“I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your superior officer. But I won’t do it this time. However, it is a very good thing that our emperor—God bless him—is a very good friend of your father. Otherwise——”
He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:
“Then no doubt that big gray dog I stumbled over outside—and which almost bit me—is the property of your prisoners.”
Hal stepped forward and saluted.
“He is, sir,” he said.
The old general eyed the lad for some minutes in silence. Hal bore the scrutiny without flinching. Then the general turned to Chester and repeated the process. Chester also met his gaze squarely.
“Humph!” ejaculated the German commander; then turned suddenly to his son.
“When you have introduced us,” he said, “we shall all go in and have something to eat!”