Suddenly the young Englishman called a halt.
"The automobile is waiting at the next corner," he explained. "Just beyond is the northern limit of the city. Go quietly and we may not be molested."
Hal and Chester were greatly excited by this time, but they obeyed instructions as well as they could, and climbed into the big car that was waiting for them, without even being seen. The driver immediately started the machine, and our boys were on their way at last.
On toward the city line the big car rushed, and it was just as the four friends were breathing a sigh of relief at having passed the first danger safely, that a harsh voice rang out:
"Halt!"
Almost directly ahead stood a squad of armed men, their rifles leveled straight at the occupants of the oncoming car.
"The patrol!" exclaimed Captain Derevaux, as the auto came to a stop.
An officer approached the side of the machine.
"Give an account of yourselves," he demanded. "Your passports, please."
"We have none," replied Captain Anderson. "We are just taking a little spin."