The three friends followed him.
Before the quarters of the Austrian commander, the officer whispered to the orderly stationed at the entrance. The latter saluted and disappeared. He came out a moment later and motioned for all to enter.
A large man, both tall and stout, was General Brentz, and he eyed the three with a close gaze. All gave the stiff German military salute.
"You come from—" said the general, and paused.
"The Wilhelmstrasse," said Colonel Anderson, leaning slightly forward.
"And how did you get here?"
"Well, not without some trouble," replied the colonel. "And we almost failed. But, fortunately, we remembered that the Wilhelmstrasse never fails, and with the aid of your cavalry, sir, we escaped. This officer," pointing to the man who had conducted them there, "can perhaps tell you better than I. I was too busy with my horse."
The officer, at the general's command, gave an account of the chase.
"Very well," said the general, when he had concluded. He turned again to
Colonel Anderson. "I take it you have valuable information for me, then?"
"Yes, sir, but for you only," replied the colonel, nodding toward the other officer.