“Who is in command here?” he asked briskly.
Major Willis, who had charge of that portion of the line, stepped forward and saluted.
“I am,” he declared.
“Orders from headquarters,” said the newcomer, as he returned the salute. “You are to retire from this position at once and fall back to your former line of defense. The enemy has been so strongly reinforced that it is inadvisable to remain where you are.”
The major looked his surprise and seemed about to protest, but instinctively discipline asserted itself and he again saluted and turned to give the necessary orders.
The boys had been standing near enough to hear the conversation, and Frank, happening to catch sight of Tom’s face, was startled. His face was pale and his eyes were blazing.
“What is it, Tom?” he asked in a low voice and put his hand on his comrade’s arm.
But Tom shook off his hand and sprang forward. His voice rang out like a trumpet.
“It’s a lie!” he shouted. “That man is a German spy! Seize him! Seize him!”