The tree in which the lads were hiding was the largest nearby. Up in its dense foliage the boys were absolutely hidden from the ground below. One of the Austrians glanced up into the tree.
“They may be hiding up here,” he said to his companions.
“Hardly likely,” replied a second.
“Well, I’ll send up a couple of shots and see,” said the first speaker.
His rifle spoke sharply twice. Hal felt a slight stinging sensation in his left arm. One of the bullets, as it passed, brushed his skin. The other sang close to Chester’s head. But in spite of this, and in spite of the fact that another shot from below might end one of their lives, neither boy so much as shifted his position.
After firing the shot into the tree the Austrian became still, listening, as did his companions. There was no sound.
“They can’t be up there,” said a voice. “If they were, and even had not been hit, they couldn’t remain still.”
“You are right,” said another voice. “We shall have to look for them elsewhere. Scatter out, men, and we’ll search the woods.”
The Austrians moved from beneath the tree. Waiting until he was sure that they had gone, Chester whispered to Hal:
“What shall we do now?”