"I thought you young fellows had gone to look about the city," he said.
"No, sir," replied his son. "I invited. Herr Block here to see you, sir."
"You did? Why?"
The son explained as quickly as possible.
"Hm-m," muttered the general when his son had concluded, eying Hal sharply. "How do I know you are what you represent yourself to be, sir?" he demanded.
Hal smiled.
"I'm not applying for a job, sir," he replied. "I came here at your son's suggestion. He said you might have a proposition to make, and if I can be of service without taking too great risk, I am willing, sir."
Again the general meditated. At last he said:
"It's true that we have need of men for the work my son mentions. To my mind, your youth would be in favor, rather than against, the success of the undertaking. Would you be willing to go back to America?"
"Well, I don't care particularly about going right now," said Hal truthfully.