If they had been killed, there would be something left of them.

They got out all right--that's evident.

And they made themselves scarce.

They must have known we would come, and if they have gone so quickly, it is because they did not want us to see them at close quarters." "Spies, you think ?" asked the sergeant.
"Evidently! But how they got here I'd hate to guess! They came from a quarter where we are in complete control.

Yet they stole one of our cars, and a couple of uniform coats and helmets, at least!" "We can look further for them," said the sergeant.
"Yes--and one might look a long time in a haystack before one found a needle! However, let the men spread out along the road and see what they can find.