“To think,” said Uncle John gloomily, “that we are accused of being spies!”

“It is not for me,” returned von Holtz, “to criticize the acts of my superiors.  I may say, however, that were it my province to decide the question, you would now be free.  Colonel Grau has an excellent record for efficiency and seldom makes a mistake, but I suspect his judgment was influenced by the general, whose son was once jilted by an American girl.”

“We’re going to get even with them both, before this affair is ended,” declared Patsy, vindictively; “but although you are our actual jailer I promise that you will escape our vengeance.”

“My instructions are quite elastic, as you heard,” said the lieutenant.  “I am merely ordered to keep you in Ostend, under my eye, until your case has been passed upon by the commandant or the general staff.  Since you have money, you may enjoy every luxury save that of travel, and I ask you to command my services in all ways consistent with my duty.”

“What worries me,” said Patsy to Uncle John, “is the delay.  If we are kept here for long, poor Denton will die before we can find his wife and take her to him.”

“How long are we liable to be detained?” Uncle John asked the officer.

“I cannot say.  Perhaps the council of the general staff will meet to-morrow morning; perhaps not for several days,” was the indefinite reply.

Patsy wiped away the tears that began to well into her eyes.  She had so fondly set her heart on reuniting the Dentons that her disappointment was very great.

Von Holtz noticed the girl’s mood and became thoughtful.  Captain Carg had remained glum and solemn ever since they had left the colonel’s office.  Uncle John sat in silent indignation, wondering what could be done to influence these stupid Germans.  Presently the lieutenant remarked: 

“That sailor whom you left with the launch seemed an intelligent fellow.”

Patsy gave a start; Uncle John looked at the young man expectantly; the captain nodded his head as he slowly replied: 

“Henderson is one of the picked men I brought from Sangoa.  He is both intelligent and loyal.”

“Curiously enough,” said von Holtz, “I neglected to place the man under arrest.  I even forgot to report him.  He is free.”

“Ah!” exclaimed Patsy, her eyes lighting.

“I know a civilian here—­a bright young Belgian—­who is my friend and will do anything I ask of him,” resumed von Holtz, still musingly.  “I had the good fortune to protect his mother when our troops entered the city, and he is grateful.”

Patsy was thinking very fast now.

“Could Henderson get to Charleroi, do you imagine?” she asked.  “He has a passport.”

“We do not consider passports of much value,” said the officer; “but a Red Cross appointment—­”

“Oh, he has that, too; all our men carry them.”

“In that case, with my friend Rondel to guide him, I believe Henderson could accomplish your errand.”