On the river they found a small rowboat. Into this they climbed hurriedly and set out for the opposite shore. Halfway across a bullet from the rifle of a German sentry greeted them. Chester immediately dropped his oars, and, standing erect in the boat, waved his handkerchief.
There was no further shooting.
On the opposite side of the river a squad of German troops, commanded by a sergeant, awaited them when they landed. Chester approached the sergeant, and said:
"Take us to General Steinbach at once."
"What for?" inquired the sergeant.
"That," said Hal quietly, "is none of your business."
"Is that so?" blustered the sergeant. "If you get too gay, I shall have you clapped in irons and kept right here."
"I'll guarantee that you shall lose your stripes if you do," returned Chester.
The German sergeant looked at him long and searchingly. Something in the lad's face must have impressed him, for he said gruffly:
"I'll take you to the general, but I warn you that your business with him must be urgent."