ut dashing into the
combat, and began to yell at the highest pitch of his voice, not
calling to Dick, but just making a noise, any noise, to cover the sound
of those swift feet, and give Dick the advantage of a surprise as he
darted up behind the spy.

Dick made full use of the opportunity. He had watched every movement
of the two in the hollow, and had leapt from his cover as soon as he
saw Chippy begin to struggle. His patrol flag was fastened on a stout
ashen staff, hard as iron, an old alpenstock cut down. He swung it up
as he ran, and he was within a yard of striking distance, when he saw
the spy's hand reappear with something in it glittering like the blade
of a dagger.

With a last bound Dick was within reach, and he brought the heavy staff
down with all his strength, fetching the spy a ringing crack on the
head. Half-stunned, the man staggered round to face the new assailant,
and Chippy saw his chance. He tore himself free, made a swift dive to
the ground, and was off. Dick joined him, and the two boys scoured
away at full speed, leaving the spy all abroad for the moment from the
effects of that shrewd stroke.

CHAPTER XV

FLIGHT

The scouts made straight for the bank over which they had been peeping,
leapt it, and dashed on, Chippy picking up his patrol flag as he ran.
He had left it with Dick to have his hands free. Dick was last over
the bank, and he glanced back as he cleared it. 'Run, Chippy, run,' he
called. 'He's coming! He's coming!'

The spy had pulled himself together, and was in hot pursuit. He was
bounding up the slope, and Dick saw that he came terribly fast. 'He's
a confounded long-legged beggar,' thought Dick. 'We shall have to
fight for it yet. It's lucky we've got a good stick apiece.'

Beyond the bank was a long grassy ride sloping easily downwards, and
here the boys ran their fastest, and behind them the spy raced at great
speed, gaining, gaining steadily. They went half a mile, and then Dick
gasped: 'He's close on us, Chippy. Let's turn on him!'

'Not a bit of it,' grunted Chippy. 'Peg it! peg it! See wot's in
front?'

'Only some burnt furze,' said Dick.

'Only!' snorted Chippy. 'See wot's under my arm?'

Dick looked, and, precious as wind was, he let out a yell of delight.
In the excitement of the flight he had not observed it; tucked under
Chippy's arm was the spy's boot. The Raven had whipped it up, and
carried it on at the moment of escape.

Dick