"What's that ahead?" whispered Kenneth. "Men?"
The lads peered through the darkness. Fifty yards ahead were several upright objects at regular intervals, looking exactly like an extended line of soldiers.
"Germans!" whispered Rollo. "Lie down."
They threw themselves upon the frozen ground and kept the objects under observation. Before long the effect of their recumbent positions in contact with the earth became painful. Rollo got to his knees.
"I'll go a little nearer," he whispered. "You stay here. They don't seem to be moving."
"I'll come too," whispered Kenneth in reply.
"No, you don't. One might escape notice where two might not. I'll be very cautious."
Kenneth remained. He could just discern the form of his chum as he slowly and carefully approached the line of mysterious objects. Presently he saw Rollo regain his feet and walk towards him.
"It's all right," announced Harrington. "They are a row of alders."
His companion arose, slowly and stiffly. He had to swing his arms vigorously for some minutes to warm his chilled body.