“Loeder, sir!” replied the man addressed, saluting.
“Very well, Loeder. I appoint you to make sure that the prisoners are turned over to Colonel Ludwig. You will also take Lieutenant Leffler there and confine him to his quarters, under arrest. A courtmartial shall sit on his case in the morning. You are in command of this squad, Loeder.”
“Very well, sir,” replied Loeder.
As Lieutenant Leffler was lifted to his feet at the command of Loeder, the German general again mounted his horse. As he was about to put spur to the animal, he seemed struck with a sudden thought, and with a command to Loeder, halted the march of the party surrounding Hal and Chester.
“A moment!” he called. “What are your names, sirs?”
Chester replied for both.
“I shall remember them,” replied the German general quietly, “and if you are ever in need while within our lines, I ask that you call upon me, I am General von Mackensen!”
He wheeled his horse and rode rapidly away.
“Great Scott, Hal!” said Chester. “What do you think of that? I guess we’re safe enough while we’re here.”
“So we are,” agreed Hal dryly, “as long as they don’t know just why we are here.”