 Chapter 19 of the Yellow Dove by George Gibbs, the Slibervox recording is in the public domain recording by Tony Oliva. THE CAVE ON THE THORVALT. SAFE? He heard her whisper. Yes, for the present. You have what you came for. I think so. And what shall we do now? Sleep. You're dead beat. Come. He rose and helped her to her feet, then after another pause turned toward the wall of rocks behind them. Do you think you can make it? It's a difficult climb. Yes, I've that much left in me. You lead the way and I'll follow. Her teeth were chattering. As he touched her sleeve he found it soaked with moisture. Poor child. You're nearly frozen. He had not been conscious of the occasional spatter of rain, for his leather jacket had kept him dry. But I'll have you warm and snug before you can say knife. And when she questioned, a fire, he replied, isn't that what one uses to get warm with? But here? Tonight? Oh, don't bother. You'll see, they were climbing up the face of the slippery rocks, hammerlessly pausing from time to time to let her rest, pulling her from above when he reached the ledges, and at last they came out into the amphitheater of boulders from which he had descended. She was almost too weary for comment and followed blindly as he led her to the wall of the rock where he seemed to disappear in its very face. She followed him inside a dark opening and when they were well within he relinquished her hand and struck a match. A brief glimpse she had of a small chamber in the cliff, not twenty feet square, when the match went out. He struck another and shading it with his hand went forward. She saw him find what he was looking for and in a moment a candle, after faintly sputtering for a moment, sent forth a steady glow of light. Sit here on this stool. I'll have you right in a jiffy. She obeyed him and looked around her. At one side was a bed of pine needles, at another a small table, and in the middle of the rocky floor the grey embers of what had been a fire. A bit roguish, but not so bad. She nodded while he busied himself in building the fire. There were dry leaves, twigs, and logs in the corner, and soon a blaze was leaping cheerfully upward. And while she wondered at the signs of occupancy he answered her thought. It's Lienberg's. He comes here often. It was here that he and I always slept when we went on hunting trips. You see, there's a natural chimney overhead in the rocks where the ballet smoke goes out. They might observe the smoke by day, but at night we're quite safe. I've been all around the place when the fire was gone and there isn't a sign of it outside. He helped her put her coat off and made her comfortable close to the fire, after which he quickly took the package of papers out of his pocket and examined them. The single papers were military orders of no importance to one Lieutenant Ortsmann, obviously the dead messenger. Hammersley put them aside, breaking the seal of the heavy envelope, and examining its contents carefully. First a letter of instructions to his Excellency von Stromberg, signed in the bold hand of the Emperor of Germany himself. He showed her the signature and explained its contents, and all thought of weariness went from her mind. It is, it's what you came for? Yes, he replied, smiling grimly. I've got it, is it? It isn't so important that you can't tell me, she asked timidly. He laughed, put his arm around her and held her for a moment tenderly. She had endured where a man might have flinched, and yet at this moment she was all woman, timid, weary into death, but still curious. It was the master impulse. No, he smiled, yet jolly well earned the right to know. I'll tell you, he was so big, so strong, so certain of himself, that she wondered how, for a moment even, she could have thought him other than he was. With a sudden impulse of pride and tenderness she rose, put her arms around his neck and, bending his head down to hers, kissed him upon the lips. He caught her to him and held her in his arms. Oh, Cyril, she murmured, that I could ever have failed in my belief in you, that I could ever have thought that you were false. Why didn't you tell me the truth? I would have kept your secret. It was impossible, dear. It was too big a thing, and I was sworn to silence. But, since you found out, did you think me curious? She asked naively, because I read the cigarette papers. Curious, he laughed. Well, rather, the mistake I made was in telling you not to read them. If I don't laugh at me, she whispered. I can't stand that. The only retribution for what I did this afternoon is a blow. If you struck me, Cyril, I should not care. But I won't, you know, oh, girl. But I'm going to kiss you again, if you don't mind. And he did, while a shadow darkened her eyes. It seems terrible to be happy, even in our moment of security, with the shadow of death hanging so closely over us. I know you had to kill him, Cyril, but she paused. It was either that or he would have killed me. As it was, it was too jolly close a thing for comfort. I gave the other man his chance, but he wouldn't take it. Lucky he didn't, for I might have missed the papers. She called to him more closely. And if you had been killed, she whispered. I saw it all. At first I thought you had fallen. Oh, Cyril, the agony of it. And then you came out from behind the tree, and I knew that you were unharmed. I had seen a man die, as I had. There upon the rocks had been akeeled. But when the other one came at you, I wanted you to kill him. I wanted it. I prayed that you would. It was murder in my heart. I can't understand how I have changed. And I've always thought death such a fearsome thing. She hit her face in his shoulder and clung to him trembling. She had passed through danger valiantly, carelessly even. But now that for the moment danger had passed, woman-like she yielded to the reaction. He kissed her gently. Shh, child, don't let it work on you. No ballet use. We're safe now. Yes, safe for the present. That ought to be enough for me. But if anything had happened to you, she shuddered. But it didn't. Oh, I'm thankful, she whispered. Thankful for that, and for you, the trouble I've passed through, the pain in my thoughts of you. I'm thankful for those too, because without them I never should have known you. The real you, Cyril, I sometimes think that life deals too easily with most of us to bring out the best that's in us. I never would have known you in England, Cyril, doing the things you always did. He smiled at her. I'm the same chap, though. Can't tell what a fellow will do when he asks to. But you didn't have to. You might have gone to France and sat in a trench. Instead of that you did what was harder, let them distrust you, hold you in contempt, keeping silent and cheerful while you were doing such splendid things for England. She paused while she caressed him and said in a proud whisper, the honourable Cyril. Honourable, he smiled. He had hardly yet formed strompec to think that that terrible old man she went on clinging to him. I can see his vulture face now. He would have shot you, tomorrow, but would have fooled him, what? Poor Lingberg, she questioned him and he told her of the devotion of his old friend. And what will von Stromburg do to Lingberg, she asked anxiously. I don't know, he said slowly, nothing perhaps, unless Udotes. He paused and looked into the fire, wish I knew about Udo, he said thoughtfully. We were very good pals last year, but he wouldn't see you shot. He couldn't do anything and betraying his country. But not your country, Cyril, she said. No, thank God, not mine. I love Germany, the Germany of my mother and the men like Lingberg, but the Germany of von Stromburg. That's not Germany to me. Do you think we will get away? Yes, he said quickly. She read the anxiety in his voice and knew that he was thinking of her. And in that moment a new idea of her duty came to her. You mean, she said quickly, that you could get away if it wasn't for me. Oh, Cyril, I know. Don't try to deceive me. You could disguise yourself and get away to the Swiss border. It would not be difficult for you. I am a weight around your neck, which may destroy you. Oh, child. No, I am not too stupid to see that. You ought to be going now. She clung to