The general paid no attention to this remark, but continued to write in silence. Finally he arose, with a paper in his hand.
"Here is your sentence," he said, turning to Hal. "Read, and see what you think of it."
Hal took the paper the general extended to him. As he read an expression of amazement passed over his face.
Hal passed the paper to Chester without a word, and, as Chester read, he also grew amazed. And no wonder.
For what the general had written was a safe-conduct for both lads to the
Belgian lines; and the signature at the bottom was that of General Count
Von Moltke, commander-in-chief of all the German armies!
Hal stepped forward.
"General," he stammered, "we—I—we don't know how to thank you."
The general raised a hand and said gruffly:
"Never mind that." The faint shadow of a smile flitted over his stern countenance. "I suppose," he continued, "that you are wondering why I do this, after what occurred in the station at Berlin. It is so, is it not?"
"It is very strange," muttered Chester, and Hal nodded his head in assent.