades who speak your own tongue." "We thought we heard last night the sounds of a battle." "You thought right. It was we who were fighting it, and we were defeated. We were driven back many miles, but we were not beaten, man to man. With even numbers we could have held them, but they were three or four to one, and they have monster cannon which far outrange ours.
" "It was one of those giant guns I heard, because we heard nothing else. Are the Germans coming for ward for another a ttack?'" "We don't know. Our aeroplanes report no movement in their camp, but the sun has scarcely risen yet. Still we all think they'll come. We know it's their plan to make a gigantic rush on Paris. Our spies report that their most frequent 'boast is : 'Ten days to France and twenty days to Paris.' Well, the first part of it is more than fulfilled." Silence and sadness fell over the group of brave young men. John's heart was filled with sympathy for them. His nature was one that invariably took the part of invaded against invaders, and the invaders had already struck a mighty blow. But it was he, as yet a stranger among them, who restored cheerful ness. "I've been with one Frenchman through adventures and dangers, of which I never dreamed," he said. "Never once did his hand or eye waver. I know that there are hundreds of thousands of Frenchmen like him, and such men can't fail." "Thank you," one of them said simply. "We Frenchmen of the Third Republic shall try to fight as well as the Frenchmen of the First Republic, and we'll pray that our allies, the English, may come soon." John was silent. He knew even better than they how necessary was the arrival of the English. He had been in Germany and he had seen something of the mobilization. He knew that the planet had never before borne anything comparable to the German war machine which was already rolling forward upon France and Belgium. Would the invaded, even with the help of England, be able to stop it? The breakfast finished, he lay down in one of the tents on a blanket, and, despite the noises of the camp, soon slept. But he was awakened by Lannes two or three hours later. "I've found a way for you to send telegrams through Switzerland, and then to Munich, telling your people where you are and what you are going to do," he said, "and now I'm going to leave you for a while. I'm going on another scout in the Arroiv, but I go alone. You, I take it, will do your fighting now on land. But, John Scott, I've been proud to know you and to have had such a flight with you. I don't suppose that any other beginner has ever had such a lively start as yours, but you've gone through it like a veteran. I want to shake your hand." He pulled off his aviator's glove, and the two hands met in a powerful clasp. Then his dramatic instinct keenly alive he turned and sprang into the waiting 'Arrow. The young officers gave it a long push, and, rising lightly and gracefully, it soared over the army, far up into the blazing sunlight. Its strange navigator waved one hand to those below, and then the Arrow, true to its name, shot away toward the north. "There goes the bravest man I ever saw," said John. "Give him air to float in, and I believe he'd try for the sun." "All those flying men are brave," said a young offi cer, "but Lannes is the bravest of them all, as he is also the most skillful. As a scout he is worth ten thou sand men to us." "I must look for those English of whom he spoke," said John, "I have trespassed upon your courtesy here long enough. I wish to join them and serve with you." "They're not all English by any means. Fully half of them are your own countrymen, Americans. The English and Americans quarrel much among them selves, but they unite against any foe. My own name is Creville, Louis Creville, and I'll take you to this company, The Strangers, as with pride they call them selves." Creville led the way, and John followed toward an other wing of the French force. The young American observed the French soldiers closely. They did not look either so stalwart or so trim as the Germans. Their long blue coats, and baggy red trousers had a curious effect. The color scheme seemed to John more fitted to a circus than to an army, but they were lively, active men, their faces gay and their eyes full of intelligence. He knew from his history that they had looked just the same way and had acted just the same way when they followed the victorious banners of Napoleon into nearly every capital of Europe. "We're almost at the camp of the Strangers," said Captain Creville. "None could ever mistake it, because their debate this morning upon their respective merits is uncommonly spirited. Listen!" "I tell you, Wharton, you Yankees have no disci pline. By Gad, sir, your lack of it is startling." "We don't need it, Carstairs, because we were always able to lick you English without it." "Lick us, you boasters! Where did you ever lick us?" "Wherever we were able to find you." "My histories tell me that you never looked for us much." "But those histories were written by Englishmen. I'll lay you a good five-dollar bill against one of your shilling-short pounds that I beat you into Ber lin." "As a prisoner, yes. I've no doubt of it." "Gentlemen," said Creville, as he took a step for ward, and looked into a little dip, "I bring you a new comrade." Within the dip lay at least two hundred youths and young men. Nearly all were fair, and they were unmistakably Americans and English. The two who had been carrying on the violent controversy were stretched flat on the grass almost at the feet of Creville. But they sat up, when they heard him, and John saw that they were uncommonly handsome and athletic, their age about his own. They stepped forward at once, and extended to John the hand of fellowship. Captain Creville made the introductions. "He wishes to enlist with you," he said. "He'll be welcome, I know," said the Englishman, Carstairs. "Our commander, Captain Colton, is not here at this moment, but we expect him in a half hour. How did you arrive, Mr. Scott?" "He dropped down," replied Creville for John. "Dropped down. I don't understand you, Capitiain?" Creville pointed straight up into the heavens. "He came like the bird," he said. "He sailed through the air, seeking his nest. As soon as he saw us he said: 'Here is the perfect place; here I can dwell with the kindest and best people in the world; and down he swooped at once." "I suppose you mean that he's an airman and that he came in a flying machine," said the American, Wharton. "Carstairs will arrive at that conclusion, too, if you give him time, but being an Englishman, time he must have." "But when I arrive at the conclusion it 'will be right," said Carstairs. "It's true that Mr. Scott came by machine," said Captain Creville, who was now speaking in excellent English. "He arrived with our great young aviator, Philip Lannes, and he has had many and thrilling ad ventures, of which he will tell you later. I suppose you will take your part in these English and American controversies, Mr. Scott, but your new captain will have nothing to do with them." "Is he an Englishman or an American?" "You can decide that for yourself. He was born in England. His mother was American and his father English. He was taken to America when he was three years old, and was educated there, but, after finishing at Harvard, he spent a year at Oxford. It seemed to all of us that has appointment as captain of this troop was most happy. The English are sure that he's English, the American know that he's American, he himself says nothing, and so all are happy. Ah, here he comes now, ahead of time!" Daniel Colton, a tall fair young man with a fine, open face, entered the dip, and Captain Creville at once turned John over to him. "We're glad to have you, Mr. Scott," said Colton, "but the service will be hard and full of danger." "I expect it, sir." "These young men are serving France for love, and nearly all of them are privates. Carstairs and Wharton are in the ranks and you'll have to take a place with them." "I accept gladly, sir." "The right spirit. Wharton, you and Carstairs get him a uniform and arms, and he'll stay with you until further orders." Then Captain Coulton hurried away. Captain Cre ville bowed and also withdrew. "Come on, Scott," said Carstairs. "We've an extra uniform, and it'll just about fit you. A rifle, cartridges and all your other arms are ready, too." John was equipped promptly, and then many intro ductions followed. It was a little Anglo-American island in the midst of a French sea, and they gave a joyous welcome to a new face. John noticed that many of them bore slight wounds, and he soon learned that several others, hurt badly, lay in an improvised hospital at the rear. "The Germans are pressing us hard," said Wharton. "They whipped us yesterday afternoon, and they're sure to come for us again today. There's Captain Colton now standing on the earthwork, watching through his glasses. In my opinion something's doing." Nearly all the Strangers went forward. From a hillock, John with his two new friends looked toward the forest, miles in their front. The forest itself was merely a blind mass of green, but overhead swung aeroplanes and captive balloons. "Look up!" said Carstairs. John saw a half dozen aeroplanes hovering some dis tance in front o
f their own lines. "I think they're signaling," said Carstairs. "One of those monster guns must be getting ready to dis gorge itself." "The forty-two centimeter?" said John. "Yes, and I'm right, too. I saw a flash in the for est, and here comes the little messenger!" There was a roar and a crash so tremendous that John was almost shaken from his feet. An enormous shell burst near the earthworks, sending forth a per fect cloud of shrapnel and steel fragments. It resem bled the explosion of a volcano, and as his ears recov ered their power after the shock John heard the cries of many wounded. "I think this force carries only one such gun with it," said Carstairs, "and it will be some time before they can fire it again. We have nothing to equal it, but the French seventy-five millimeter is an awful weapon. The gunners can time them so the shells burst only fiftee n or twenty feet from the ground, and then they rain death. I think it likely that we have out now a flanking force that will get within range." "There's cover to the right," said Warton, "if the French batteries advance at all, it will be that way." They were ordered to stand to their arms, but it did not keep them from watching, as at present there was nothing for them to do. A second shell came presently from a huge caterpillar gun, but the shell burst too far away to do any harm. John and his comrades turned their attention back to the right, where a line of woods ran. Ten minutes more of waiting and they saw a succession of flashes among the trees. The French field guns far in advance of the main force were at work. "Well done," said Carstairs. "The French artil lery is fine, Scott. I believe their medium guns can beat any others of the same class in the world. Look how those woods flame with their fire! It scares me to go up in the air, but I-'d like to be in one of those aeroplanes, where I could see the effect of the cannon ade." "There goes 'Busy Bertha' again," said Wharton. "What's 'Busy Bertha'?" asked John. "Oh, it's merely a nickname we've given to the Krupp monster. The French started it, I believe, but it's spread to the Strangers. It's aimed at our field guns this time! There the shell has burst in the for est! I wish I knew what it had done!" "Not much, I judge," said Carstairs, "because the French guns are replying with as much fervor as ever. The woods are. fairly blazing with their fire!" "And yonder," said John, "are the Uhlans. Look at that mass of steel on the far edge of the plain!" An immense force of German cavalry was issuing from the forest directly in their front, and was forming in a long line. The distance was great, but the August sunshine was so clear that all objects wert magnified and made more vivid. The three clearly saw the great mass of German horsemen defiling to ward the French right. Captain Colton of the Strang ers reappeared and stood near them, watching through a pair of powerful glasses. John knew that he was anxious, and, although his experience of war was only three or four days old, he well knew the reason why. "I've glasses myself," said Carstairs, who was holding a pair to his eyes. "Take a look, Scott." John accepted them eagerly. They were strong, and the German cavalry seemed to come very near. Then he saw how numerous they were. They must be thousands and thousands, and the front files, which had wheeled, were already disappearing in the forest on the French right. In America most forests would have been impracticable for cavalry, but it was not likely to be so here, where there was little or no under growth. John turned the glasses back to the point in the woods where the French field guns were posted. There he saw rapid flashes and the steady rolling crash continued. Evidently the seventy-five millimeter French cannon were all that was claimed for them. But he knew that the German cavalry must now be protected largely by the forest, and his heart beat heavily with apprehension for the French guns and their gunners. "There goes 'Busy Bertha' again!" exclaimed Wharton. John remembered nothing clearly for the next min ute or two. There was a vast rushing sound, a crash of thunder, and, although he was not touched, he was thrown from his feet. He sprang up, dazed, cleared his eyes and looked around. The monstrous shell, weighing more than a ton, had burst almost in the heart of the French army, killing or wounding at least three hundred men, and spreading awe among the others. Nothing so capable of destruction and made by man had ever before been seen in the history of the world. And the shot had come from a point at least ten miles away, where the giant lay invisible. The glasses had not been hurt in the fall and he handed them back to Carstairs. No harm had been done among the Strangers, although he was not the only one who had been thrown to the ground. But they were bold hearts and they jested among them selves. "I hope they won't aim that pop-gun so well again," said Wharton. "After all, Scott," said Carstairs, "you were per haps safer with Lannes a half mile up in the air. The forty-two centimeter couldn't reach you there." "Maybe not," said John, "but I'm one of the Strang ers now, and I'll take my chances with them. I'm most alarmed about the Uhlans who have gone into the woods on our right." "To cut off our field guns, of course. And look! Here comes the German army in our front to support their flanking movement!" The fire in the wood increased in intensity, and John saw a great body of French troops advancing to the support of their artillery. Evidently the French leader meant to maintain his fire there and also to pro tect his field guns agains capture. "I told you, Wharton," said Carstairs, "that the Germans would give us no rest, that they would advance at once to a new battle." "You didn't have to tell it to me. I knew it as well as any Englishman could possibly know it, perhaps better, but I'm modest, and I didn't talk about it." "If you only kept your ignorance as well as your knowledge to yourself, Wharton, you'd have a greater reputation for wisdom. Look out!" A shell that failed to explode in the air struck near. Carstairs threw himself upon Wharton, and, at the imminent risk of his own life, dragged him down just in time, as the shell burst and threw fragments over their heads. "Thanks, Carstairs," said Wharton. "Your first name is Percy, but you don't act like a Percy." "Expect the same from you, old fellow, when the time comes." "I'll do my best." John was absorbed now in the tremendous panorama of war, carried on with all the mighty machines of death that man had invented. A heavy German force appeared on their left also. It was yet distant, but it was nearer than the great mass in the center. Untrained as he was he knew nevertheless that the Germans, with their greatly superior numbers, were seeking to envelop the French. But the defensive guns on the right in the wood were maintaining a swift and terrible fire. They were pouring showers of shrapnel not only on the Uhlans, but upon the gray masses of infantry crossed the wide intervening fields. The Strangers were now drawn up by one of the earthworks, but it would be a long time before they went into action. That heaving gray sea of Germans could not come within range of the rifles for an hour yet. Meantime the artillery would carry on the battle over a space of miles. While he waited he could look on and see it all. More and more guns were coming into action. Batteries were sent off to the left to meet the second German flanking force there, and soon the heaviest of the French cannon in the center were able to reach the advancing enemy directly in their front. The scene became tremendous and full of awe. There was little smoke, but along two vast semi-circles, one convex, and the other concave, flashes ran like continuous lightning, while the whole earth grumbled and roared. The air seemed surcharged with death, and John suddenly found it hot in his lungs as he breathed. Through the roar of the guns he heard all the time the malicious shrieking of the shrapnel. It was falling among the defenders, killling and wounding hundreds, and John knew that the storm beat also on the great gray circle that was ever coming nearer. Now and then a crash, louder than all the rest, came from the forty-two centimeter, and whenever the shell struck true it tore everything about it to pieces, no matter how strong. The thunder of the guns was so steady and so near one note that the Strangers could talk almost in an ordinary tone. "It's our guns on the right that are in the most danger," said John. "Correct," said Wharton. "The Uhlans are trying to cut them off, because those guns are doing great damage. Take the glasses again, and you can see their shells tearing through the German lines." "I don't know that I want to see." "Oh, look! This is war, and you'll have to get used to it!" Then John looked and he saw that the German lines were not unbroken, as they had
seemed to the naked eye. The shrapnel were tearing through them, making great holes, but the massive German columns never faltered for an instant. The gaps in their ranks were filled up, and they came on at an even pace, resolved to capture or destroy the French force. And they carried with them the memories of Gravelotte, Sedan and Metz. They would do as well as the men of old von Moltke had done. John felt a thrill of admiration. The great mili tary monarchy had built its machine well. It seemed at the moment resistless. It was made of steel rather than human flesh and blood, and it would roll over everything. Nothing had yet stopped that mighty concave curve of gray, although more and more French cannon were coming into action, and from right to left, and from left to right, they showered it with unceasing death. But the German artillery, far more numerous and powerful than the French, were supporting their in fantry. Shells were poured fast upon the hasty earth works. Hundreds and hundreds of the defenders fell. The roar was now so stupendous that John could scarcely hear, and the air, before golden in the sun shine, turned a livid fiery hue. All the Strangers were now formed in one of the trenches, and then wisely knelt low. John heard the shrieking, whining noise incessantly over his head, and it made his blood run cold. Instinctly he pressed hard against the side of his trench, but his curiosity was so keen that from time to time he raised his head above the edge to see how the battle fared directly in front. The gray Germans were much nearer, marching with the solid tread that seemed able to carry them across the world, while their gigantic artillery on the flanks and in the intervals flamed and roared without ceas ing. John knew that the loss among the French must be great, and he knew, too, that when the huge machine struck them they would be shattered. He wondered that the French leader did not order the retreat, but while he was wondering a trumpet suddenly sounded a shrill clear note audible amid the roar of the great guns, and he saw Captain Colton beckon to the Strang ers. John knew they were going into battle, but he felt relief because their long waiting was over. His senses had become dulled to danger. He felt the surge and sweep of tremendous conflict, and relief came with action. As they stood up he obtained a better view of the field. The Germans were yet nearer now, and, seen through the blazing light of the cannon, they were magnified and increased. Although yet too distant in the center, the flanks were near enough to open fire with the rifles, and their crash in scores of thousands was added to the tremendous roar of the cannon fire. Captain Colton beckoned again to the Strangers, and joining a heavy infantry force they crept out toward the right, and then among the trees. John divined at once their mission. They were to support and save the French field batteries which had gone into the wood and which had done so much damage to the German army. They could not mistake their destination. The flash and crash came from a point directly in front of them, and the whole forest was lighted up by the blaze of the guns. Farther to their right John heard the heavy tramp of horsemen in thousands. There he knew were the Uhlans, circling to cut off the French guns. The wood opened out, leaving wide clear spaces, and then John saw the countless helmets of the Uhlans, as they charged with a deep-throated German roar. It seemed that they were to be ridden into the earth, but he found himself kneeling with the others and firing his rifle as fast as he could pull trigger into the charging mass. John felt like a man sending bullet after bullet into some huge wild beast, seeking to devour. For the moment the Uhlans were blended into one mass, a single entity. He had a vision of the wild faces of men, of the huge red eyes of horse, and of their open slavering mouths, disclosing rows of cruel white teeth. It was those white teeth that he saw clearest, and often he fired at the horses rather than their riders. Nearer came the Uhlans. The earth resounded with their tread. The cruel white teeth of the horses flashed almost in