“They are having a skirmish now,” said the General, listening, “and a thunder storm is coming beside.” He was lost in thought. “Fritz, make good!” he said. “I release you. You are but one man, no loss to us, but you have told me a story of what amounts to kidnapping. I would like to know if this is true. Just one thing. Prove it to me by bringing twenty men back; but while you are there set the word free that the Americans have arrived. Two millions, remember, perhaps three.” He smiled. “And do not attempt to go or come until nightfall. I will remain here until midnight to-night. You are under guard until dark. You may go.” He rapped sharply on the table, the guards entered and removed the prisoner.
The General began to smoke.
“What do you think, boys? Will he come back?”
“Yes, sir,” said both boys together.
“Why?” asked the General.
“Why, he was telling the truth!” said Porky.
“They don’t look like that other times,” said Beany. “He was straight, all right.”
“He will have to prove it,” said the General grimly. “Men who leave a job without warning, no matter what the needs of the situation, do not fill me with confidence.”
“I guess he is sorry now, anyway,” said tender-hearted Beany.
“We will hope so,” said the General. “Porky, you may typewrite these letters for me, and you, Beany, may check up these lists. If you can do this properly, it will release a man for other duty.”