Tom and Jack were standing near the wire barrier trying to look out to see what was going on beyond a group of ruined factory buildings, and at the same time casting longing eyes at the great aeroplane which seemed only waiting for them, when the two boys became aware of a figure which appeared to be slinking along the side of the stockade. This figure acted as though it desired to attract no attention, for it kept as much as possible in the shadows.
"Did you see that?" asked Jack of his churn in a low voice.
"Yes. What do you make it out to be?"
"He isn't a German soldier, for he isn't in uniform. Have any of our crowd found a way out of this place by any chance?"
"I don't know. If they have—"
The boy's words were broken off by a low-voiced call from the slinking figure. It asked:
"Are you American, French or English prisoners?"
"Some of each variety," answered Jack, while at the sound of that voice Tom Raymond felt a thrill of hope.
"If you get out, is there a chance for you to get away in your aircraft?" the figure in the shadow questioned. "Be careful, don't let the guards hear."
"There are only two, and they're over at the front gate," said Jack, as Tom drew nearer in order better to hear the tones of that voice. "They seem more occupied in watching the fire than in looking at us," went on Jack.