John's face. He began to have a horrible fear that they could not stop these ruthless horsemen, but the French relieving force had brought with it light guns, which were now pushed up, opening almost point blank on the Uhlans. The hail of steel drove directly in the faces of horses and men, and they reeled back. Men might stand such a fire, but horses could not. They bolted from it by hundreds, knocked down and trampled upon one another, creating a vast turmoil and confusion among the Germans. John was conscious that he had sprung to his feet, and was advancing again with his comrades directly upon the Uhlans. They were still reloading and firing as fast as they could, and the light artillery, between the spaces, was cutting a perfect harvest of death. As the Uhlans were driven back out of the open and among the trees their difficulties increased. It was impossible to fall into any kind of formation and charge such a formidable infantry defended by guns. The riflemen pressed closer and closer and poured upon them such a deadly fire that after many vain efforts to hold their ground the trumpets sounded the recall, and all those who were able to ride retreated. The French set up a tremendous cheer and swept forward to meet their field guns which were slowly retiring, sending heavy volleys into the German masses as they withdrew. Yet their escape was a narrow one. Without the sortie from the fort they would certainly have been cut off by the Uhlans. John found himself shouting in triumph with the French. He shared their feelings now because their danger had been his danger, and he was fast becoming the same in spirit. "Just in time!" shouted Wharton in his ear. "See how the Germans come on, and come without ending!" The great German mass in the open was now almost abreast of them. Their numbers seemed endless. Their huge cannon filled the air with projectiles which poured upon the French earthworks, and, captive balloons and aeroplanes hanging over them, directed their fire. The sight, magnificent in some aspects, was terrible nevertheless, and for a moment or two John was appalled. "We've got to get back quick as we can," shouted Carstairs, "or they'll be on us, too!" "Right! old man!" shouted Wharton, agreeing with him for once. They were already retiring, and the field artillery was going with them. But the deadly seventy-five millimeter guns were not idle, although they were withdrawing. They sent shell after shell, which hung low over the German ranks, and then burst in a whirl wind of steel fragments and splinters. Death was showered upon the gray masses, but they never flinched, coming on steadily, with the deep German cheer, swelling now and then into thunder. The battle was so near that the Strangers could no longer hear one another, although they shouted. Their company luckily had suffered little, but now the bullets began to search their ranks, and brave young Americans and brave young Englishmen gave up their lives under an alien flag. John was conscious of neither elation nor despair. The excitement was too great. His heart hammered heavily against its walls, and the red mist before him deepened until it became a blazing glare. Then the rush of hoofs came again. The Uhlans had reformed and made a second charge. The riflemen beat it off, and, still protecting the guns, joined the main French force. But it was evident there that the French must retreat again. The powerful artillery of the Germans had cut their defenses to pieces. The earth was torn by the great shells as if mining machinery had been at work, and the ground was covered with dead and wounded. Valor against numbers and long preparation was unavailing. "If we don't go we're lost," shouted Carstairs. "And if we go today we can come back and fight another day!" said Wharton. The French leader gathered together his army, beaten for a second time, and slowly retired across the hills. The French character here showed itself en tirely different from what popular belief had made it. John saw no signs of panic. The battered brigades closed up and withdrew, turning a steady and reso lute face to the enemy. Their deadly artillery continually swept the front of the advancing Germans, and at intervals their riflemen sent back withering volleys. John's excitement did not abate. Again he loaded and fired his rifle, until its barrel grew hot in his hand. The tumult was fierce and deafening beyond all description. He shouted to his comrades and his comrades shouted to him, but none could hear the sound of a human voice. The roar of the explosions was mingled without ceasing with the whining and shrieking of shrapnel and bullets. Yet the retreating army defeated every attempt to close with it. The rifles and cannon mowed down the flankers to both right
and left, and their power ful guns drove the pursuing center to a respectful dis tance. Toward night they came to a higher range of hills spreading to such a distance that they could not be flanked, and, turning there, they sat down, and waited, confident of their position. CHAPTER IX THE RIDE OF THREE THE battle, including the fighting retreat, had lasted a long time and it had proved even to inexperienced John that the French force could not stand before the superior numbers of the Germans, and their tremendous equipment. And yet the French officers had shown much skill. They had inflicted great losses, they had drawn off all their artillery, and they had defeated every effort of their enemy to sur round and destroy them. John felt that not everything was lost as they sat down on the hills and began to fortify anew. There was no time for him to rest. He was only a private soldier, and, armed with a spade, he worked at a trench with all the strength and energy he could command. But his immediate friends of the Strangers were of no higher rank than himself and they were beside him engaged in the same task. "I'm only a new soldier," he said, "but it seems to me we did pretty well to get off with our army and our guns." "So we did," said Carstairs. "I fancy the chief part of our occupation will be retreating until the British come up." "There it goes," said Wharton. "Every English man has a fatal disease. You can never cure him of being an Englishman. If a million French -and a hun dred thousand English were to win a battle Carstairs would give all the credit of it to the hundred thousand English." "I'd give it to 'em, because it belonged to 'em. Keep your fool Yankee head down, Wharton. Didn't you hear that shell whistle?" "I heard it, and I heard a dozen others too," said John, who could not keep from shivering a little. "Why do they keep on bothering us, when we're now in too strong a position to be attacked, and the night too is at hand?" "Oh, you'll get used to it," said Wharton. "They won't attack tonight, but they want to keep us dis turbed, to create terror among us, and then we'll be easier, when they do come again." "I don't hear the giant any more." "You mean the forty-two centimeter. I fancy it's far in the rear. They have to have roads on which to drag it, and then, so they say, it has to be placed in a concrete bed befo re they can fire it." "At any rate their fire is dying," said Carstairs, "and I'm jolly glad of it. I didn't get any sleep last night, and I want some tonight. I need it, after this back-breaking work." Fortunately the trench was soon finished, and the long range firing ceased entirely. The night came on, hiding the two armies from each other, and fires sprang up in the French camp. Their light was ruddy and cheerful. Then came the glorious aroma of food, and, the Strangers called from their labors to the banquet, sat down and ate. John had heard all his life what cooks the French were, but nothing that he had ever tasted before was like the food he ate and the coffee he drank that night. Incessant marching and fighting gave a savor that nothing else could impart. While they still sat around the cooking fires they saw dim shapes in the heavens, and John, out of -the depths of his experience, knew that they were the flying machines. Carstairs and Wharton saw him looking up. "You may want to be there," said Wharton, "but I don't. I'd grow so giddy I'd jump right out of the machine. This sound and rolling earth suits me. I like its green grass, its rivers, its lakes and its mountains, and I don't want to go off, prospecting for otherplanets." "It's lucky," said John, "that this army has flying machines of its own. If it didn't the Germans would be raining bombs upon us." Carstairs shuddered. "There's something heathenish and uncanny about it," he said. "Soldiers, by Jove, have to watch nowa days. If you're on the ship looking for an enemy of your size the little submarine down under the water may blow you to pieces, and if you're on the land holding your own against another army a little aeroplane away up in the sky may drop a bomb that will shatter you into seven million pieces." "It's a hard world, Carstairs," said Wharton, "but I think discomfort rather than danger will come out of the sky tonight. The clouds are piling up and there'll be heavy rain. John, you little old flying man, won't that stop the Taubes?" "They wouldn't venture much in a heavy rain, and I think we're safe from them, but you know that what their fliers can do ours can do too." "That being the case I'll settle myself for rest and sleep. The French show us a lot of consideration as we've volunteered to fight for them, and there are tents for the Strangers. You're to have a place in ours." John was grateful and said so. The strain of the last few days would have overpowered him, but luckily he was exceedingly strong and tenacious. Yet he was so tired that he could scarcely walk, and he was very very glad to go into the tent with Carstairs and Whar ton. He received two blankets, and, putting one under him and the other over him, he lay near the open flap, where he could get a good view of much that was going on outside. He soon saw that it was to be no storm of thunder and lightning, but a heavy soaking rain. The air too had turned colder, and he was grateful for the blankets. He was becoming inured to hardship sofast that they and the tent were as luxurious to him as a modern hotel would have seemed two weeks before. Carstairs and Wharton, after a short combat in words, fell sound asleep, but John lingered a little. He saw the fires burning smokily, and French soldiers passing before the blaze. From where he lay he could also see far out upon the plain that lay before them. But everything there was veiled in heavy mists and low clouds. Although an army of perhaps a hundred thousand men was only a short distance away the night disclosed no trace of it. The rain began to fall soon, coming down as John had foreseen in a strong, steady pour. The sound on the heavy canvas was so soothing that his nerves relaxed and he slept. He was awakened at an unearthly hour by the strong hand of Captain Colton pulling at his shoulder. As soon as John realized that it was his commanding officer he sprang to his feet and saluted, although his eyes were yet heavy with sleep. It was still raining and the water poured from a heavy cape coat that Captain Colton wore over his uniform. Carstairs and Wharton were already on their feet. "You three are chosen for a mission," said Captain Colton, "and I'll tell it to you as briefly as I can. We've received news tonight that another German force is coming from the northeast. If it gets upon our flank we're lost, but there is a French, army, and perhaps an English force with it or near it to the west. If they can be brought up in time they will protect our flank and save us and also themselves. But we must have trusty messengers. The flying machines can do little in the storm. So we fall back on the ancient agencies. Can you ride, Mr. Scott?" "Yes sir." "Then you three are to go at once. Other mes sengers will ride forth, but I should feel very proud, if it were the Strangers who brought help." The little appeal was not lost on the three. He rapidly gave them instructions about the point, at which the second French force was supposed to be, and told them to ride for it as hard as they could, giving to them sealed despatches also. Their own army would be falling back meanwhile. "Both Carstairs and Wharton know this region and the roads," he said to John, "and you keep with them. Are you ready?" "Yes sir," answered the three together. They stepped out into the rain, but forgetful of it. An orderly was holding three horses. In an instant, they were in the saddle and away. They passed through the lines and came out upon one of the splen did French roads, the three abreast. The rain was beating in their faces, but the orderly had tied cloaks to their saddles, and now they wrapped them about their bodies. But John minded neither darkness, cold nor rain. Sensitive and quiet there was some quality in him that always responded to the call of high adventure. His mind was never keener, never more alert, and all his strength of body had returned. Wharton and Carstairs rode on either side of him, and he felt already as if they had been friends of years, knitted to him by a thousand dangers shared. He looked back once at the intrenched camp, but the descent and curve of the road already hid it in the darkness. He saw nothing but the black outline of the hills, and low clouds floating across the whole horizon. Ahead was a blank. He was in one of the most thickly populated regions of the world, crowded with cities, but in the darkness and storm it looked like a wilderness. Neither of his comrades spoke for a long time. He stole a look at his watch, and saw that it was three o'clock in the morning. They crossed two small rivers, f
oaming like torrents, and at the bridges reined into a walk, lest the hoof-beats be heard too far. But they did not meet any human being. Save for the road and the bridges the aspect of a wilderness was complete. John knew that numerous villages lay near, but in such a world war the people would put out their lights and keep close in their houses. They turned after a while into a smaller road, leading more toward the north. "The Uhlans may be in our rear," said Carstairs. "They seem to be everywhere, and we don't want to be cut off just at the beginning of our ride." "Rein in," said Wharton. "I hear cavalry passing on the road we've just left." "Speak of Uhlans, and they appear," whispered John. They were Uhlans, no doubt. John recognized the helmets, but the men were riding back toward the armies. He and his two comrades kept their horses in the shadow of the bushes, and were in dread lest some movement of their animals betray them, but the droning of the rain was the only sound made. The Uhlans, about forty in number, rode on and the dark ness swallowed them up. "Since they've gone about their business we'd better go about ours," said Wharton. "Those are the first wise words I've heard you speak in a half hour," said Carstairs. "It's the first time I've spoken at all in a half hour," said Wh "Which way dcC|go now?" asked John. "Over a hill anofftr away," replied Carstairs. "To be more explicit wje're coming to the hill now, and about daylight we'll reach a little village, where I think we'd better get food and news. You'll like the country, John, when it stops raining and the sunlight conies. Oh, it's a fair land, this land of France." "I've seen enough of it to know that," said John. "Lead on, and I'll be glad to reach the next village. A wind has set up, and this rain cuts cruelly." Carstairs rode in front, and for more than an hour they breasted the storm almost in silence. They climbed the hill, passed down the other side, crossed numerous brooks, and then saw reluctant daylight ap pearing through the rain. John with the new caution that he had learned looked up. But the clouds were so heavy that he saw nothing there, not a dirigible, not a Taube, nor any form of aeroplane. Traveling, even on the business of an army, was still better on land. "There's our village," said Wharton, pointing to a pleasant valley in which tiled roofs and the spire of a church showed. "And there we'll be in fifteen minutes," said Carstairs. "I'm full of enthusiasm for the mission on which we ride as you two are also of course, but it will fairly overflow after I have a good warm break fast." Despite the earliness of the hour peasants were up and they watched with curiosity the three horsemen who approached. But enough of the uniform of the strangers showed, despite their cloaks, to indicate that they belonged to the French army, and they were wel come. An old man with a scythe, pointed toward an inn, and the three, increasing their speed, rode straight for it. "I hope they'll have good coffee," said John. "And fine bread," said Carstairs. "And choice bacon," said Wharton. "And plenty of eggs to go with the bacon," said John. It was but a little village, forty or fifty houses, set among the hills, but in times of peace many people must have gone that way, because it had one of the best road inns that John had ever entered. They were early but the landlord soon had the flames going in a wide fire-place, before which the three stood, warming themselves and drying their clothes. And the heavy aromas arising promised that the coffee, bacon and all the rest would be everything they wished. A boy held their horses near the main door which stood open that they might see. The three were a unit on this precaution. If by any possible chance their horses were lost their mission in all likelihood would be lost too. John, new recruit, nevertheless felt the full importance of watching. He stood with his back to the fire, where he could see the sturdy French boy, the reins of the three horses in his hands. But he did not forget how good that fire felt. The great cape had not been able to protect him wholly from the rain, and, despite the excitement of their ride, he had become conscious that he was cold and wet. Now the grateful warmth penetrated to his bones, and vitality returned. As he remained there, turning about a little before the fire but always keeping his eyes on the door, he saw the villagers come down in the rain and look in, some at the open door and some at the windows. None of them spoke, but all gazed intently at the three in French uniform who stood before the fire. John knew why they had come and he was singularly moved by their silent, pathetic stare. They were hoping to hear good news, at least one little bit of it these good French villagers whose soil was trodden again by an enemy who seemed intincible. Just as the breakfast was being laid upon the table the landlord said to them : "Have you nothing for these brave people of ours, who, as you see, wait at the windows? They are the old men, the very young and the women. All the others are gone to the war. Yesterday we heard the sound of guns for a long time. Have you no success to report for France?" The three shook their heads sadly and Wharton replied for them. "Not yet," he said. "We belong to the French army engaged in the battle that you heard yesterday. But it was driven back again. The Germans come in overwhelming force, and we cannot withstand their numbers, but we were able to draw off with all our guns and leave them no prisoners." The landlord said nothing in reply, but presently all those wistful and waiting faces disappeared. Then the breakfast was ready, and a fourth traveler, wet and cold as they had been, arrived. John saw him give the reins of his horse to the waiting boy before he came to the door, where he stood a moment, awaiting the landlord's welcome. The stranger was in a French uniform, faded and dripping so much water that he must have been in the rain a long time. He was about thirty, medium in height, his face covered with much black beard, and John saw. that he was staggering from weakness. But Monsieur Gaussin, the landlord, a man of kindly heart, had perceived that fact also, and he stepped forward quickly. "Thank you for your arm, good host," said the stranger. "I am weak," but if I am so it is because I've ridden all night in the rain for France." "A French soldier," said Monsieur Gaussin, opening wide his heart, "and you ride for France! Then you are not alone on such errands. Behold the three young men who are about to honor me by eating a breakfast, for which I shall take no pay." Gaussin too was not without a touch of the dramatic instinct, and he proudly waved his arm, across which the white napkin lay, toward John, Carstairs and Wharton. "When you have warmed and dried yourself a little and have drank a glass of this fine old liquor of mine," he said benignantly, "you shall join them." "And we shall welcome you as a comrade," said Wharton. "We are not French two Americans and one English but we fight with the French and their cause is ours. My friends are Carstairs and Scott, and my own name is Wharton." "And mine is Weber," said the man, "Fernand Weber, an Alsatian, hoping and praying that Alsace and all Alsatians may now be restored to France." The good Monsieur Gaussin murmured sympa thetically. "But we must suffer and do much before we regain our lost provinces," Weber said. "Will you not join us at the table?" asked Carstairs politely. "Gladly, as soon as I have removed this wet coat," replied Weber. As soon as he took off the outer garment they saw a stain of red across his left sleeve, and the good Monsieur Gaussin again murmured sympa thetically. "It's nothing," laughed Weber. "The Uhlans are abroad, as you may have discovered for yourself. They ride over the whole country, and in the night I was chased by them. The bullet creased my arm, but I carry the emergency bandage. One, two, three, I made it fast, and here we are." There was something attractive in his manner, his frankness, and the light way in which he dismissed his adventure. The hearts of the three warmed toward one who rode perilously for France as they were doing. "Come," said John, "you must be starving to death. We certainly are, and if I'm kept any longer from this heavenly coffee there'll be a rebellion." Annette, the neat maid who was serving them smiled, and Monsieur Gaussin smiled also. But Weber did not keep them waiting. He slid into the fourth chair that had been placed, and, for a little space, gas tronomy of the most harmonious kind prevailed. "Frorn which direction do you come?" asked Carstairs. "North," replied Weber flashing a smile from gray eyes. John thought his eyes good, but all the lower part of his face was concealed by the beard. "I hope you're doing better there than we are on the east," said Carstairs. "Have you, then, had bad luck?" asked Weber. "I'd scarc
