Finally, after much delay, the train started with a jolt, tumbling men all over each other as it gradually gathered momentum. They were hurled hither and yon, but they only laughed.
The trip was necessarily slow, for the train, time after time, was switched on to a siding to permit of the movement of German troop trains carrying soldiers from the western theater of war to the east, or from the east to the west.
Consequently, it was late the following night when the train finally pulled in, and the prisoners were ordered to get out. Under the leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground, and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German officer in command, were marched away.
Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German officer.
“What have we here?” he demanded, approaching the boys. “A dog, eh? Well, we haven’t time to fool with dogs,” and he leveled his pistol at Marquis.
Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to stay the German’s hand.
“This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General Von Kluck,” he said quietly.
“So you say,” was the reply. “But how am I to know that you speak the truth?”
“The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient proof of that,” said Hal quietly.