Marquis drew back his lips in a snarl, even as Hal stepped forward to stay the German’s hand.

“This dog was allowed to come with us by special command of General Von Kluck,” he said quietly.

“So you say,” was the reply.  “But how am I to know that you speak the truth?”

“The very fact that he was allowed in the car should be sufficient proof of that,” said Hal quietly.

The German officer lowered his weapon.

“I guess you are right,” he said.  “I beg your pardon.”

He appraised the boys with a critical eye, and then became more friendly.

“You are British officers?” he asked.

“We are attached to the staff of General French,” Chester replied.

“So? and at your age?  I presume you have seen considerable action?”

“Considerable,” replied Hal, with a smile; “at Liege, Louvain, the battle of the Marne, and some other skirmishes.”

“You have been in luck,” said the officer.  “And here I have been, ever since the war broke out, receiving prisoners as they are sent on.  Worse luck!”

“Cheer up,” said Chester, smilingly, “you probably will get your chance before the war is over.”

“I hope so,” replied the German, and continued:  “I am going to arrange for you to come with me—­yes, and the dog, too,” as he saw Hal glance at his canine friend.  “You can tell me stories of the war.  Besides, I am interested to know how it is that two so young should have seen so much fighting.”

“If I may make so bold,” said Hal, “you are not so old yourself.”

“True,” said the German, with a pleasant smile.  “But I am twenty,” he added proudly.

“Then we are not much younger than you,” said Chester.

“Well, maybe not; but you seem to have had a whole lot more fun.”

His other work disposed of, the German turned to the two lads.

“Come with me,” he said, and the boys followed him.

“I am at liberty to accept your parole,” said the young German, “if you are prepared to give it.”

Chester glanced quickly at Hal, and the latter replied.

“We appreciate your offer very much, but we decided long ago that we would give our parole to no one.”

“Oh, well,” said the German, with a laugh, “it doesn’t matter.  There is no chance of your getting out of Berlin, anyhow.  However, since you refuse, it will be necessary to keep more careful watch over you.”

The officer bundled the two boys and the dog into a taxi, and they were soon riding along the streets.

“I am taking you to my home,” said the young officer.  “While there, you will be treated as my guests, except that you will always be guarded.”

“We understand,” said Chester quietly.

“Looks natural along here,” said Hal suddenly, nudging Chester.

“It certainly does,” said Chester, with a smile, for he had at that moment recognized the spot where he, Hal, Lieutenant Anderson and Captain Derevaux had met for the first time—­the spot where the French and British officer had been set upon by a gang of young thugs.