his arms and looked up into his face as her duty came more clearly to her. While her voice trembled with earnestness, I want you to go, Cyril. Your life is valuable to England. They are on a false scent down there. You could get away in the darkness and by morning you can be miles away. I'm not afraid. Tomorrow I can go and give myself up. I'm only a girl, an American. They will not dare to harm me. Don't smile. I am in deadly earnest. You must go, Cyril. Now, now. But he only patted her gently. You think that I am a child? She went on. That I cannot be trusted to get along alone. Haven't I proved it to you that I am not afraid? Look at me, Cyril. I am only a little tired now. But tomorrow I will go to Foench-Groenberg and say, Here I am. Now, what can you do to me? He may threaten and bluster and rage, but that will not frighten me. When you are safe, what can he reply? What could he do? My nation is not at war with his. He would not dare. Oh, Cyril, say that you'll go. Say that you'll go. She looked up into his face and saw that its expression had not changed. He was still smiling at her softly while she felt the touch of his fingers gently petting her. Oh, you won't go. You won't. She cried. And then, without further warning, burst into a passion of tears. Don't, Doris, for God's sake. He whispered, Don't break now. I need all your courage and your strength. You've been so brave, so strong. Keep up your spirits. There's a deer. We'll pull through. Don't you worry. They'll take you. If you stay here, no, they won't find us. I'm not afraid of that. And there are water and biscuits here. We'll take things easy for a while and then slip off. Do you think I could go and leave you in the lurch? Pray, so of Johnny I'd be to do a thing like that. Not for twenty Englands, Doris. He whispered, kissing her tenderly. Not for twenty Englands. I wouldn't. His touch soothed her and she grew more quiet. Of course you wouldn't. She murmured. But I wish you would. Her hands met around his neck and he raised her chin and kissed her on the mouth. It was a kiss of plighted trough of tenderness, faith, and exalted passion that comes with tears. Meated, he whispered. Yes, yes. She murmured faintly. They did not move for a long moment when Doris slowly disengaged her arms from around his neck and moved slightly away. Her hair had fallen and tongue in golden disorder about her shoulders. She put up her arm, trying to catch the escaping pins, and then she smiled at him, dimpling adorably. Come, he said gently, you must get to bed. Your coat is nearly dry. But I'll cover you with my jacket. You must sleep too. No shaman you know. Can't tell what may happen tomorrow. I'll try. She murmured obediently while he led her to the couch of bows and made her lie on it. But as he knelt beside her, covering her with his jacket, she caught his hands and would not relinquish them. He raised hers to his lips and kissed them again and again. Small muscular hands they were. But now very brown and dirty. How do you comfortable? Sorry I haven't. A tub. She was silent a moment and then straightened and asked him. You promised to tell me about the papers. Won't you? He laughed. Not now. It must be nearly morning. Yes, now. I'm not tired now. I will sleep afterwards. Hear your voice, Cyril. Maybe it will soothe me to sleep. Are you sure? He asked doubtfully and she nodded. He saw that she was still nervous and wakeful and sank beside her couch taking her hand in his. It is really quite interesting. He began slowly. Three years ago at the invitation of the Emperor of Germany, when Europe was at peace and there was no cloud upon the horizon bigger than a chap's hand, they're met in a shooting lodge near Schöndorf. Not ten miles from here. Six men. It was a secret conference arranged by the Emperor of Germany through his Excellency Graf von Stromberg. The six men were his highness, Prince von Waltheim at one time Germany's ambassador to France, Admiral von Frankenhausen, head in front of the Imperial German Navy, General von Zanderstorf, the brains of the German General Staff. His Excellency Moritz von Comarum, Minister of War of the Austrian Empire, thy count Melbourne, English Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Harlow Gordon of the British Admiralty. She was listening avidly, wide-eyed, the array of well-known names telling her as nothing else could have done the importance of the conference. This meeting was a secret, he went on. These men all traveled incognito without servants and were met by an agent General von Stromberg at Schöndorf and conducted in automobiles to the hunting lodge I have spoken of. These men remained there for two days and two nights, then went home. But while they were there, they were make a new history for Europe. He paused to fill his pipe, but her curiosity could not be restrained. And what were they doing there, Cyril? I can't understand. Hemsley got up and held his pipe to the candle for matches were scarce and then, with maddening calmness, set beside her again. That secret meeting of these chaps had to do with nothing less than the ruin of France. France, she cried. England had nothing against France and now she is her ally. Three years ago, the political conditions were different, he answered. Those representatives of England came and sat with representatives of Germany and Austria while they plotted the destruction of France. But how do you know this, Cyril? I can't understand. No more do I, but it's a fact. Let me go on. At the table in the lodge where this conference was held, Viscount Melbourne made notes of what was going on, including the combinations of land and naval forces that could be made against France and Russia and the plans to break the Russian Federation in the Balkans. When the meeting was over, all the scraps of paper these chaps had scribbled on were destroyed by fire before the eyes of the men who had made them, except those of Viscount Melbourne who put them in his pocket and with them a pencil copy of this secret treaty in his own handwriting. The original copy of the treaty was entrusted to Harlow Gordon who put it in his dispatch box. It was not until the next day when the Englishmen and the train on the way to Paris discovered that Viscount Melbourne's private papers were missing. Jolly fine miss, what? They got off at the next stop, went back to Schindorf and looked for the papers, but neither there nor at the lodge was there hair or hide of them. So they went back to England hoping that by some fortunate accident the papers had been destroyed. And these asked the girl, are they? He nodded. To make the story short, I found out where they had gone. My flights to Germany have been made for this purpose. Don't you see? The papers came into the hands of the Emperor of Germany and he was planning to have them sent to the French Republic, England's ally. It wouldn't do you no to have such papers at such a time fall into the hands of France. Hardly accredited English diplomacy, what? Might even result in a new entente. But where were the papers in the meanwhile? She asked. That is what took Miss O'Balley long to find out. After many hunts away from Windenberg that night, I traced him to a socialist by the name of Gottschalk at Schindorf who had received him from a pensioner of the Imperial Forest Service. One of the attendants at the hunting lodge where the conference was held, whether he found him or stole him I don't know, but I frightened him and he confessed. I was on the very point of stealing him from Gottschalk when I found out that he had been writing to the Wilhelmstrasse and when I tried to get him they were gone. If I got him then you would not be here Doris and I... But how did you learn what the Wilhelmstrasse proposed to do with them? Oh that was quite clear. The English Foreign Office had been badly frightened and has used every effort with its secret agents in Berlin to get that information. It reached London the other day and just before I left Scotland I knew the job was to be given to General von Stromberg. The rest was chismet, the fortune of war, a jolly good piece of luck. Lienberg overhead through the microphone von Stromberg given instructions to vents so that his excellency's