g slowly and I sprang into it, intending to
make the appeal which has been successful."

"Look who's here," said John to his comrades. "We've rescued Weber, the
Alsatian, from the Uhlans. Battered a bit, but still in the ring and
good for many another escape."

"So it is," said Carstairs, reaching back a hand. "We happened along
just in time, Weber. It's a way we three have. I've no doubt that we'll
rescue you at least a half dozen times more."

Weber grasped the proffered hand and shook it eagerly. Wharton bowed in
a friendly manner, but he was still preoccupied. His hand rested on that
point in his coat, beneath which the papers lay, and his thoughts were
not with the fourth arrival in the car.

"Your wounds!" said John. "This is an automobile of princes, and for the
present we are the princes. I've no doubt we can find in these lockers
and drawers material of which to make bandages."

"They're slight. They don't matter," said Weber. "Pay no attention to
them at a time like this. I know that you must be going toward the main
French army, and time is of value. My strength is coming back now, and
my courage, too. I will admit I was frightened. I thought my time had
come. Perhaps that may seem a disgraceful confession, but it's true."

"Not disgraceful at all," said John sympathetically. "I haven't been a
soldier more than a few days, but it's been long enough to teach me that
brave men are often scared. What were you doing and how did you happen
to come so near to being caught?"

"I've been inside the German lines. Oh, they're not so far away! And I
was slipping out I had passed all, but a body of Uhlans, under a
captain, von Boehlen, an uncommonly shrewd man. If I had been caught by
him I would now be singing with the angels in Paradise."

He smiled faintly.

"I've met von Boehlen," said John, "and if he suspected you, you acted
wisely to run with all your might. I saw him in Dresden on the eve of
the war, and I've seen him since, though at some distance."

"We'll forget my narrow escape now," said Weber cheerfully.

"One can't remember such things long in these times."

"They're tremendous times."

"So tremendous that as soon as you've made one escape with your life
you're due for another."

"You haven't heard of any Germans on this road?"

"No, but they're raiding far and wide, and von Boehlen will attempt
anything."

"We've had uncommon luck so far, and I think it will continue. I see
you're admi