“Well, perhaps so,” Alexis agreed. “But what’s it all about?”
“Simply,” said Hal, “that we are to be taken to Posen, where we will be held prisoners till after the war.”
Alexis uttered a loud Russian imprecation.
“I was in hope,” he said, “that when I went into East Prussia it would be as part of an army too big for the Germans ever to drive out.”
“It can’t be helped now,” said Chester briefly.
“It would have been helped if you had let me fight when I wanted to,” said the big Cossack regretfully.
All day long the three were kept close inside the tent. Not once were they permitted to step into the open. Night fell, and food was placed before them. They were almost famished, so they ate heartily, sharing their meal with Marquis. It was well along toward midnight when the German officer once more entered the tent and informed them it was time for them to leave.
They followed the officer into the open air, where a large body of men were ready to move. Quickly they were led to horses, and were soon in the saddle. Then, closely guarded, they were led away at a swift trot.
The German camp was some miles from the nearest railroad station, and it took several hours to cover this distance. At last, however, they were conducted aboard a train, where, under heavy guard, they continued their journey.
It was well along toward the next evening when the train, after many stops, finally pulled into Posen. With a number of other prisoners, the three friends and Marquis, who had been allowed to accompany them, were taken from the train and turned over to another squad of troops. In the center of these they were led to a large and massive castle at one end of the town. Here they were thrust into a dark though well-appointed room, which, their guard informed them, was to be their prison.