'Halt!'
A voice rang out, and they were questioned as to their identity. On being ordered to advance, they jumped down into a sunken road which constituted an admirable trench, and were at once surrounded by American soldiers.
'I was ordered to report to Major Van Derwater,' said Durwent.
They were asked various questions, and were then escorted a few yards to the right, where an officer was looking over the bank which hid the road.
'British stragglers, sir,' said the sergeant who had taken charge of them.
'What unit are you from?' asked the officer.
His voice was calm and deep, but gave no indication as to how he felt disposed towards the two fugitives. In answer to his question Dick gave the name of his battalion, and Mathews did the same.
'How did you know my name?'
'We met your corporal, sir,' said Durwent.
'Where are your rifles?'