“Well,” said the sentinel, “what do you think I would take you for in that German uniform?”
Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed.
“I don’t blame you,” he said. “I forgot all about this uniform. But I can assure you I’m English. I’ve been over the river getting a little information.”
“Well,” said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he represented himself. “I’ll let the colonel decide that point. March ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your back.”
“All right,” said Hal shortly, “as long as you can’t take my word for it, I suppose I shall have to go with you.”
He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of what he now saw was a reconnoitering force.
“My name is Paine,” he informed the colonel. “I have been across the river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I can show credentials,” and he showed the officer a pass signed by the commander-in-chief.
The officer shook hands with him.
“What can I do for you?” he asked.