"Are you English?" repeated Chester.
The girl recovered herself with an effort and forced herself to answer the lad's question calmly.
"No," she said, "I am an American."
"An American!" exclaimed Chester. "You are an American?"
"Yes," cried the girl, "and you will harm me at your peril. The
United States—"
"Uncle Sam is a long ways off," said Chester quietly. "But I guess he can take care of you. I, too am an American."
"You!" exclaimed the girl eagerly, taking a step forward. Then, after a quick glance at his clothes, she shrank back.
Chester smiled.
"Don't judge me by these garments," he said. "I assure you I am an
American, and my friend here," he indicated Colonel Anderson, "is a
British officer. My other friend," pointing to Ivan, "is a Russian. So
you see, you are among friends."
"Are you telling me the truth?" asked the girl fearfully, eying Chester searchingly.