own weapons were turned against him. I was going to Weillet vents on the way to France but circumstances prevented. It was I, Cyril. She broke in pleadingly. I didn't know. I betrayed you. A trick, he laughed, invented in the Remzi's family but still useful. He frightened me. She stammered. I believe the message signed Maxwell. Genuine. Not Maxwell, he said gravely. For Maxwell a sore spot since the war began in the side of the war office. Maxwell is dead. You, she exclaimed fearfully. Yes, he replied. I told them and they caught him. I couldn't do so before. It's war Doris. It is a fair game. I ask no favours nor do I give any. She was silent a moment looking into the fire. Yes, I understand. A terrible game with odds against. And after a pause you say that we will get away. Won't you tell me your plan? He rose with a confident laugh. Yes, I have a plan but I'm not going to tell now. You're going to sleep. He laughed wearily and sat up. And you? Where will you sleep? By the fire. I've got some thinking to do. I'm not sleepy. I had eight hours last night. I'm going to watch. He bent over her and gently made her lie down. I will talk to you no more. You must go to sleep. She sighed and stretched herself out while he covered her with his coat. Then he put a fresh log on the fire and set beside her again. In a moment he heard her voice. I hope you don't mind my telling you, Cyril, that I love you a great deal. Not in the least, he whispered. I wouldn't mind listening while he said it all night. But there you're going to insist on my sleeping again. Won't you? I don't seem to feel as if I could ever sleep again. You're so cool, so calm, Cyril. How can you be? No ballyeus can excite it. Here we are snug as two bugs in a rug. We'll slip through them some way. But where will we go? He smiled. I have a notion of going to England. His kind of quiet humour always put her on her metal to England. She started up. There won't be much chance of you doing anything tomorrow. If you don't get her sleep, he insisted gently. Do what I asked Doris. Sleep, you must. I'll try. Good night, Cyril. Good night. He kissed her on the forehead and drew his jacket over her again, then set beside her her hand in his, watching. Gradually her nerves grew quiet and weariness mastered her. He waited until her breathing indicated sleep when he carefully relinquished her hand and moved to the fire, where he carefully studied the papers by the light of his candle, after which he slipped them into the pocket of his trousers and moved softly across the cave into a corner where he opened the lid of a tin box and examined its contents, taking out a fresh candle to replace the other one, which was on the point of expiring. Then he filled his pipe with great deliberateness and, returning the stool by the fire, crossed his knees and bent forward, gazing into the blaze. His brows tangled in deep thought. He had succeeded in getting what he came for. So far the secret of the meeting in the shooting lodge was safe. But for how long? By this time a description of the two of them had, of course, been telegraphed to every village and military station in Germany. Them wouldn't do it all. Alone it might be managed with a German officer's uniform and her Lieutenant Ortsman's military orders, but with Doris it wasn't to be thought of. The other alternative appealed to him more strongly. He had matched his wits against von Stromberg so far and had won and success made him hopeful, where carelessness failed, audacity sometimes succeeded. The more he thought of his plan, the deeper became his conviction that it was the only one possible under the circumstances. There was continued danger for the papers and he deliberated for a long while upon the wisdom of destroying them at once. Finally, rejecting that idea, except as a last alternative, his word that he had destroyed them would perhaps be sufficient to ease the minds of the gentlemen at the Foreign Office. But there were certain memoranda about the promises of Germany to England signed with the initials of Prince von Waldheim, which should at all costs be saved. But aside from this consideration, Hammersley having carried his affairs thus far successfully had a pride in finishing it as he had planned. It could be done. He would do it. He got up and put another log on the fire and then stretched himself out at full length upon the rocks, gazing into the flame. In the corner where the bed was, he heard the steady breathing of the girl. What a trump she was! What a tr... He nodded and then dozed. Troubled visions flitted across his mind. Once he thought he heard the sound of a footstep on the rocks and started up. It was broad daylight. He listened for a while and then slowly sank back and slept again. How long he did not know for something awakened him and he set up, reaching instinctively for the holster line at his side to look straight into the muzzle of an automatic behind which was the handsome blonde head of Udo von Vinden. End of Chapter 19 Chapter 20 of the Yellow Dove by George Gibbs. The Celebrivox recording is in the public domain recording by Tommy Oliva. The fight in the cavern. Udo looned against the light and the uniform he wore seemed to give the projecting weapon a new significance. It was not Udo the kinsman and companion who had so often shared this refuge with Hammersley in the hunting days. He was Germany. Hammersley could never remember the time when the muzzle of a weapon had seemed so large. It was much better to sit without moving and Udo's quick instructions were not wasted. Don't move, Cyril, he said, coolly in German. Up with your hands. So now, get up, leave in your mouth where it is and sit on the stool yonder. Quickly, I will shoot to kill. Hammersley read in his expression a determination to put the threat into practice and, watching narrowly, silently obeyed, von Vinden still covering him carefully, picked up the belt and transferred Lienberg's pistol to his own holster. He was a dead shot with any firearm, as Hammersley knew, and his own chances at three paces, even in a rush, were small. It was decidedly a case for discretion. I suppose there's nothing to be said, Hammersley muttered, he out guessed me Udo, and then to gain a moment of time. I thought that your memory might be quite good enough to forget the Thor vault. Von Vinden frowned down the barrel of the automatic. It is too much to expect, even from me, he said crisply. I am your kinsman, but I am, first of all, a German and not even for you will I be a traitor. Naturally, if he smiled Cyril, Udo von Vinden's look was grave, his voice sober, and the muzzle of his automatic did not waver. I have already had a bad memory, my cousin. This afternoon I forgot that Lienberg, who served your meals, was a good friend of yours and mine, and that he might be countered on to help you out of your difficulties. I also forgot that there was such a place as the cave of the Thor vault, until I learned from excellence last night the price Germany was to pay for my indifference. If you had failed to capture the documents of his majesty, I might have remained silent. As you took them, there remained nothing but to act. I came here, for I knew it would be the one place where I should find you. Hammersley bent his head. I understand, and then quickly would you mind telling me if you have spoken, if you have told what Lienberg? No, von Vinden broke in. I have told nothing. Lienberg is safe. I come here alone. Hammersley gave a gasp of relief and leaned forward, peering into the fire. I came for one purpose, sirl, Uda went on quietly. I have no personal desire for your death. But I would kill you as you sit rather than see Germany suffer the loss of the documents in your possession. I came for them, and I intend that you shall give them to me. Hammersley looked up into his cousin's face and their eyes met. Von Vinden's tone was cool and his manner is calm as on the days last year when they were hunting together. But Hammersley knew that when Udo von Vinden was most calm, he was also most dangerous. So he slowly reached into the pocket of his trousers and handed his cousin the papers he had taken from the German messenger. Danke, sedudo, hacking to the light of the