"Why did you run at our approach?"
The lieutenant made no reply.
"Well," said the German officer, after a pause, "if you are bound for
Brunswick you will get there all right That is our destination."
Captain Derevaux and Lieutenant Anderson had dismounted, and by this time
Chester had recovered consciousness.
Calling two of his men, the German officer ordered the four companions bound. Then Chester's saddle was taken from his wounded horse and put upon another, which was brought from the stable. The four companions were assisted to the backs of their animals, and the troop proceeded forward, the prisoners in the center.
The country through which they now traveled was rough and hilly, and rapid progress was impossible. From time to time they passed detachments of troops hurrying in the opposite direction. They did not overtake the main body, of which their captors were a part, until they reached Prenzlau, where the troop was quartered.
There the prisoners were led before the commanding officer, Colonel
Waldstein. Lieutenant Anderson spoke.
"Colonel," he said, "I am Lieutenant Anderson, of the British army, and this," indicating the young captain, "is Captain Derevaux, of the French army." Then, pointing to Hal and Chester: "These two boys are in no way concerned in our affairs, and I hope that you will see fit to release them."
"How do they come to be in your company, then?" asked the colonel.
The lieutenant explained the circumstances.