"I know it," said Hal. "I don't like to say it, but it is my belief he is fleeing from the French lines to give information to the Germans." "You mean you think he is a traitor?" "I told you I didn't like to say anything," replied Hal, "but I am afraid you have hit the nail on the head." "In that event he is likely to tell of our presence here," cried Chester. "I'm sure he'll tell," said Hal quietly. "Then what shall we do?" "We shall leave at once--or, as soon as Mrs. Dersi returns. That is the best return we can make for her kindness to us. It would break her heart to know that her son is a traitor to his country." "It would, indeed," was Chester's reply; but further talk was prevented by the return of Mrs. Dersi. "And is not my son a fine, brave man?" she asked, with justifiable pride. "He is," said Hal and Chester both, hoping that they were telling the truth. "Mrs. Dersi," said Hal, "we have decided that it probably will be better for us if we take our departure at once. I am sure there are no Germans near right now, and the sooner we get started the sooner we shall reach our own lines." "But would it not be safer to wait until dark?" questioned the woman anxiously. "I am afraid not," replied Hal, with a meaning glance at Chester. "We think we had better take our departure at once." Mrs. Dersi offered further objections, but at length, seeing that they were all in vain, she bade the two lads a sorrowful farewell, enjoining them to be sure and look her son up and to return to see her should the opportunity offer. This they gladly promised, and, leaving the friendly shelter of the good Frenchwoman's home, continued on their weary journey toward the British lines. CHAPTER XIII. A FIGHT IN THE DARK. Each boy put his best foot foremost, and they traveled at top speed. They wanted to put as much distance as possible between themselves and the house where they had so lately found shelter, for there was little doubt in the mind of either that young Dersi was a traitor, and that he would soon put their erstwhile captors on their track again. Nor were they wrong; and, had they but known what they learned later, they would have sought shelter almost anywhere rather than continue their journey afoot. Even now the same band of German motorcyclists who had given chase the night before were again in pursuit. But now, instead of an even dozen, there were thirteen. For Young Dersi himself was with them. Just out of sight of Dersi's home the Germans halted, and the young man himself approached the house. His mother greeted him effusively and inquired the cause of his sudden return. "Well, mother," he said, "I have accomplished my mission. I have learned the strength of the German army, and am now returning to my own regiment. But what of the two lads who were here? Have they gone? If not, we can all continue our journey together." "They departed several hours ago," his mother informed him.