The Italian officer drew himself up.

“I never joke of serious matters,” he said quietly.  “But what interest have you in these prisoners?”

“Well, I have considerable interest,” was the reply.  “One of them happens to be my nephew.  What have they been doing?”

“I couldn’t say as to that.  All I know is that they are spies.”

“You’re crazy,” shouted Uncle John, now becoming angry.  “They are British army officers, and American citizens.”

The young officer drew himself up.

“Crazy, am I?” he demanded.  “March!” he ordered his men.

“Here, hold on a minute,” gasped Uncle John.  “I didn’t mean to ruffle your feelings; but one of those boys is my nephew.  I tell you they are British officers.”

“I trust they will be able to prove it,” said the Italian.

“What?” demanded Uncle John.  “Why?”

“Because,” replied the officer with a pleasant smile, “they probably will be shot if they don’t.”

“Shot!” gasped Uncle John.

“Exactly.  That is the usual treatment accorded spies.”

“But I tell you—­”

“You can tell the rest to General Ferrari,” said the Italian officer.  “Forward, men.”

Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests, and the lads were led away.

“Don’t worry, Uncle John,” Chester called back to him.  “We’ll get out of this all right.  Tell mother to have no fear.”

“I’ll see the ambassador!” shouted Uncle John.  “I’ll get you out of this.  I’ll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as Uncle Sam.”

“Poor old Uncle John,” said Chester to Hal.  “He does get excited so easily.  I’ll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour.”

“I’d give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires,” agreed Hal.

In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a halt; and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps.

“Where are we going?” demanded Hal.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” was the reply.

“You’re very civil and courteous, to be sure,” said Hal.

“I can see no reason for being courteous to a spy,” replied the officer.

“Perhaps not,” returned the lad; “but when we are out of this I believe I shall hunt you up and pull your nose.”

“What!” exclaimed the officer, stepping back.  “Pull my nose!  Such American impudence!  I have a notion to pull your nose right here.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you,” said Chester, grinning.

“And what have you to say about it?” exclaimed the now angry officer.

“Oh, nothing,” replied Chester.  “Just a kindly word of warning; that’s all.”

The officer stared at both lads angrily, as they stood at the top of the steps, and seemed about to say more, when a second officer appeared in the doorway and motioned for all to enter.