Troops were being rushed to the French and Russian borders, and
they realized it was practically impossible for them to journey in those
directions without being captured. Also the southern route offered little
hope of success.
The streets became more and more deserted as the four friends continued
their walk toward the northern outskirts. They passed several detachments
of rapidly moving troops, but they were unchallenged.
Suddenly the young Englishman called a halt.
"The automobile is waiting at the next corner," he explained. "Just
beyond is the northern limit of the city. Go quietly and we may not be
molested."
Hal and Chester were greatly excited by this time, but they obeyed
instructions as well as they could, and climbed into the big car that was
waiting for them, without even being seen. The driver immediately started
the machine, and our boys were on their way at last.
On toward the city line the big car rushed, and it was just as the four
friends were breathing a sigh of relief at having passed the first danger
safely, that a harsh voice rang out:
"Halt!"
Almost directly ahead stood a squad of armed men, their rifles leveled
straight at the occupants of the oncoming car.
"The patrol!" exclaimed Captain Derevaux, as the auto came to a stop.
An officer approached the side of the machine.
"Give an account of yourselves," he demanded. "Your passports, please."
"We have none," replied Captain Anderson. "We are just taking a
little spin.
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