ely blame any part of it on luck. Jove, but it's just a plain case of the other side being ready, while we are not." "And you ride then for help?" "Something of that kind, although of course we couldn't tell anybody where we are going." "And I shall not dream of asking you. I know a soldier's duty too well. I ride on an errand myself, but I shall not refuse to tell you anything because you are not going to ask me." All four laughed. John liked Weber better and better. He saw that he was a cheerful man, with a touch of humor, and he heartened the other three mightily. Weber told that the French were now well ahead with their preparations, the English were beginning to stir and presently the Germans would find the armies before them much more powerful. "On what road did you receive your wound?" asked John. "You won't mind telling us this, I hope, because that will be a good road for us to avoid." "The Uhlans may have passed on," replied Weber, shrugging his shoulders, "but it was the road from the north. I encountered them about fifteen miles from here. It was so dark that I couldn't see very well, but I don't think they numbered more than half a dozen." "We were going on that road," said Carstairs rising, "but perhaps we'd better take the western one for the present. We have to hurry. Good-by, Mr. Weber, we're glad we met you, and we hope that transfer of the title deeds of Alsace real estate will take place." Weber's gray eyes beamed. "It's good of another race to help us," he said. All three shook hands with him, said friendly fare wells to the benignant Monsieur Gaussin and the neat Annette, and hurried to their horses. "A good fellow that Weber," said Carstairs as they swung into their saddles. "I hope we'll swing Alsace and Lorraine too, back into France for him." "If it's done," said Wharton, "England will claim that she did it." "A perfectly justifiable claim." Wharton turned upon John a look of despair. "Can you ever change a single idea of theirs?" he asked. "They're quite sure they've done everything." "There's one race," said John, "to whom they yield." "I never heard of it." "Oh yes, you have. When Sandy of the long red locks comes down from the high hills London capitu lates at once. Don't you know, Wharton, that Great Britain and all her colonies are ruled by the Scotch?" Carstairs broke into a hearty laugh. "You have me there, Wharton," he said. "Certainly we're ruled by the Scotch. We have to let them do it or they'd make the country so disagreeable there'd be no living in it. Jove, but I wish I could hear the bagpipes now and see a hundred thousand of their red heads coming over the hills. It's such fine country around here that they'd never let the Germans have it." "I like them too," said John. "They're brave men and they speak a sort of English." Carstairs laughed. "Don't criticize their English unless you want a fight," he said. "A man is often proudest of what he lacks." "Just so, Carstairs, and I've often wondered too why so few of the English can speak, their own language." "Shut up, Scott! You've joined Wharton and two against one is not fair. Confound this rain! I wish it would stop! I'm getting wet and cold again. Here the road forks, and Weber said he came down from the north." "And since he got a bullet in the arm the northern road is bad for us," said Wharton. "If you two agree we'll turn to the west." "The west for us," said John and Carstairs to gether. The country was hillier and more wooded than usual, but they saw little of it, as it was enveloped in a cloud of rain and mist. Nor did they meet any other travelers on the road, a fact which did not surprise them, as the whole region was now almost deserted by everybody save soldiers. The high spirits they had accumulated at the inn were soon dissipated. It was impossible to remain gay, when one was sodden through and through. The rain came down, as if it meant to do so forever, and all the valleys were filled with mists and vapors. But the road clean and well paved led straight on, and Wharton and Carstairs seemed to know it well. "Another inn would suit me," said John who was the first to speak in more than an hour. "I shouldn't want to stop because I know we haven't time for it, but I'd like to look in at the window, as I rode by, and see the fire blazing." "You'll see nothing of that kind before one o'clock in the afternoon," said Carstairs. "Then we come to another neat little village, and another good inn. We'll have to stop there for our horses to feed, as we gave them nothing this morning. So you can do more than look at the window and see the blazing fire." The road led now between high hedges, and they heard a report some distance to their right. Wharton who was in front suddenly pulled back his horse. "What's the matter?" the other two exclaimed to gether. "A bee stung me," replied Wharton grimly. He held up his left hand. The blood was flowing from a thin red line across the back of it. "A bullet did that!" exclaimed Carstairs. A second report came, and John felt a rush of air past his face. "Gallop, boys, gallop!" exclaimed Wharton. "Some body has ambushed us, Uhlans, I suppose, and we've got to run!" "They must be in the fields!" said Carstairs, as the three urged their horses at once to their utmost speed. Luckily, they had been coming at a slow pace and their mounts were strong. John thought rapidly. The modern high-powered rifle carried far, and he judged by the faintness of the reports that the bullets had been fired from a point several hundred yards away. They had done under impulse the very thing they ought to do, and their present speed would soon leave the raiders behind. The three rode neck and neck and as they galloped on two more bullets whistled near them. "An ambush," said Carstairs coolly, "but we've rushed through it." "Anyway, our luck is better than Weber's," said Wharton. "He was pinked in the arm and we're unhurt. At least I think so. How are you, Scott?" "Well but scared." "I believe the first statement, but not the second. And you Carstairs." "Well but annoyed." "I believe both your statements." "Is it your recollection that these hedges continue far, Carstairs?" asked Wharton. "Five or six miles at least." "That's mine too, but I hoped I was wrong. It gives those bushwackers an advantage. With the hedges right beside us we can't see well over them, but they on the hills at a distance can look down on us." "You Yankees are sometimes right, Wharton, and this is one of the times. Those fellows, whoever they are, will probably get a few more shots at us. I'll lay you two to one they don't hit us." "I never bet against my sympathies. Ping! didn't you hear it! There was a bullet, five seconds after you offered to bet." "Yes, I know it. Here's the lock of hair it cut from my head." He took the hair from his coat, where it had fallen, and let it flutter away. He did not show any alarm. Already it had become the pride of the three never to betray apprehension. John's face was like a mask, although his heart was beating hard. A whistle over his head showed that a bullet had passed there and he heard its plunk as it buried itself in a tree on the other side of the road. He remembered with some consolation that the modern,, small, high-powered rifle bullet, unless it killed, did not do so very much harm. It went through one so fast that it did not tear flesh or break bones, and the wounds it made were quick to heal. Ping! Ping! and once more ping! They reached the crest of the hill and went swiftly down the other slope. "I think we'll leave them behind here," said Carstairs. "We gain, as we've the open road, while they're obstructed in fields." "I hope you're a true prophet, Carstairs," said Wharton. "I'm growing reconciled to an army shooting at me, but I would hate to be picked off by an am bushed sharpshooter. Carstairs was a true prophet in this case. No more shots came and as they entered flat country with open fields, in which they could see everything they slowed to a walk, and not too soon, for the horses were breathing heavily, their mouths covered with foam. Then in order to spare thir tired animals the three dis mounted and walked a mile, leading them by the bridles. "I'd never have thought the Uhlans were in the rear of our army," said Carstairs. "I'm not at all surprised," said John. "Why not?" "Because I shall never be surprised at anything the Germans do. You English have fallen into the bad habit of thinking that what you haven't done nobody else does." "I see," said Carstairs with a laugh. "Hit the poor old Britisher. You Yankees are so used to it that you can't get out of the habit, even here and now, when you and I are allies." "But it's the truth, the real vital truth," said John earnestly. "The Germans are ahead of you. They're like a medieval knight clad in steel and armed from head to foot, going out to fight a peasant in home spun. And you're the peasant in homespun, Carstairs." "England is slow, I a
dmit, but when she once takes hold she never lets go." "Unless she takes hold, when there's something to take hold of it's no use." "Stop quarreling with him, Scott," said Wharton. "That's my job, and you can't take it from me. I've set two tasks for myself, one to defeat the German army and one to change Carstairs, and I tell you confidentially, John, that I think the defeat of the German army will prove the easier of the two." "Look how those banks of fog are rolling up," said Carstairs. "The rain is decreasing, but in a quarter of an hour we won't be able to see a thing twenty yards away." "We shall welcome the fog," said John, who was beginning to feel now that he was on equal terms with the other two. "So, we should," said Carstairs, "but does fog conduct sound well?" "I don't know," replied John. "Why?" "Because I think I hear a noise a long distance to the right. It has a rolling, grinding quality, but that doesn't help me to tell what makes it." The three stopped, and with all their senses alert listened. Both John and Wharton heard the sound, but they were unable to tell its nature. The fog meanwhile was closing in, heavy and almost impene trable. "I think," said John, "we ought to see what it is. The thing is projecting itself squarely across our path. We've got a mission, but the more news we take the better." Wharton and Carstairs agreed with him, and finding a low place in the hedge that ran beside the road they forced their way through it. They were remounted now, and the rest had made the horses fit for either a fight or a race. They rode across the field and then through a belt of open forest, but the fog was so dense they were compelled to keep close together lest they lose one an other. The rolling sound increased and now other notes came with it. A little farther and they saw dim lights in the fog. "An army," whispered Carstairs, "and the torchbearers are showing the way 'through the fog. Now what kind of an army is it?" "German of course," said Wharton. "We know well enough that no French force is near here. It's a part of the flood that's bearing down on France and Belgium." "There are more trees here to the right," said John. "Let's enter them and get a better view. Even if we were seen we could escape anybody in this fog." "Good idea," said Carstairs. "I'm as anxious as you to know more. This fair land of France is bearing strange fruit now." Keeping a wary eye for Uhlans who must be some where near they rode with all the courage of youth into a clump of trees that grew upon a hillock close to the road. There, in the shelter of the foliage, they looked down upon what was passing. "Busy Bertha!" said Wharton. John beheld a giant cannon, one of the mighty howitzers which he had treated as a fable, a soldier's idle dream, until he had heard it booming in the night. But here was another drawn by a powerful motor. Its monster mouth was turned up at an angle toward the sky, and in the fog lighted only by the torches the thing became alive to John, huge and misshapen, dragging itself over the ground, devouring human be ings as it went, like the storied dragons of old. He glanced at his comrades and saw that the monster had taken hold of them in the same way. They were regarding it with a kind of awe, and yet it was not alone. Its sinister shape merely predomi nated over everything else. It was preceded and fol lowed by many other cannon, giants themselves, but overshadowed by the mammoth. Motors drew most of the great guns, and there were thousands more carrying soldiers; arms and various kinds of equipment. Behind them came vast masses of gray infantry, marching with the steady German tread. The heavy fog, which the torches lighted but dimly, magnified and distorted everything, and the sight was uncanny and terrifying. John had the. deepest respect for German arms. He knew the strong and tenacious German nature, and he had had some insight into the mighty prepara tions of the empire. Now he saw them rolling down every road upon France, and, for a little while he did not see how they could be beaten, not though all the world combined against them. The mammoth cannon moving slowly on through the fog typified their irre sistible advance. "I think we've seen enough," said Wharton. "We'd better be up and away." "Too much for me," said Carstairs. "My eye what a gun!" "It looks more like a dragon to me," said John. They wheeled and rode away over the wet ground, which gave back but little sound of hoofs, and soon they were again on their own road, bearing to the west. They were very thoughtful, but their own risks of the morning from the hidden bullets we re for gotten. The mind of every one of the three turned forward. CHAPTER X THE DRAGONS OF THE AIR ABOUT mid-morning the rain ceased, the fog rose, and was soon scattered by a powerful sun. The beautiful country, fresh and green, reap peared. It was the fair land of France again and John rejoiced. His uniform dried fast upon him, and his spirits rose steadily. He saw the ruddy glow return to the cheeks of his comrades, and the horses seemed to grow stronger. The sky, washed by the rain, was a solid blue, and the air was crisp with the wine of life. "It's good to breathe and live!" exclaimed Wharton joyously." "You Yankees talk too much," said Carstairs. "And you English talk at the wrong time." "Generally we let our deeds talk for us." "Then you don't say much." John laughed. The pleasant way in which they quarreled always amused him. "I promised not to take the side of either of you at any time," he said. "You seem to be about evenly matched, and of course it wouldn't be fair for me in such a case to help my countryman." "Two to one against us are about the odds we Eng lish like,," said Carstairs. "Boaster," said Wharton. "Position and army equal we could always whip you, man for man." "Boaster yourself. Whenever we didn't whip you you'd always say that the position and arms were not equal." "Stop long enough to look at those birds in the heavens," said John. "Yes I see them," said Carstairs. "There are four but they're flying very high." "No, they're five," said Wharton. "There's one on the left detached from the others." "You're both wrong," said John, smiling from the depths of his superior knowledge. "They're not birds at all." "Then what under the sun can they be?" "Aeroplanes. Flying machines." "Well you ought to know your kind of carriage. You've been up in one of them. Whose are they, I wonder?" "I can't tell, they're so high, but I'd judge from the shape that they're the German Taubes." Carstairs and Wharton looked grave. "They're far over French territory," said Carstairs. "So they are," said John, "but you're likely to see them much farther." "I should think that if they went on they'd meet the French flyers," said Wharton, "and then there'd be some lively scenes up in the shining blue." "They're ready to take the risks," said John. "I believe the Germans are willing to dare anything in this war. They think the world is against them and has resolved to crush them because the other nations are jealous. Their men higher up, the princes and the big military leaders have made them think so, and nothing on earth can ever shake them in the belief." "You're probably right," said Wharton, "but our German birds seem to be gathering for something. Look how close together they hover now." "And they're almost directly over our heads!" said John, a thrill of alarm shooting through him. "And see they're dropping down fast!" "Which means?" "Which means that they've seen us, that they've noted our French uniforms through powerful glasses, and that they're getting ready to swoop." "Let 'em come!" said Wharton defiantly. "I never thought to take part in this kind of dove hunting, but if the Taubes will attack they must take the conse quences." He eased his rifle across his saddle bow. All three of them carried the modern, high-powered rifle which could kill at a tremendous range. Neither Wharton nor Carstairs yet felt any apprehension, but John knew better. "Those are armored machines," he said, "and unless our bullets are very lucky indeed they'll glance off their steel sides. "Armored flying machines!" exclaimed Carstairs. "I never heard of such things!" "No, but you're hearing now. These Germans will teach you a lot! Why they even have Taubes that carry light machine guns." "What ought we to do?" John by reason of his brief experience in the air "had suddenly become the leader, and the others recognized it. "We must leave the road and make for those trees. They'll give us some protection!" He pointed to a little grove two hundred yards away. The three sent their horses crashing through the hedge and galloped for it. Overhead the aeroplanes swooped lower and lower, like gigantic birds, darting at their prey. It was John who came nearest to a full realization of their danger. His experience with Lannes had shown him the power of the flying machines and the skill and daring
of the flying men. In the brief gallop toward the wood a succession of terrifying emotions flowed through his mind. He remembered reading in some old book of primeval man and his constant menace from vast reptilian monsters clad in huge scales, as thick and hard as steel. It had never made much impres sion upon him. It was too far away and vague, but now it all came back with amazing detail and vivid ness. He and his comrades were primeval men, and these swooping planes, shod with steel, were the ancient monsters seeking their prey. The air too was filled then with gigantic birds, enormous of beak and claw, from which man could find refuge only in caves or thick, tangled woods, and just such birds were seeking them now. But two hundred yards to the grove and yet it seemed two miles! His powerful imagination could already hear over his head the rush of the aeroplanes, like the swoop of monster wings, and he felt himself bending low in the saddle, lest his head be struck by an iron beak. A rifle cracked in the air, and a bullet struck the ground between two of the horses. Then came a sinis ter burr-r-r and shots rained near them. It was a machine gun in one of the aeroplanes, flying so low now that the angle at which it was fired was not acute. John was brave and his will was so strong that it had great control over his sensitive and imaginative mind. Yet he was never in his life more terrified. That vivid picture of primeval man fleeing with all his might from monsters of the air, grew more vivid every moment. He was fairly drenched in terror, as his dim ancestor must have been in like case, nor was he ashamed of it. He had one look each at his comrades, and their faces were ghastly white. He knew that his emotions were theirs too. The bullets flew thicker, but aim is uncertain, when one is flying from a moving machine in the air, at speeding targets, and most of the bullets flew wide. Carstairs was grazed on the shoulder, and Wharton's horse was touched lightly on the flank, but gasping, both horses and riders, they plunged into the wood. reckless alike of trees and undergrowth, desperately seeking safety from the winged terrors that pursued them. It was fortunate for the three fugitives that it was not the ordinary European wood, trimmed and pruned like a park. It was heavy with foliage, and there was much undergrowth, in which the horse of Carstairs tripped and fell, throwing him. But he did not be grudge that, as the vines and bushes not only broke his fall, but meant safety. "Since you're down Carstairs," said Wharton, "it's the duty of a comrade to join you." He sprang off his own horse and stood, rifle in hand, among the bushes. John also dismounted, although in more leisurely fashion. His heart had ceased to beat so heavily when they entered the wood. The immediate danger of being snapped up by those giants of the air passed and the revulsion of feeling came. His pulses were still drumming in his ears, but he heard a louder throbbing above the trees. The angry and disappointed monsters were hovering there, still seeking their prey. Bullets pattered on the leaves and twigs, but they went wide. The three horses shivered in terror, and the one that had been touched on the flank uttered a shrill neigh of distress. John took the lead. "The undergrowth is thicker on our right," he said. "We must take our horse into it. They won't be able to get more than glimpses of us there." "Right!" said Carstairs, "I think I can walk that far now. The strength is coming back into my knees, and I don't think they'll double under me. I don't mind telling you fellows that I was never before in my life so scared." "Your confession is mine too," said Wharton. They reached the new refuge without harm, although more shots were fired from the planes. The density of the bushes there was due to a small stream flowing through the wood, and while the horses were still exposed, in a measure, they found almost com plete cover for themselves. The three lay down in the thicket and pointed upward the muzzles of their rifles. The throbbing and droning over their heads had never ceased, and through the leaves they saw the armored planes hovering about not far above the tops of the trees. But the fugitives in their screen of leaf and thicket had become invisible. "We'll have to chance it