And from other throats in the group came the time-worn salutation:

Hoch der Kaiser!


CHAPTER XXIX.

GERMAN HOSPITALITY.

“Yes,” continued the Emperor of Germany, “the boy is right. He has spoiled our plans, I will admit; but it takes a brave man to wander into our lines as he did. It takes a brave one to have made a dash in the armored cars I have just witnessed; and it takes a brave man to raid right into the heart of our arms and destroy twenty-five aëroplanes, as I have no doubt he did.”

“What,” exclaimed all the German officers in the tent, “the aëroplanes destroyed?”

“Yes,” continued the emperor, “and with them another opportunity to deal a death-blow to the English.” Then, turning to Hal: “I have no doubt that you were concerned in that—am I right?”

“Yes, your majesty,” said the lad.