"Getting a landmark for use when you return?" asked Harry.
"That's just it!" laughed Ned. "Never can tell, you know," he went on in mock seriousness. "Might have to come back in a hurry!"
Laughingly the three then proceeded on their way into the town.
They had not far to go, and were congratulating themselves upon the fact that the village seemed almost deserted, when a man stepped into the road from the deep shadow of a low building.
"Halt!" challenged the newcomer. "Who goes there?"
"A friend!" was Ned's instant answer.
"Advance for examination, friend!" came the next command.
The boys stepped forward wonderingly, not understanding the cause for the man's challenge nor who he might be.
"Germans again, I'll bet!" whispered Harry as they proceeded.
"What town is this?" inquired Ned as the three approached the spot where their challenger stood. "We are lost and would like help."