"Maybe the old Thirty-seventh isn't feeling good over the way the thing went through," chuckled Billy.
"And maybe we won't get the glad hand when we get over there," murmured Bart.
"We've got to get there first," whispered Frank, "and we've got a mighty slim chance of doing that as long as this boat stays here."
Every instant was fraught with peril. They had no weapons and even if they had they would have stood no chance against the throng of enemies surrounding them. Their only hope of safety lay in not being discovered.
But at last, to their great relief, the German rowers resumed their places at the oars and the boat pulled out into the darkness.
"Thank heaven, they're gone at last!" breathed Billy.
"Do you feel equal to the swim over, Bart?" asked Frank.
"Sure thing," replied Bart. "My head's dizzy yet, but with you and Billy to give me a hand, if necessary, I'll get through all right."
As silently as so many otters they slipped into the water and struck out for the other side.
The current was strong and the work was arduous, especially with the care they had to exercise lest any splash should be heard by the enemy. There was also the chance that one of the boats that were abroad might come in their direction. But aided by the pitch darkness that prevailed, they made the trip in safety and Bart had no need of calling on the aid of his comrades.