with our horses," whis pered Wharton, "but for ourselves we may be able to give back as good as we send. Scott, are you a sharp shooter?" "I'm a pretty good marksman, and I think I coul ' hit one of those things if it should slow down." "I suggest," said Carstairs, "that when one of us fires he immediately move away at least six or eight yards. Then they won't be able to locate us by the shots." "Good for you old Britisher," said Wharton, "you do have moments of intelligence." "Wharton, I'd like to say as much for you." Both laughed but the laugh was uneasy and unnatural. It was merely the force of habit, compelling them to seek some sort of relief through words. The planes had come together in a group for a few moments, but afterward they made a wide separation and flew about swiftly in irregular circles. John knew that it was meant to disturb the aim of those below, because the flying men had certainly seen that they carried rifles. John crouched under a bush, and with the muzzle of his high-powered rifle turned upward, continually sought a target th rough the leaves. In those moments of danger and fierce anger he did not have left a single scruple against taking the life of man. They had hunted him remorselessly in a strange and ter rific way. His first illusion that they were gigantic birds of prey remained, and he would be doing a serv ice to the world, if he slew them. A rifle cracked almost in his ear and Wharton ut tered a little cry of disappointment. "I heard the bullet thud on the metal side of that Taube," he said. "It isn't fair fighting us this way." Then he and John, following the suggestion of Carstairs, promptly moved to another point in the bushes. Three bullets from the Taubes struck near the place they had just left. But John still watching had caught sight of a head and body, the two hands grasping a rifle projecting over the side of a Taube. Quick as a flash he fired, and with an aim that was literally as sure as death. The man in the Taube heaved up, as if wrenched by an electric shock, then plunged head-foremost over the side and fell clear, his rifle dropping before him. John caught a swift vision of a falling figure sprawled out hideously, and then he heard the rending crash of twigs and branches followed by a heavy thump. His heart thrilled with horror. Those were human beings after all, up there in the air, and not primeval birds of prey. "That one!" said Wharton. "Good shot, Scott 1" John's horror passed. He was still fighting for his life, and it was the men in the air who had attacked. He moved away again and by chance he came to the tiny brook, on which the bushes were strung like a thread. Lying flat on his face he drank, and he was astonished to find that he was so thirsty. Rising to his knees he glanced at his comrades and at the hovering aeroplanes. They had flown high out of the reach of bullets, and had drawn together as if for council. One of the horses rearing and threshing with fright had been killed by shots from the aeroplanes, but John did not notice it, until this moment. The other two tethered by their bridles to bushes had tried to break loose, but had failed. Now they were trembling all over, and were covered with perspiration. John felt sorry for them. But the water had refreshed him wonderfully. He had not known before how hot and dry his throat had become. He invited his comrades to drink too, and they followed his example. Then they lay on their backs, and watched the council in the air. They could even hear the distant drumming of their motors. The machine, out of which John had shot the aviator, had carried two men, because there it was in the group with the others. John's old and powerful feeling that he was at the end of one era and at the beginning of another, in volving many new forces, returned with increased strength. To be besieged by enemies overhead was one of them, and, for the present at least, he saw no way of escape from the grove. The sun was now in the zenith. The clouds, having gone away, made a clean sweep of it. There was not a fleck of dusk in the burning blue of the sky. The aeroplanes were outlined against it, as clearly as if they had been pictures in oil on canvas. The sun, great and golden, poured down fire, but it did not reach the three in the thicket. "I wish I knew what those fellows were planning," said Carstairs. "At least they give us a rest, while they arrange for our destruction." "But we're not destroyed yet, and you don't think it either, Carstairs," said Wharton. "Whatever I've said against you Britishers, I've never said you lacked courage." "And if you had said it I'd have known that y
ou didn't mean it." Then the two shook hands in silence. Wharton closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. "What are they doing, John?" he asked presently. "Still in council. A plane heavier than the others, evidently the one that has the machine gun is in the center. I judge therefore that it also carries the commander of the fleet." "Acute reasoning. Wake me up when they seem to be starting anything. Meanwhile I can't be bothered, because a few aeroplanes choose to use our heavens." He stretched himself, and breathed deeply and peacefully. But John knew well enough that he was not asleep. His rifle lay by his side, where it could be snatched up in a moment, and now and then his eyes opened to watch through the bushes the foe circling aloft. Carstairs also lay down bye and bye, but John, remained sitting, the thick boughs of a bush covering him. "Something has happened," he announced after awhile. "One of the planes, the smallest, I think is flying away toward the east." The others sat up. The aeroplane, high in air, was going at tremendous speed. The others remained over the grove, swinging about lazily in circles, but too high for the rifles. "Now, Carstairs," said Wharton, "you English pre tend to omniscience. So, tell us at once what that means." "If anybody had omniscience it would be we British of course, but I confess, Wharton, that this is beyond me. That aeroplane is certainly going fast. Now it's as big as my hand, now it's the size of an egg, now it's a dot and now it's gone." "Perhaps it's seeking help," said John. "I don't see why," said Wharton. "Enough are left to hold us in this grove. Their only difficulty is in getting at us. Even if they brought more the trees and the foliage would still be here to protect us." "That's true," admitted John. "Then it may have been damaged by some of our bullets." "But it left like a racer. I don't know how these machines are built, but I'd wager from the way it flew that not a wheel or spring or screw or rivet in it was damaged." "The others are evidently waiting for it to come back." "How do you make out that?" "Because they merely float about beyond our reach and don't try anything against us. The day's passing, and if they didn't have some plan dependent on the machine that left, they'd be at work now trying to shoot us up." Carstairs reached over and patted John on the head. "You talk sense, Scott," he said, "if it weren't for your accent you could pass for an Englishman." "Then I'll see that he never changes his accent," said Wharton. "I think I'll take a nap," said Carstairs, "and I really mean it. The grass and the bushes were heavy with rain when we came in here, although we didn't notice it, but the fine sun up there has dried every thing now, and I've a good bed." He lay very comfortably, with his head on a mound of turf, but he did not close his eyes. The lids were lowered but nevertheless he watched the heavens. "Sorry for those poor horses of ours," he said. "One's killed and the other two, I suppose, will be scared to death before this thing's over." "And then we'll have to walk," said Wharton. "But we'll go on just the same." "We can buy new horses, at the next village. No more walking for mine than I can help." John was intently watching the eastern horizon. He was longing now for Lannes' powerful glasses. Nevertheless his eyesight was good, the best of the three, and presently the great pulse in his throat began to leap. But he did not say anything yet. He wanted to make sure. He waited a minute and then he said : "A black dot has reappeared in the eastern sky. It's so tiny you couldn't see it unless you swept your eyes around the circle until they met it." Carstairs sat up. "Where?" he asked. "Begin as I told you and sweep your eyes around the circle." "Ah, I see it now! Or maybe it's just a mote in the dancing sunbeams." "Oh no, it's not. Watch it grow. It's an aeroplane, ' and I'd wager everything against next to nothing that it's the one that left a little while ago. Whatever it went to do it's done." "Upon my soul, I think you're right. It is growing as you say. Now the dot becomes a black spot as big as an egg, now it grows to the size of your hand, and now the shape of a flying machine, coming at terrific speed, emerges. The whole process of departure is reversed." "And it's making straight for that overhanging group," said Wharton. John watched the big birds of prey await the mes senger, and again he longed intently for Lannes' powerful glasses. The returning machine was received by the others which formed a circle about it, and for some minutes they hung there in close com pany. His nerves began to quiver again with excitement. He was sure that it was a menace. The small aeroplane would not have gone away on a mission with out some excellent reason. Sure of his leafy covert he stood up, and watched the group which now cir cled almost exactly over their heads. Carstairs and Wharton stood beside him, and again they turned to him as the leader, now that it was an affair of the air. "What do you make of it?" asked Carstairs, anxiously. "It means harm, some new method of attack," said John, "but for the life of me I can't guess what it is." "Then we've merely got to wait," said Wharton. The three were standing close together, and a chill seemed to pass from one to another. That great danger threatened not one of the three doubted, and its mysterious character made it all the more formi dable. The aeroplanes drew apart a little and again circled about lazily. John began to have a hope that nothing would happen after all, when suddenly he saw a flash in the thickets and heard a stunning roar. A piece of metal whistled past his head, and leaves and twigs fell in a shower. Acting partly from reason and partly from impulse he seized both Wharton and Carstairs and dragged them to the ground. "A bomb!" he cried. "I had forgotten about bombs, although I've seen them used before. They had none with them and the little aeroplane went back to a hangar somewhere for a supply! They'll drop more and we'll be safer lying down!" "You're right of course," said Wharton. "It's all as simple a s day now. There goes the second!" Came another flash and roar, but this time the bomb fell farther away, and the metal fragments flew high over their heads. A third followed with the same result, and they began to feel encouraged. "Of course they have to drop them at random," said John, "and throwing down bombs from an aeroplane high in air is largely an affair of chance." "Still," said Wharton, "I feel as if I would like to burrow in the earth, not merely for a foot or two, but for at least a hundred feet, where the biggest bomb ever made by the Germans couldn't reach me." Carstairs uttered a cry of joy. "What can you find to be glad about in a situation like this?" asked Wharton. "I've been poking through the bushes and I find just beside us a deep gully." "A trench made and ready for us! Come, we'll be the boys in the trenches!" They passed through the bushes and dropped down in the gully which was in truth a great natural help to them. It was certain that in time a bomb would strike near, but unless it dropped directly on them they would be protected by their earthen walls from its flying fragments. And the odds were greatly against a bomb falling where they lay. The revulsion of feeling was so great that they became jovial. "You've never agreed with me more than once or twice, Carstairs," said Wharton, "but I don't think you'll dispute it, when I say this is a fine, friendly little ravine." "The finest I ever saw. I'm an expert in ravines. I made a specialty of 'em all through my boyhood, and I never saw another the equal of this." "Now, they're guessing badly," said John, as a bomb burst in the far edge of the grove, some distances away. "I wish we could find shelter for our horses," said Carstairs. "Those fellows in the air undoubtedly have glasses, and, not being able to see us, they may choose to demolish our remaining two beasts." "There goes one now!" exclaimed John, as another bomb burst and a shrill neigh of pain followed. A horse had been struck by two -fragments, and wild with pain and terror it reared, struggled, finally broke its bridle, and galloped out into the fields, where it fell dead from loss of blood. "Poor beast," muttered Carstairs, "I've always loved horses, and I'd like to get a little revenge. " "Maybe we can get it by waiting," said John, who was rapidly developing the qualities of leadership. "They can't possibly see us here in the gully which is lined thickly on either side with bushes." "And you think if we lie quiet," said Wharton, "that they'll come down lower to see what damage they've done." . "That's my idea." "You do seem to have a good head on you for a Yankee," said Carstairs. They were silent a long time. Two more bombs were dropped but they did not strike near them. John heard the remaining horse straining at his bridle, and threshing among
the bushes, but he did not succeed in breaking loose. He was very comfortable among some leaves in the gully, but he was on his back, and he did not cease to watch the aeroplanes, drifting lazily between him and the heavens. It was hard to judge distances in the air, but he had watched them so long and so closely that they seemed to him after a while to be flying lower. Patient as the Germans were, they must see sometime or other whether their bombs had destroyed the fugitives in the grove. "They're coming down toward the tops of the trees," he whispered. "Since they haven't heard from us for so long they've probably concluded that their bombs have finished us." "They'll soon find out better," said Carstairs savagely. "That last horse they killed was mine, and the poor brute was torn horribly by pieces of the bomb." John looked at him curiously. "War is war," he said. "I know it," replied Carstairs, "and that's why I shall be so particular to take good aim, when they drop within range. Confound it, I wish they didn't have those armored machines." "Still they're bound to expose themselves now and then," said John, "or they can't see us." They now knelt in the gully waiting for the Taubes, which were softly sinking lower and lower. All three were sharpshooters, and they had anger and the love of life to wing their aim. "Suppose we pick our men," said John. "The heavy plane near the center of the group is undoubt edly the one that carries the machine gun, and so it's our most dangerous antagonist. It's not likely to have more than two men otherwise the weight would be too great one to steer and one to handle the gun." "Excellent," said Carstairs. "You're undoubtedly the best marksman, Scott. Suppose when the machine tilts enough to give us aim you say : 'fire,' you taking the man at the rudder, while Wharton and I shoot at the one with the gun." "All right, if you say so." "Then it's agreed?" "Agreed it is." The muzzles of three rifles were now thrust through the bushes, ready to fire at an instant's notice. In those moments of intense excitement and with their own lives to save not one of the three had a single thought of mercy, Kindly in ordinary times war had taken complete possession of them for a space. John concluded that the Germans were now sure of their success. It had been quiet so long in the grove that the fugitives must be dead. Moreover the after noon was waning, and night would help the defenders, if they still lived. But he never took his eyes from the big aeroplane, floating easily like a great bird on lazy wing. Lower and lower it dropped and it came with in easy range of the high-powered rifles. Now it slanted over on its side, still like a huge bird and the two men it carried came into view. "Fire!" cried John, and there was one report as the three rifles cracked together. Never had bullets been sent with a more terrible aim. When the dead hand fell from the steering rudder the great machine turned quite over on its side. The two men and the machine gun were shot out, as if they had been hurled by a catapult, and crashed among the trees of the grove. The machine itself, still keeping its likeness to a huge bird, but wounded mortally, now fluttered about wildly for several minutes, and then fell with a tremendous crash among the trees. The other aeroplanes, obvi ously frightened by the fall of their leader, rapidly flew higher and out of range. The three did not exult at first. Instead they were appalled. "We certainly shot well!" said John at last. "Oh I don't care!" said Carstairs, shaking himself, defiantly. "They were after us, and we were bound to hit back!" A bomb exploded in the woods, but they were not hurt. It stirred them to wrath again, and all their compunctions were gone. Instead, they began to feel a pride in their great sharpshooting. "They've had enough bf it for the present," said Wharton. "Look, the whole flock is mounting up and up, where our bullets can't reach 'em! Come down you rascals! Come down out of the sky and meet us face to face! We'll whip the whole lot of you!" He stood at his full height and shook his rifle at the aeroplanes. John and Carstairs shared his feel ings so thoroughly that they saw nothing odd. "While they're so high," said John, "suppose we go and look at the fallen machine." They found it among some trees, a part of the frame imbedded in the earth. It looked in its destruction a sinister and misshapen monster. The machine gun, broken beyond repair, lay beside it. They knew that two other shattered objects were somewhere near in the bushes, but they would not look for them. "A great victory for the besieged," said Wharton, "but it leaves us still besieged." "However the aspect of the field of battle is changing," said John. "In what way?" "The twilight is coming and the sky is our foe's field of battle." The increase in their own chances became apparent at once. The obscurity of night would be like a blanket between them and the flying men, and its promise now was for speedy arrival. The glory of the sun had faded already in the east, and the sky was becoming gray toward the zenith. "If that flock expects to achieve anything against us," said John, "they must set about it pretty soon. In an hour they will have to come close to the ground to see us, and I fancy we can then leave the grove." "Yes," said Wharton, "it's up to them now. We can stand here waiting for them until the darkness comes. Now, they've begun to act!" A bomb burst, but the obscuring twilight was so deceptive that it fell entirely outside the wood and exploded harmless in a field. "Poor work," said Carstairs. "As I told you it's exceedingly hard to be accu rate, dropping bombs from a height," said John, "and the twilight makes it much more so." Nevertheless the aeroplanes made a desperate trial, throwing at least a half dozen more bombs, some of which fell in the wood, but not near the three defend ers, although the last horse fell a victim, being fairly blown to pieces. Meanwhile the sun sank behind the earth's rim, and, to the great joy of the three, clouds again rolled along ,'. the horizon, showing that they would have a dark night, a vital fact to them. In their eagerness to strike while it was yet time the aeroplanes hovered very low, almost brushing the tops of the trees, ex posing themselves to the fire of the three who after spending eighteen or twenty cartridges on them moved quickly to another part of the wood, lest an answering; bomb should find them. They did not know whether they had slain any one, but two of the planes flew away in slanting and jerky fashion like birds on crippled wings. The others remained over the grove, but rose to a much greater height. "That was the last attack and we repelled it," said Carstairs, feeling the flush of victory. "Here is the night black and welcome." The aeroplanes were now almost invisible. The darkness was thi ckening so fast that in the grove the three were compelled to remain close together, lest they lose one another. Under the western horizon low thunder muttered, and there was promise of more rain, but they did not care. They resolved to leave the grove in a half hour, and now they felt deeply the death of their horses. But all three carried gold, and they would buy fresh mounts at the next village. Their regret at the loss was over come by the feeling that they had been victorious in the encounter with the aeroplanes when at first the odds seemed all against them. They waited patiently, while the night advanced, noting with pleasure that the mutter of thunder on the western horizon continued. Overhead two aeroplanes were circling, but they were barely visible in the dusk, and rescuing their blankets and some other articles that the horses had carried, the three, with their rifles ready, walked cautiously across the fields. A hundred yards from the grove, and they looked up. The aeroplanes were still circling there. Wharton laughed. "They probably think we haven't the nerve to leave the shelter of the trees," he said. "Let 'em watch till morning." "And then they'll find that the birds have meta phorically but not literally flown away," said Carstairs, a tone of exultation showing in his voice also. "In this battle between the forces of the air and the forces of the earth the good old solid earth has won." "But it may not always win," said John. "When I was up with Lannes, I saw what the aeroplane could do, and we are bound to admit that if it hadn't been for the grove they'd have got us." "Right-o!" said Carstairs. "True as Gospel," said Wharton. "Do you know where the road is?" asked John. "Now that our horses are gone we've got to do some good walking." "Here it is," said Carstairs. "Seven miles farther on is the little hamlet of Courville, where we can buy horses." "Then walk, you terriers, walk!" said Wharton. The three bending their heads walked side by side toward the hamlet of Courville, which they were destined never to reach. CHAPTER X
