But it was the figure of the man who brought up the rear of the party that excited Jack’s attention to the exclusion of the others.
“Radwig!” he gasped to Bill as he recognized the figure of the former Herr Professor of the German War college, in spite of his wearing a uniform.
“Wow! There’ll be trouble sure now,” muttered Bill. “See, he’s looking at us.”
“Yes, he recognizes us and he doesn’t look over amiable.”
Radwig spurred his horse to the side of the hawk-nosed old colonel and spoke rapidly. The old man bent keen eyes on the party of boys.
“Herr Radwig informs me that two of your party are spies,” he said in a chilling voice; “is that the truth?”
“Of course not,” declared Jack, paling a trifle. “We are all Americans.”
“Unfortunately, a great many persons, including English spies, are protecting themselves under that banner nowadays,” was the rejoinder. “I’ll trouble you to show your papers.”
“Why, Mr. Radwig knows me and my friend here,” burst out Jack.
“I know nothing but what I suspect,” snarled Radwig, his eyes gleaming viciously. “Colonel, will you allow me to search these boys?”