entrance of the cave to examine them. You are sure they are all here? A word on it, Udo, said Hammersley frankly. He watched his cousin examine the documents and heard him give an exclamation of satisfaction. But Hammersley saw that his eyes neglected no detail of the cavern and was aware that the muzzle of the weapon in Udo's hand was on board directly upon him. In the shadows Hammersley saw the face of Doris who was sitting up pallid and dark-eyed as though awakened from one nightmare into another. As Udo saw her, the muzzle of his weapon wavered and went out of alignment but Hammersley did not move or even appear to notice the girl. There was a note of embarrassment in the German officer's voice who spoke again. I am sorry, my cousin, that your father's blood called you to be false to Germany. You had been suspected by excellence but I would have sworn that he was mistaken. You owe me nothing, of course, but it's war, Udo, said Hammersley quietly. You will remember that I did not seek duty in the Imperial Secret Service. It was the Herr General who thought it valuable to use our kinship for his own purposes. Udo shrugged. Yes, I know, he said quietly. You have done your duty but you must now be aware of the fact that you can ask no favors of me. Adore, I am in your power. Shirk me if you like. Udo smiled. I can hardly be expected to do that. I do not love you now, my cousin. I cannot love anyone who is false to my country but I cannot forget that once, not a year ago, we were brothers. No, I cannot shoot you, Seryl, though perhaps that would be a better death than that other yonder. Hammersley shrugged. It is the fortune of war. From your point of view I deserve it. I can only thank you again for myself and for Miss Mather for your generosity. A sound from the girl and Udo acknowledged her presence by a bow. Under other circumstances he said with stiff politeness I should be glad to extend the hospitalities of Winden Schloss. But of course, as Miss Mather can see, my mother and sisters are away and die. Of course, Graf von Winden, it is understood, she said haltingly in German. I can do nothing, Freuline. I am powerless at the orders of General von Stromberg who arranges the coming and the going of all von Stromberg. The coming, Udo, said Hammersley dryly, not the going. I am sorry. I have done what I could. You have done well to give me the papers. I shall now go back to Blauferthen and return them to excellence. Hammersley started up. You mean that you will leave us here? Naturally. I do not wish to see you killed in the Persian wall. It is not the death for the blood of von Ebingen. Even if you are shot while escaping, it would be better. He shrugged. My position is this. You can do Germany no further harm. I shall tell a likely story. I have the papers. They are what I came for. If you had not given them to me, I would have killed you. But now I shall go away alone as I came. Good old Udo, said Hammersley impulsively, taking a pace toward him. His hand outstretched. But von Vinden's automatic came quickly into line and Hammersley halted. One moment my cousin, said von Vinden coolly, I am quite willing to accept your expressions of gratitude from a distance. I may not wish to see you killed by others, and I would regret the necessity of killing you myself. I shall consider you my prisoner until I go, after that. And he shrugged expressively. You can go where you like. Hammersley folded his arms and frowned. Where I like, he muttered, with every village in his Nassau on the lookout for me. There was a pause after which von Vinden spoke with quiet earnestness. Unfortunately, I may not help you, Father, since there is food to wait here as safer. Alone, travelling by night, a man might reach Basil safely. As for the Froy Line, if she will return to Blaufelden and give herself up, imprisonment for a time is perhaps the worst that she need fear. Doris had risen, the white light from the door of the cavern searching her face pitilessly. It is what I would do, she said haltingly, what I have pleaded with him to let me do. Cyril, she implored in English, you must let me. I will think about it, he muttered. You are sure that no harm had wavered out of line again, and Hammersley was carefully measuring with his eye the distance that separated him from his cousin. The bark of excellence is much worse than his bite. He will bluster and storm, but eventually he will return Miss Mather to her own people. Hammersley was shaking his head in indecision. I am not so sure that I agree with you about the bite of excellence. I shall think of what I will do. I'm sure of one thing, Udo, he said with sincerity, that I am deeply grateful for what you have done. The war has made us enemies, and you have now prevented the success of my great venture, but I bear you no ill will. The debt is still mine on account of your silence. Back there, a debt made deeper by the presence of Froylein Mather, he paused to give his words effect. I had not told you, Udo, for at Vindenberg, one has no time to think of the things of life, but just before the war broke out, Froylein Mather had promised me to become my wife. Hammersley watched von Vinden as he turned toward Doris with a smile, bowing deeply his sense of the situation lost for a second in the obligations of civility, as he murmured a phrase of congratulations, I am much honoured by your confidences, he said formally, and I deeply regret. He got no further, for Hammersley had sprung a shot which was fired quickly without aim. A furious struggle followed. Hammersley caught at von Vinden's wrist and his weight bore him back against the rock, while both of them fought for the possession of the weapon. The German officer was smaller than his cousin, but his wrists were good and he was quicker than Hammersley. They bore only friendship for each other, but the incentive of each was greater even than hatred could have been. They struggled in silence, the thought of the possession of the papers uppermost in the minds of both. The struggle was not that of Kinsman against Kinsman, but of England against Germany. Realising the desperateness of Hammersley's attack and the purpose of it, von Vinden knew that a victory for Hammersley was of the papers, and so he was bent on killing his cousin if he could, Hammersley on preventing him from doing so. They swayed from side to side, breathing hard, while Doris crouched against the side of the cavern, dumb with terror. Twice she saw the weapon in the German officer's hand point downward towards Cyril's back, and then, before it could be used, saw Cyril's arm quickly push it upward. She knew that she was in danger, but she did not know what to do. At one moment von Vinden seemed to have the advantage, and then another Cyril. Udo's back was against the wall, and one of Cyril's arms was around him, while their legs were intertwined as each tried to get the other off his balance. Suddenly, with an effort, he managed to wrench the pistol from von Vinden's hand and he tossed it into the corner of the cavern. von Vinden had every ethical right to kill Hammersley if he could, but after what his cousin had done for him, Hammersley could not kill Udo. That was impossible. He must succeed without that. This generosity nearly proved fatal to him, to reach Hammersley's automatic in his own holster and had almost disengaged it when Hammersley caught his hand again and the struggle was renewed. But Doris, whose senses and initiative had slowly returned to her, now crept around the walls of the cave, and when von Vinden's outstretched hand came within her reach, she seized his forearm in both of her hands quickly, keeping the muzzle pointed away from Cyril. She was swayed to and fro with the struggling men who finally toppled sideways and fell to the floor, dragging her with them, but von Vinden's grasp of the weapon never quite secure was loosened and, as they dropped, it went flying under the table. The fight was soon out of the German for Hammersley's weight had fallen on him heavily, and in a moment the officer was flat on his back and Hammersley was sitting on him. Doris, who had meanwhile picked up the pistol, now heard Hammersley gasping jerkily, Quick Doris, something to tie with, your