“His name?” demanded Hal quickly.
The wounded man was silent for some time.
“I have never betrayed a comrade,” he said at length, “but I am at the door of death. I must make what reparation I can. His name is General Emil Tromp.”
“What!” exclaimed Hal and Chester in a single breath.
“It is true,” continued the wounded man. “But listen,” and his voice grew fainter. The end was not far off now. “Listen! Will you do me one favor, you whom I have tried to kill?”
Hal and Chester nodded their heads in assent.
“Then do not tell my mother of my treachery. Tell her that I died in battle, fighting for my country, and that I was game to the end, as you Americans say. Will you do this for me, one who has sought your death?”
“We will,” promised Hal and Chester in a single voice.
“Promise,” said the dying man feebly, as he raised himself on one elbow.
“We promise,” said both lads solemnly.