"The 'Golden Lion'," he announced. "And another hour and a half to wait."
CHAPTER XXX
THE BARN BY THE RIVER
THE distant light from the lantern glittered on the bayonets of the sentries, who, sheltering as best they might from the rain, paced stolidly to and fro at the bleak cross-roads. Presently the gleam increased in intensity, throwing distorted shadows upon the gaunt poplars of the road-side.
"The lieutenant going the rounds," whispered Fuller. "Fancy the fool taking a lantern with him. Wonder if he's afraid of the dark?"
The quivering bayonets stiffened into immobility as the Hun officer approached the now alert sentries. The fugitives could just distinguish the guttural 'Wer da?' of the challenge, then an unintelligible exchange of words.
The German officer and his escort moved on. The sentries, sloping arms, resumed their monotonous beat until the round had disappeared from sight and hearing.
Seemingly interminable minutes passed, until just as midnight was approaching there came a low whistle through the darkness.
"Hier!" replied one of the men.
"All safe," rejoined the new-comer. "Yes, both of you. What a night! It's not fit for a dog to be abroad."