"Then, if you know I am lying you can probably tell me where he is and save some trouble in asking the question," replied Alfred, without intending the reply to be at all disrespectful.
The answer so quickly given somewhat nettled the officer and he turned on his heels to go. Then turning suddenly he inquired:
"When did you last see either of the men?"
"They got off the train when they saw your troops pass around the forest," answered Alfred.
The officer quickly made his way to Ralph. "Where and when did you last see Pierre and Jacques?" he inquired brusquely.
Ralph hesitated a moment before replying.
"Out with it, young man; I have no time for trifling," he continued.
"They got out before the train stopped," said Ralph.
Within a few minutes the train, now in charge of an officer and a half dozen men, was backed down the road toward the junction, while the troopers, at a word of command, mounted their horses and at top speed passed out of sight along the road to the east.