Standing beside the German commander was another officer, somewhat younger, recognizing whom, Hal’s heart leaped into his throat. This second officer was none other than the man who, some days before, had placed in Hal’s hands dispatches for General Von Kluck—papers that, through Hal’s bravery, had been turned over to General French, and had thus foiled the coup planned by the Kaiser himself.
The German recognized Hal almost immediately, in spite of his British uniform. He stepped forward, and, with a sneering smile, said:
“How do you do, Captain Dersam?”
General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads, turned to the officer.
“You know these prisoners?” he questioned.
“Well, I know one of them,” was the reply. “That is, I thought I did once. It seems that I was mistaken.”
“Explain yourself.”
“This,” said the German, pointing to Hal, “is the young man to whom I told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this officer must be a traitor.”
General Von Kluck rose to his feet excitedly.
“So,” he exclaimed, “you are the man whom we have to thank for the defeat of our plan, eh?” He turned to the officer. “And you say he was in German uniform?”