INTO CAMBRAI
As it developed, the distance to Cambrai, one of the chief points in the German line of communications, was comparatively short.
As the six plodded along through the darkness there was no conversation. None of the Canadians spoke German, and Hal and Chester had instructed them to be silent, for the sound of a few English words would have done more to destroy the success of their venture than any other possible thing. As for Hal and Chester, both of whom spoke German fluently, neither felt like talk.
It was almost midnight when the lads saw before them what appeared to be the lights of a small town. Approaching closer, they saw that they were, indeed, approaching a settlement of some kind.
"Cambrai, do you suppose?" asked Chester.
"Don't know," returned Hal. "Probably is. I understand that Cambrai is about the largest place around here, and this seems to be quite a sizable village."
Half an hour later they set foot in the streets of the little French city, in German hands now for more than three years.
"We'll hunt a house with a light and see if they'll put us up for the night," said Hal.
Down a side street they saw a house somewhat larger than the others.
Several lights showed from the windows.
"Somebody up, at all events," said Chester.