The weather was warm and moist, something like our dog days, though cooler at night and during the morning hours. Our guard of six were old or war-worn soldiers, inclined to be ill-tempered, and disagreeable enough upon little provocation. One of them near me struck a lieutenant with the butt of his rifle because, having a head wound, he had become unsteady and had staggered against him. As he struck him the second time, I would have interfered, but for my comrade who, seeing my anger, restrained me. I uttered, however, an angry imprecation, which of course the guard did not comprehend, though he evidently did understand that I resented his brutality. “Wait,” said Gordon, “by and by it may be more convenient to have a row with him--but I reckon not; it’s a mighty poor plan to play with powder.” During the day, we were often required to march in the fields by the side of the roads, to make way for passage of troops and war vehicles. In the afternoon, however, we turned off on a road in a north-east direction that was less congested with troops and military material. When we were halted, and rations of the same meagre and unpalatable kind were issued to us, my comrade and I held a consultation, taking care, however, that our manner should not excite suspicion. “It is possible,” said Gordon, “that before long we may be put on the cars and sent by train to some German prison; and then, our chances to escape will be small.” “I wonder if any of these men speak English,” I mused. “I reckon not,” said Gordon. “But I can speak enough German to make myself understood.” “Have you heard them say where they are taking us?” He shook his head. “These men know nothing beyond their orders, and possibly only that non-com. knows that much. These German officers give orders, but don’t explain them. I do know that they expect to cross a river soon. I heard them asking if there was a bridge, and making jokes about swimming.” “Can you swim, Gordon?” “Like a duck,” he answered, “and I sure would like to take a dive right now!” “Same here,” I said; “I had some fine swimming when I was on my permission. Can you guess what time we shall reach that river?” “By the way they are hurrying us, I should say it would be late in the day; but I really know nothing about it; it’s only a surmise.” “I have a plan,” I said, “I know something about pontoon bridges made of boats. I wonder if we could make them believe that neither of us can swim?” Then I told him of my scheme. Nothing more was said for a long time, as we marched along the road, I still hobbling on my improvised crutch and my comrade pretending to help me occasionally. Quite late in the day we came to a narrow but apparently deep stream where the guard halted. Gordon told me later that they discussed with the non-commissioned officer, whether or not it wouldn’t be best to try to find a ford, as it would save a mile or more of travel.