The lads leaped into the saddles, and a moment later were speeding through the heart of the German camp.
In the very boldness of their scheme lay a certain degree of safety, for the sentinels on guard certainly did not look for two youths of the allied armies to be riding through their midst.
They were not even challenged as they sped through the camp, turning this way and that, and they had passed beyond the last row of tents before a hubbub from the rear told them that their flight had been discovered.
“We must be careful,” cried Hal, as he rode his wheel close beside Chester. “There is still the outpost to pass.”
But they did not diminish their speed. Rather, if anything, they pedaled faster; and then the outpost came into sight—a long line of men, almost in front of them. Some were pacing to and fro, while others sat upon the ground.
The riders were upon them before they knew it, and two flying bicycles sped between the German troopers. A cry of “halt!” went unheeded, and the Germans, quickly bringing their rifles to their shoulders, sent a volley after the lads.
But neither was hit. In the darkness the Germans were unable to aim carefully. The boys heard the hum of bullets around them, but they did not falter. There was no second volley, for the lads had disappeared in the darkness, and the Germans were not minded to spend their ammunition foolishly.
The first streak of dawn appeared in the sky, and still the boys rode on swiftly. But at length Hal slowed down and Chester followed suit.
“I’m tired out,” said Hal, as he jumped from his bicycle.
“And so am I,” replied Chester, as he, too, jumped to the ground to stretch his legs.