"You were very considerate," spoke up Ned, "and we appreciate your kindness very much, indeed. But you made a mistake!"
"A mistake?" questioned the soldier. "No, I shot straight!"
"You made a slight mistake, nevertheless," replied Ned. "The plans are on that man there between you two. He has them on his back!"
"It's a lie!" yelled Hungry, looking about as if speculating on his chances for making another attempt at escape.
"That man has the packet of plans that The Rat gave him not more than half an hour ago. We saw the exchange made!"
"It's a lie!" again declared Hungry. "He had the plans all the time. They are blown to bits now, and you'll never see them!"
"How do you know this?" questioned the officer, turning to Ned.
Omitting details, Ned described the incidents leading up to the time the boys saw the exchange of plans from The Rat to Hungry in the underground room. As he finished the recital he smiled a bit and said:
"I must admit, sir, that we were really trying to get away from this place and return to the Grey Eagle. I did it, however, because I was very anxious to get to Berlin ahead of that fellow out there!"
"You are not to be blamed for your zeal!" consoled the officer kindly. "Do not blame yourself for the attempt. It shall not be remembered against you." Then turning to the soldiers he continued: