“Yes.”
No more questions were asked just then, but a number of the Germans were detailed to watch for any signs of approaching Americans. Then Dave was placed in the charge of two of the men and told to march.
One of them held him at the point of a bayonet.—Page [227].
The young lieutenant wondered if he had come out of the mines at a point which was near the German lines. He saw only about fifteen soldiers, and nothing that looked like a trench or a dugout, and concluded that this was simply a reconnoitring party making its way through the woods and over the rough rocks, probably with some idea of “feeling out” that portion of the American front.
Presently the party came to where they had to cross a small stream. Before this was done Dave was halted and the soldier who could speak English addressed him.
“You not make any noise now, or you get killed,” he ordered, and the look on his face showed that he meant what he said.
With these men ready either to shoot or stab him at an instant’s notice, Dave felt that it would be foolhardy to make any noise or attempt to escape. Consequently he silently crossed the small stream with them and walked along a trail leading through some thick brushwood. Thus they covered a good quarter of a mile, presently reaching open ground beyond which were a number of German trenches.
The appearance of the American prisoner was hailed with delight by a gathering of German soldiers, all of whom eyed Dave curiously.
“American—and a lieutenant at that!” cried one. “Some catch!”