They had now passed the Italian outposts, unmolested, and rode across the open toward the Austrian lines.  Some time later they were halted by an Austrian sentinel.

“Take us to the general,” commanded Stubbs.

The sentinel eyed the little man aggressively, but, evidently being impressed with his manner, called a superior.  To him Stubbs gave the same command, and he gave it in such a way that the officer, after a slight hesitation, turned on his heel and motioned Hal and Stubbs to follow him.

Five minutes later they stood again in the presence of General Brentz.  Stubbs produced his paper and Hal did likewise.  The general scanned them closely.

“How do I know you are what you represent yourselves to be?” he demanded gruffly.

“For one reason, general,” said Stubbs, “because we wouldn’t be here otherwise.  Of course we don’t expect the freedom of your lines, but we would like to know a little about the Austrian troops—­whether they can fight, how they stand up under fire—­what kind of men they are.  The people of America want to know, and that’s what we are here for.”

The general hesitated.

“I’ve had some trouble with spies here lately,” he said at length, “and I have become wary.”  He scrutinized them closely.  “But you look honest.  I’ll take a chance on you.  Besides, it would be well for the people of America to know something of the Austrians besides what they read from an enemy source.”

“Thank you, general,” said Stubbs, “and you will provide us with papers so that we will not be molested?”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

The general scribbled a few lines on two sheets of paper, which he passed to Stubbs.  The latter gave one to Hal, and turned to go, Hal following him.  At the entrance Stubbs turned quickly.

“Oh, by the way, general, about these spies—­are they Italians?”

“No, they are British,” was the reply.

“And there is no doubt they are spies?”

“None; they aided a prisoner to escape and were only captured after great trouble.  There were two more whom we did not get.”

“Oh!  In that case, I suppose you will have to shoot them,” Stubbs stated as a matter of fact.

“Exactly.  They will be executed at sunrise to-morrow.”

“In the meantime they are likely to escape again,” said Stubbs.

“Not much,” declared the general.  He walked to the window, and pointed to a large tent a short distance away.

“See that tent?” he questioned.

Hal and Stubbs indicated that they did.

“They are confined in there,” said the general, “and they are heavily guarded.  I have stationed a guard of five armed men, with instructions never to leave them alone.  I shall take no chances; and in the morning they shall be shot.  This is no place for spies.”

“I can see that, general,” replied Stubbs.  “Well, we are obliged to you for your courtesy, and we shall make it clear to the American people that the Austrians are not as black as they have been painted.”