stay strings. She understood and disappeared outside the cavern, returning presently with the bonds, helping Cyril while he made lists and ankles of von Vinden fast. I might have killed you, but I didn't, Hammersley was gasping. You saw that Udo didn't even make apologies. I would have killed you. I tried to. It's too bad, too bad. He panted. I'm sorry, Hammersley repeated. Those papers that England's Udo they're my property. I've got to take them. And without further words he put his hand inside the breast of the officer's coat and took the papers out. I wish it were anybody, but you, he said. I don't think you can get away with them. I'm going to try. I'll prevent you. If I can, how? I'll show you. And with the remnants of his breath he shouted lust-belief or help. Hammersley threw him back non-too gently and clapped a handkerchief in his mouth while he directed Doris to tear her underskirt and make bandages for a gag. They worked quickly and in a moment the German officer was silent and helpless. Then for a long moment Hammersley sat by the prostrate man slowly recovering his breath. Doris this ash gray with fear crouched beside him, obedient to his look and action. At last with a laugh he got up. Close thing that. He said, my word, it nearly got me. And then with a look at the prostrate man poor old Udo. In a moment, with a word to Doris he went outside the cave and listened intently. He peered cautiously over the ridge of the rocks. The road was deserted. The sound of the shot while it had seemed deafening would have been muffled at the entrance of the cavern and could not have been heard from a distance. And when Hammersley returned he reassured Doris as to the immediate danger of discovery. There is no Harry Doris. I must think. He said, filling his pipe. He stood up right for a while puffing rapidly peering down at the captive his expression struggling between a frown and a smile. Herr Graf Udo von Winden looked so very much like a mummy. The eyes of his cousin, the only visible part of his face, followed Hammersley intently. I could have done for you, Udo, Hammersley repeated. I want to be sure that von Winden's head moved ever so slightly. Doris had sunk upon the stool. Her face buried in her hands. Oh, it's cruel, she murmured. Let him go, Cyril. Hardly, said Hammersley coolly. It raised a rampus. Weren't you, Udo? The officer's head did not move. You see, said Hammersley, but I'm going to make him as comfortable as possible. And taking him by the armpits, he dragged his cousin over to the corner and laid him gently on the bed of Balsam. And then stood beside the bed looking down at him thoughtfully addressing him, impersonally in English, as though thinking aloud. What's to become of you when we go, old chap? That's what's bothering me now. The German shoulders move slightly. Oh, that's all very well. But I can't leave you up here to rot my cousin. No one knows the way to the crag of the Thorvault. You might be here a thousand years if Linkberg shouldn't come. Von Winden made no sign. It was obvious that he had no further intention of helping in the solution of the difficulty. Let me stay here with him, Cyril. Doris was pleading again. It can do me no harm and when you are well on your way I will release him and go back to Blaufelden. I can't take that chance. You are going with me. Where? To England. But how? Leave that to me. At present we must have breakfast. You know, it's almost 10 o'clock. Bewildered she watched him go to the large tin box in the corner of the cavern from which he brought forth some dry salt biscuit and several pieces of chocolate. It isn't much but it's the best I can do. There's tea too but I don't dare light a fire. She ate slowly at first for the food seemed to choke her but she recalled the fact that except for two pieces of toast and the chocolate of von Stromberg she had eaten nothing since yesterday morning. Cyril, who never seemed at a loss for anything, produced a metal pitcher and, going outside the cave for a moment, returned with it full of water. Lienbergs, he said in reply to her question, his food to good ol Lienberg. He frowned and then went over to the prisoner. He didn't tell me if you don't care too though but I'd like to know how Lienberg is. Will you answer me? Von Winden nodded. He is able to be about. He nodded again. Did his excellency suspect? He shook his head. Thank God. Then Lienberg is at liberty. Cyril replied in the affirmative. Hammersley gave a gasp relief. That is well. I need not worry. He will come and release you. Von Winden only frowned. Lesnulo went on Hammersley quickly. Froylein, Mather and I are going down from here, leaving you alone. You can't be helped. You've stumbled up here and you've got to take your chance in time you may wear the strings through against the rock. If you don't return to Blaufelden by tomorrow Lienberg will find you. But suppose anything happened to Lienberg? Doris was whispering. Ah, Cyril it would be terrible to leave him here. I should dream of it every night of my life. Urozai smiled at her. There is little danger. Graf von Winden is not to be so easily beaten. He will get away tonight. But in the meanwhile we will have gone far enough to be out of his reach. Where are we going? To England child. In the yellow dove. He laughed. Doris started away from him her eyes suddenly brilliant with excitement and the prisoner who had lain without movement showed sudden signs of activity his eyes frowning and his head wagging in anxiety. He wants to speak, said Doris. Hammersley bent over his cousin. Will you promise not to shout? Von Winden nodded quickly so Hammersley untied the bandages that held the handkerchief in the prisoner's mouth and helped him to a sitting posture. You must not go. He stammered quickly in German. It is impossible. You will fail. I warn you. Where do you think so? The machines are guarded and the spark plugs of your tub have been removed and hidden. Hmm, said Hammersley thoughtfully. Excellence neglects nothing. You would go to your death. Perhaps thanks for the warning said Hammersley bluntly and going just the same. Von Winden looked at him in amazement. You do not believe me? He asked. It is the truth I tell you. I shall find a way. But there is no way. You think that I am trying to persuade you to escape by the mountain so that you may be captured with the papers? Yes. I could not escape that way now. You know it. Perhaps not. But what you plan fortune favors the fool and made up my mind. Then you deserve to be shot said Udo. In the forest at least you would have a chance. He gave a guttural exclamation and then bind me and leave me. Then quickly it is goodbye. Goodbye Udo said Hammersley with a smile. Well meet again His Nassau is an English province. Bah Cyril said Von Winden I have always said that you were a fool. Hammersley replaced the gag and bound it into place with great care smiling the while. Then he removed the belt which contained his cousin's supply of cartridges and fastened it around his own body above lean bags loading the two weapons with care and placing them in their holsters. Doris watched these preparations anxiously but Hammersley made her eat her fill of chocolate and biscuits and when they had finished he went to the corner of the cavern and brought forth a large and heavy parcel which he put on the table and opened. Doris saw that Captain von Winden was straightening on the couch trying to see what it contained. Hammersley did not even glance in his direction. He seemed to know by instinct that Udo's curiosity had gotten the better of his dignity. He opened the package deliberately and spread the contents out upon the table. Spare parts of the Taub, Udo. I've had him here for weeks. I'll let you have a peep at him if you like. A socket wrench, spark plugs, bolts, nuts, and wire. By Jove, we might have used that on Udo. You are afraid that what he says is true. Whispered Doris anxiously, von Strompack is prepared for you. I wonder, he said. