Hal contrived to keep the woman between the man and himself, until he had decided just what course to pursue. He had now freed his hands, and awaited an auspicious moment to spring upon his enemy. It came at last. Suddenly hurling the woman violently from him, Hal leaped forward and, catching his opponent off his balance, struck out swiftly with his bare fist. There was a sharp "spat" and the man fell to the ground. Hal turned to run, but found himself opposed by the woman, who pointed the revolver at his head. She held the weapon in a steady hand, and the lad realized that a miss at that close range was utterly impossible. "Hands up!" commanded the woman. Hal temporized. "Now see here----" he began. The woman interrupted. "Hands up!" she commanded again. This time Hal obeyed, for he knew by the hard ring in the woman's voice that she was not to be trifled with. "About face," commanded his captor. Hal did as ordered. "Now," continued the woman, "you will march on ahead of me, and, remember, at the first false move I shall fire." Without a word Hal turned and started away, the woman but a few paces behind him. But Hal was of no mind to be taken back to the German camp. He realized clearly what fate awaited him there. His nimble wit was at work as he walked along, and he finally hit upon a plan. It was not without danger, but the lad figured he might just as well be shot then and there as to be put to death as a spy. As he walked along he seemingly tripped over some unseen obstacle. In attempting to regain his balance he reeled backward. The woman by this time was right upon him. Unable to tell whether he had really tripped or whether it was a ruse, she stood undecided a moment. That moment proved her undoing. For Hal, spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand, and with a quick leap seized it himself. "Now, madam," he said calmly. "I shall give you just thirty seconds to get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one life stand in the way." The woman took one quick look at him, then turned and ran. "I am glad she believed me," said Hal to himself. "I don't believe I could have brought myself to shoot." He turned and walked back to the spot where he had placed one of his opponents hors de combat. The latter was just struggling to his feet, and as Hal approached he sprang forward. "What! haven't you had enough yet?" asked the lad in well simulated surprise. "Well, here's some more then." He stepped quickly forward, and feinting with his left, drove his right fist squarely into the German's mouth. It was more than flesh and blood could stand, and once more the German toppled to the ground, where he remained, unconscious.