"It is a habit I have," replied Chester quietly. "Yes, I am an American and if you have a mind to question me about anything American you will find that I am telling you the truth."
"What is your name?" asked the girl.
"Chester Crawford."
"Chester Crawford!"
Again the girl looked at him searchingly.
At last she asked: "And do you know another young American named
Hal Paine?"
"Hal!" exclaimed Chester, startled at hearing his friend's name from this girl whom he had, to his knowledge, never seen before. "Of course. He is my chum. But he has never told me he knew a girl answering your description."
"Oh, I don't know him," replied the girl. "But I have heard of you both from a friend—a girl friend; and if you can tell me her name, I will be sure that you are Chester Crawford."
"How can I tell you?" asked Chester. "I know several girls. Was it
Mary—"
"This girl," was the reply, "you met in Belgium. If you are truly Chester
Crawford you will know who I mean."