"Climb in, Stubbs," said Hal.
The little war correspondent needed no further urging. Chester took his place beside him. It was a tight squeeze, for the machine had not been constructed to carry two in the rear seat, but Chester and Stubbs managed it. Hal climbed in the pilot's seat and adjusted the spark.
"All ready?" he called over his shoulder.
"Shoot," answered Stubbs, grasping the side of the plane firmly.
Almost at the same moment there came a sudden interruption to the flight of the three friends.
Half a dozen forms appeared from nowhere at all and quickly surrounded the plane. Half a dozen rifles were leveled at the craft and a harsh German voice exclaimed:
"Halt!"
Stubbs gave an exclamation of disgust.
"I knew it," he said, and that was all.
Hal muttered an imprecation beneath his breath. They had been so close to getting away safely, and now this interruption made him angry.