“But you agree with me, don’t you, captain?” exclaimed the colonel, in some alarm. “I am talking now between friends, you know. Surely you will not repeat what I have just said?”
“Certainly I shall not repeat to any German officer what you have said,” Hal declared truthfully.
At this moment the car rounded a sharp curve in the road. Ahead Hal saw the headlight of a machine drawn up in the middle of the road. It was impossible for the lad to drive around the second machine, so he brought his own car to a stop.
“Hope there is no trouble ahead,” he told himself.
But, as it developed, there was trouble ahead.
Hal sprang from the car, as did Harding and Chester. The three realized that if there was trouble it would be better for them to stick together. The German colonel, however, leaned back in his seat, making no effort to move.
Half a dozen figures advanced toward the three fugitives, five privates and a lieutenant.
The lieutenant saluted Hal, who was in advance, as did the privates.
Hal returned the salute.
“What can I do for you, lieutenant?” he asked. “Machine in trouble?”