"It looks like an attack," he growled. "These cursed English! We must make haste in case we are called up in support. No sleep to-night, Schnauzzahn."
They hurried on, and in five minutes more were creeping up the low incline. At the crest they halted and peered into the hollow. A figure was bending over one of the lamps, which emitted a brighter light into the mist.
"Go and capture him, Ascher," whispered the captain.
"No; we must use him. We can shoot him later."
The sergeant crept silently upon the old farmer from the rear. It was the work of a few seconds to overpower him and cast him helpless on the ground.
The two officers went forward. As they descended the slope they became aware that the lights were less visible.
"They’re intended as signals to an aeroplane," said Schnauzzahn, approaching them rapidly. "See! They are directed above."
"Villainous treachery! But our good German wits will defeat it. Listen! Do you hear an engine?"
"No," replied the lieutenant after a brief silence.
"Then we have still time. Ascher, move the lamps near the slope. We’ll spoil his landing!"
The sergeant carried the lamps to the foot of the slope, and placed them close together.
"Not so, idiot!" cried the captain, "arrange them as they were before. Don’t you understand?"
Hardly had the lamps been rearranged in their triangular position when the whirring of an engine was heard through the thunder of the distant guns.
"Here he is!" said Bramarbas. "I hope he’ll break his neck. If he doesn’t, you and I will seize him, Schnauzzahn; Ascher will guard the farmer."
They waited. The aeroplane could be heard wheeling above. The bombardment suddenly ceased.
"The English have changed their minds. They can’t have done much harm in ten minutes. So much the better!" said the captain. The searchlights began to play. "Potztausend! I hope he won’t be shot down. Much better for us to capture him. Can he see the lights through the mist?"
"No doubt he has seen them. The sound has stopped. He has shut off the engine."
"Bring the Frenchman over the crest, Ascher, and don’t let him cry out."
Thus it happened that Burton, after his unlucky accident, found himself in the grasp of Captain Bramarbas and Lieutenant Schnauzzahn of the 19th Pomeranian infantry of the line.