Although Ned's answer had been made in a quiet tone, the words were full of meaning, and it was apparent to all that the man was capable of understanding the firmness and resolve in Ned's manner and voice.
"So, then, you refuse to give me any information concerning the movement of the troops?" went on the other with an air of finality. "Of course, I suppose you realize that the result of a German raid on this town would be laid at your door if an inquiry were made? The good people here are not so ready to forgive as you may imagine. If you have information that would help them to safety and do not give it, could you blame them if they felt rather unfriendly toward you?"
"Now see here, Mister—whatever your name is—," began Ned, slightly nettled, "we came here only to find a place to buy some gasoline and some food. We are not in this country as spies, and we have repeatedly declined to give information to either side. We can't start now."
"All right, then," said the man, nodding his head slightly, "have your own way about it. But," he went on, "if you fail to make any purchases such as you desire, please don't blame anyone but yourselves."
With these words he turned on his heel and left the three lads staring after him in amazement. He proceeded quickly, and was soon out of sight behind a house slightly larger than the others.
"Well, he told us where we were, at any rate," said Ned with a huge sigh as the man disappeared from their view. "He's generous!"
"Nix on the sarcasm," counseled Harry; "it strikes me that we are in a pretty tight fix right now. That fellow won't do a thing but make it interesting for us if he gets half a chance."
"You're right, Harry," put in Jack with vigor. "Do you know, boys, I wouldn't object to making a little bet that our visitor is a German himself, put here for the purpose of keeping an eye on everything that goes on. He was just trying to pump us, that's all."
"Do you really think so?" asked Ned. "He seemed all right at first."
"I thought so, too," went on Jack, "but did you notice how rather uppish he got when we wouldn't tell him all we know and then some?"