I THE ARMORED CAR THE three talked, because they were in the dark, and because they felt great joy over their es cape. The clouds, after a while, floated away, and the thunder ceased to mutter. It seemed that the elements played with them, but, for the present, were in their favor. The walking itself was pleas ant, as they were anxious to exercise their muscles after the long hard waiting in the grove. But as the clouds went away and the stars came out, leaving a sky of blue, sown with stars, John could not keep from looking upward often. The aeroplanes and the daring men who flew them had made a tre mendous impression upon him, and he constantly ex pected danger. But he saw none of those ominous black specks which could grow so fast into sinister shapes. He heard instead a faint rumbling ahead of them on the road to Courville, and he held up his hand as a warning. "What is it?" asked Carstairs, as the three stopped. "I don't know yet," replied John, "but the sound seems to be made by wheels." "Perhaps a belated peasant driving home," said Wharton, as he listened. "I don't think so. It appears to be a volume of sound, although it's as yet far away. I hear it better now. It's wheels and many of them." "French reinforcements." "Maybe, but more likely German. We've seen how ready the Germans are, and we know that they're spreading all over this region." "Then it's safer for us out of the road than in it." There was a hedge on either side of the road, but but the three slipped easily through the one on the right, and stood in tall grass. The rumbling was steadily coming nearer, and John had no doubt it was made by Germans, perhaps some division seeking to get in the rear of the French forces with which he had fought. There was a good moon and they saw well through the thin hedge. In ten minutes cyclers, riding six abreast, appeared on the crest of a low hill in the direction of Courville. The moonlight fell on their helmets and gray uniforms, showing, as John had ex pected, that they were Germans. Again he was be holding an example of the wonderful training and discipline, which had been continued for decades and which had put military achievement above everything else. Day and night the German hosts were advancing on France. The cyclers, carrying their rifles before them, ad vanced in hundreds and hundreds, the files of six keeping perfectly even. Again the sight was unreal, productive of awe. Armies had never before gone to battle like this. The files close together, like a long, grayish-green serpent, moved swiftly along the road. But it was not the wheels that had made the rumble. They instead gave out a light undulating sound, some thing like that of skaters on ice, and the three waited to see what was behind, as the rumbling grew louder. The cyclers passed, then came the strong smell of gasoline, puffing sounds and the head of a great train of motor cars appeared. Most of the motors were filled with soldiers, others drew cannon and provision wagons. They were a full hour in passing, and at the rear were more than a hundred armored cars, also crowded with troops, some of them carrying machine guns also. "I wish we were in one of those armored cars," said John, "then we wouldn't miss our horses." "Well, why not get in one of them," said Carstairs. "While we're about it why not wish for everything else that we can think of?" "I mean exactly what I say. I didn't speak until I saw an opportunity. One of the cars seems to have something the matter with it and is drawing up by the side of the road not fifteen feet from us. The others have gone on, expecting it of course to catch up soon." "Do you really mean what you suggest, Carstairs?" asked Wharton. "I certainly do." "Then what an Englishman suggests Yankees will perform." "But with the help of the Englishman. Jove, what luck!" There are only two men with the car. One is standing beside it, and the other is crawling under it. The machine is almost in the shadow of the hedge, and if we're smooth about it we can slip through, and be upon it, before we're seen." "We must time ourselves. What's the plan?" asked Wharton. "We'll assume when the man comes out from under the machine that he's fixed it. Then we'll make our rush, knock down the other fellow, jump into it and away. I'm an expert chauffeur, and I don't ask a better chance. Oh, fellows, what luck!" "It's certainly favoring us, "'said Wharton, "and we must push it. It would be a crime to quit with such luck as this leading us on." They slipped noiselessly through the hedge, and stood in its heavy shadow only a few feet from the car. They heard the man under it tapping with metal on metal. The other standing with his back to the three said a few words and the man replied. "He says it's only a trifle, and it's all right now," whispered Carstairs, who understood German. "He's coming out from under the car. Now, fellows, for it!" John struck the man standing beside the car with the butt of his rifle, but he did not make the blow hard he could not bring himself to kill anybody in that manner. But the man fell senseless, and, just as his partner came from beneath it, the three leaped into the car, Carstairs threw on the speed, whirled about on air, it seemed to John, and left the German in the road, staring open-mouthed. But the German recovered quickly and uttered a shout of alarm, drawing the attention of the armored motors, the rear files of which were not a hundred yards away. "Down, you fellows!" cried Carstairs, who now took the lead. "Have your rifles ready to fire back, and enjoy what is going to be the greatest ride of your lives!" Some wild spirit seemed to have taken hold of the Englishman. An expert driver, it may have been the touch of the wheel under his hand at such an exciting moment, and then it may have been the shots from the German cars that, in an instant, rattled upon the steel sides protecting the car. "Hold fast, you fellows!" cried Carstairs, who bent low over the wheel, his flashing eyes now seeking to trace the road before them. "We are going to eat up the ground!" The car gave its last dizzy lurch as it completed its circuit and shot ahead. John and Wharton had been thrown together, but they held on to their rifles and righted themselves. Then John noticed beside him the body and barrels of a machine gun, mounted and ready for use. He was the sharpshooter of the three and that gun appealed to him, as the car had appealed to Carstairs. "Move over a little!" he shouted to Wharton. "What are you going to do?" "I'm going to fight that pursuing German army." In an instant the machine gun began to crackle like a box of exploding crackers, sending back a hail of bullets which rattled upon the pursuing cars or found victims in them. But they, crouching down, were completely protected by the armor, and their careering machine made but a single target while they could fire into the pursuing mass. Carstairs bent lower and lower. He had gone com pletely wild for the moment. Millions of sparks flew before his eyes. All the big and little pulses in his head and body were beating heavily. They had just scored two great triumphs. They had defeated the ef forts of the masters of the air, and they had taken from their foe one of his most formidable weapons in which they might escape. His soul flamed with triumph, and that old familiar touch of the wheel filled him with the strength not of one giant, but of ten. He saw the road clearly now. There it lay ahead of them, long, white and sinuous, and he never doubted for a moment his ability to guide the armored car along in it at a mile a minute. John in his turn was filled wi th the rage of battle. It was not often that one in his situation had a deadly machine gun at hand, ready to turn upon his enemies. While Wharton fed it from the great supply of ammu nition in the car he turned a perfect stream of balls upon the pursuing motor, spraying it from side to side like a hose. Wharton looked up at his white strained face, in which his eyes burned like two coals of fire, and then he looked at the bent back and shoulders of Carstairs. "Two madmen," he muttered. "A Britisher and a Yankee, mad at the same time and in the same place, and I'm their keeper! Good Lord, did a man ever before have such a job!" Once he pulled John down a little as the machine guns in the pursuing car were getting the range, but behind the armored sheath of their car they were safe, for the present at least. Wharton regained his cool ness and retained it. But he held to his belief that he rode a race with death, with one madman in front of him and another by his side. Now and then the car took a frightful leap, and Wharton expected to land beneath it, but it always came down right, with Carstairs driving it faster and faster and Scott pouring balls from the machine gun and talking to it lovingly, as if it were a thing of life. It was Wharton's grim thought that he was about to die soon, but that he would di
e gloriously. No common death for him, but one amid the crash of motors, machine guns and cannon. Meanwhile steel rained around them, but they were protected by the speed of their flight, and their armor. It was hard for the Germans to hit a fleeting target in a curving road, and the few balls or bullets that struck true fell harm less from the steel plates. Wharton's own blood began to leap. The two with him in the car might be madmen, but they showed skill and vigor in their madness. The car sprang in the air, but it always came down safely. It whirled at times on a single wheel, but it would right itself, and go on at undiminished speed. And the other madman at the gun did not neglect precautions. He kept himself well hidden behind the steel shield, and continued to spray the pursuing line from right to left and from left to right with a stream of projectiles. On flew the car, down valleys and up slopes. It thundered across little ridges, and fled through strips of forest. Then Wharton amid their own roar heard the same deep steady rumble that had preceded the coming of the first German force. The sound was so similar he knew instinctively that it was made by a second detachment, advancing along the same road, but miles back. Their own headlong speed would carry them directly into it, and, as he saw it, they were compktely trapped. He leaned over, put a hand on the shoulder of Carstairs, and shouted in his ear: "A second army of the enemy is in front, and we're going into it at the rate of a mile a minute!" "Never mind!" Carstairs shouted back. "I know a little road not far ahead, leading off from this almost due westward. I'm going to take it, but it's a sharp turn. Hold tight you two!" "For God's sake, Carstairs, slow up a little on the curve!" But Carstairs made no answer. He did not even hear him now. He lay almost upon the wheel, and his eyes never left the track in front of him. He was the jockey riding his horse to victory in the greatest of all races. Wharton ceased to feed the machine gun. The use for it had passed now. They were rapidly gaining on the pursuit, but the same speed was bringing them much nearer to the second force. He wondered if Carstairs really knew of that branch road, or if it were some wild idea flitting through his mad brain. As it was, he laid his rifle on the floor of the car, and com mended his soul to God. "Now!" suddenly shouted Carstairs, and it seemed to Wharton that they were whirling in a dizzy circle. Carstairs boasted afterwards that they made the curve on one wheel, but Wharton was quite sure that they made it on air. They shot into a narrow road, not -much more than a path leading through woods, and when Wharton looked back the pursuit was not in sight. They were now going almost at a right angle from either force, leaving both far behind, and Wharton suggested to Carstairs that he slow down John had already ceased firing, because there was nothing to fire at. But his words were in vain. Carstairs would not yet come out of his frenzy. As John had talked to his gun he was now talking to his machine, bestowing upon it many adjectives of praise. Wharton gave up the task as useless and sank back in his seat. He must let the fever spend itself. Be sides he was gaining supreme confidence in the driving of Carstairs. The Englishman had shown such su perb skill that Wharton was beginning to believe that he could drive the car a mile a minute anywhere save in a dense forest. So, he sank back in his seat, and relaxed mind and body. They fled on over a road narrow but good. They passed lone farm houses sitting back in the fields, but Wharton had only a glimpse of them. A tile roof, a roar from the car and they were gone. Yet the fever of Carstairs slowly burned itself out. They had long since been safe from any pursuit by the Germans in the main road, and now the young Eng lishman realized it. He took one hand from the wheel, and dashed back a lock of hair that had fallen over his brow. Then he slowed down quickly, and when they were going not more than seven or eight miles an hour he said like one coming out of an ecstasy. "Don't the Germans build splendid cars?" "And fine machine guns, too?" said John, in a highpitched unnatural voice. "Now here is where I take command," said Whar ton firmly. "You two have been madmen, as mad as anybody can be, although it's true that your madness has saved us. But you've done your great deeds, san ity is returning, and you're in a state of exhaustion. Carstairs, give me the wheel at once. I'm not much of a driver, but I can take the car along safely at a rate of five miles an hour, which is all we need now." Carstairs, the fires within him burned out wholly now, resigned the wheel to his comrade, and sank limply into a seat beside John. "Now you two rest," said Wharton, sternly, "and if I hear a word out of either of you in the next hour I'll turn the machine gun on you." They obeyed. Each was a picture of physical col lapse. Wharton did not know much about automo biles. In the driver's seat he felt as if he were steering a liner, but in such case as his one readily takes risks, and he sent the machine along slowly and with fair success. It was beginning to lighten somewhat, and he looked for a village. They must have food, a fresh supply of gasoline, and news of their own army. They bore letters which they meant to deliver or die. The same beautiful country, though less hilly, stretched befor them. Many clear little streams flowed through the valleys, and here and there were groves free from undergrowth. Wharton believed that they were far toward the west, and near the British troops if any had yet been landed in France. "Are you two still in a convalescent stage?" he asked, glancing back. "Getting along nicely, doctor, thank you, sir," said John. "I began to pick up just as soon as we left those German armies out of sight." Then he turned to the comrade, sitting beside him. "Carstairs, old man," he said, "I don't know what you are, at home, but here you're the greatest chauf feur that ever lived! I believe you could drive a car sixty miles an hour all day long on a single wheel!" "Thanks, old man," said Carstairs, grasping his hand, "I didn't have time to look back, but I knew from the sounds that you were working a machine gun, as one was never worked before; fast enough by Jove to drive off a whole hostile army." "You two have organized the greatest log rolling so ciety in existence," said Wharton, "but you've been brave and good boys. Now let's take a look at this glorious car of ours which we had specially built for us in Germany." The light in the east was increasing, and for the first time they made an examination of their capture. De spite the armor and presence of the machine gun it was upholstered in unusual style, with cushions and padded sides in dark green leather. There were many little lockers and fittings not to be found often in a car intended for war. On a tiny silver plate under the driver's seat a coat of arms was engraved. John, who was the first to catch sight of it, exclaimed: "This car belong to some duke or prince. Carstairs, you're a subject and not a citizen, and you ought to be up on all kinds of nobility worship. What coat of arms is this?" "I don't know," replied Carstairs, "and I'm as free a man as you are, I'd have you to know." "Breaking the treaty already," chuckled Wharton. "It doesn't matter whether we know the coat of arms or not. It's likely that the man standing in the road, the one whom John hit over the head with the gun was the duke or prince. Oh, if the Germans ever get you, Scott, they'll break you on the wheel for such an ex treme case of Mafestatsbeleidigung!" "And if you pronounce that word again you'll break your jaw," said John. "Let's open all these lockers. We may find spoils of war." It seemed a good suggestion, and taking the monkey wrench they broke open every locker. They found a pair of splendid field glasses, shaving materials, other articles of the toilet, and a tiny roll of fine tissue paper. "I've an idea that we have something of value here," said John, as he held up the little roll. "It's in German, which I don't understand. Take it, Wharton." There were six small sheets, and as Wharton trans lated them aloud and slowly they realized that in very truth they had made a precious capture. They contained neither address nor signature, but they n otified the commander of the extreme German right wing that a British force would shortly appear near the Belgian border, on the extreme allied left, that it would be a small army, and that it could be crushed by a rapid, enveloping movement. "The prince or duke whom you hit over the head, John," said Wharton, "was carrying this. He did not put it in his pocket, because he never dreamed of such a thing as the one that happened to him. But one thing is sure: our obligation to reach the allied force in the west is doubled and tripled. We three, obscure as we ma
y be, may carry with us the fate of an army." "He called us two madmen," said John, nudging Carstairs. "Now look at our good sober Wharton going mad with responsibility." Wharton did not notice them. He was turning over and over the sheets of tissue paper, and his eyes glowed. His hands trembled, too, as he handled the precious document, but he did not let a single page fall. "Glorious! splendid! magnificent!" he exclaimed. "By our capture, by our own courage and skill, and by ours alone we'll save the allied left wing from destruction." The timeliness of their exploit, the wonderful chance had gone to Wharton's head. He forgot for the time his comrades, the motor, and the morning sun over the fields and the forest. He thought only of their arrival in the allied camp with those precious documents. John and Carstairs exchanged glances again. They had come quite back to earth, but there could be no doubt that Wharton was taking an ascension. "We'll treat him kindly," said Carstairs. "Of course," said John. "Old friend of ours, you know. Been with us through the wars. But I want to tell you, Carstairs, and I hope I won't hurt your feel ings, you being a monarchist, that I'm glad I hit that prince such a solid smash over the head. It will always be a pleasure to me to remember that I knocked out a royalty, and I hope he wasn't any mediatized prince either." "Don't apologize to me. He was only a German prince, and they're so numerous they don't count. British princes are the real thing." "Stop talking foolishness you two" exclaimed Whar ton. "You ramble on, and we carry the fate of Europe in our hands! My God, we've wasted a quarter of an hour here talking! Carstairs, get back in the driver's seat, and I don't care how fast you drive! Scott, take your place at the machine gun, and shoot down any thing that opposes us!" "Mad! Quite mad!" John and Carstairs said together, but they obeyed with amazing promptness, and in a minute the car was spinning down the road at a great rate. But Wharton leaning forward and looking with red eyes in black rims, saw nothing they passed. He had instead a vision of the three arriving at some point far away with the prince's dispatches, and of English and French generals thanking those who had come in time to save them. Carstairs drove with a steady hand, but he was his normal self now. He had seen that their supply of gasoline was sufficient to last a while, and he was content for the present with a moderate rate of speed. If they were pursued again then he could make another great burst, but he did not consider it likely that a third force of the foe would appear. They must be getting beyond the vanguard of the German invasion. John sat beside Wharton. The machine gun was at rest, but he kept his rifle across his knee. Neverthe less he did not anticipate any further danger. He felt an immense satisfaction over their achievements, but the danger and strain had been so great that rest seemed the finest thing in the world. He hoped they would soon come to another of those neat French inns, where they would surely be welcome. But Wharton was not thinking of inns and rest. He took out the dispatches and read them a second time. Then he folded them up triumphantly and put them back in his pocket again. His soul burned with ardor. Their fights with the aeroplanes and the armored cars were alike forgotten. They must get forward with the prince's dispatches. The sun came over the slopes, and the day grew fast. John fell asleep in his seat with his rifle across his knees. He was aroused by the stopping of the car and the murmur of many voices. He sat upright and was wide awake all in a moment. They had come to the village for which they had wished so ardently and they were surrounded by peo ple who looked curiously at the car, the heavy dents in its armor, the machine gun, and, with the most curiosity of all, at the three occupants. But their looks were friendly. The three in the car wore the French uniform, and while obviously they were not French, it was equally obvious that they were friends of France. John smiled at them and asked the burning question : "Is there an inn here?" They pointed across the street. There it was snug and unimpeachable. Carstairs drove slowly to the front of it, and he and John meanwhile answered a torrent of questions. Yes, they had been in a fight with Germans, and, after seizing one of their armored cars, they had escaped in it. But it was true that the Germans were coming into France by all the main roads, and the people must be ready. There were many exclamations of dismay, and the questions they asked John and Carstairs never ceased. But they said nothing to Wharton. His stern, absent expression did not invite confidences. He was looking over their heads at something far away, and he seemed merely to be going into the inn, because his comrades were doing so. The three found the breakfast good as usual. Gaso line could be obtained. It was not for civilians, but as they were soldiers serving France they were able to buy a supply. The news that they desired was scarce, although there was a vast crop of rumors which many told as facts. John was learning that war was the mother of lies. He believed only what men had seen with their own eyes, and but little of that. 