“If you please, sir,” he said, “a man has just arrived who says he will act as our guide.”
“A man! A German, I suppose you mean? What language does he speak?”
“English. At least in part. He is a Scot. Shall I bring him to you?”
The Colonel gave a gruff assent, and in a few minutes the subaltern returned, followed by a tall figure enveloped in a long black cloak. With one accord the Colonel, the Adjutant and Lambert all swung round and eyed him curiously.
“Who and what are you?” demanded the Colonel.
“I’m an inhabitant of these parts,” the stranger answered, “and I have come to offer you my services as guide.”
“You’re in the pay of the Germans, of course,” the Colonel retorted sharply. “How did you know we wanted a guide?”
“I overheard your conversation.”
“What!” the Colonel cried furiously. “You have been listening to what we were saying. Take him away, Anderson, and have him shot at once.”
No one moved. A sort of spell stole over Lambert, the Adjutant, and Anderson, and held them rooted to the ground. The Colonel repeated his order, and was about to lay hands on the stranger himself, when the latter waved him back.