“It would, indeed,” was Chester’s reply; but further talk was prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi.

“And is not my son a fine, brave man?” she asked, with justifiable pride.

“He is,” said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the truth.

“Mrs. Dersi,” said Hal, “we have decided that it probably will be better for us if we take our departure at once.  I am sure there are no Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach our own lines.”

“But would it not be safer to wait until dark?” questioned the woman anxiously.

“I am afraid not,” replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester.  “We think we had better take our departure at once.”

Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the opportunity offer.  This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman’s home, continued on their weary journey toward the British lines.

CHAPTER XIII.

A fight in the dark.

Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed.  They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again.

Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later, they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue their journey afoot.  Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit.  But now, instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen.  For Young Dersi himself was with them.

Just out of sight of Dersi’s home the Germans halted, and the young man himself approached the house.  His mother greeted him effusively and inquired the cause of his sudden return.

“Well, mother,” he said, “I have accomplished my mission.  I have learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my own regiment.  But what of the two lads who were here?  Have they gone?  If not, we can all continue our journey together.”

“They departed several hours ago,” his mother informed him.

“Then perhaps I can overtake them,” said the young man.  “In which direction did they go?”

The good woman pointed out the road taken by Hal and Chester, never thinking for an instant that her son meant to harm them.  A moment later young Dersi left the house, and soon the Germans were once more upon the trail of the two lads.

Hal and Chester hurried along as fast as their legs could carry them.  It was now nearing dusk, and with each forward step they knew that they were that much closer to a place of safety.  Darkness fell and still the two lads plodded onward.