Running forward, the two soldiers examined the spot where The Rat had last been seen by the little group. Shaking their heads the two men returned to the prostrate Hungry. He was helped to rise and then, supported between the pair, conducted back to the little knot of men near the castle.
"You are a good marksman," commented the officer, as the soldiers came to a halt and saluted, "but you were never furnished bullets such as that one you fired just now. Where did you get it?"
"I fired a bullet from my regular supply, sir," answered the soldier, still smiling, as he lifted his hand in salute.
"There is something peculiar about this matter!" declared the officer. "When I order you to shoot a man, why should he explode?"
"I think perhaps I can explain the matter," volunteered Ned, stepping forward. Then, as the officer turned attentively toward the lad, he continued: "When the man started to run he threw, as you know, this stick of dynamite at me. I believe he had more dynamite on his person somewhere and the soldier's bullet accidentally struck it!"
"Quite reasonable!" agreed the officer. "I believe you!"
"But not by accident, sir!" interrupted the soldier. "When I saw him start away I also noticed his pocket still bulging. I suspected that he had more dynamite in there, and I aimed at the object inside his coat—and hit it!" he concluded, somewhat proudly.
"Most excellent marksmanship!" was the officer's comment. "But will you tell me why you aimed at the dynamite?"
"Because I had heard these young men say, and also heard your statement that the man had plans of a fortification in his pocket. I thought that he would carry the document in a belt about his body, and that if the dynamite exploded it would destroy the plans, and thus assist the young men in their efforts to prevent their country's secrets falling into improper hands. I did not intend to disobey your orders!"