Frank's lips set grimly.
"We'll get 'em," he said, "if we have to follow 'em clear across
Africa."
They continued their march in silence. At length Frank drew his friends' attention to the fact that, a little to the left, the grass had been recently trampled, apparently by a considerable body of men.
"They can't be far ahead of us," he said. "Evidently they are not aware they are being pursued, for they apparently have been traveling slowly."
The British became more wary. Frank divided his men into two bodies, one of which he placed under Jack's command, while he himself led the other.
For another hour or more they continued, still without sign of an enemy.
The two British forces were now separated by at least a quarter of a mile, when Jack unexpectedly came to the edge of the forest. There, just ahead of him, lay the entire German command in a little opening surrounded on all sides by large trees.
Jack raised his hand and his men came to a halt. Frank, at the head of his command, perceived this movement, and also halted his men. Then he covered the distance to where his friend stood peering through the trees as quickly as possible.
Without a word Jack pointed out the Germans. Frank took a quick look, and together the two boys drew back into the shelter of the trees. They had not been seen.
"I believe I have a plan that will deliver the whole bunch into our hands, possibly without bloodshed," said Jack.