"Of course." They remembered having heard horses scream like that. There had been a burning stable near Poperinghe—

"Poor devil," said Peter. He started off impulsively in the direction of the sound, dropping Bunter's hand.

"Come back, my lord," cried the man in a sudden agony. And then, with a frightened burst of enlightenment:

"For God's sake stop, my lord—the bog!"

A sharp shout in the utter blackness.

"Keep away there—don't move—it's got me!"

And a dreadful sucking noise.


CHAPTER XII
The Alibi

When actually in the embrace of a voracious and powerful wild animal, the desirability of leaving a limb is not a matter to be subjected to lengthy consideration.