When the fugitives saw their own men approaching they stopped in their mad flight, drew their revolvers and fired at the pursuers with almost a single movement.
The horses of the Germans came to a sudden halt, being pulled up on their haunches, so forcibly did their riders bring them to a stop. A moment later the pursuers themselves were in full flight.
Hal laughed loudly to himself, and so great became his mirth that he was forced to hold his sides.
“What on earth is the matter with you?” demanded Chester in great surprise. “What are you laughing at?”
“Why,” explained Hal, between bursts of laughter, “I am laughing at the sight of Emperor Wilhelm II, War Lord of Europe, flying as if the evil one himself were after him!”
CHAPTER XXIII.
WITHIN THE ENEMY’S LINES.
Briefly now Hal recounted to his two friends what he had overheard in the farmhouse, pointing out the danger that threatened the allied armies. When he had concluded he said: