“We carry dispatches for General Pershing, sir,” said Hal, “and we would like to be on our way at once. Otherwise we would not have disturbed you at this hour.”
“Your names?” asked the colonel.
Chester told him.
“Very well,” said the colonel. “I shall get in touch with General Pershing immediately by telephone. In the meantime, you must remain here.”
The colonel summoned his orderly and gave the necessary instructions.
Harding, meantime, had gone away with his friend the top sergeant, who also had volunteered to take care of the German officer. The boys had promised Harding that they would see him again before they left. He had announced his intention of joining his own regiment.
It was several hours later—after daylight—when the British colonel informed the lads that they were at liberty to depart.
“I have satisfied myself of your identity,” he told them.
“I wonder, sir,” said Hal, “if you could supply us with more appropriate clothing than these German uniforms?”
“I think I can,” he replied. “It’s true you wouldn’t make much progress in our lines with those uniforms. Also I can furnish you a British army automobile, which will help.”