"It would give us time to prepare for the intended flight."
"I can't see it," argued Ned. "You seem to know that the Germans are moving westward from Peremysl. That is more than we know."
"We know that they have been successful in their assault on the town, and we understand that the capture of that stronghold will leave many troops free for use at other points. What can be more natural than that they should leave Peremysl in the hands of a force sufficient to guard it against any possible attack by the Russians and rush the remainder of their troops to other points where they are needed—say a few regiments at strategic points like Verdun?"
As he finished speaking the man glanced casually about the place, as if observing a passer-by. Ned and his companions exchanged quick looks of inquiry. Using the mute language in which the boys were adept, Ned flashed a question at his chums.
"What do you suppose he wants?" he asked. Then in the same manner he went on: "Be careful. I mistrust this fellow! He is not square!"
Jack and Harry had only time to nod their understanding of the message before the man again turned to them and went on:
"So you see, don't you, that you would be rendering a real aid to a stricken and starving people by giving us whatever information you may have about the movements of the German troops?"
"No, I can't say that I do," replied Ned positively. "You seem to have plenty of information on hand right now to enable you to make any necessary preparations for the advent of the Germans if such a thing should happen. For myself, I don't believe that the Germans would visit this place a second time. It isn't at all likely."
"And why not, pray?" was the man's query.
"For the same reason that lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place and a mule doesn't kick twice in the same place—they don't have to," was Ned's quiet answer. "That's a good reason, isn't it?"