"I wish I could have seen mother once more," said Hal softly.
Chester gave his chum's hand a slight squeeze.
"Well, it can't be helped now," he replied, with an attempt to appear cheerful. "But come, brace up; if we must die, we will die bravely."
"You are right," said Hal, brushing the tears from his eyes with a rapid movement.
With heads erect, the two lads marched on.
At that moment a group of German officers approached on horseback. They eyed the two captives, and suddenly one left his companions and rode over to the firing squad. The officer in command of the squad halted his men and saluted.
"What have we here?" demanded the newcomer.
"Two spies, sir," was the reply. "They were taken between the lines, and have been ordered shot."
"These two boys are my business," declared the mounted officer, a note of authority in his voice. "Their execution is stayed. Take them to my headquarters."
"But, general—" began the officer in charge of the squad.