"Yes. But keep still! Don't even whisper. Sounds carry very far on a misty night—almost as they do over water."
The thud of heavily shod feet sounded plainly now, and then, suddenly, so suddenly that it made the hearts of the Khaki Boys thump fiercely, there came a voice out of the darkness saying:
"I don't believe we'd better go any farther, boys. We've come quite a way from our lines, and we haven't seen a sign of even a Hun sentry. We can go back and report the coast clear!"
And the voice was that of an American! Hearing it Jimmy and his chums leaped to their feet.
"Americans there"! sung out Bob.
Instantly came the sharp challenge:
"Who's there!"
"Some of the 509th Infantry," answered Jimmy, giving the names of his companions and himself.
"Advance, Sergeant Blaise! The others stay where they are. And remember our rifles have you covered, so don't try any funny work."
It was a grim warning, but the five Brothers appreciated its need. Jimmy stepped forward, and the light from a pocket electric torch flashed in his face.