'It was incredible how people described in detail things they had witnessed, but which had never occurred. Had a British army landed? It had. It had not. Where was it? It was in Belgium. It was in France. It was at the training camps in England. There was plenty of information, and one could choose whatever he liked best. John and Carstairs looked at each other in dismay. They had a car, but where were they to go. At least they carried dispatches for a British army which some of the French believed to be in France. But Wharton took no notice of the diffi culty. He was silent, and preoccupied with their tri umphant arrival that was coming. John asked the most questions, and at last he found a woman whose words seemed to be based upon fact and not imagination. She had a cousin who was em ployed in the telegraph, and her cousin told her, that British troops had landed, that some of them at least had reached Paris, and then had gone north toward Belgium, the region of Mons or Charleroi, she believed. She spoke quietly and with much detail, and John be lieved that she had a mind able to tell the truth without exaggeration, He held a brief conference with Carstairs, who had now replenished the gasoline, and who had also put stores of food in the car. Carstairs agreed with him that the statement was probably correct, and that at any rate they ought to govern them selves in accordance with it. They did not consult Wharton, who they knew was thinking only of the papers. John took the wheel. Like Wharton he did not know much about driving, but it vas a time when one had to do things. Carstairs soon fell asleep, but Whar ton sat rigidly erect, staring before him. John had felt the emotion of triumph strongly that morning, but now much of it was departing. The country was growing more beautiful than ever. He had never seen any outside his own to match it. This had the advantage of age and youth combined. Build ings were gray and soft with centuries, but the earth itself was fresh and eternal with youth. But he knew beyond any shred of doubt that it would soon be torn to pieces by the fighting millions. There was no occasion for haste now, as they must feel the way, and they were beyond the German ad vance. While Carstairs slept and Wharton stared ahead he examined the country. Once they passed near a town of considerable size, and he saw on a hill, in the center of it a great gray cathedral, its fine stonework glittering like tracery. Then he saw the graybeards, the women, and the young boys and girls coming into the fields to work. All the men of fighting age were gone. He had seen the same in Germany, but it struck him anew with pain ful force, this turning of millions of workers upon one another, weapons in hand. John stopped beside the fields once or twice and talked with the peasants. The old men could tell him nothing. They were stolid and stoical. Yes, there was war, but it was not any business of theirs to find where the armies were marching, and his heart went out more strongly than ever to the people, over whom military ambition and the folly of kings were driving the wheels of cannon. It was well toward midday before he secured any real information. They encountered at the crossing of a brook a small French patrol under a lieutenant, an intelligent man, whom by lucky chance Carstairs had met two weeks before. He told them that going at a moderate rate they could reach by the next morning a large French army which lay north and west. Some British troops he did not know how many had come up, and they were on the extreme left of the allied line. More were ex pected. In front of them were great masses of the Germans. They gav
e him their own news, and then with mu tual good wishes they drove on, Carstairs now at the wheel, and their pace increased. It was agreed that they should hasten much more, as soon as they were absolutely sure of the way. Wharton, for the first time, took part in the talk. "When we have a definite point to aim at," he said, "we must take every risk and race for it. If we don't deliver these documents promptly to the generals we ought to be shot." "We won't be shot for the lack of trying, Wharton," said John, "but if we go racing along the wrong road we'll be that much farther from our right direction." "We ought to see more patrols soon," said Carstairs. "They'll surely be watching all through this region." "Likely enough we'll find 'em in that wood ahead," said John, pointing to a long stretch of forest that clothed a group of hills. "It's just the place for 'em. From the top of that highest hill they can see for miles." Carstairs increased their speed, and the car shot for ward. It was a fine motor, John thought, and the bombardment it had received had not hurt it much. That German prince certainly knew how to select a car, and he had fortified it in a splendid manner. John was smiling to himself again in satisfaction, as they dipped down the valley and entered the forest, which in that country they would certainly call a great one. Its shade was pleasant, too, as the beams of the sun were now vertical and hot. "Nice region," said John approvingly. "See that old castle off there to the left." An ancient castle, decayed and abandoned, crowned a little hill. Around it was a moat dry for genera tions, and one of the Norman towers had fallen down. It was a somber picture of lonely desolation. "I suppose some fine old robber of a baron lived in that," said John, "and preyed upon the country, until he reached the hunting grounds of other robbers like himself." "Deucedly draughty and uncomfortable they must have been," said Carstairs. "We've some of 'em in my country, but they must have been pretty hard living for my lord and my lady." "I don't see that we have much advantage over those old fellows," said John thoughtfully. "They were little robbers, and here are all the countries of Europe trying to tear one another to pieces. After all, Carstairs, I'm beginning to think the Americans are the only really civilized people." Carstairs grinned. "You can't do it, Scott," he said, "you can't take Wharton's place. I'll argue with him about the mer its of Briton and Yankee. It's his time-honored right, but I'll have no dispute with you." Wharton smiled a stern assent. "Then we'll let it go," said John, "but do you no tice that this is a real forest. It must cover a half dozen square miles. I suppose that in your country they would call it the Royal Forest or by some such high-sounding name." "Never you mind what we'd call it," rejoined Carstairs, "but whatever it is it's evident that something violent is going on within its shades! Listen!" John started upright in his seat, as he heard the crackle of three or four shots so close together that they were almost in a volley, and then the sound of feet running swiftly. They stopped the machine, and a figure, stained, bleeding and desperate, emerged from the forest. "A fugitive!" exclaimed John. "But from what?" said Carstairs. "The Germans, of course!" said Wharton. The man, stained with blood, ragged and dirty came at great bounds, and before any one could put out a detaining hand he sprang into the car. "Help, for God's sake!" he cried. "I'm a spy in the service of France, and the Uhlans are coming down through the wood after me!" "Help you!" exclaimed Carstairs. "Of course we will! Any friend of France is a friend of ours!" He bent low over the wheel once more in his old speeding attitude, and the car shot forward like an arrow. CHAPTER XII THE ABANDONED CHATEAU JOHN glanced back toward the point from which the shots had come, but it was already hidden by the curve of the hill. Moreover, the car was going so fast now that the Uhlans would be left as if standing still, and he turned his attention to the man who had crumpled at his very feet. The stranger lay in a heap on the floor of the car, his breath coming in short gasps from sobbing lungs. There were red stains on .the arms and right shoulder of his coat. John felt a great pity and dragged him into one of the seats. Then he uttered a cry of surprise. The features under their mask of blood and dirt were familiar. "Weber!" he exclaimed. Weber stared back. "You, whom I met at the inn!" he said, "and your friends!" "Yes, we're all here," said John cheerily. "This is indeed a singular chance!" "A most fortunate one for me," said Weber, straightening himself, and endeavoring to arrange his clothing it appeared that his pride was returning. "After this I shall think that Providence is watching over me. A man on foot seeking to escape has little chance against horsemen. I saw the automobile moving slowly and I sprang into it, intending to make the appeal which has been successful." "Look who's here," said John to his comrades. "We've rescued Weber, the Alsatian, from the Uhlans. Battered a bit, but still in the ring and good for many another escape." "So it is," said Carstairs, reaching back a hand. "We happened along just in time, Weber. It's a way we three have. I've no doubt that we'll rescue you at least a half dozen times more." Weber grasped the proffered hand and shook it eag erly. Wharton bowed in a friendly manner, but he was still preoccupied. His hand rested on that point in his coat, beneath which the papers lay, and his thoughts were not with the fourth arrival in the car. "Your wounds!" said John. "This is an automobile of princes, and for the present we are the princes. "I've no doubt we can find in these lockers and draw ers material of which to make bandages." "They're slight. They don't matter," said Weber. "Pay no attention to them at a time like this. I know that you must be going toward the main French army, and time is of value. My strength is coming back now, and my courage, too. I will admit I was frightened. I thought my time had come. Perhaps that may seem a disgraceful confession, but it's true." "Not disgraceful at all," said John sympathetically. "I haven't been a soldier more than a few days, but it's been long enough to teach me that brave men are often scared. What were you doing and how did you happen to come so near to being caught?" "I've been inside the German lines. Oh, they're not so far away! And I was slipping out. II had passed all, but a body of Uhlans, under a captain, von Boehlen, an uncommonly shrewd man. If I had been caught by him I would now be singing with the angels in Paradise." He smiled faintly. "I've met von Boehlen," said John, "and if he sus pected you, you acted wisely to run with all your might. I saw him in Dresden on the eve of the war, and I've seen him since, though at some distance." "We'll forget my narrow escape now," said Weber cheerfully. "One can't remember such things long in these times." "They're tremendous times." "So tremendous that as soon as you've made one es cape with your life you're due for another." "You haven't heard of any Germans on this road?" "No, but they're raiding far and wide, and von Boehlen will attempt anything." "We've had uncommon luck so far, and I think it will continue. I see you're admiring our automobile. I wasn't jesting, when I told you it belonged to a prince." "It's rather small for an armored car. They usually have seven or eight men in them." "Yes, and it's fortunate for us that it's small. I told you luck was running our way. But as it is, it's a pretty heavy strain on the man at the wheel, although Carstairs there is an expert." "I'm a pretty good chauffeur," said Weber, "and whenever Mr. Carstairs wishes it I'll relieve him at the wheel. Besides I know the country thoroughly, and I can take advantage of every short cut." "I'll call on you soon," said Carstairs. "A lot of my enthusiasm for speeding has gone out of me. My arms ache all the time, but I'm good for another hour yet." Weber did not insist. John understood why, as it was patent that he needed rest. He made himself comfortable in the seat, and the others left him in peace. The machine rolled on swiftly and smoothly. It was one of the beautiful roads so common in France, and John felt scarcely a jar. A full sun tinted the green country with gold. The warmth was penetrating and soothing. John had lost so much sleep and the nervous drain had been so great that his eyelids became heavy. They came to a clear little brook, and decided to stop that all might have a drink. Weber used the chance also to bathe his face and hands and get rid entirely of blood, dirt and dust. He seemed then to John a rather hand some man, having the touch of the scholar in his face. John walked about a little, stretching his arms, and thumping his chest in order to make himself more wakeful. But when he ret
urned to the automobile, and SHt down in the cushioned seat the old sleepiness returned. The effort to keep the eyelids from going down was painful. Carstairs in the driver's seat also yawned prodigiously. "All my strength has returned now, and my nerve has come with it," said Weber. "Let me take the wheel. I see that you three are exhausted, as well you may be after such tremendous energy and so many dangers. I don't boast, when I say that I'm a good driver." "Take the wheel, and welcome," said Carstairs, yawning prodigiously and retreating to a seat in the body of the car, beside John. It was evident that Weber understood automobiles. He handled the wheel with a practised hand, and sent it forward with a skill and delicacy of touch equal to that of Carstairs. "It is, indeed, a beautiful machine," he said. "Splendid work went into the making of it, and I can well believe as you do that it belonged to a prince." John 's sleepiness increased. The motion was so smooth and pleasant! And the absence of danger and strained effort lulled one to slumber. He fought it off, and then concluded that he was foolish. Why shouldn't he go to sleep? Carstairs was asleep already and Wharton, who felt such a tremendous weight of responsibility, was nodding. His eyelids fell. He raised them with a desperate effort, but they fell again and remained closed. When John awoke a dimness over the western hills showed that the twilight was advancing. Through sleepy eyes he saw Weber's back as he bent a little over the wheel, steering steadily. The road now led through forest. "Where are we, Weber?" he asked. "Ah, awake are you," said the Alsatian, not looking back. "You saved my life, but it was most fortu nate that you had the chance of doing it. Other wise all of you would have perished from lack of sleep." "Lack of sleep? What's that?" exclaimed Carstairs, waking up and hearing the last words. "Why, I'm always lacking sleep. I believe the greatest hardship of war is the way it deprives you of sleep. When I've helped take Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and other important German cities, and this war's over, I'm going back to England to sleep a month, and if anybody wakes me before the right time there'll be a merry civil war in that blessed isle." Wharton, who had been somewhat uneasy in his sleep, woke up in turn, and his hand flew to his tightly buttoned coat. But he felt the papers safely there and his heart resumed its natural beat. Yet he was angry with himself. No man who carried perhaps the fate of a continent should ever close his eyes a moment. "We're crossing a range of hills," said Weber, replying as soon as he could to John's question. "We've been making good time. We ought to strike the French line by midnight and then our journey will be over." "And I'll be glad when we get there," said Carstairs. "I love automobiles, but I've had enough for the present even of such a fine machine as this. I judge that we slept well, Mr. Weber." "I never saw two sleep better," replied Weber. "Mr. Wharton was a little troubled in his slumbers though." "Oh, he's a very grave individual with great responsibilities," said Carstairs. But he did not add anything about the dispatches. "A little farther back," said Weber, "I saw a biplane. Although it was high in air I'm quite sure from its make that it was German." "Scouting," said John. "It was pretty venturesome to come this far west." "The Germans shun no risks," said Weber, gravely. "The biplane flew back toward the east. It did not alarm me greatly, but I saw another thing that did. Just before you awoke I noticed a gleam in the valley to the right, and I know that it was made by a sunbeam falling on the spiked helmet of a Uhlan." The three stiffened with alarm, not so much for themselves as for their errand. Wharton's hand moved again toward the pocket, containing the papers, which had transformed him into a man with but a single thought. "Uhlans here close to this road!" exclaimed John. "Do you think it can be von Boehlen?" "It may be. On the whole I think it probable," replied Weber. "Von Boehlen is a most daring man, and to scout along the skirts of the French army would be the most natural thing for him to do. I'm going to speed up a bit that is, if you gentlemen agree that it's necessary." "Of course," said John, and the machine sprang for ward. He had taken the prince's glasses as his own share of the spoil. They were of great power, and now he searched the forest with them for their enemies. He soon found that Weber, was right. He saw steel helmets on the right, and then he saw them on the left. They were surely Uhlans, and evidently they had seen the car. He quickly put away the glasses and snatched up his rifle. "You were right, Weber," he exclaimed. "They're German cavalry, and they've begun to pursue us. Faster! Faster! This machine can leave any horse men behind!" Weber turned back a despairing face. "The car is doing its best!" he said. "Something has gone wrong with the machinery!" He wrenched at the wheel, but he produced no such speed as that which Carstairs had got out of the car, when they were fleeing from the German automobiles. The two forces of Uhlans had now joined and were in the road galloping in swift pursuit. Many of them car ried lances, which glittered in the late sun. The sight of the steel points made John shiver. It would be horrible to feel one of them in his back. He turned to his machine gun. A touch of that old madness returned. The sight of the Uhlans had set his brain on fire. "I'll teach you not to come too close, my fine lads," he said. He aimed the gun and undertook to start the mechanism, but nothing moved. No shots came. He jerked at it widly, but it refused to budge. It was jammed, and it would take a long time to put it in order. His heart stood still and a cold perspiration came out on his face. How did it happen? Was it possible that he had left it in such a condition? "What's the matter, John?" asked Wharton. "The machine gun's jammed, and I can't fire a shot. The car seems to be breaking down, too. Don't you see that the Uhlans are gaining!" "So, they are," said Wharton. He and John snatched up their rifles and fired rap idly at the horsemen. Some of the bullets struck, but did not impede the pursuit. Carstairs pushed Weber out of the driver's seat, and seized the wheel himself. All his pride and confidence were aroused, and he did not have time to be polite., He could get the speed out of that machine and save them. But it did not obey his hand. It staggered along like a tired man. Weber was right again. Something had gone wrong with the internal organism, and one could not stop to right it with pursuing Uhlans only a few hundred yards away. "What shall we do?" exclaimed Weber. "Shall we jump for it and run? We may escape in the shelter of the forest?" "Not yet," replied Carstairs firmly. "Not yet for three of us, though it may be best for you, since you'll be executed as a spy, when you're taken." "If you don't go, I don't go either," said Weber. "We'll all stay together." "Brave man!" said Carstairs admiringly. But he had time for no more words. He was wrenching at the machine as a rider for his life would pull at the mouth of a stubborn horse. Crippled as it was he managed to drag a little increase of speed from it. The Uhlans had dropped back somewhat and none of them fired. John believed that they refrained because they were sure of a capture. Wharton suddenly uttered a cry. "A river," he exclaimed. "It's not more than five hundred yards ahead!" His cry was echoed by Weber, but its tone was very different. The Alsatian's voice showed despair. "I had forgotten," he exclaimed. "The river is too deep for fording, and the French have blown up the bridge! We're trapped!" A deep flush came into the face of Carstairs. As in the case of John a touch of his first madness was returning. The three comrades were now wild to gether. "Can you swim?" he shouted back to John. "Yes!" "And you?" to Wharton. "Yes!" "And you, too?" to Weber. "Yes, fairly well; but what do you mean?" "You wait two or three minutes and you'll see some thing. But when it's time to swim all of you be ready for it!" A great shout came from the Uhlans, who had be gun to gain again, and who could not notv keep from seeing the river that cut off the fugitives. But Carstairs wrenched another pound or two of speed out of the automobile, and it shot forward. "Stop! Stop for God's sake!" cried Weber. "You'll drown us all! It's better to jump out and take to the woods!" "Never!" cried Carstairs, his daring flaming to the utmost. "We captured the automobile of a prince, and we'll not give it back again! Ah, the machine is returning to life! Look how much faster we're going! On, my beauty! Your last and greatest run is before you!" The machine seemed to come out of its maimed and crippled condition, its strength flaring up for the last burst of speed. The jarring and jerking ceased and the road flew behind it.
