"What! These lads German spies! If you but knew of what invaluable service they have been to the cause of the Allies, you would be proud to shake hands with them. Why, let me tell you," and forgetting all other matters for the moment, Major Derevaux plunged into an account of the boys' triumphs since joining the allied forces.
At the conclusion of this recital, General Ferrari extended a hand to each of the boys.
"I am indeed glad to know two such gallant lads," he said. "I felt sure when I first saw you that there must be some mistake in your cases."
"But they stole my paper!" cried Colonel Fuesco.
"That is not true," said Major Derevaux. "I can vouch for their loyalty."
"But who can vouch for you?" demanded the colonel. "How is General Ferrari to know that you, too, are not a spy, coming to him with false credentials?"
"I can answer that question," replied the general. "As it happens, I have known Major Derevaux for years. He has often visited at my home, he and his parents. You owe these lads an apology, colonel."
"He knocked me down," replied the colonel, pointing to Chester.
"So he did," said the general, "and you deserved it."
Chester now approached the colonel and extended a hand.