"Well, that feels some better," said McKenzie with a laugh, as the surgeon departed. "I feel as good as new now."

The four were kept in the tent all night, and early the next morning were informed that they would be taken to Amsterdam at noon. The trip was made under heavy guard, and that evening the four friends found themselves secure in a military prison in the Dutch capital.

"We're safe enough here, that's certain," declared Stubbs.

"We're safe enough, if you mean we can't out," Hal agreed. "But in some way or other this list must be delivered to General Pershing."

"Show the way, and we'll do it," declared Chester.

As the friends discussed possible plans, a visitor was ushered in.

This proved to be Herr Block, the man who had a.s.sisted them to get into Germany and who only a few moments before had learned of their arrest.

"It's too bad," he said. "So near and yet so far, as you Americans say, eh? Tell me, is there anything I can do for you.

"You might get us out of here," said Hal.

Herr Block smiled.

"Easily said, but not so easily done," he made answer. "However, I have no doubt it can be arranged."

"You do?" exclaimed the others. "How?"

"Well," said Herr Block, "you would be surprised if you realized the extent to which Holland's sympathies are with the Allies. Of course, it must not appear on the surface for it would mean war with Germany--and we are not ready for war now. However, I shall see that the door to your cell is left open tonight. When your jailer comes with your meal he will drop his keys. You will rap him over the head with something, that it may not look as though he were implicated. Then walk out of the jail and come to my quarters. No one will molest you."

"By Jove," said Hal. "That's simple enough."

"Your meal will be brought in half an hour," he said. "I shall be waiting for you at eight. You know the way to my quarters?"

"You'd better give me the necessary directions," said Hal.

Herr Block did so and took his departure.

"It all sounds simple enough," said Stubbs, "but it doesn't sound good to me."

"Don't croak, Stubbs," said Chester; "you ought to be glad to get out of here."

"Oh, I'll be glad enough to get out, but it doesn't sound plausible."

"Truth is stranger than fiction, Stubbs," said Hal.

"It'll have to be this time to convince me," declared the war correspondent.

The four became silent, awaiting the arrival of the jailer.

CHAPTER XIII

THE RETURN

It was half-past seven when the jailer entered the cell in which the four friends were imprisoned. He carried a large tray, on which was loaded food. As he entered the cell, he dropped his heavy key ring.

Hal pounced upon it.

The man's back was toward him. The lad raised the heavy ring, but he did not strike.

"Here, jailer," he said; "you've dropped your keys."

The jailer looked around. Hal hoped he would spring forward, that he might have an excuse for striking, but the man only said simply:

"You know what to do with them."

He turned his back again. For a moment Hal hesitated.

"Well," he said finally, "if it has to be done, the sooner the better."

He raised the heavy bunch of keys aloft again, and brought it down on the jailer's head. The man dropped to the floor and lay still. Hal threw the keys down beside him.

"Hope I didn't hurt him too much," he muttered. He turned to the others. "Now," he said, "shall we eat of this food or shall we leave at once?"

"Let's get out of here," said Stubbs. "We can eat any time. Something may turn up to defeat our plan."

But nothing did.

Hal led the way from the cell and along a long corridor. At the end were steps, which the friends mounted quietly. At the top they found it necessary to pa.s.s through what appeared to be the office of the superintendent, or whoever was in charge. Inside a man sat at a desk.

Hal hesitated a moment. He knew there was little prospect of all pa.s.sing through without attracting the man's attention, and he had no means of knowing whether this man was a party to the plot or not.

However, the lad moved forward again, and the others followed without question.

The man at the desk shifted his position, and Hal stepped quickly toward him, his fist ready to strike. He caught low words:

"Hurry up and get out of here."

The lad's hand dropped to his side, and he made haste toward the door on the far side of the room. Through this all pa.s.sed safely, and Hal stood before a door he felt sure led to the street. The door opened easily, and Hal, Chester, McKenzie and Stubbs pa.s.sed out into the darkness.

Stubbs heaved a sigh of pure relief.

"Well, we did do it," he muttered. "I didn't believe it possible.

Wish I had some of that grub now."

"Wouldn't be surprised if Herr Block could rustle us up something to eat," said McKenzie. "He seems to be a right resourceful sort of a customer."

Hal found Herr Block's quarters without difficulty. It appeared that Herr Block had antic.i.p.ated that they would be hungry, for he had a tempting repast already spread when they arrived. To this the four friends did full justice, for they were, indeed, hungry.

"Now," said Herr Block when they had finished, "if you will tell me what success you had on your mission and how you managed I will appreciate it. After that, I will see you safely into your own lines.

I have a large automobile waiting, and you may depart at any time; but I am greatly interested in your adventures."