nd Harry in chorus.

Ned walked down the road a few paces, then turned to look back at the
spot where they had come through the bushes. He examined carefully the
shrubbery, and stood a short time examining the outline of the trees
and larger growth, carefully noting the contour.

"Getting a landmark for use when you return?" asked Harry.

"That's just it!" laughed Ned. "Never can tell, you know," he went on
in mock seriousness. "Might have to come back in a hurry!"

Laughingly the three then proceeded on their way into the town.

They had not far to go, and were congratulating themselves upon the
fact that the village seemed almost deserted, when a man stepped into
the road from the deep shadow of a low building.

"Halt!" challenged the newcomer. "Who goes there?"

"A friend!" was Ned's instant answer.

"Advance for examination, friend!" came the next command.

The boys stepped forward wonderingly, not understanding the cause for
the man's challenge nor who he might be.

"Germans again, I'll bet!" whispered Harry as they proceeded.

"What town is this?" inquired Ned as the three approached the spot
where their challenger stood. "We are lost and would like help."

"Ah, then you have come to the right place," the other said in a
pleasant tone. "We can surely help you to find yourself, and also can
give you a little lift upon your journey. Which way do you go?"

"We want to get to the United States," Ned answered. "We have a little
work to do over here first, and would like to know just where we are
now. It will help us to get located correctly."

"Then I will make a bargain with you," went on the other in a smooth
tone. "In exchange for information from us, we ask the same from you.
Are you willing to make an exchange?"

"Perhaps," Ned answered. "Maybe our information wouldn't help."

"We shall see. Now, first, you are at Bochnia, a little way to the
east of Cracow. Vienna lies almost due southwest, and the city of
Berlin is almost due northwest. You are nearly one hundred and fifty
miles almost due west of Peremysl," he concluded.

"That's good!" declared Ned. "We thank you heartily."

"Food is scarce," went on the other. "Gasoline is also scarce, and so
is information. You may have all you want of either if you will be
fair enough to reciprocate my kindness."

"What can we do for you in exchange for all this kindness?"

"Tell me how many German troops are leaving Peremysl," said th