"You will not be sent back before to-morrow," he said; "in the meantime, if you will give me your paroles, I shall be glad to have you as my guests."
Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter nodded his head negatively.
"We are sorry, sir," said Chester, "but we cannot give our paroles."
The general hesitated for a brief moment.
"Oh, well," he said, "I don't know as it makes any difference. There is no chance of your escaping again. I shall be pleased to have you lunch with me."
The lads accepted this invitation gladly, for both were very hungry, and they knew from past experiences that the Kaiser treated his officers to the best that was to be obtained in the line of food.
They accompanied General Steinbach to his quarters, where they soon sat down to a substantial meal. The meal over, the German commander walked with them to the outside, and asked them if they would care to have a look about. Both lads agreed that they would and the general detailed an officer to show them around.
"I hardly believe you will be able to reveal what you may see," he said with a smile, as he left them, "for within a few days you will be safe in Berlin."
"I wish he wouldn't harp on Berlin so much," said Chester. "I don't like the name of that place."
After an hour's stroll the lads were conducted to a tent at the northern extremity of the German lines, where they were placed under guard. They had the tent to themselves, but guards were stationed upon the outside.