"Captain," he said, "you will place these men under arrest."
The German captain saluted respectfully, but he shook his head.
"It is impossible, sir," he said.
"What's that?" demanded General Knoff angrily. "Do you dare dispute my orders?"
"Only when I have previously received commands from your superiors, sir," was the reply.
"What do you mean?"
"These young Americans," the captain explained, "have safe conduct in our lines. I only know they have piloted our delegates who have been discussing an armistice with the French commander-in-chief. I cannot arrest them, sir."
"I see," said General Knoff. "You are perfectly right, captain."
He stepped close to Chester and extended a hand.
"As a military measure," he said, "I would have you shot for what I know, but I want to thank you again for a service you rendered me in Sedan."