“Bill jumped on the first fellow out of the machine,” Al said with confidence. “The second chap ran up over that ridge and disappeared.”
“Nonsense!” exclaimed the officer. “Here are fourteen—all that were in the crew, so their commander says.”
“And Hi wouldn’t believe him if ’ee swore hit hon a stack of Bibles as ’igh as a ’ouse!” cried the Coster.
Just at this juncture Whistler Morgan interfered. He said very respectfully to the Navy officer:
“Beg pardon, sir, but the German that escaped is over behind the hill now. One of my chums and I chased him, and——”
“Do you mean to tell me there were fifteen members of the crew of this Zeppelin?”
“I’m not sure of that. He may not have been an accredited member. I think he is a spy brought over for some purpose and dropped here.”
“You know where he is?” demanded the officer.
“Yes, sir. My friend is watching him now. He had a bundle with a disguise and pistols in it. You’d never know him for a German the way he looks now.”
“Horray for Whistler, fellows!” shouted Al Torrance. “Let’s all go after the Heinie!”