"Shot!" gasped Uncle John.
"Exactly. That is the usual treatment accorded spies."
"But I tell you—"
"You can tell the rest to General Ferrari," said the Italian officer.
"Forward, men."
Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests, and the lads were led away.
"Don't worry, Uncle John," Chester called back to him. "We'll get out of this all right. Tell mother to have no fear."
"I'll see the ambassador!" shouted Uncle John. "I'll get you out of this. I'll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as Uncle Sam."
"Poor old Uncle John," said Chester to Hal. "He does get excited so easily. I'll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour."
"I'd give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires," agreed Hal.
In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a halt; and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps.