The lights became clearer and more numerous as they hurried along, and at last Helmar stopped running.
"I think we are safe now. Listen!"
The companions strained their ears to catch the slightest sound from behind, but they could hear nothing.
"Thank goodness, they have lost us. I don't think we need fear further pursuit," said George. "Now, I wonder if we are in time to catch our boat." Fearing to strike a match to look at the time, they hurried on towards the town, and in a few minutes reached the outskirts. With hurried pace they made for the landing-stage, and reached it a few minutes before the gangway was about to be hauled aboard the transport.
"A narrow shave in more ways than one," said Helmar, as they stepped on deck. "Come, we must report ourselves to the captain. I don't think we had better say anything about what has happened."
Osterberg agreed, and the two young men reported themselves at once.
