"A likely story," said the sentry. "How'd you get through the Germans?"
"Walking and running," said Chester. "But are you going to keep us standing here all night? I tell you we bear an important message from General Rhodes."
"What'd you both come for?" the sentry wanted to know.
"That," said Chester, thoroughly exasperated, "is none of your business, my man! Will you call the sergeant of the guard, or shall I?"
"Oh, I'll call him," said the sentry, "but I'll tell you right now I don't think it will do you any good. Kindly step up here, will you?"
Hal and Chester did so. Then, for the first time, the sentry saw that they were officers in the American army. He looked flabbergasted.
"I—I—I beg pardon, gentlemen," he said. "I didn't know you were officers. Why didn't you tell me?"
"You didn't give us a chance," said Hal shortly. "Kindly summon the sergeant of the guard."
The sentry argued no longer. He raised his voice in a shout that brought the sergeant of the guard on the dead run.
"What's the matter with you, you bonehead?" demanded the sergeant as he came lumbering forward. "Want to arouse the whole camp?"