“And how do you happen to be here?” demanded the Bulgarian.

“Montenegro was becoming too warm,” said Hal.  “We thought we would get into Bulgaria or Greece, neutral countries.  We did not know Bulgaria had declared war.”

The Bulgarian’s face seemed to relax a trifle.  Apparently Hal had made a favorable impression.

“Well,” he said, “the best I can do is turn you over to my superior.  Still, if things are as you say, I have no doubt that you will be allowed to proceed into Greece.”

“Thank you, Colonel,” said Hal.

The officer glanced around the room; and suddenly his eyes fell upon a man lying in the corner of the room.  It was the Bulgarian whom Ivan had tied up the night before.

“What’s that?” demanded the officer.

He commanded another of his officers to investigate.  Hal’s heart fell.

The other officer stepped quickly across the room and jerked the man to his feet.  Then he untied him and drew him before the Colonel.  The latter, after one glance at the Bulgarian uniform, ordered his other men to guard all exits, and he addressed the man.

“What are you doing here, sir?” he asked sharply.

“I came here with some of my comrades last night,” said the man.  “I, a little in advance of the others, was overpowered and tied up.  All I know of the others is that they arrived later and there was a fight.  I have heard these people say my comrades were killed.”

“Search the house and make a careful examination without!” ordered the Bulgarian officer.

Half a dozen of his men leaped to obey.  The officer said nothing until his men reported fifteen minutes later.

“The man speaks the truth,” said one of the officers, indicating the Bulgarian.

The colonel whirled upon Hal.

“So,” he exclaimed, “you have been lying to me.  Perhaps you are not Americans, eh?  Perhaps you are attached to the Anglo-French expedition at Saloniki?”

“I—­” began Hal, but the officer silenced him with a gesture.

Then he turned to one of his officers.

“Take a squad of ten men and escort these prisoners to General Blozle!” he commanded shortly.  “Search them for weapons first.”

Hal and Chester realized the futility of resistance.  They held their arms high, as did the others, and were relieved of their weapons without a word.  Then, surrounded by a guard, they were marched away.

An hour later they stood before the Bulgarian commander, where the officer who had captured them related his story.  General Blozle eyed them keenly.

“Have you anything to say?” he asked when the colonel had presented the case against them.

Chester stepped forward.

“Just this, general,” he said quietly.  “Miss Ellison here is in no way concerned in anything we may have done.  We had never seen her until last night, as she told the colonel.  Also, I would like to speak a word for Mr. Stubbs here.  He is, as my friend has said, an American war correspondent.  That’s all, sir.”