The river came near at an astonishing rate, and John saw that it was wide and deep. He saw, too, the pillars of the ruined bridge, and he heard another cry from Weber, who started to spring out, but drew back. Carstairs uttered a wild shout, and then the automo bile, leaping far out into the stream, where the bridge had been, sank beneath the deep waters. John had prepared himself for the desperate stroke, and before the machine touched the surface he had sprung clear. Then he struck out desperately for the opposite bank, and his heart filled with gladness, when he saw Wharton and Carstairs swimming almost by his side. They reached the shore before the Uhlans could come up, and darted into the shelter of the forest, where they threw themselves down on the ground and lay panting, every touch of wildness gone. "Is Weber here?" asked John. "No," replied Wharton, who felt of his papers again, and saw that they were wet, but safe. "Did either of you see him?" "Not after the auto made its jump." "Then he must have been drowned. Poor fellow! But I'd rather be drowned than be executed as a spy." It saddened them. They had learned to like Weber, and, having saved him once, they were sorry they could not save him twice. But one could not mourn long at such a time. The more daring of the Uhlans would certainly swim the river and continue the pursuit, and it was for the three to hide their trail as soon as possible. John rose first. "Come, boys," he said. "Our clothes will dry faster while we're running." "Put it that way if you like," said Carstairs. "At any rate I'm going to toddle." They had lost their rifles, but they had their automatic pistols which might be of service in spite of their dips, but they wished to avoid the need of their use. They already heard the splashes as the Uhlans made their horses leap into the river, and they ran at their best speed through the forest, coming presently to a vineyard, which they crossed between the rows of vines, finding a high wire fence on the other side. As they darted between the strands they recognized that they could have no better barrier between them and pursuing horsemen. Near them on the left was a large chateau, with a flower garden in front and a kitchen garden behind. They resisted the inevitable temptation of man to run to a roof for shelter and protection, and sped instead into the dense foliage and shrubbery that spread away toward the fields. There they threw themselves down again and panted for the breath that came so hardly through their exhausted lungs. But they did not hear the sinister tread of the Uhlans, nor did they notice the presence of any human being, a fact which for the present failed to impress them, because the Uhlans filled their minds. Five minutes, ten, fifteen passed and still no sound. "Perhaps they think we're drowned," whispered John. "They were not near enough to see us swim away from the automobile." "I hope you're right, and maybe you are," said Wharton. "In any case I don't think they'll hunt for us long. We're not important enough for them to waste time on when they're so near the French lines." "I'm going to stay where I am until I hear the tread of hoofs," said Carstairs. "I'm drying fast and it's comfortable lying here under the vines. You didn't lose those papers, when we were in the river; did you, Wharton?" "They're safe in my pocket," replied Wharton, "and I had them wrapped up so thoroughly that they didn't have a chance to get wet." "If Jhe Uhlans don't find us in the next half hour," said John, "it's quite certain they won't find us at all. They won't spend more time than that on us." Then they lay quite still, sheltered well under the vines. Their armored car, the car of the prince was now lying at the bottom of the river, but it had served them well. John was sure that they would find some other means of reaching the Franco-British army. He was fast learning that ways nearly always opened to daring and persistence. The half hour passed, and no Uhlans appeared. They had crossed the river, as the splashes indicated, but, doubtless, finding no trail of the fugitives, they had believed them pinned under the car at the bottom of the river, and had gone away on some other more profitable quest. But the three waited another half hour for the sake of precaution, and then came from under the vines. Twilight was now at hand, and they realized that they were physically weak after so much excitement and exertion. "I might be able to limp along through the night," said Wharton, "but I doubt it." "I know I can't," said Carstairs. "Why try to go on?" said John. "Here's a house. Being in France it must be inhabited by French sympathizers. They'll shelter us and give us food." "I think we'd better try it," said Carstairs. "I agree with you," said Wharton, "but I think it strange that we've seen nobody attached to this place. So large a house and grounds must have at least twenty people about, and an affair like ours would certainly attract their attention. Yet, we see no body." "That's so," said John. "Suppose we wait a bit it's darkening fast and see what's happened." They still stood among the vines, and, as the night was coming on and their clothing was only partially dried, they shivered with chill. The tile roof of the chateau, showing among the trees looked attractive. But no light appeared in any of the windows, and not a sound came from the house itself, nor any of the buildings about it. The windows glittered like fire with the last rays of the' sun, and then the darkness soon swept down, heavy and thick. The three holding their automatics, and shivering in the chill wind of the night, approached the silent chateau. John felt a little awe, too. Chance certainly was taking him into strange places, and he was devoutly glad that he had two good comrades by his side. They passed out of the vineyard and entered the grounds, which were large, adorned with ancient trees, several statues, and a fountain, in which the water was still playing. The moonlight, coming out now, gave to the chateau an appearance of great age. "I fancy that some old noble family lived here," he said. "It must have been quite a place once." "Whoever they are, evidently they have no welcome for us," said Carstairs, "but I'm going in, anyhow. Whew, this wind cuts to the bone!" "I'm just as cold as you are," said John, "and I'm just as much resolved as you are to find shelter here, whether I'm asked in or not. It may belong to a noble family, but I'm a nobleman myself, a king, one of a hundred million American kings." 'Then, king, you lead," said Carstairs. "It's your place. Go right up those steps." A half dozen marble steps led to the great central door, and John walked up boldly, followed closely by the others. He lifted a huge brass knocker, and beat heavily with it again and again. No sound came back but its echo. "Push, king," said Carstairs. "Any door will open to royalty. Besides your majesty has been insulted by the refusal to answer your summons." John pushed hard, and the great door swung back slowly, quivering a little, but with the automatic in his hand, he walked into a hall, the other two at his shoulders. They closed the door behind them and stood there for a little space, accustoming their eyes to the dusk. It was a long hall with tall windows, through which a faint light filtered. To the right was a stairway, on the first step of which was a figure, of complete medieval armor. Several faded pictures of ancient knights hung on the walls. "It's old, very old," said Carstairs, "but its owners, whoever they are, have left with all their people. There's nobody to dispute our claim to lodgings, but did you ever see anything more lonesome?" "There's a double door, leading into the interior of the house," said John. "Let's explore." They entered a large apartment which John took to be the drawing-room. It was at once splendid and dignified, furnished in a style at least two centuries old. John liked it, and thought what it would be when it was filled with light and people. A magnificent chandelier hung from the ceiling, and there were ornamented sconces about the walls, all containing many candles. Evidently the owner of this chateau scorned such modern lights as gas and electricity. "We might light a candle or two," said Carstairs. "Doubtless we can find matches about." "No! No!" exclaimed Wharton. "I'm not at all sure that we're safe here from intrusion!" "Think you're right," said Carstairs. "Let's explore further." "Then I vote that we go downward," said John. "I've gathered from my reading that in the big European houses the kitchens are below stairs, and just now a kitchen will be much more welcome to me than a drawing-room." True to John's reading the kitchen and storerooms were in the basement. Nothing had been disturbed, and they found ample food. Carstairs discovered a wine cellar, and he returned with a bottle of champagne. "It's an old and famous vintage," he sai
d, "and there'll be no harm in taking one." "Here's a furnace in the cook-room," said John, "and billets of wood. Suppose we make a fire, and dry ourselves thoroughly while we eat and drink. It's too far down for the reflections of the flames to be seen outside." The others promptly agreed with him. All wanted to get rid of the wet chill which struck so deeply into their bodies. A search disclosed matches, and John built the fire which was soon burning redly in the furnace. What a glorious warmth it threw out! It created them anew, and they realized that light and heat were the great vital elements of the world. They drew a table before the fire, and put upon it the food and the bottle of champagne. "We've been made welcome here after all," said John. "The souls of the absent owners have provided these things for us." "That's dreamy sort of talk, John," said Wharton. "Maybe, but I'll go further and say that the house itself invited us to come in. I've an idea that a house doesn't like to be abandoned and lonely. It prefers to be filled with people and to hear the sounds of voices and laughter. These old European houses which have sheltered generation after generation must be the happiest houses of all. I'd like to live in a house like this, and I'd like for a house like this to like me. It would help life a lot for a house and its occupant to be satisfied with each other." "We feel that way in England about our old country houses," said Carstairs, "and you'll come to it, too, in America, after a while." "No doubt, but will you have a little more of this champagne? Only a half glass. I don't believe the owner, who must be a fine French gentleman, would ever begrudge it to us." "Just a little. We're rather young for champagne, we three, but we've been doing men's work, and we've been through men's dangers. I wonder what they're doing along the Strand, tonight, John!" "The same that they've been doing every night for the last hundred years. But you listen to me, Carstairs, old England will have to wake up. This war can't be won by dilettantes." "Oh, she'll wake up. Don't you worry. It's not worth while to get excited." "To take a serious view of a serious situation is not to grow excited. You Britishers often make me tired. To pretend indifference in the face of everything is obviously an affectation, and becomes more offensive than boasting." "All right, I won't resent it. Here, John, take an ot her piece of this cold ham. I didn't know they had such fine ham in France." "They've a lot of splendid things in France," retorted John, in high, good humor, "and we'll find it out fast. I'm thinking the French soldiers will prove a good deal better than some people say they are, and this chateau is certainly fine. It must have been put here for our especial benefit." "Now that we've eaten all we want and our clothing is dried thoroughly," said Carstairs, "I suggest that we put out the fire. There isn't much smoke, but it goes up that flue and escapes somewhere. Even in the night the Germans might see it." "Good advice, Carstairs," said Wharton. "You're as intelligent sometimes as the Americans are all the time." "Pleasant children you Americans." "Some day we'll save the aged English from destruction." "Meanwhile we'll wait." They extinguished the fire, carefully put away all the dishes they had used, restored everything to its pristine neatness, and then the three yawned prodig iously. "Bedrooms next," said Carstairs. "Do you propose that we spend the night here," said Wharton. "That's my idea. We're worn out. We've got to sleep, somewhere. No use breaking ourselves down, and we've found the chateau here waiting for us." "What about the Germans?" "We'll have to take our chances. War is nothing but a chain of chances, so far as your life is concerned." The other two wanted to be persuaded, and they yielded readily, but John insisted upon one precaution. "Old houses like this are likely to have isolated chambers," he said. "Some of them I suppose have their secret rooms, and if we can find such a place, lock the door on ourselves, and go to sleep in it we're not likely to wake up prisoners of the Germans." Wharton and Carstairs approved of his suggestion, and they examined the house thoroughly. John concluded from the presence of all the furniture and the good order in which they found everything that the departure of its owners had been hasty, perhaps, too, with the expectation of a return on the morrow. The room that they liked best they found on the third floor, not a secret chamber, but one that chance visitors to the house would not be likely to see. A narrow stairway starting near it led down through the rear of the house, and the door was fastened with a heavy lock in which the key remained. It contained only some boxes, and John surmised that it was a storeroom. But it seemed to suit their purpose admirably, and, bringing blankets from one of the bedrooms, they made their beds on the flobr. John was the last to go to sleep. The others were slumbering soundly before he lay down, but he stood a little while at the single window, looking out. The window was closed ordinarily with a heavy shutter, which was now sagging open. The boughs of a great tree waved almost against it. The night was clear, but John saw nothing unusual outside. The chateau, and all its buildings and grounds were bathed in clear moonlight. The only sound was the soothing murmur of leaves before a light wind. It was hard to realize that a great war was sweeping Europe, and that they were in the thick of it. But utter exhaustion claimed him, too, and soon three instead of two were sleeping soundly. CHAPTER XIII ON THE ROOF JOHN was awakened by the measured thud of heavy boots. It resembled the goosestep of the German army, and he turned over in order to stop the unpleasant dream. But it did not stop, and he sat up. Then it was louder, and it also had an echo. His heart thumped wildly for a moment or two. The tread was inside the house, and it was made by many men. He slipped to the window, and his heart thumped more wildly than ever. The lawn was covered with German troops, most of them on horse back, the helmets of the Uhlans glittering in the moon light. Officers stood on the steps at the main door, and at the edge of the vineyard were cannon. John thought at first that they were lost. Then he remembered their precaution in securing an obscure and isolated room. The Germans might not trouble themselves about ransacking an abandoned house. At least there was hope. He awoke his comrades in turn, first clasping his hands over their mouths lest they speak aloud. "We have fellow guests," he said. "The Germans are sharing the house with us." "Yes, I hear their boots on the steps," said Wharton. "What are we to do?" John again resumed the leadership. "Do nothing," he replied. "Do nothing as hard and continuously as we can. Our door is locked. It's natural that it should be so, only we must slip out the key, so it will appear that the owners having locked the door, took the key away with them. Then we'll lie quiet, and see what happens." "It's the thing to do," said Carstairs, "because we can do nothing else. But I don't believe I can go to sleep, not to the chorus of German boots on the steps." John slipped the big key from the lock and put it in a corner. Then he lay down again beside the other two. They could hear better with their ears to the floor. It was a solid and heavily built house in the European fashion. Nevertheless they heard the tread from many parts of it, and the sound of voices also. "It's an invasion," whispered Carstairs. "They're all over the shop." "Looks like it," said John, "but I've a notion that we're safe here unless they conclude to burn the house. The German advance is so rapid it doesn't seem likely to me they'll stay longer than tonight." "Still I can't sleep." John laughed to himself. He was becoming so thoroughly hardened to danger that the complaint of Carstairs amused him. "They've got an affection for the top of the house," said Wharton, "You can hear them pounding through the upper rooms, and even on the roof." "But nobody has tried our door yet," said Carstairs, "and it's a consoling thought." They lay a long time, and heard the continual thump of feet about the place. It suggested at first the thought of plunder, but when John peeped out he did not see anybody bearing things from the house. He beheld instead a sight that caused him to summon the others. A young man had ridden up, and, as he dismounted, all the officers, several of whom were in the uniform of generals, paid him marked deference. "It's a prince," whispered Carstairs. "It may be the Crown Prince himself, but I can't say, the light isn't good enough." "And there are other princes behind him," said Wharton. "See the officers still kotowing. I didn't suspect that we had taken a room in a royal resi dence." "I'd give a lot to know what they're about," said Carstairs. "Some
thing big must be afoot." "They're still moving about the house," said John. "We've got to wait. That's all." They went back to their places on the floor, and waited as best they could, but they heard the sounds for a long time. After an interminable period they went back to the window and saw the prince and the cavalry riding away. The cannon too departed. A dozen Uhlans however remained posted on horseback about the house. The noises inside ceased. "I can't make it out," whispered Carstairs. "Why should they go away and leave those Uhlans there guarding the house?" "There must be something inside very precious to them," replied John. "But what is it? Apparently the house itself is abandoned by all save ourselves." "I don't know the answer, but my watch tells me it's far in the night. We've had our sleep and rest, and we must try to slip by the Uhlans and get away. Now's the time too." "Right you are, John," said Wharton, as he felt once more of his precious pocket. "We can't linger, and risk being caught in a trap here." "But I hear somebody still moving about the cha teau," said Carstairs. "Wait a minute, boys." He looked through the empty keyhole, and an nounced that he saw a faint light or the reflection of a light in the hall. "Something's on foot," he said. "If their officers are sleeping here I should think they'd take the lower rooms, but it seems to me that they're fond of the top of the house, overfond of it." John who was peeping out at the window once more announced that the Uhlans were still keeping a vigi lant watch. They were riding slowly back and forth, and he had no doubt there were others in the rear of the chateau. "But I repeat we mustn't linger," said Wharton. "Suppose we hold our automatics ready and slip out." "Suits me," said John, and he cautiously unlocked the door. The three with their hands on their weapons stepped into the hall, where they noticed the faint glimmer of light, of which Carstairs had spoken. They stood there silently for a moment or two, pressing themselves against the wall, where they would be in the shadow. "I think the light conies from above," said Carstairs. "You'll notice that the little stairway leads upward, apparently to the roof." Wharton held up his hand, and the three were so still they scarcely breathed. "Don't you hear it?" whispered Wharton. "That sound from the roof, the sputtering and crackling." "I do hear it," said John, listening with all ears. "It's a faint sound, almost like the light crackling of fire. What does it mean Wharton?" "The wireless." "The wireless?" "Yes, while we were sleeping the Germans were installing a wireless outfit on the roof, and it's talking. I tell you, boys, it's talking at a great rate, and it's saying something. You mayn't have noticed it, but the chateau stands on a hill, with a clear sweep, and our wireless here is having a big talk with distant sta tions. We've been sleeping, but the Germans never sleep." "I suppose you know what you're talking about, Wharton, and you're sure it's a wireless outfit," said John. "It's impossible for me to be wrong. I could never mistake the sound of the wireless for anything else." "And it's there o n the roof of this chateau, which belongs to us by right of occupancy, chattering away to German forces elsewhere!" said Carstairs in an in dignant whisper. "It's doing a lot more than chattering," said Wharton. "They wouldn't install a wireless^pn the roof of a house at this time of the night, rrierely for a little idle summer conversation. You saw that a prince and generals came here, and undoubtedly they ordered it done." "Whatever they're talking about," said Carstairs, "it's not likely they're talking about us, so now is our chance to slip away." "I'm not going to leave the chateau just now," said Wharton. "Then what are you going to do?" "I'd like to see the wireless on the roof and the man who is working it." John glanced at Wharton. The light was very dim, but he noticed a spark in Wharton's eye, and he knew that something unusual was working in the back of his head. "I think I'd like to have a look at the roof myself," he whispered. "If you chaps are bent on going up there," said Carstairs, "I'm bound to go with you. But we'd bet ter keep our automatics in our hands." They emerged from the shadow of the wall, and reached the foot of the stairway that led to the roof. The door at the top was open, as the moonlight was shining down, and Wharton boldly led the way, walking on tiptoe, his automatic in his hand. At the open door John and Carstairs crowded up by his side, and three pairs of eyes peeped out at once. They saw two men on the roof both with their backs turned to them. One