“Yes,” snapped the general, “and see that you make a thorough job of it.”
At this juncture Chester rose to his feet.
“If you think we have your papers, sir,” he said quietly, “we are willing to submit to a search.”
“And searched you shall be,” said the general. He turned to his son. “Search them!”
The lieutenant protested, but to no avail. The lads submitted to the search in silence.
“They have nothing, sir,” said the lieutenant.
“Then search the second floor,” commanded the general.
An hour later the lieutenant came downstairs, and a few moments later the old gentleman, now considerably cooled off, also returned.
“I found nothing, sir,” reported the lieutenant.