"Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a searchlight. Turn yours on."

Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back and forth across the water. He could see no one.

"I told you so," he said. "There is no one out there. Come, let's get away from here."

"Good," returned the other. "Come on."

Hal remained under the water just as long as he could and came to the surface as the Germans turned to walk off, ready to take another quick breath and dive again. But seeing no sign of the searchlight, he rightly concluded that the Germans, who had been but half-hearted in their search anyhow, had gone.

Treading water he listened intently for a few moments, and then made out the sound of retreating footsteps.

"Well," he said to himself at last, "I guess they have gone. Now to get out of here as soon as I can. I'll be frozen if I don't hurry."

With quick strokes he continued his cold swim, and soon emerged upon the farther sh.o.r.e. He made out the form of a dark figure some distance away, and hurried toward it, remarking to himself:

"Looks like a sentinel. I'll get a match from him and build a fire and get thawed out before I continue my journey."

He approached to within a few yards of the figure before his presence was noted. Then the sentinel, for such he proved to be, hearing footsteps behind him, turned suddenly and leveled his rifle at Hal.

"Halt!" he commanded.

"It's all right," said Hal. "I'm English."

"Come a little closer and let me look at you," said the sentinel, not lowering his weapon.

Hal did as commanded. Suddenly the sentinel made out the German uniform and his rifle leaped up again.

"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you?

You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man."

"Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I am? A German?"

"Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in that German uniform?"

Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.

"I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I can a.s.sure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little information."

"Well," said the sentinel, by no means a.s.sured that Hal was what he represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your back."

"All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for it, I suppose I shall have to go with you."

He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.

"My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I can show credentials," and he showed the officer a pa.s.s signed by the commander-in-chief.

The officer shook hands with him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you a fast auto?"

"Yes."

"Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it."

"It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen."

"Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver I shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car any great distance."

"You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal huddled up close to the little fire.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE GERMAN COUP FAILS.

Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile as it sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters.

The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore, before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment and he once more stood before his commander.

"So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be captured. Did you learn anything further?"

"Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each command, their positions and all details."

"What!" exclaimed General French in great surprise.

"Yes, sir," continued Hal, and reaching in his pocket he drew out the doc.u.ments given him by the German officer. "Here they are, sir."

General French took the papers from the lad's hand, and glanced at them quickly. After a brief perusal, he laid his hand on Hal's shoulder.

"You have done well," he said quietly. "I shall not forget it. You may go now, for I doubt not that your friend is greatly worried over you. I will say this: You have rendered an invaluable service to England--one that the King shall hear of. I have already taken steps to thwart this German coup, and if we are successful the credit will be mainly due you."

Hal saluted and with glowing heart left the general's tent.

"Now to find Chester," he said.

He had little difficulty in doing this, for Chester was still making his quarters with Lieutenant Anderson. Approaching the lieutenant's tent, Hal walked up cautiously.

"I want to surprise them," he told himself.

Inside he heard the sound of voices, and he paused to listen.

"I'm afraid he won't ever get back," came Chester's voice. "I should have insisted on accompanying him. I shouldn't have let him go alone."

"Still," said Lieutenant Anderson, "he was in command. We had to obey him."