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of the Yellow Dove by George Gibbs. This Libervox recording is in the public domain recording by Tony Oliva. Hare and Hounds For two hours or more hammerlessly in the girl taking turn in turn watched the road and forest from the amphitheater of rocks. The road in times of peace was a short route from Windenberg to Schöndorf, and popular with the market folk. But the restrictions put upon visits to Blaufelden had resulted in the diversion of traffic from the south slope of the mountains to the longer road in the valley upon the other side. The few who appeared were men in uniform. From his lofty perch hammerlessly aspired Captain Vence as he hurried by with several men in an automobile. Just beyond the craig, the automobile was stopped and the men dismounted and went on afoot. Clearly they meant to continue Hare and Hounds He muttered to himself the more men to the eastward the fewer to the west. Pichu The expletive was not unusual with hammerlessly, but the manner of its utterance gave it importance. He crossed the level quickly and peered again at the vanishing figures of the men. A new idea had been born. Hare and Hounds a game he had played at Eaton. A game as old as sport, as old as hunting and for such a prize. He hurried into the cave glancing hurriedly at his watch. It was noon. Doris sat upon the stool near Udo von Vinden. Hammerlessly went over to their captive and examined his bonds and then gave the girl a few hasty instructions. I am going down below to be gone too. Perhaps three hours. A quick intake of the breath escaped her, but she cut her underlip in her teeth and said nothing. Don't worry, he went on cheerfully. I'm coming back. I'll promise you that. I've got a plan, he whispered. A new plan. A noble plan. A plan that will make our game an easy one. It will be harder for you than for Doris because you've only got to sit and wait and try to be patient. While he was talking he had taken off the belts that contained the two pistols fastening one around Doris. Then he took off his leather jacket and put it on the table fastening the other belt containing Udo's cartridges and automatic over his gray sweater. She watched him timidly. Udo Fondvinden should get his arms free, she protested. I cannot shoot him, Cyril. I cannot. Not that. He won't trouble you. I'll arrange that. He took from his coat pocket the documents captured from the Emperor's messenger and held them up so that Udo Fondvinden could see them. I must leave you for a while, Udo. Awfully sorry, but it's most urgent. You won't mind, will you? Or try to make things difficult? He turned quickly and while both the girl and the prisoner wondered what he was about to do he went to the tin box in the corner, brought out a new candle, lighted it and held the papers so that the prisoner could see them. Do you observe what I'm doing, Udo? Miss Mather will sit here upon the opposite side of the cave. If you attempt to get up from your bed, she will burn the papers. Simple, isn't it? Also quite effective. She doesn't want to shoot you, Udo. Nor do I. And, of course, if the papers were burned it wouldn't hurt England a great deal. As long as the papers are in Germany my capture may throw them into German hands. Nicht wahr? Udo Fondvinden's head moved slightly from left to right with an auf Wiedersehen thrown over his shoulder at Udo, Hemersley went outside the cave where Doris followed him. She was on the point of tears but she succeeded in a smile. Don't worry, Doris, oh girl. Just going down for a stroll about. But why, Cyril? Going to throw him off the scent. He whispered but they're already off the scent. For answer he kissed her gently and bade her keep up her courage. Then he gave her the papers. Saw her inside the cave again and in a moment was gone. The more Hemersley thought of his plan the better it seemed to him. The day was still young. In three hours he could do much. He crossed the amphitheater of rocks and followed the rocky gorge by which he had entered last night and when he emerged upon the farther side, paused and watched for a while to be sure that Vence and his men were not in sight and then descended the face of the rocks skillfully. And in a moment was creeping on all fours through the underbrush up the side of the mountain. It was steep here and rugged. But in a while he reached the old deer trail over which he had passed when he had doubled on his pursuers last night. But instead of following it he halted a moment to listen and then crossed into the undergrowth which at this point was so thick that at twenty paces even he was not visible. He slipped among the tree trunks and evergreens moving rapidly making a wide circle up the mountainside almost to its top descending then by easy stages until he had covered four miles at least when he bore slowly down toward the Schoondorf road. Hare and Towns. An exciting game even in the old days when it meant athletic honors. But now with the alternatives of death as the penalty of capture and a great triumph as the reward of escape it made his blood run madly. A good game. A fair game with success as the reward of intelligence. He planned carefully. He must be sure to come down into the open at a spot beyond where Vence and his men were searching. He knew the country well. There was a village on the hillside half a mile below. It was midway between Schoondorf and the farmhouse at Blaufelden. The families of some of the foresters lived there and there was telephonic connection both with the farm and Windenberg. All of the men of Mittelwald who were not in the forest service were off at the front and the chances were that unless Vence and his men were there Hammersley would see only women and children. But he knew that von Stromberg had neglected nothing that would give an inkling of whereabouts and his presence would be at once reported and the chase began. He was in excellent condition, trained a little too fine perhaps for an Englishman but fit. He had done little running since leaving the University and though he had lost some of his old speed he could rely upon the thought of his danger and dorses for an extraordinary effort. Mittelwald lay in a clearing similar to that at Blaufelden and its farms if farms they could be called clambered up the hillside and struggled over beyond the road where they were merged into the undergrowth of young oaks. The Schondorf road curving this way and that passed between the houses which were set at irregular intervals like the strips on the tail of a kite. He went on through the underbrush coming out into the open upon the road at the point where it entered the woods upon the Schondorf side then he settled his automatic loosely in its sheath and went forward boldly. His eye had marked the line of the telephone wire and followed it to the gable of one of the largest houses in the village. It was to this house that he made his way. A young woman was working in the garden and he approached her quietly and politely but with an air of a man not to be trifled with asked for food. He was aware that he was unshorn, covered with mud and that his face was streaked with dirt and perspiration but he knew that his appearance alone was the sudden blanching of the woman's face and the air of alarm with which she regarded him. She straightened and fell back two or three paces toward the house unable to speak a word in reply. So he repeated his request while her mouth gaped at him and her eyes grew rounder and last she managed to stammer food. You are hungry? Potato bread, anything but quickly I will go with you to the house and he indicated the way. She stumbled on before him her head jerking anxiously this way and that over her shoulder as though she feared at any moment to receive a blow or a shot in the back but he followed her indoors and noted with satisfaction that she appeared after all to be a woman of some intelligence. A thing that pleased him further was the telephone instrument in the corner. Milk, if you please quickly I will take the bread with me and while she timorously brought them out who lives here? Thirster Habermel Where is he? Peremptorily at Vindenberg Here? No. That is well then. He drank a glass of milk greedily and tore off a piece of the loaf. You are a good girl. Heaven will reward you. He made his way to the door looking out cautiously and then turned and put his hand in his pocket bringing out a piece of money. See? He laughed I have