Directly ahead of them they saw a long trench, stretching out on either side as far as the eye could reach—and it was filled with German soldiers.
"Great Scott!" ejaculated Hal. "I had forgotten that the Germans were probably intrenched along here. How on earth are we to get through?"
At that moment the two lads beheld three old women coming toward them, and Hal exclaimed:
"I wonder if we look like that?"
In their hands the women carried large baskets, and even from where the lads stood they could see that they were chockfull of bright red apples.
Chester was struck with a sudden idea. Stepping out of view behind Hal, he quickly lifted his skirts and thrust his hand into his pocket. He pulled forth a handful of gold and silver, from which he extracted several German pieces. Then he advanced toward the old women, Hal following him in surprise.
Chester accosted the women in French.
"How much do you want for your basket of apples?" he asked, addressing one.
The old woman named a sum.
Chester counted it out and dropped it into her hand, much to her surprise, and relieved her of her basket. Then he turned to a second and repeated the operation, passing the second basket to Hal.