A minute later he was forced into the tonneau of the car, where he lay curled up on the floor.  Two of the Germans sat in the cushioned seat while the two linemen, the one who had been hit still unconscious, were pitched in beside him.  The other two Germans were in front, and the car began to move at a snail’s pace.  The man beside the driver began speaking in German, his companion replied.  But one of the two behind interrupted, sharply.

“Speak English, dummer kerl he exclaimed, angrily.  “These English people have not much sense, but if a passerby should hear us speaking German, he would be suspicious.  Our words he cannot hear and if they are in English he will think all is well.”

“This is one of those we heard of this afternoon,” said the driver.  “This Boy Scout.  The other is riding to London —­ but he will not go, so far.”

He laughed at that, and Dick, knowing he was speaking of Harry, shuddered.

“Ja, that is all arranged,” said the leader, with a chuckle.  “Not for long that could not be.  But we need only a few hours more.  By this time tomorrow morning all will be done.  He comes, Von Wedel?”

“We got the word tonight —­ yes,” said the other man.  “All is arranged for him.  Ealing-Houndsditch, first.  There are the soldiers.  Then Buckingham Palace.  Ah, what a lesson we shall teach these English!  Then the buildings at Whitehall.  We shall strike at the heart of their empire the heart and the brains!”

Dick listened, appalled.  Did they think, then, that he, a boy, could not understand?  Or were they so sure of success that it did not matter?  As a matter of fact, he did not fully understand.  Who was Von Wedel?  What was he going to do when he came?  And how was he coming?

However, it was not the time for speculation.  There was the chance that any moment they might say something he would understand, and, moreover, if he got away, it was possible that he might repeat what he heard to those who would be able to make more use of it.

Just then the leader’s foot touched Dick, and he drew away.  The German looked down at him, and laughed.  “Frightened!” he said.  “We won’t hurt you!  What a country that sends its children out against us!”

His manner was kindly enough, and Dick felt himself warming a little to the big man in spite of himself.

“Listen, boy,” said the leader.  “You have seen things that were not for your eyes.  So you are to be put where knowledge of them will do no harm —­ for a few hours.  Then you can go.  But until we have finished our work, you must be kept.  You shall not be hurt —­ I say it.”

Dick did not answer.  He was thinking hard.  He wondered if Jack would try to rescue him.  They were getting very near Bray Park, he felt, and he thought that, once inside, neither Jack nor anyone else could get him out until these men who had captured him were willing.  Then the car stopped suddenly.  Dick saw that they were outside a little house.