"
"I am ordered to take them before General Gallieni at once," said the
officer more civilly.
"The military governor!" exclaimed Uncle John.
"Exactly, _monsieur_," said the officer, "and now, as you have the key,
will you please to unlock the door immediately?"
"But what does the general want with them?" asked Uncle John anxiously.
"I cannot say," was the reply. "Will you unlock the door or shall I be
compelled to use force?"
Without further words Uncle John unlocked the door, and the officer,
followed by two of his men, strode in. They approached the two lads.
"You are under arrest," said the officer briefly.
Mrs. Paine and Mrs. Crawford attempted to reach their sons, but the
soldiers barred their progress.
"Don't worry, mother," said Hal, as they were led by, and he smiled.
Uncle John caught the smile and a great light dawned upon him.
"Well, by George!" he said to himself, "I didn't think they had it in
'em."
He allayed the fears of the anxious mothers by telling them what he had
discovered.
Pages:
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202