“I was afraid so,” he said.  “But why?”

“As to why, I can’t say,” replied Hal.  “Chiefly, I suppose, because it is an English-speaking country.”

“I suppose that is true,” said the emperor, “and still there are many more persons of German descent in the United States than of any other nationality.  Do the people of the United States believe that Germany brought about this war?”

“From what I have heard from Canadian officers and some others, I am afraid they do, your majesty,” said Hal.

“It is not true,” thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist down heavily on the table.  “I tell you it is not true.  Do you understand?  It is not true.  I did all in my power to prevent this war.  It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame.  He and his Slavs would overrun Germany.  But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it.  I will not be called the war lord of Europe for nothing!”

Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst.  Neither realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the greatest war of all history.

Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered: 

“They have lied to me.  Yes, they have lied to me.  They told me that few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me.  I thought they lied then.  I am sure of it now.”

Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon engrossed in looking over some papers and maps.  So he sat, utterly disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later.  General Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away.  When the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head.  He addressed no further words to Hal or Chester.

“I am commanded,” said the German officer, “to take you to my tent and see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is to be made of you.”

In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a guard stationed around the outside.  Then the officer took himself away to make his report to the general.

“Well,” said Chester, “they have got us this time, and I don’t see any way of escape.  Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances go of getting back to our own lines.”

“Don’t be so downhearted,” said Hal.  “More peculiar things have happened.  We are at least in no danger of being shot.  I suppose we should be thankful for that.”

“Yes, I suppose we should,” Chester agreed.  “But just the same I would like to be back where we belong.”