concluded to reward you myself. Cash much better than hopes Nikvar. She fetched a timorous smile and bobbed shyly. You will do me a favour he said in a whisper as he went out of the door if you will tell no one of my visit. And with that chuckling to himself went down the road again in the direction of Schendorf watching the turn in the road below the village for a glimpse of Venza and his men When he reached the edge of the open country he paused and listened from the house that he had visited came the faint tinkle of a bell Frau Habermel had lost no time she had notified the master of the hounds who was clamoring for the scent Hammersley walked around the turn in the road which hid him from the house and then went into the bushes where he sat on a fallen log peeping through the leaves toward the further side of the clearing where General von Strombeck's men must appear he did not know how long he would have to wait half an hour perhaps longer if he knew anything of von Strombeck they would come in every sort of available vehicle from a high powered machine to a donkey cart picking up the misguided Venza and his men up on the way to follow this new scent it was difficult to sit still and wait Hammersley wanted to smoke awfully but he chewed a twig instead for he needed to keep his wind in good condition and had purposely left his pipe at the Thorvald he did not want to get too far by the way he intended to return he was now at least six miles from the cavern and with the mile or so he must go toward Schendorf before he turned a good eight miles of rough going lay between himself and safety under other circumstances he would have greatly enjoyed the chance for a rest with a cooler wind from the northeast the weather had cleared and the period of higher temperatures through which they had passed seemed to be drawing to a close in spite of the doubts that hung about his plan he couldn't help saying to himself that he felt jolly fit twenty minutes twenty five he got up and stretched his long limbs luxuriously the hair was ready it was time they cast a peep through the bushes showed him Frau Habermell standing near her home watching the road to Windenberg so he came out of his place of concealment and stood in the open again until he was sure that she saw him when he turned and went slowly toward Schendorf he had planned his moment nicely for before he was out of sight of the clearing an automobile at the end of view paused a moment before Frau Habermell and then came on rapidly Hammersley waited until they had viewed him and then cut into the woods to his left slipping from tree to tree not fifty yards in the cover when the machine came to a stop and the men jumped down and came after him he did not know who was in command but just to show them that he was the man they were after he risked a shot with his automatic and then sped along rapidly working up the mountainside following in a general way the direction of Schendorf he heard them plunging after him in full cry and the sound of their footsteps made him move at a rare pace he knew well this piece of woods the moment came to a path which curved to the right leading straight up the mountain when he reached it he paused to look over his shoulder it was difficult to see the green uniforms but there was a flash of light from a patch of fir trees and a twig just above his head fell across his path his curiosity was satisfied he shut his mouth and breathing through his nostrils went off with a burst of speed which put him around a turn in the path before any of the green uniforms had come into sight he had them coming now two, three men one little one and two big ones he caught a glimpse of them in a moment when the path came into a glade of rocks and barons there was his danger a chance shot might get him when they emerged he found the cover again but leaping from rock to rock he managed to reach the path upon the other side and their shots went wild when he reached cover he halted a moment for a breath firing a shot in the direction of the advancing men who promptly dropped to cover and when they came on again he had gained a clear lead of a hundred yards or more he had foreseen his greatest danger of being caught in thick underbrush and surrounded so he kept to the main path only leaving it for a smaller and more torturous one when the other turned down the mountain toward the road again since the exchange of shots his pursuers had become more cautious and when they reached the fork of the paths they stopped sweating in their heavy coats and cursing lustily while they debated upon the question as to which path he had taken the hounds were at fault from a point above he could see them quite clearly and one of them was the fatalist who had been his jailer last evening just to discover whether he was sincere in his philosophy Hammersley sent a bullet skipping above his head shocked and Hammersley laughed silly ass he muttered fatalist fatality if had aimed at him and he was off again for other men had joined the leaders and the scent was hot he carried them fast up to the bald top of the mountain where the going was faster and down in the valley to the right they had gained nothing on him and Hammersley with his second wind was breathing more easily but it was almost time to double here was as good a place as another for the pack of them to spend the afternoon and he made up his mind to lose them without further ado there was only one runner in the lot and he was the fatalist though how he had ever happened to learn to run in the imperial navy Hammersley had not the time or inclination to decide if his philosophy lent his legs at least were strong and he came on rapidly leaping like a young buck toward the opening over the crest of the knob into which Hammersley had disappeared a short way down was a spur of rock the beginnings of a ridge which cut out into the hills the watershed of two rills which leaped from rock to rock to the valleys below Hammersley chose the right hand valley for the going was better and went down it at top speed for a quarter of a mile or more pausing where the path led into the underbrush and pines until the fatalist should view him when he disappeared and then turning into the thicket circle quickly to the left and taking advantage of every cover slowly and carefully climbed the ridge to a place of vantage where he crouched and waited to have the satisfaction a moment later of seeing his ex jailer weapon in hand go plunging down the path past his place of concealment Hammersley listened a moment to the sounds of crashing feet in front of him and behind and then creeping slowly and making what speed he could cross the ridge and in a while was out of sight and hearing of them he feared little in crossing the other valley for his pursuers were strung out in a line each in sight of the other and would follow the leader like a flock of sheep but there was little time to waste and the greatest test of Hammersley's endurance and Doris's was to come for two perhaps three hours these men would search for him and more would come the fatalist would bear the brunt of their failure but in the meanwhile Hammersley must reach the cave in the Thorvault and take Doris to Blaufeldon the first part of the return run must be done at top speed to save time which would be later so when he crossed the second valley in safety and had reached the mountaintop Hammersley abandoned all caution risking the chance of meeting vents and his men and with a sharp look out ahead of him went as fast as he could along the ridge finding at last the trail by which he had come earlier in the day down which he ran with a long stride which covered the four miles in less than half an hour he reached the upper passage to the cave in safety and in a moment was safe behind the projecting boulders of the amphitheater he was breathing heavily and the sweat was pouring from him Doris was watching for him the following you they're coming she asked nervously he quieted her and let her inside the cave where he dropped for a moment of rest Doris watched him anxiously in a moment he was laughing oh I let him a rip and run straight for Schöndorf he gasped they're patting me out six miles from here on the top of