“The Vistula,” said Alexis briefly.
There was not the sign of either friend or foe. For some unaccountable reason neither bank of the stream was guarded. Hal supplied an explanation.
“The Germans have probably been pushed back further to the South,” he suggested, “thereby doing away with the necessity of a patrol here.”
They drew nearer the river. At this point the stream was very deep, and there was no bridge; but as the four drew up on the bank, Chester made out a cloud of smoke coming up the stream.
“A steamer!” he exclaimed.
The lad was right. The smoke drew nearer, and at last the friends were able to discern the outline of a small river vessel steaming toward them. They jumped from their horses, and advanced to the very edge of the water, where they awaited the approaching boat.
“She may be a German,” said Hal.
“It is hardly likely,” said Alexis.
“But I understood the Germans had fitted out several river steamers,” said Hal.
“True,” replied Alexis; “I had forgotten. We shall have to be careful.”