"I've come to tell you, Mr. Scott," said von Arnheim, "that all of you must march at once. You will cross the Marne, and then pass as prisoners into Germany. You will be well treated there and I think you can probably secure your release on condition that you return to your own country and take no further part in the war."
John shook his head.
"I don't expect any harshness from the Germans," he said, "but I'm in this war to stay, if the bullets and shells will let me. I warn you now that I'm going to escape."
Von Arnheim laughed pleasantly.
"It's fair of you to give us warning of your intentions," he said, "but I don't think you'll have much chance. You must get ready to start at once."
"I take it," said John, "that our departure means the departure of the German army also."
Von Arnheim opened his mouth to speak, but he closed it again suddenly.
"It's only a deduction of mine," said John.
Von Arnheim nodded in farewell and hurried away.
"Now I'm sure," said John to Fleury a few minutes later, "that this army is going to withdraw."