"
The stranger smiled, but made no reply. He moved off and the boys
followed him, and at last they came to their journey's end.
Before an army tent the man stopped a few moments later.
"In here," he said.
He entered and Hal and Chester paused long enough to look at each other.
"I guess it's all right," said Hal. "Can't much happen right in the heart
of the camp. Come on."
He entered the tent with Chester close behind him.
Within powerful arms seized them and dragged them down; and before they
could cry out gags were stuffed in their mouths. In vain the lads
struggled to free themselves. They were soon safely bound.
Up to this time the tent had been in darkness, but now someone struck a
light. Hal and Chester gazed at their captors. All were attired in
regulation army uniforms, but their faces were masked. One man, who
seemed to be the leader, was short and chunky. The others were taller.
The small man approached the lads and spoke.
"If you will give me your words to make no outcry, I shall have the gags
removed," he said in a shrill, quavering voice, plainly disguised.
Hal considered this point a moment; then nodded his head in token of
assent.
Pages:
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144