“I believe that man is following us!”
It was Jack who spoke. He and Frank had now been in the English metropolis two days, and to-day were walking along the Strand, watching with the greatest interest the preparations for war.
Upon all sides troops were being moved through the streets, on their way to the front. They marched along singing and cheering, while from the walks great crowds cheered them as they passed. The boys had just resumed their walk after watching one body of troops pass, when Jack made the remark that begins this chapter.
“Followed!” exclaimed Frank in surprise. “Why should anyone follow us?”
“I am sure I don’t know,” was Jack’s reply; “but just the same I am sure that man is following us.”
“Well,” said Frank, “we’ll try and see if we can’t give him the slip. Come on!”
The lads quickened their pace and turned quickly into the first side street. As they rounded the next corner they glanced back and saw that the man Jack believed was on their trail hurrying after them.
“Quick!” said Frank, catching Jack by the arm, “into this store!”
The lads dodged into an open doorway, and a moment later saw their pursuer hurry by. The lads immediately slipped from the store and retreated in the direction from which they had come.
“Well, I guess we got rid of him, all right,” declared Jack.