The German laughed good-naturedly.
"Maybe not," he said. "However, I'm going to ask you if any of you have it."
"If we had," said Hal quietly, "I'll guarantee we wouldn't stay here half an hour."
The German looked at Hal keenly. Apparently he took the lad's answer for a denial, for he said:
"Well, all right. I just thought I'd make sure. I know you wouldn't lie about it."
He bowed again and was gone.
"Well, by George!" exclaimed Hal. "I didn't tell him I didn't have his gun, did I?"
"You did not," said Chester, "but you seem to have convinced him that you didn't have it."
"It's just as well," said Smith.
Five minutes later a German soldier entered, bearing a tray on which was water and dry bread.