There was no sound from the German side of the river until they were in midstream. Then one German sentry, chancing to cast his eye over the distant water, made out the two forms in the moonlight.
Instantly he brought his rifle to his shoulder and fired.
But the distance was too great for accurate shooting and he missed. At the sound of the shot the lads urged their horses to even greater efforts, and soon were upon the opposite shore, in comparative safety.
"Well, we are over here at last," said Chester gleefully, in spite of the fact that he was shaking with the cold.
"Right," said Hal; "and the thing to do now is to find a fire before we freeze to death."
They rode forward.
Suddenly in the moonlight a squad of armed men sprang up before them as though by magic.
"Halt!" rang out a command.
The lads drew up their horses and raised their hands above their heads.
"Who are you?" came a voice.