He was taken to the ranking officer, a tall man with a quiet, impassive voice and a cold manner.
"Your name?" he asked.
Horace gave it.
"Credentials?"
"I haven't any," said Horace, and he explained the situation.
"I will have the matter duly investigated," the major replied.
"But I want to tell it to Sir John French!" persisted the boy.
The Englishman would not even disturb himself sufficiently to look surprised at the lad's presumption.
"The matter will pass through regular channels," he replied. "I cannot allow you to proceed farther along the British lines. You will remain here, under guard."
"You mean I'm a prisoner!" Horace exploded.