Part 15 (1/2)

”We'll see,” replied the young lieutenant briefly, and stepped to a window. The others also advanced and peered over his shoulder.

”Looks to me like a body of Black Hussars,” remarked Captain Derevaux.

”And so it is,” said the lieutenant, as the hors.e.m.e.n drew closer to the farmhouse.

”Do you suppose they are looking for us?” queried Chester.

”I do not think so. It's hardly likely they have heard of our escape from Stettin.”

”Had we better remain here and trust to their pa.s.sing by, or shall we make a run for it?”

”I believe we had better stay here. They may not stop.”

And, indeed, it seemed that the lieutenant's prophecy would prove correct.

The squadron came on without checking their speed; but, just as they swept by the farmhouse, a squad of a dozen men, headed by an officer, detached themselves from the main body, and headed toward the house.

”We are in for it again,” remarked Hal, and drew his revolver.

”Put that away!” exclaimed the young captain quickly. ”One shot and the whole troop will be on us!”

Hal dropped his weapon back into his pocket.

At that instant there came a loud knock at the front door.

The good housewife hastened forward to answer the knock, but was intercepted by the Frenchman.

”Do not answer!” he commanded.

The woman stared at him aghast.

”Why,” she exclaimed, ”it is probably my husband. He is a cavalry officer, you know,” and she smiled, and made as if to pa.s.s.

But the captain again blocked her way.

”Nevertheless,” he said, ”I must ask you not to go to the door.”

The woman gazed at him a moment in astonishment; then a queer look pa.s.sed over her face.

”I see!” she exclaimed. ”You are spies!”

With a scream she evaded the captain and rushed to the door.

”Come!” cried Captain Derevaux, his effort having failed. ”I guess we shall have to make a run for it!”

”Out the back door!” exclaimed Lieutenant Anderson, and the four ran through the house, went down the steps three at a time, and rushed toward their horses in the stable nearby.

Hardly had they leaped into their saddles and dashed from the stable, when the woman and a German officer appeared in the back door of the farmhouse, while from around the house came the dozen troopers afoot.

With a shout the riders charged directly at them, bowling the soldiers over on all sides, and for a moment it looked as though they might make their escape.