"Will you not step into the parlor?" suggested the newcomer.
Believing compliance with their wishes the only way to placate them, Ned followed his captor to the clump of bushes, behind which he discovered a narrow shaft leading downwards into the earth. Steps, uneven but firm, were cut into the sloping side, affording sure footing.
Under a low lintel Ned stooped and found himself in a sort of cave or cellar, the sides propped and supported by short lengths of small saplings, the roof braced with larger logs, the only opening, the burrow-like hole in the hillside, providing light and ventilation.
A bunk with straw for mattress afforded sleeping accommodation, while straw was plentifully strewn on the floor, making a fine rug.
"I do not understand the arrangement," Ned began, as he surveyed the interior of the place. "What is the idea? Why bring me here?"
"If I had not captured you, another might have been minded to put you to sleep!" replied the first speaker. "Not all of the men in the trenches are considerate of Germans, but I liked your looks, and so you are here now instead of fast asleep," he added, tapping his rifle and smiling significantly, while he still looked out from his window.
"Germans are not usually welcome in the drawing room," added the other soldier, "and they are put to sleep as soon as possible!"
"But I'm not a German!" protested Ned vigorously.
"No?" inquired the other politely. "Listen a moment, I hear an officer approaching. We shall soon learn if you are a 'Bosche'!"
Ned was startled to discover a fourth person in the narrow confines of the place. The late arrival was evidently an officer.