There was nothing for it but to obey. Under the muzzle of the German officer's revolver, Chester was marched around to the front of the tent and then inside.
"Hello!" It was the Crown Prince who spoke. "What have we here?"
"I caught this man eavesdropping outside the tent," replied the man who had captured Chester.
"So!" said the Crown Prince in an angry tone. He whirled upon Chester.
"And what were you doing there, sir?" he asked.
"I—why, I—" Chester stammered.
The lad was thankful in that minute for his German uniform; though he knew it probably would go hard with him anyhow, he believed that the fact that he was, ostensibly, a German lieutenant would give him more time; possibly it would give Hal enough time to find and rescue him. At least, it would preclude a search for more possible French spies.
"To what regiment are you attached?" asked the Crown Prince.
Chester took a long chance.
"Fortieth Hussars, sir," he replied quietly.
"Then what are you doing here?" demanded the Crown Prince, but continued without giving Chester time to reply: "Surely you know the penalty of such actions?"