the Schmaltzberg lord he grinned but that was a breather she brought him the picture of water but he only rinsed his mouth how are you feeling fit? she nodded right oh come along we're off he went over to the prisoner and examined his bonds carefully poor old Udo he muttered in German I've got to go you might worry through those strings it's the only way because I'm not leaving any matches he leaned over and padded his cousin on the shoulder goodbye Udo he made me again some day as friends my cousin as friends from Vinden's eyes met Hammersley's and then he lowered his head upon the balsam boughs there was no time for amenities Hammersley slipped on his leather jacket and cap fastened his belt outside reloaded his automatic filled the pockets of Doris's coat with biscuit and chocolate then made a bundle of the tools and spare parts which he selected carefully and in a moment he and Doris were outside on the ridge peering over toward the road below all was quiet and they descended carefully to the projecting rock pausing there to listen again the machine events which had been left near the Kreg had gone on toward Mittleval Hammersley smiled the plan had worked it was working they must succeed down in the bushes at the foot of the Kreg by the road they paused again listening and then Hammersley went forward peering out up and down the road silence solitude leading the way with the hand of the girl in his he quickly crossed and plunged into the undergrowth silently until they had reached a distance which would defy detection from the road then Hammersley bore to the right and went on rapidly Doris's heart was beating high with excitement and hope the yellow dove could they reach the hangers safely and when there could they tune up undetected the success of the venture seemed impossible for there must still be men on guard at Blaufelden someone but as they went on through the wood she found some of the contagion of Cyril's audacity he seemed tireless when they reached a trail which led in the desired direction without speaking to her he set forward into a steady jog trot which put them well upon their way he turned around from time to time and watched her and when he saw that she was nearly blown he slowed down to a walk and explained his plan Charlie flying weather this once we're in the air they can't stop us Doris she's armored around the cockpit and engines and they have anything heavier than a rifle at Blaufelden we'll go up the Rhine flying high then cut to the left along the coast as far as a French line and then go into Epress from there to General French's headquarters you can easily tell by the lines of trenches I want you to listen carefully I've got two seats and double control the arrangement is just the same is on your new port only she answers her control much more slowly the wheel is on a universal joint the gas on your wheel the spark to your left the magneto a button in front of you she starts by compressed air but the exhaust she gasped before we go it's only a few hundred yards from the shed to the house we're going to risk that with luck we'll be moving in three minutes and then he paused grimly and then I'd like to see a dozen stoppers he had such perfect assurance that all doubt left her indeed to Doris he seemed endowed with some hidden fount of initiative and inspiration and she was willing to believe anything he told her they went on rapidly while he answered all her questions and gave her final instructions until at last they reached a path the same he told her by which they had come from the farm last night they started up a frightened deer which fled away from them but they didn't pause until the path cut sharply to the right and through the bushes they could see buildings of Blaufelden there they stopped and Hammersley went forward to investigate in the direction of the farmhouse was no sign of animation except the thread of smoke that rose from the kitchen chimney the back of the hangar was just in front of them a bare wall of wood a hundred and fifty feet long the opening was upon the other side to the west a huge canvas flap toggled at the bottom two rings in the sill Hammersley came back and whispered to Doris to follow him until the starting of the engine this was the most hazardous part of the proceeding for if they were seen from the house there would be no time for Hammersley to put the engines in order he led her south to the point in the woods where the storehouse hid them from the main buildings when crouching low to avoid possible detection from the Windenburg road they covered the fifty yards to the storehouse and waited again completely hidden from all points except the forest behind them while Cyril looked around the edge of the building and then beckoned her to follow in a moment the end of the canvas flap and the door and were within the dusky interior of the shed before them stretched the wide expanse of the yellow dove a huge biplane with a spread as nearly as Doris could figure it of a hundred and twenty feet from tip to tip she stood before it in wonder and awe admiring its fine lines and sturdy appearance a dragonfly her new port was beside this great eagle of the air the other machine an etrich monoplane which was used by Udo von Winden seemed lost in the shadows of the larger wings Doris stood quite still as Cyril had directed while he moved off noiselessly in the dim light she saw him slipping from one spot to another quickly examining this and that and at last saw him climb up into the machine with his kit of tools she came nearer as he whispered down to her they've taken out some plugs I'll have them in shortly and then go around the lower plane and tell me if the guys are all taught she did as he asked while she heard him above working over the engines how long will it take she whispered I can't tell twenty minutes perhaps the petrol tanks are empty too I want to help are the wires all fast yes good then bring me the hose from the petrol tank it's there beside you in the corner I can run it in while I'm working she did as she was bid climbing up with a feeling of exaltation into the tall machine beside him the reserve tank first he whispered up here between the planes here's a wrench the opening is on the top they worked side by side noiselessly and efficiently hammer's lee fitting the missing spark plugs connecting a new coil wire which had been removed he looked over the machine carefully but could find nothing else missing or even needing adjustment for he had taken care yesterday morning as was his custom to go over the engine with his own hands the impairment of the engine was of no serious consequence and intended only to delay von Strombeck had not counted on such a chance for readjustment as this or upon Hammersley's reserve supply of necessary material and unless they had done something else that he could not discover but what while he worked Hammersley tried to think casting between times anxious glances at the gears the propellers and the control wires the reserve tank of petrol was filled and the hose was steadily pouring the stuff into the one under the forward cockpit which was full by the time the plugs and wires were all adjusted that would be enough Doris he whispered we only need to get to the English lines there's no time for more she saw him try the wheel watching the connecting gear keenly and when he ordered it he climbed down into the rear seat he gave her a leather coat gloves and helmet and buckled her into her seat then in a state of nervous tension they waited she saw Cyril climb down coolly wiping his hands with a piece of waste restore the hose to its place and then peer out from a slit in the canvas door then he bent over and running quickly along the flap from side to side one after another quickly unfastened the toggles which held it in place we've got to chance it now he whispered up to her if she doesn't work God help us but the canvas the machine will he stopped abruptly for Doris's eyes were staring in panic at something behind him Hammersley whirled quickly into a slit in the canvas his automatic in his hand there not four paces away blinking into the dusk stood the tall figure of his Excellency General Graf von Stromberg End of Chapter 21