"Come along then. There's no time to lose."
They hurried back to the dark corner in which Kenneth had interviewed the mechanic. In a few minutes he returned.
"This is a friend of the Herr Lieutenant's," said Kenneth. "I met him just beyond the gate, and he agrees with me that this disgraceful matter must be kept secret. Have you had any success?"
"The fellow is overhauling the Herr Lieutenant's engine in preparation for a start to-morrow. He is the only man at work."
"That's very suspicious," said Kenneth. "Don't you think, Herr Captain, that we had better climb the fence and keep a watch on the man? Who knows what mischief he may be doing?"
"I'll go back to the gate and meet you inside," replied his companion.
"I think you had better come with me, Herr Captain," said Kenneth, "Your presence would guarantee me if any soldier within chanced to suppose that I was intruding."
"Very well," returned the other, with seeming reluctance. "But you also must guarantee me against damage to my clothes."
"That is easily done. This man will throw his coat over the wire."
"Certainly, Herr Policeman," said the mechanic, whom the presence of an officer had quite reassured.