"Indeed you have," agreed the colonel, "and it is a compliment to the American forces that the defense of such an important position has been entrusted to them. Oh, you Americans! Where would we have been without your aid? And your fighting qualities! You grow men on your side of the ocean, Monsieur Sheldon."
"The superb fighting of the French has been an inspiration to us," replied Frank warmly.
"To come to personal matters," went on the colonel, "I have heard more in detail from my brother Andre about your mother's property. He has traced the butler—Martel is his name—in the official records, and has found that he was taken prisoner in an attack several months ago. He was very anxious to cross-examine him on some testimony he had given previously. It seems that Martel had testified that he had witnessed the execution of a later will than that in which the property was left to your mother. You can easily see how unfortunate that might be if it could be proved. Andre has a suspicion that cross-examination might show Martel's testimony to be false."
"It is too bad that the man is a prisoner," said Frank anxiously.
"There is more to be told," went on the colonel gravely. "I myself have put investigations on foot through the Swiss Red Cross. They were able to find out from German prison records that Martel died recently."
Frank started back visibly perturbed.
"Died!" he echoed. "Then his statement about the will stands uncontradicted."
"As far as he is concerned, yes," replied the colonel soberly. "I am bitterly disappointed, and I know that Andre will be, too, for he has made a very strong point of disproving that special testimony. But we will not remit our efforts in the least, mon ami. Be assured of that. I will let you know when I have any further news," and with a friendly wave of the hand the colonel passed on.
"What's the matter, Frank?" asked Billy as he went slowly back to his friends. "You look as jolly as a crutch."
"I'm no hypocrite, then," answered Frank soberly, "for that's exactly how I feel."