"A peddler!" remarked Joe. "Why, I saw a peddler around here a half hour ago. Fellows of that kind need watching. Go on investigating. I am awfully sorry I can't move around as I used to, or I would help you out."
"What is the matter with your foot?" asked Alfred, as he now saw a bandage above the ankle.
"Oh, that was only a part of the damage. Go on, boys; see the commandant; here, let me give you a note; now, take it over to that low building in front of the brown warehouse," said Joe.
"Thank you for the hint," said Alfred.
"Don't forget to come back; I want to talk with you," remarked Joe, as he waved his hand in the parting salute.
The peddler was nowhere to be seen as they hurried across the field. The boys were too much excited to open and read the note which Joe had given them.
"Is the commandant in?" asked Alfred, as they approached the guard.
An orderly appeared, and to him Ralph handed the note. It was at once taken into the officer's room. The orderly came out smiling, bowed and said:
"Col. Winston wishes you to step in."
They were met at the door by the officer, who grasped their hands warmly as he said: