The lieutenant was taken aback.

“Why, I know no reason,” he said, “except that your presence in our company, if ill fortune should befall us, would probably mean your arrest as enemies of Germany.  You might even be convicted as spies, and shot.”

“We are willing to take any chances necessary to get us to Brussels and put an end to mother’s worries,” declared Hal stoutly.  “Aren’t we, Chester?”

“You bet we are,” replied Chester.

The lieutenant turned to Captain Derevaux.  “What do you say?” he asked.

The captain shook his head.

“It’s a bad business,” he replied slowly.  “If we are caught it will go hard with our young friends, I am afraid.  Of course, I am willing to do anything in my power to aid them, but this—­this, I fear, is impossible.”

“Don’t say no,” implored Hal.  “Just think how mother must be worrying.  Why, we would go through anything to save her pain.  Besides, you don’t expect to be captured, do you?”

The captain shook his head.

“You have a good plan of escape, I am sure, or you would not tackle it.  Isn’t that so?” continued Hal.

The captain admitted it.

“Would our presence make it more dangerous for you?”

“No.”

“Then, I ask you again, if you won’t allow us to go with you, sharing whatever dangers may arise.  Besides,” and Hal smiled, “you know that four are sometimes better than two.”

The captain reflected.

“You are right,” he said at length.  “If Anderson is agreeable, I shall be glad of your company; yes, and your aid,” he added, after a pause.

“I agree with the boys,” said the lieutenant.  “Four are sometimes better than two, and in an adventure, such as this promises to be, four are always better than two.  I say, let them come with us, by all means.”

And so it was decided.  A meeting-place was arranged for eight o’clock that night, and, with this parting injunction, the officers left: 

“Say nothing to anyone.  Do not talk, even between yourselves, and, if you can, buy a revolver apiece,” for the purchase of which the lieutenant tendered Hal a bill.

CHAPTER III.

Toward the frontier.

It was a long afternoon for Hal and Chester, and they waited impatiently for the time when they were to meet the two young men who were to be their companions on the journey.

After several futile attempts the lads finally gave up their attempt to buy revolvers, as it caused too many questions, and, in spite of their eagerness to get away, it was with no little anxiety that they made their way to the rendezvous that night.

Captain Derevaux and Lieutenant Anderson were waiting when the lads arrived.

“I am glad you are prompt,” said the former.  “We must hurry.  Even now we may be followed,” and he glanced about furtively.