But the fugitive had vanished in the darkness.
"Come back here and surrender, before I shoot," bluffed Mock, but the German did not answer.
To Mock's intense astonishment Dick reached over, snatching the pistol from his hand.
"That will be about all, Private Mock," said Prescott sternly.
"You've bluffed your part well, and helped your friend to escape, but at all events I've got you!" "Do you---" began the soldier, but stopped, further words failing him.

Dick gripped the man's arm, giving a significant pressure before he said: "You'll come along with me, Mock, and it will be worse for you if you try any further monkey-shines with me." He gave another pressure on Mock's arm as he finished.

Without a word Mock walked with him to where the horse was tied.
"Untie that bridle and buckle the ends together," Dick ordered.
This done, the captain mounted, taking the bridle in his left hand, retaining the automatic pistol in his right.
"March ahead, Mock.

Don't try to bolt unless you want me to shoot." In this manner they proceeded back over the road.

Mile after mile they covered, meeting no one until they had come in sight of the camp, nestling in the broad valley below.
At this point such an extensive view could be had that Dick felt sure there was no eavesdropper.