was the operator of the wire less, sitting on a camp stool, working the instrument. , The other, in an officer's uniform, was dictating mes sages. John surmised that they were talking with a station to the eastward, where some lofty ranges of hills ran. But Whartpn was the most deeply stirred of the three. The sea^c in his eye was enlarging and glowing more btjpfflit, an d a great resolve had formed in his mind. "ThereV AAhing that we can do here," said Carstairs. "Wt'd better go at once." "We're not going," said Wharton in a fierce whis per. "I can use the wireless, and that's just the instrument on which I wish to exercise my skill. I've heard enough to know they're not talking in code." "Wharton, you are mad!" said John. "If so, I'm mad in a good cause. Inside of ten minutes some German general will be hearing remark able news from this station." "I tell you again you're mad." "And I tell you again I'm not. I'm a crack wireless operator and this is my chance to prove it. I'm going up there. All who are afraid can turn back." "You know that if you're resolved to go mad we'll go mad with you. What do you want us to do?" "John, club your automatic, and hit that officer on the back of the head with it. Hit hard. Don't kill him, but you must knock him unconscious at the first blow. Carstairs and I will choke all but a spark of life out of the operator." The three emerged from the stairway upon the flat portion of the roof where the wireless plant had been installed not more than four or five feet away. They made not the slightest sound as they stole forward, but even had they made it the two Germans were so deeply absorbed in their talk through the air that they would not have heard it. John felt compunctions at striking an unsuspecting enemy from behind, but their desperate need put strength in his blow. The officer fell without a cry and lay motionless. At the same instant Wharton and Carstairs seized the operator by the throat, and dragged him down. He was a small spectacled man and he was only a child in the hands of two powerful youths. In a minute or two and almost without noise they bound him with strips of his own coat, and gagged him with a handkerchief. Then they stretched him out on the roof and turned to John's victim. The man lay on his face. His helmet had fallen off and rolled some distance away, a ray of moonlight tip ping the steel spike with silver. A dark red stain appeared in his hair where the pistol butt had descended. The figure was that of a powerful man, and the set of the shoulders seemed familiar to John. He rolled him over, and disclosed the face of von Boehlen. Again he felt compunction for that blow, not because he liked the captain, but because he knew him. "It's von Boehlen," he said, "and I hope I haven't killed him." Carstairs inserted his hand under his head and felt of the wound. "You haven't killed him," he said, "but you struck hard enough to make him a bitter enemy. The skull isn't fractured at all, and he'll be reviving in a few minutes. He's a powerful fellow, and we'd better truss him up as we have his friend here." While Carstairs and Wharton were binding and gagging von Boehlen, John went to the railing about five feet in height that surrounded the central or flat part of the roof, the rest sloping away. The railing would hide what was .passing there from the Uhlans below, but he wanted to take a look of precaution. The men were riding up and down with their usual regularity and precision, watching every approach to the house, and making the ring of steel about it com plete. This little wheel of the German machine was working perfectly, guarding with invincible thorough ness against the expected, but taking no account of the unexpected. He came back to his comrades. "All well below," he said. Von Boehlen and the operator, the big man and the little man, were lying side by side. Von Boehlen's face was very pale, but his chest was beginning to rise and fall with some regularity. He would become conscious in three or four minutes. The operator was conscious already and he was staring at the three ap paritions. But Wharton was paying no attention to the captives. His soul fairly leaped within him as he took his seat at the instrument which was sputtering and flashing with unanswered q
uestions. "Is that the Chateau de Friant?" came the words flashing through the air. "Yes this is the Chateau de Friant," replied Wharton, learning for the first time the name of the house, in which they had made themselves at home. "Then why don't you answer? You broke off sud denly five minutes ago and we couldn't get another word from you." "Something went wrong with the instrument, but it's all right now. Go ahead. "Is Captain von Boehlen still there?" "At my elbow." "Take from his dictation the answers to the ques tions I ask you." "At once, sir. He is ready to dictate." "Have you seen anything of British troops, Captain von Boehlen?" "I have sir. I saw them marching northward this afternoon." "In what direction?" "Toward Mons." "What seemed to be their purpose?" "To effect a junction with the main French army." Wharton improvised rapidly. His whole soul was still alight. It had seldom been granted to one man, especially one so young as he to have two such oppor tunities, that of the papers, and that of the wireless, and he felt himself ready and equal to his task. "Were they in large force?" came the question out of the dark. "Larger than any of us expected." "How many do you think?" "About one hundred and fifty thousand men." For two or three minutes no other question came, and Wharton laughed silently. "I've created a hostile force of a hundred and fifty thousand men" were his unuttered words, "and they don't like it." "Is it possible for our advance column to get in be tween them and the French?" finally came the next question. "It's too late," went back the winged answer. "The column would be destroyed." "This is not in accordance with our earlier reports." "N'o sir. But both the English and French have shown amazing activity. A French force of more than one hundred thousand men, of which we have had no report before, faces our right. It is prepared to strike our line just where it is thinnest." Another silence, and Wharton's heart beat hard and fast. John standing near him, did not know what was being said through the dark, but he knew by the look on Wharton's strained face that it must be momentous. The wireless was silent, and now he heard the meas ured tread of horses' hoofs, as the Uhlans rode back and forth, guarding the wireless station against the coming of any foe. Wharton listened intently at the receiver. Were they accepting all that he said? Why shouldn't they? He had given them no answer which they could know to be wrong. "You are entirely sure of what you say?" came the question. "Entirely sir. My Uhlans and I were able to ride under cover of a forest to a point within a few hun dred yards of the enemy. We saw them in great masses." "And their field artillery?" "We were not able to count the guns, but they were very numerous." "Then it seems that we can't drive a wedge between the English and the French." "I fear that we can't sir." "Send out a portion of the Uhlans under your best officers and report to me again at daylight." "They shall go at once sir." "Then good night, Captain von Boehlen. I congratulate you upon your energy and the great service that you have done." "Thank you sir." "We may call you again in the night." "I shall be here sir." "But I won't," said Wharton, as he stepped back and smashed the receiver with the butt of his auto matic. Then as he turned away he said : "Boys, I've been talking with the Emperor himself maybe, and if not with some one very high in com mand. I'll tell you about it later, as we must waste no time in escaping from this chateau." "I hope you told the Emperor that we are here, ready to defeat him," said John. "I didn't tell him that exactly, but I told him or whoever it was something which may help us. Now, fellows, we must be off." They crippled the instrument beyond hope of repair and started. As John turned toward the stair way, he glanced at von Boehlen. The Prussian had returned to consciousness and his eyes were wide open. They bent upon John such a look of anger and hatred that the young American shuddered. And yet, John felt von Boehlen had full cause for such feelings. De spite himself he believed that they owed him an apology, and stooping a little he said: "It's been a cruel necessity, Captain von Boehlen.' War is violence." The Prussian's eyes glared back. A handkerchief in his mouth kept him from speaking, but his eyes said enough. "I hope that you and your comrade will not suffer," said John. "Your friends will find you here in the morning." Then he followed his comrades down the narrow stairway. i "What were you saying to him?" asked Carstairs. "I was apologizing for the blow I gave him from behind." "The decent thing to do." "As they descended into the lower part of the house Wharton told them more fully what he had said over the wireless, and Carstairs patted him on the back. "Good old chap," he said. "You Yankees do have bright ideas sometimes." "The next bright idea is open to any one who can furnish it," said 1 Wharton. "It's to tell us how we're to get out of the chateau." "I think there's a vineyard just behind the house," said John, "and if we can reach it we're safe. And we should be able to get there as the Uhlans are watching for people who may come to the chateau, and not for anybody going away." They explored the rear of the house and found a door opening upon a narrow flagged walk, lined on either side with pines, and leading straight to the vine yard about thirty yards away. They could make a dash for it, and a Uhlan might or might not see them. "And if they should see us," said Carstairs, "we could probably get away in the garden and the dark ness." "But we don't want 'em to discover what's hap pened on the roof," said Wharton. "Then they might send a new wireless. If we can slip away without being seen maybe they won't know what's happened to the wireless, until morning." "I think," said John, "that we'd better resort to the tactics, used long ago by the borderers in the American wilderness, and creep along the walk until we reach the vineyard." "Go ahead," said Carstairs, "I'm as good a creeper as you are. But, since it's one of your Yankee tricks, you lead." They stepped outside and instantly dropped to their hands and knees. The grass beside the walk was rather high and John led the way through it, instead of on the walk, whispering to Carstairs who was just behind him to do as he did, Carstairs in turn passing the word to Wharton. They advanced about ten yards, and then, John lay flat. The others did the same. One of the Uhlans riding on his beat was passing near the vineyard. He was a man of good eyes and he was watchful as became his service, but it was impossible for him to see the three dark figures of his enemies lying in the grass and he rode on. Then John rose to his hands and knees again, and resumed his creeping advance with the others close behind him. He could hear Carstairs muttering against this painful mode of travel, but he would not alter it, and he knew that the Englishman would be true to his word. Near the vineyard he flattened down a second time in the grass. The Uhlan was riding back again on his beat, and the most critical moment had come. He would certainly pass very near, and although the odds were against it, his eye might catch a glimpse of the three figures in the grass. Even then they might escape through the vineyard and across the wire fence which would impede the horses, but John recognized as fully as Wharton did the importance of the Uhlans believing until morning that all was well on the roof of the chateau. The beat of the horse's hoofs came near. The Uhlan was young and blond, a handsome fellow with a kindly face. John hoped that he would never have to shoot at him. But he did not see the three prone figures. It was likely that they blended with the shadows more thoroughly than John had supposed. He passed on and the danger passed on with him. "Let's get up now and run," whispered Carstairs. "Not a step until we reach the bushes," replied John. "Not a step, even if your knees and elbows are worn quite away." But it took only two or three minutes more to reach the vineyard, and they rose to a stooping po sition, Carstairs expelling his breath in a long sigh of relief. "I shall never stand up straight again," he whis pered. They ran between the vines and gained the forest, where in spite of the complaint Carstairs had made all three straightened up and began to exchange rejoicings after the manner of youth. The house showed clearly in its grounds, and they saw the dusky figures of two or three of the Uhlans, but they were outside the ring and they knew they were safe from that danger at least. But the creeping had been so painful they were compelled tc rest several minutes. Probably the most exultant of the three was Wharton, although he said the least. He had sent the wireless messages which would mislead at least a portion of the German army, enabling the English and French to close up the gap
between them, and he carried the papers of the German prince, telling how other German armies were advancing. His hand flew once more to his coat, and when it felt of the priceless packet the blood seemed to tingle in his arm, and si oot back in a stronger flood toward his heart. "And now Carstairs," said John, "you know this country better than we do. Lead us toward the British army. And as we've lost our horses and our automo bile I suppose it's to be on foot now." "It shouldn't be much farther,' said Carstairs, "and as we're all good walkers we can make it yet." Under his guidance they left the wood and entered a road which led north and west. Their sleep had refreshed them wonderfully, but above all they had the buoyancy that comes from success and hope. They had triumphed over every danger. Their hearts grew bolder and their muscles stronger, as they sped on their journey. "I never knew before how good walking could be," said John. "It's a jolly sight better than creeping and crawling," said Carstairs. "John, I don't think you'll ever get me to do that again, even to save my life." "No, but the Germans may make you do a lot of it, if you don't get some sense through your thick British head," said Wharton. "Is that you, Wharton, and are you still alive?" said Carstairs. "I'm here, all right." "Wasn't it your great president, Lincoln, who said you couldn't cross a river until you got to it?" "He said something like that." "Well, that's what we British are doing. But we're bound to admit that you've done great work for us tonight, old chap." Their hands met in the darkness in a strong and friendly grasp. "At least there's one advantage about walking," said John. "If we hear or see Uhlans it's much easier to dodge on our own feet into the woods or fields than it would be with horses or an armored car." "I'm thinking we've seen the last of the Uhlans for the time," said Carstairs. "Another hour or two ought to take us well inside our own lines. Now, what is that?" He was looking eastward where he saw a succession of white flashes on the horizon. The three stopped and watched. The white flashes reappeared at intervals for about ten minutes and they wondered. Then the solution came suddenly to John. "Powerful searchlights," he said. "The Germans have everything and of course they have them too. If necessary they'll advance in the night and fight under them." "Of course," said Carstairs. "Why didn't we think of it sooner?" A certain awe seized the three. The reputation of the German military machine had been immense throughout the world for years, and now real war was proving it to be all that was claimed for it and more. A great and numerous nation for nearly half a century had poured its best energies into the making of an invincible army. Was it possible to stop it? The three were asking themselves that question again as they watched the searchlights flashing on the horizon. "It must be up and away with us," said Carstairs. "We're the champion walkers of Northern France, and if we're to retain our titles we can't linger here. In another hour the day will come." Daylight found them at a small river. The bridge was not broken down, and they inferred that it was within the lines of defense. An hour later they learned from a peasant that a British force was camped about fifteen miles north and west, and they induced him with good gold to drive them nearly the whole way in his cart. About a mile from the road side he insisted on their getting out and drove back rapidly. "He's afraid his cart and horse would be seized," said Carstairs. "We could have forced him to go on, but we'll not set a bad example." The road now led over a hill and at its crest Carstairs took off his hat and waved it proudly. "Don't you see?" he exclaimed. "Look! Look! The British flag!" "What British flag?" said Wharton. "You've a lot of your rags." "Never mind they're all glorious. See it, waving there by the tents!" "Yes, I see it, but why are you English so excit able? Any way it's probably waving over valiant Scotchmen and Irishmen." "Wharton, you grumpy old Yankee, descendant of sour Puritan ancestors, we've won our way through in face of everything!" He seized Wharton about the waist, and the two waltzed up and down the road, while John laughed from sheer joy. "Bill come an' look at the crazy Frenchmen dancin' in the road," said a voice that reeked of the Strand. Bill who was from London himself came out of some bushes by the side of the road, and gazed with wonder at the whirling figures. John knew that they belonged on the first line of the British outposts and he said politely: "You're partly wrong. My friends are crazy right enough, b ut they're not Frenchmen. One is an Eng lishman like yourselves, and the other is an American, but regularly enlisted in the Franco-British service, as I am too." Carstairs and Wharton stopped dancing. Carstairs took off his hat, and made a deep bow to the astonished pickets. "I'm not bowing to you, though God knows you deserve it," he said. "I'm bowing instead to the British nation which is here incarnate in your khaki clad persons." "Touched a bit 'ere, Bill," said one of the men, putting his finger to his forehead. "A bit off says I too, 'Any. We used to get 'em sometimes on our 'bus in the Strand. Speak 'em gentle, and they'll stop carrying on." Carstairs exuded joy and he extended a welcoming hand. "I take it that you were the driver and conductor of a 'bus in the Strand." "Right you are sir," they replied together, and then one added: "If you'll go down to the foot of the hill you'll see the good old 'bus itself with all the signs still on it. But I'll 'ave to ask you first, sir, who you are and what do you want?" John had never thought before that the cockney accent would be so grateful to his ear, but his pleasure at seeing the men was scarcely less than that of Carstairs. They did not come from his own land, but they came from the land of his ancestors, and that was next best. Carstairs and Wharton quickly showed their dis patches. Bill promptly took them to a sergeant, and in a half hour they stood beside the general's tent in the center of ten thousand men, the vanguard of the British army. Dispatches have never been read more eagerly and when Wharton, in addition, told the story of the chateau roof and the wireless the general felt a great thrill of excitement. "I'm bound to believe all that you say," he said If looking into the three honest young faces. "Darrell, see that they have refreshment at once, because we move in an hour." Darrell, a young aide procured them food and horses. Soon the whole detachment was marching to ward the main force, and the three true to the prom ise of their Cockney friends saw London 'buses, still covered with their hideous signs lumbering along as transports. At noon they joined the chief British army, and the next day they were in touch with the French. The preceding night the three received places in wagons and slept heavily. By morning their strength was fully restored and pending the arrival of the Strangers, with whom they intended to remain they served as aides. Several days passed, but not in idleness. Incessant skirmishing went on in front, and the Uhlans were nearly always in sight. John felt the presence of vast numbers. He surmised that the British army did not number more than a hundred thousand men, but mul titudes of French were on their right and still greater multitudes of Germans were in front. It was a wonderful favor of fortune or skill that the British had not been cut off and as the German hosts, fierce and determined, poured forward, there was no certainty that it would not yet happen. John soon became at home among the English, Scotch and Irish. He found many of his own country men in their ranks and he continually heard his own language in more or less varied form. The thrilling nature of the tremendous spectacle soon made him forget to some extent the awfulness of war. Riding with his comrades at night along the front he saw again the flashing of the German search lights, and now and then came the mighty boom of the great guns. Belgian refugees told them that the advance of the Germans was like the rolling in of the sea. Their gray hosts poured forward on every road. They would be going through a village, for hours and hours, for a day, a night and then the next day, an endless gray tide, every man perfectly equipped, every man in his place, hot food always ready for them at the ap pointed time, cavalry in vast masses, and cannon past counting. The knowledge lay upon John like a weight, tre mendous and appalling, and yet he would not have been elsewhere. He was glad to be on the battle front when the fate of half a billion people was being decided. Many of the spectacular features afforded by earlier battles disappeared, but others took their place. In the clear air they sometimes saw the flashes of the giant cannon, miles away, and flying machines an
d captive balloons sprinkled the air. An army could no longer hide itself. Forests and hollows were of no avail. The scouts of the blue, looking down saw every move, and they brought word that the menace was growing heavier every hour. "We'll fight on the morrow," said John as he stood with Carstairs and Wharton before a camp fire. "I feel that the Germans will surely attack in the morning."