He deposited the lad on a sofa near the girl.
"Now I've got you both, so there'll be a double execution," he growled. "I'll just sit here and guard you till some of my men turn up."
Meanwhile, upstairs, Chester, Major Derevaux and the four Canadians had waited impatiently. The sound of revolver shots below had not carried to their ears. Chester closed his watch with a snap.
"Time's up," he said quietly. "They must have nabbed Hal. Let's go down."
There were no objections offered, so Chester led the way.
The American lad, the French officer and the four Canadian troopers descended the stairs as quietly as had Hal, and as quietly approached the door to the room where the German officer now guarded his captives. Chester peered through the key-hole and took in the situation at a glance.
Chester, however, used more caution than had Hal. Also he chose to proceed with strategy rather than force. Now, the lad realized, was a time when his German uniform would stand him in good stead. He explained his plan in whispers, and as the others stood back out of the way, Chester walked calmly into the room.
The German officer rose to his feet. He did not know Chester from
Adam, of course, but he recognized the uniform.
"Glad you've come, lieutenant," he said. "I've had a deuced hard time here. As you may see, I have been shot in the side. Colonel Brewsterberg has been killed. I'll ask you to take charge of my prisoners."
"Very well, sir," said Chester, and produced a revolver.