"The kaiser has abdicated!"
Hal and Chester started back in pure amazement.
"What!" they exclaimed in a single voice.
"So I am informed," declared the German. "It is true that my information has not been substantiated, but I know enough of conditions in Germany to credit the report."
"Well, you come with me," said Hal. "We'll take this matter to General Lejeune."
The German accompanied them without objection.
General Lejeune received the report with skepticism.
"Nothing to it, in my opinion," he said. "It is true that conditions in Germany are fast approaching a crisis, but I believe this report is premature. However, I have no doubt that something like that will happen within the next thirty days. But what are you doing in our lines, man?"
This last to the German soldier.
"Well, I'm tired of fighting," was the soldier's reply. "I want to live to go home again some day. I've a family in Hamburg that will need me. I am content to remain a prisoner until the war is over."