ts off. The chauffeurs could be
heard cranking their cars desperately, sounds which gave Jack
considerable delight. Apparently their ill success had already begun to
arouse suspicions in the minds of the two drivers that something was
amiss, for the cranking suddenly ceased, and the watchers from the upper
window of the chateau could see feeble lights moving about.

These they knew were matches held by the soldiers while they looked over
the motors of their cars. After darkness had come again loud cries arose
to tell that the alarming discovery had been made that tanks which the
chauffeurs swore had contained a fair amount of petrol at the time they
drew up before the chateau, were now most mysteriously empty!

The officers chimed in with expletives that came splutteringly from
their lips, so that altogether it was a scene of confusion and
excitement which was taking place in front of the old building. One
particularly rasping voice Jack fancied must belong to the general
himself. He pitied those two wretched chauffeurs, who would be apt to
feel the displeasure of their superiors in some way altogether
unpleasant.

What the outcome of the affair might be Jack had no idea, nor did he
care a particle. All he asked was to be given a chance to make off with
Helene while the row was in progress. Once they reached the waiting
plane, he felt they could snap their fingers at not only General von
Berthold but the entire Hun army as well.

Jack wondered whether this sudden outbreak, and the change in conditions
in front of the chateau, would make any difference with Tom. Fortunately
that tree afforded partial shelter, and besides, those on the road had
but meagre means for striking a light, so it seemed reasonably safe for
them to proceed.

"Be brave, Helene," Jack said in her ear, as Tom passed the rope out of
the window, having meanwhile fastened one end to an anchorage inside the
room. "It is for Jeanne's sake, remember. Do not be afraid that I will
let you fall. And above all things keep from crying out, or he will hear
you and hold you with him always. Will you let me take you in my arms,
Helene?"

"Oh, yes, yes! I am not afraid. See, m'sieu, I can put my arms about
your neck this way, and clasp you tight. For Jeanne I would do anything!
You will not hear me say one word, no matter what happens, m'sieu!"

CHAPTER XXIV

TOM KEEPS HIS WORD

THE air service boys did not hesitate.

Tom had mapped out the cou