“It is,” replied Chester, and once more he glanced at his watch.

It was now after eleven o’clock.

“Great Scott!” cried Chester, “if we don’t hurry we are likely to be too late!”

Realizing that the lads—­for some reason unknown to him—­were in great haste, the sergeant, in spite of his recent gruffness, hurried them along.

It was a considerable distance to the German commander’s headquarters, and Chester became nervous as the minutes flew by.  Half past eleven came, and a quarter to twelve, and at last they came in sight of General Steinbach’s tent.

They approached rapidly, and the sergeant inquired for the general.

“He has gone to witness the execution,” was the reply.

“Where is the execution to take place?” asked Chester, stepping forward.

The German soldier pointed over his shoulder.

“Nice place for an execution back there,” he said.  “Plenty of trees, so the sun won’t interfere with the aim of the executioners.  I am waiting now to hear the pop of the rifles.”

Chester darted hurriedly forward.

“Come on!” he cried to Hal.

Hal dashed after his friend.  Neither heeded the frantic cries of the sergeant, who called on them to halt.

It was now four minutes to twelve, but in less than that time the lads, Chester in the lead, came upon the scene of the execution.  Their eyes took in the situation at one brief glance, and Chester hurled himself forward.

Standing firmly erect, with his face to the west, was Captain Eberhardt.  Facing him, with grounded rifles, were six soldiers.  These made up the firing squad who were to snuff out the life of the German captain.

Right between these men and their victim Chester and Hal dashed.

There came a startled cry as the Germans made out the French uniforms in which the lads were dressed, and an exclamation of alarm broke out.

“The French!” came the cry.

The Germans turned quickly in the direction from which the lads had come, evidently expecting to see more of the enemy.  Then General Steinbach, realizing that he only had two of the enemy to dispose of, raised a hand and commanded: 

“Shoot them!”

The rifles of the Germans came to their shoulders, but before they could fire Chester stepped quickly toward the general and raised his hand.

With a quick command the general stayed the fire of the soldiers, and advanced to hear what the lad had to say.  In their French uniforms, he had not recognized Hal and Chester as Captain Eberhardt’s erstwhile prisoners.

“What is it?” he demanded sharply.

“This execution must not proceed,” said Chester.

The general took a step back.

“And why not?” he asked.

“Because,” said Chester, “Captain Eberhardt in no way aided the prisoners to escape.  It was through no fault of his that they were able to get away.”