dare venture any protest. What was the use of his trying
to plead weariness or a bruised leg when they knew that he was a fraud
of the first water, and had, as Josh would say, "tumbled to his game?"

So he took hold of Rod's heavy machine, and toiled manfully up the
ascent. As he went he cast numerous anxious glances to the right and to
the left; but Rod understood now that these were not in hopes of seeing
his confederates suddenly dash into view, since that would be the signal
for his own troubles to begin; rather was the man mentally praying they
would remain in hiding, having grasped the new state of affairs, which
could not be to their liking.

They reached the crown of the low hill, but did not linger there, for
the position was too exposed. Once down to the level again Rod began to
consider dropping the pilot, as they had no further need of his
protecting services, with the road level and straight stretching away
for miles ahead.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE FIELD HOSPITAL.

"Do we get into our saddles again now, Rod?" asked Josh, as a halt was
called.

The other glanced around. So far as he could see there did not seem to
be any reason for delaying their departure further. Certainly any
persons who may have been in ambush on the hillside could not have
managed to get further along the road so as to waylay them.

"Yes, you start the ball rolling, Josh; and Hanky will follow. I'll keep
our new friend engaged until you get going, when I'll start after you
both."

"Then you expect to leave Oscar here, do you, Rod?" questioned Josh.

"Oh! he'll find assistance, if his sore feet get to hurting him
dreadfully again," replied the leader, whimsically. "But I'd advise him
to sit down by the roadside, and not attempt to bother me any. He knows
how well his gun is loaded; and I think I could hit that top button of
his coat, even when on the move, the first clip!"

Oscar, as they would still have to call him for want of a better name,
shrugged his shoulders at hearing this declaration.

"Believe me, young M'sieu, I do not mean to give you the chance. I know
when I have enough. Things have not gone to my liking at all. And this
is a very comfortable seat, I assure you."

He sat down and folded his hands while Josh started off, Hanky Panky
speedily following him, and calling back:

"Don't trust him too far, Rod, please; really, I hardly like the look of
his eye."

"That's all right," laughed Rod, unconcernedl