“You won’t shoot him while I am here,” cried Chester, also aroused.
“What business is it of yours whether I shoot him or not?”
“You try it again and I’ll show you what business it is of mine, if the whole German army is standing round,” shouted Chester furiously.
Hal grabbed his friend by the coat and attempted to pull him back, but Chester was too angry now to pay any heed, and he stood facing the German threateningly.
At this point the other officer evidently decided it was time to interfere.
“Come, come,” he said to Chester. “That’s enough of this. I am sure Lieutenant Dennig meant no harm. I’m sure he’ll apologize if he has said or done anything to displease you.”
“What! Me apologize?” demanded the German. “And what for, pray?”
“I don’t want any apology,” declared Chester. “All I want is for him to understand he can’t shoot a dumb animal while I’m around.”
“Is that so?” sneered the German, but the boys’ guard cut him short.
“Lieutenant Dennig,” he said sharply, “you forget yourself. These prisoners are under my protection and shall not be insulted.”