"Berlin! What in the world do we want to go back to Berlin for?"
"We don't; but it looks as though there were no help for it. The letter says that, after an investigation of our case, it has been decided that we shall be sent back to Berlin and that, if we are to be allowed to leave the country, such arrangements must be made by the United States ambassador."
"Well, what do you think of that!"
"It's too bad," declared Fritz; "but an order is an order. I am afraid you must go!"
"You poor boys!" exclaimed Frau Schmidt "I can't see why they won't let you stay here."
"No more do I," declared Hal. "But I guess this letter means business."
"It sure looks like it," said Chester.
"That's what I call pretty tough luck," declared Hal, when the two boys were alone in their room that night, Fritz and his mother having retired.
"Tough? I should say it is tough," returned Chester. "After all the trouble we have had getting away from Berlin, then to have to go back. Tough is no name for it."
"Well," said Hal, "I guess there is no use kicking. We ran a good race, but we lost. It's back to Berlin for us."