“Well, you never can tell,” said Hal, “the fortunes of war, you know.”
“True,” said the German, “and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take you at your word.”
He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air eagerly.
“A real war dog, all right,” said Chester. “What shall we call him, Hal?”
“Perhaps he has a name already,” said Hal. “Try him.”
Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names in the boys’ vocabulary.
Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog’s head. Then, for the first time, he noticed the collar he wore.
“Hello!” he said, in some surprise.
“What is it?” said Chester, also approaching.