"Well," he told himself, "there is nothing to do but try and bluff it out. Fortunately, we have not discarded our German uniforms." He raised his voice and called: "What's the meaning of this?"
"Get out of that plane," said the German voice.
The muzzles of half a dozen rifles made Hal realize that discretion truly is the better part of valor.
"There's no help for it," he told himself.
He got out. Chester and Stubbs followed his example. Hal approached the man who had accosted them.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded again.
For the first time the German appeared to notice the German uniforms and the straps that proclaimed Hal and Chester captains in the emperor's service.
"Your pardon if I have made a mistake, captain," he said. "But how was I to know? Yesterday I found this plane—clearly an American craft—hidden here. I had it watched all to-day, but no one came near it. I saw no bodies near to indicate that the American pilot had been killed. Therefore I judged that there was a spy within our lines. That's why my men have stood guard here until now."
"You have done well, lieutenant," said Hal. "It's true that this is an American craft, but it has been used by our friend here," and he indicated Stubbs, "for purposes favorable to the German cause. Herr Schindler arrived early yesterday morning and reported to General Knoff in Sedan. Now Captain Diegle and myself are bound on a little expedition with him. Do I make myself clear, lieutenant?"
"Perfectly," and the lieutenant ordered his men to lower their rifles. "It is not for me to question the wisdom of my superiors."