the
Uhlans, but they were outside the ring and they knew they were safe from
that danger at least. But the creeping had been so painful they were
compelled to rest several minutes. Probably the most exultant of the
three was Wharton, although he said the least. He had sent the wireless
messages which would mislead at least a portion of the German army,
enabling the English and French to close up the gap between them, and he
carried the papers of the German prince, telling how other German armies
were advancing. His hand flew once more to his coat, and when it felt of
the priceless packet the blood seemed to tingle in his arm, and shoot
back in a stronger flood toward his heart.

"And now Carstairs," said John, "you know this country better than we
do. Lead us toward the British army. And as we've lost our horses and
our automobile I suppose it's to be on foot now."

"It shouldn't be much farther," said Carstairs, "and as we're all good
walkers we can make it yet."

Under his guidance they left the wood and entered a road which led north
and west. Their sleep had refreshed them wonderfully, but above all they
had the buoyancy that comes from success and hope. They had triumphed
over every danger. Their hearts grew bolder and their muscles stronger,
as they sped on their journey.

"I never knew before how good walking could be," said John.

"It's a jolly sight better than creeping and crawling," said Carstairs.
"John, I don't think you'll ever get me to do that again, even to save
my life."

"No, but the Germans may make you do a lot of it, if you don't get some
sense through your thick British head," said Wharton.

"Is that you, Wharton, and are you still alive?" said Carstairs.

"I'm here, all right."

"Wasn't it your great president, Lincoln, who said you couldn't cross a
river until you got to it?"

"He said something like that."

"Well, that's what we British are doing. But we're bound to admit that
you've done great work for us tonight, old chap."

Their hands met in the darkness in a strong and friendly grasp.

"At least there's one advantage about walking," said John. "If we hear
or see Uhlans it's much easier to dodge on our own feet into the woods
or fields than it would be with horses or an armored car."

"I'm thinking we've seen the last of the Uhlans for the time," said
Carstairs. "Another hour or two ought to take us well inside our own
lines. Now, what is that?"

He was looking eastward w