“Arrest!” cried Frank. “And what for?”
“All in good time, all in good time,” said the officer with a deprecating gesture. “Out here with you.”
“See here,” protested Jack, “I wish you to understand that you are talking to two French gentlemen, allies of Russia in this critical stage, and I must insist that you be more choice in your words.”
“So?” queried the Russian with an evil leer. “Just to put a stop to all this foolishness, I may as well tell you that I know you for what you are. You are both German spies.”
“Spies?” echoed Frank. “I assure you, sir——”
“It’s no use,” declared the Russian. “You have been followed for days now. We were warned of your approach and instructed to arrest you both on sight. You will come with me now, without further talk.”
Jack said a few words in an aside to Frank. Immediately the Russian officer produced a pair of revolvers, with which he covered the two lads.
“No foolishness,” he said quietly. “I have a squad of my men out here. Will you come out, or must I use force?”
“I assure you you are making a grave mistake,” declared Jack, “but rather than cause unpleasantness, we shall come with you until we are able to prove our identities.”
“You are sensible, sir,” returned the officer quietly. “Alight, please.”