"It is," replied Chester, and once more he glanced at his watch.
It was now after eleven o'clock.
"Great Scott!" cried Chester, "if we don't hurry we are likely to be too late!"
Realizing that the lads—for some reason unknown to him—were in great haste, the sergeant, in spite of his recent gruffness, hurried them along.
It was a considerable distance to the German commander's headquarters, and Chester became nervous as the minutes flew by. Half past eleven came, and a quarter to twelve, and at last they came in sight of General Steinbach's tent.
They approached rapidly, and the sergeant inquired for the general.
"He has gone to witness the execution," was the reply.
"Where is the execution to take place?" asked Chester, stepping forward.
The German soldier pointed over his shoulder.
"Nice place for an execution back there," he said. "Plenty of trees, so the sun won't interfere with the aim of the executioners. I am waiting now to hear the pop of the rifles."