Suddenly there came the sharp crack, crack, of many rifles; and from beneath the two lads came the hoarse command of an officer: 

“Forward!”

The line of horsemen quickened their pace; and then the firing ahead broke into a loud and steady roar.

For many minutes, it seemed to the two lads, the stream of horsemen poured on beneath them.  Then the sound of firing became less distinct, and Hal and Chester dropped to the ground.

“At last!  At last we are safe!” cried Hal.

“Safe?” repeated Chester.  “How do you mean we are safe?”

“Why, you chump, doesn’t that fighting going on there mean anything to you?”

“Do you mean that you believe the troop that just passed us are French?”

“Yes; French, Belgians, or English, I don’t know which.  But, anyhow, they are friends.  Hurrah!”

“Hurrah!” repeated Chester, throwing his cap in the air with delight.

Suddenly the beat of the feet of many horses was heard and the sound of firing became more audible.  Several riderless horses broke into the woods, followed by the cavalry.

“Grab one of those horses, Chester!” cried Hal, as he jumped forward and seized the bridle of the one nearest him.  Chester followed suit, and both lads were soon in the saddle.

At that moment a large body of horsemen broke through the woods from the direction in which they had so recently gone, retiring slowly, turning every now and then to fire.

“It’s a retreat!” cried Chester.  “They have been driven back!  Let us get away from here or we shall be shot down!”

But, even as they turned to flee, a mounted officer laid his hand upon the bridle of Hal’s horse.

“Who are you?” he demanded in French.  “What do you here?”

Briefly Hal explained that they had just escaped through the German lines, and then asked: 

“Where are we?  What troops are these?”

“This is a troop of Belgian light cavalry,” came the reply, “a reconnoitering force.  We were attacked by a strong force of the enemy, and are falling back upon our lines.”

“But where are we?”

“About five miles from Liege.”

“Liege!”

“Yes; where did you think you were?”

“We had not the faintest idea, other than that we were beyond the German lines.”

All this time the troop had been retreating slowly, firing as they went, the boys being led along by the officer.

“It will be necessary for me to place you under arrest,” declared the Belgian officer.  “I shall turn you over to the commanding general when we regain our lines.”

Hal and Chester were stricken almost speechless.

“Great Scott!” Chester finally exclaimed.  “After all the trouble we have had getting out of Germany, then to be arrested at the end!”

“I am sorry,” replied the officer, “but I can do nothing else.  You are sure to be looked upon with suspicion, having been found as you were, and, unless you can give a good account of yourselves, I fear you are in a serious predicament.”