“How far do you suppose we have come?” asked Hal.

“I don’t know,” replied the Frenchman; “but we have covered considerable ground.”

“Do you think we are out of danger?”

“We are never out of danger as long as we are in Germany,” put in the lieutenant.  “We may be safe from pursuit, but we are not out of the woods yet, by any means.”

“How long should it take us to get out of the country?” asked Chester.

“With luck, five days.”

“Well, let’s hope for luck, then,” said Hal.  “I have had enough excitement to last me for a long time to come.”

“Same here,” declared Chester.

They remained in their retreat for some time, and then, mounting, moved forward once more.  An hour later they succeeded in purchasing breakfast at a farmhouse.  As all were draining their second cup of coffee there came from without the sound of galloping.  The four jumped to their feet.

“What’s that?” cried Chester, in alarm.

“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 horsemen 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 passing 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 pass.

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 passed 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!”