The guard would talk no more.

“Our only chance is that they believe we were trying to get to Liege simply to get out of the country,” whispered Chester.  “If they knew we were just returning from a mission, we would be bound to die.”

“Looks to me as though we were bound to die, no matter what they know,” was the reply.

The boys got little sleep that night.  They realized just how near they were to death, and, while their courage never faltered, they nevertheless had practically given up all hope.

At the first streak of dawn they were led to the quarters of the division commander, and their case was disposed of with remarkable rapidity.  Their protests availed nothing, and they were sentenced to be taken out and shot.

With a firm step the two lads walked to the place of execution, surrounded by their guards.  But the hearts of both were heavy.

“I wish I could have seen mother once more,” said Hal softly.

Chester gave his chum’s hand a slight squeeze.

“Well, it can’t be helped now,” he replied, with an attempt to appear cheerful.  “But come, brace up; if we must die, we will die bravely.”

“You are right,” said Hal, brushing the tears from his eyes with a rapid movement.

With heads erect, the two lads marched on.

At that moment a group of German officers approached on horseback.  They eyed the two captives, and suddenly one left his companions and rode over to the firing squad.  The officer in command of the squad halted his men and saluted.

“What have we here?” demanded the newcomer.

“Two spies, sir,” was the reply.  “They were taken between the lines, and have been ordered shot.”

“These two boys are my business,” declared the mounted officer, a note of authority in his voice.  “Their execution is stayed.  Take them to my headquarters.”

“But, general—­” began the officer in charge of the squad.

The general raised a hand imperiously.

“There are no ‘buts,’” he said.  “You have heard my command.  Obey it.”

Hal and Chester were dumfounded.  As their guards turned and marched them in the direction of the general’s quarters, Hal asked of Chester: 

“Do you remember him?”

Chester nodded in the affirmative.

For the German officer who had thus saved them from death before a firing squad was none other than the officer whom they had encountered in the station at Berlin, the man who had threatened to have Hal whipped for accidentally bumping into him, and had pushed him from the train.

CHAPTER XVII.

A friend in need.

“What do you suppose is going to happen now?” asked Chester breathlessly.

“It’s too deep for me,” replied Hal.  “I can’t imagine what he wants with us.”

“But who is he?  That’s what I would like to know,” demanded Chester.