"You are both brave lads, as I learned a long time ago," he said, "and it
pains me that I must turn you over to my commanding officer. I bear you
no grudge for anything you have done against me, and if I could do
otherwise I would. But my duty is clear. The necessity of war demands
that you be tried by court-martial."
"Tried by court-martial!" exclaimed Chester. "What for?"
"You were found within our lines in civilian clothes. Had you been in
uniform you would have been treated as prisoners of war. As it is--"
The captain broke off and shrugged his shoulders expressively.
"True," said Hal quietly. "I forgot."
"So we are to be shot as spies, eh?" said Chester.
"I am sorry," replied Captain Eberhardt. "I will speak a word for you,
but I doubt if it will do any good."
"Thanks," said Hal.
They sat about the little fire for several hours, when the German
officer, arising, said:
"Well, whenever you are ready I shall conduct you before General
Steinbach."
"We are ready any time," replied Chester.
The lads followed the captain from the tent, and at last stood before the
German commander.
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