agreed that they should hasten much more, as soon as they were
absolutely sure of the way. Wharton, for the first time, took part in
the talk.

"When we have a definite point to aim at," he said, "we must take every
risk and race for it. If we don't deliver these documents promptly to
the generals we ought to be shot."

"We won't be shot for the lack of trying, Wharton," said John, "but if
we go racing along the wrong road we'll be that much farther from our
right direction."

"We ought to see more patrols soon," said Carstairs. "They'll surely be
watching all through this region."

"Likely enough we'll find 'em in that wood ahead," said John, pointing
to a long stretch of forest that clothed a group of hills. "It's just
the place for 'em. From the top of that highest hill they can see for
miles."

Carstairs increased their speed, and the car shot forward. It was a fine
motor, John thought, and the bombardment it had received had not hurt it
much. That German prince certainly knew how to select a car, and he had
fortified it in a splendid manner.

John was smiling to himself again in satisfaction, as they dipped down
the valley and entered the forest, which in that country they would
certainly call a great one. Its shade was pleasant, too, as the beams of
the sun were now vertical and hot.

"Nice region," said John approvingly. "See that old castle off there to
the left."

An ancient castle, decayed and abandoned, crowned a little hill. Around
it was a moat dry for generations, and one of the Norman towers had
fallen down. It was a somber picture of lonely desolation.

"I suppose some fine old robber of a baron lived in that," said John,
"and preyed upon the country, until he reached the hunting grounds of
other robbers like himself."

"Deucedly draughty and uncomfortable they must have been," said
Carstairs. "We've some of 'em in my country, but they must have been
pretty hard living for my lord and my lady."

"I don't see that we have much advantage over those old fellows," said
John thoughtfully. "They were little robbers, and here are all the
countries of Europe trying to tear one another to pieces. After all,
Carstairs, I'm beginning to think the Americans are the only really
civilized people."

Carstairs grinned.

"You can't do it, Scott," he said, "you can't take Wharton's place. I'll
argue with him about the merits of Briton and Yankee. It's his
time-honored right, but I'll have no dispute wi