Night was fast falling when the British came in sight of a little house, and Hal decided that they would stop there and commandeer something to eat. Accordingly they rode up to the door, where Hal, before dismounting, hailed those within with a shout.
A woman appeared in the door, and learning what the British required, invited them to dismount and enter. This they did, and soon sat down to a substantial repast, Stubbs with them. The war correspondent now became talkative, and entertained with an account of his adventures.
Upon learning that Hal and Chester were American lads, the little man's pleasure knew no bounds.
"I knew it!" he exclaimed. "I knew it the minute I set eyes on you."
"Perhaps that is why you were in such a hurry to get back down the road," said Chester.
"No, no," was the reply. "I knew you were Americans, but I feared, for the moment, that you might be fighting with the Germans."
"Well," said Chester shortly, "I don't imagine you will find many
Americans in the German ranks."
"I want to tell you boys," said Stubbs, "that I appreciate your saving me from falling into the hands of the enemy, where I might have been kept a prisoner for years."
"We didn't save you from anything," said Hal.
"I know, I know," said Stubbs, "but you might have done so. I want to tell you that I appreciate it and that Anthony Stubbs is your friend for life; and the friendship of such a man is not to be laughed at."