Once in the Belgian lines the boys breathed easier.
"Well, here we are at last," said Hal. "I guess we will be able to explain our presence in the woods satisfactorily."
"I hope so," replied Chester.
At this moment the officer who had placed them under arrest approached.
"Come with me," he ordered.
The boys accompanied him to the headquarters of the commanding officer, where their position was explained to the latter.
He listened quietly to Hal's account of their adventures since leaving Berlin, and it was plain to both boys that as he listened he became more and more incredulous.
Hal finished his recital, and for some minutes the general sat silent.
Finally he said:
"You have told me a strange story—one that I find it very hard to believe. I must have proof. It must be substantiated. You will consider yourselves prisoners until the matter has been investigated, unless in the meantime there should be someone here who will vouch for your honesty and the truth of this remarkable tale."
"I will vouch for it, general," came a voice.