“Well, it’s gone,” said the lieutenant sorrowfully; “and now it’s up to us to hoof it, to the next town, at least.”

The five moved into the woods and just as they gained the first dense covering there was a sound from the road over which they had come.

Dropping to the ground, they peered between the trees.  Presently a second huge car, in which could be caught a glimpse of uniforms, rounded the curve, flashed by, and disappeared down the road.

“Let’s go farther into the woods,” urged Chester.  “We might be seen here.”

Going deeper and deeper in among the trees the five continued their journey; and, when they felt sure they had penetrated far enough to avoid any chance of detection, they turned their faces northward and set out at a brisk pace.

CHAPTER V.

Captured.

All morning the journey through the woods continued.  At intervals the big trees became more sparse, and the party took all precautions against being seen, as they flitted through the open places.

About noon, Lieutenant Anderson made a foraging expedition, and returned with a basket of food, which he had purchased from a nearby farmhouse.  Hungrily the five disposed of it, quenching their thirst from a sparkling brook of cool water.  Then they resumed their march.

Night was falling when the travelers at length emerged from the woods.  Half a mile ahead could be seen the lights of a town.

Lieutenant Anderson called a consultation.

“If I mistake not,” he said, “those lights indicate the town of Stettin.  We shall have to be very careful.  They are bound to be on the lookout for us.”

“Has anyone a plan?” he asked, after some further talk.

“I think I have one,” returned Hal.  “It might work out all right”

“Let’s hear it,” demanded Chester.

“Yes,” chorused the others, “what is it?”

“Well,” said Hal, “my idea is that it would be much better for us to separate.  If we all approach together we are sure to be recognized.  Our number alone would give us away.  But, if we go singly, or by twos, from different directions, we stand a chance of gaining the city without being challenged.”

“A good idea,” exclaimed Captain Derevaux; “I heartily approve of it.”

“And I, too,” declared the young lieutenant; “and I recommend that we put the plan into execution at once.”

The lone dissenting voice came from the wounded chauffeur.

“I don’t know your plans, gentlemen,” he said; “and I don’t want to know them.  I have had trouble enough.  I am a German, and, from what I have heard, although I know I should look upon you as enemies of my country, I do not believe you mean any harm.  Besides, you have treated me well, and I will not betray you.  But I must ask that you leave me here.  I will make my way into the town some time during the night I shall be perfectly safe.”