This answer created a sensation. A murmur of loud and excited voices was immediately heard, while the interrogator, giving a perceptible start, almost shouted:
"In the tower, you say? Why—this is most extraordinary!" His fists were clenched. His eyes gleamed. "And do you know if your presence was suspected by the Germans?"
This question, couched in the harshest tones, added to the feelings of wrath which Chase, as well as his fellow ambulanciers, was beginning to experience. As though a challenge had been hurled at him and accepted, Chase replied:
"Yes, Monsieur, I believe it must have been."
This frank answer, received with gasps of astonishment, had a most extraordinary effect upon the "mysterious poilu."
He appeared about to hurl himself bodily upon the ambulanciers. It was a thrilling and dramatic moment.
Then, amid a chorus of noisily resounding voices, Don Hale spoke up.
"I fear the truth is that we were discovered in the grounds by a German airman," he said.
"You saw the machine, then?"
"Yes, Monsieur."