“He is sleeping,” said Hal quietly.
CHAPTER XII.
ON THE VISTULA.
“How far are we from the Vistula now, Alexis?” asked Chester, as the little party rode rapidly forward.
“Not more than seven or eight versts, I am sure,” was the reply.
“Is it likely the Germans have advanced that far in this section?”
“There is no telling; we shall have to be careful.”
All day long the four friends had been hurrying toward the Russian lines. Alexis, after his terrible struggle with overwhelming odds, when he had dashed forward to save Chester, had slept for hours without moving-all night, practically. When he awoke, shortly before dawn, he announced that he was in condition to move on.
Chester’s wound also had benefited by the rest and now bothered him little. While Alexis and Chester slept, Hal and Stephan had succeeded in capturing four horses; and so, long before sunrise, the little party continued their flight, Marquis, as usual, trailing along behind.
For another hour now the four rode on, and then a welcome sight confronted them. Hal was the first to perceive water ahead, and called the attention of the others to it.