Yankee tricks, you lead."

They stepped outside and instantly dropped to their hands and knees. The
grass beside the walk was rather high and John led the way through it,
instead of on the walk, whispering to Carstairs who was just behind him
to do as he did, Carstairs in turn passing the word to Wharton.

They advanced about ten yards, and then, John lay flat. The others did
the same. One of the Uhlans riding on his beat was passing near the
vineyard. He was a man of good eyes and he was watchful as became his
service, but it was impossible for him to see the three dark figures of
his enemies lying in the grass and he rode on. Then John rose to his
hands and knees again, and resumed his creeping advance with the others
close behind him. He could hear Carstairs muttering against this painful
mode of travel, but he would not alter it, and he knew that the
Englishman would be true to his word.

Near the vineyard he flattened down a second time in the grass. The
Uhlan was riding back again on his beat, and the most critical moment
had come. He would certainly pass very near, and although the odds were
against it, his eye might catch a glimpse of the three figures in the
grass. Even then they might escape through the vineyard and across the
wire fence which would impede the horses, but John recognized as fully
as Wharton did the importance of the Uhlans believing until morning that
all was well on the roof of the chateau.

The beat of the horse's hoofs came near. The Uhlan was young and blond,
a handsome fellow with a kindly face. John hoped that he would never
have to shoot at him. But he did not see the three prone figures. It was
likely that they blended with the shadows more thoroughly than John had
supposed. He passed on and the danger passed on with him.

"Let's get up now and run," whispered Carstairs.

"Not a step until we reach the bushes," replied John. "Not a step, even
if your knees and elbows are worn quite away."

But it took only two or three minutes more to reach the vineyard, and
they rose to a stooping position, Carstairs expelling his breath in a
long sigh of relief.

"I shall never stand up straight again," he whispered.

They ran between the vines and gained the forest, where in spite of the
complaint Carstairs had made all three straightened up and began to
exchange rejoicings after the manner of youth. The house showed clearly
in its grounds, and they saw the dusky figures of two or three of