The captain broke off and shrugged his shoulders expressively.
"True," said Hal quietly. "I forgot."
"So we are to be shot as spies, eh?" said Chester.
"I am sorry," replied Captain Eberhardt. "I will speak a word for you, but I doubt if it will do any good."
"Thanks," said Hal.
They sat about the little fire for several hours, when the German officer, arising, said:
"Well, whenever you are ready I shall conduct you before General
Steinbach."
"We are ready any time," replied Chester.
The lads followed the captain from the tent, and at last stood before the German commander. Here Captain Eberhardt briefly explained the details of the capture.
"And you say they were in civilian attire?" asked the general.