"I am sorry, but what you ask is impossible," was the reply. "This is
Dutch territory, and you advance further at your peril."
"Dutch territory!" exclaimed the exasperated German. "You stand on German ground, and the man you are protecting is a spy. I demand his return."
"You won't get him," was the reply, "and I am instructed to inform you that the next German bullet that falls on Dutch ground will be considered a hostile act against a neutral nation. It will mean war!"
"I don't care what it means," shouted the German, now thoroughly aroused.
"Perhaps not," said Captain Hodden, "but your superiors may. I would advise you to order your men to fall back."
For a moment the German hesitated, and it appeared that he would risk a breach of neutrality to capture McKenzie. At last he turned away.
"Holland will rue this day!" he exclaimed, as he ordered his men to retire.
Captain Hodden now retreated to Dutch territory, where McKenzie was turned over to the Dutch colonel.
"Thanks for the reinforcements," he said quietly. "They would have done for me sure."
Hal, Chester and Stubbs crowded about and shook the Canadian by the hand. The colonel asked to see their passports, and the four friends produced their bogus documents.