age by means of the well-known
semaphore code. Although the lad possessed no flags or other means of
carrying out fully the code as prescribed, he did the best he could
with only his arms for signals. We know that Ned and his chums were
able correctly to interpret the message Jimmie was sending.

"Great frozen hot boxes!" mused the boy half aloud. "They are down
there among the ruins. I wonder how they got free of the searching
party. Things have been coming pretty fast for me lately, and I
declare I clean forgot the others. Wonder what they'll do."

He had not long to wait. Directly he saw Ned and the others consulting
beside the aeroplane. The next moment Ned had stepped clear of the
machine and began waving his arms after the same fashion adopted by
Jimmie when he spelled out his own name.

"There he goes!" declared Jimmie to himself. "There he is making the
letter 'C.' There comes 'A,' and next is 'N.' That is 'Can.' Now
here comes 'U;' 'Can You.' Here is 'G,' 'E,' 'T.' 'Can You Get--.'
Now he says 'A,' 'W,' 'A,' 'Y.' That's 'Away.' Can I get away? Not
very handy with all these Germans about. Guess I'll have to tell him
something myself. Here goes."

Accordingly Jimmie began a reply in the same code. He briefly informed
Ned that he understood the regiment was to go west, probably to Verdun,
where Jimmie had heard that heavy fighting was taking place. He also
stated that he was unable to escape in daylight, but that he would try
to do so after nightfall.

In response to this wig-wagging Ned began to give directions for their
co-operation in an attempt at escape by Jimmie, when suddenly he
discerned a soldier creeping up behind his red-headed friend.

Instantly he gave the well-known danger signal and tried to tell Jimmie
that someone was near. For some strange reason the lad failed to
comprehend the information given, and not until it was too late did he
realize that it was himself who was in danger.

Intently watching Ned and trying to interpret the signals being made by
the older boy, Jimmie did not observe the footsteps of the approaching
soldier. Suddenly he felt an arm thrown about his neck. He was drawn
irresistably backward by the strong arm that shut off his wind nearly
to the choking point.

With all the energy in his lithe young body the lad tried to kick and
strike at his unseen antagonist, but his efforts were unavailing.

For what seemed to the lad countless years the vi