l,"
came in softest tones. "There's a narrow projecting ledge that will
serve us for a footing; but we must make sure of every step, because a
tumble would break our necks."

Jack peered out and looked carefully about.

"Yes," he finally announced, "this is our only chance. But as Jeanne and
Helene are my especial care I'm going first, Tom. I've already imposed
on you and not done my full share since entering the chateau."

With these words Jack crawled out of the window.

CHAPTER XXIII

THE ONLY WAY

AS Tom leaned out of the window he could just manage to see the figure
of his chum flattened against the stone wall of the chateau. Jack was
clinging close, like a human fly might have done, clutching some object
which allowed him to move his feet along the slender ledge.

"Come on; it's all right!" floated back in a whisper.

Tom was not waiting to be assured on that point. Already he had pushed
his body halfway over the window-sill, and his groping feet sought the
friendly ledge. Then he, too, started to shuffle along, finding some
means for holding himself there.

Of course it was not pleasant to contemplate a fall. The air service
boys knew there was a considerable depth lying below, and it might be
that hard stones lay there.

They refused, however, to allow themselves to think of such a
possibility. Besides, it was only a matter of a dozen feet or so, when
the adjoining window would be within their reach.

Why, there was Jack crawling over the sill even as Tom was fairly on the
way, proving that the feat was an easy one after all.

Tom, following in Jack's footsteps, had one thrill when his foot slipped
and for a brief space of time he actually feared he was about to take
the downward plunge. Fortunately he had a desperate hold with the hand
just thrust forward, and this kept him in place until he could search
out another hand-grip.

It caused him to pant with the extra exertion, and he was breathing like
a spent runner when he too crept into the room. Here Jack's voice was at
his ear whispering:

"Some one asleep here, for I can hear soft breathing over yonder, where
I think there's a cot." He proceeded to draw Tom after him, though both
were down on their knees at the time, with groping hands extended in
front of them.

Now Jack knew he was alongside the cot, for the sleeper had stirred
restlessly. Then the regular breathing was resumed, though Jack believed
he had heard something akin t