"Those Germans are such mean devils," was Captain Rivers' retort; "there's no dirty work they aren't prepared to do; still, if I only knew German, I would be a match for 'em. I suppose you do not happen to know German?" Bob did not reply, but he looked at the other keenly, noticing his fair, smooth, ruddy face and altogether innocent appearance. Then a suspicion was born in his mind. "Wait a minute, will you?" he said, and then, calling a soldier, told him to fetch Lieutenant Proctor, as he wished to speak to him. "What's up, Nancarrow?" said Proctor, when he came. "I want to know how poor Trevanion is getting on have you heard anything?" "He has been removed to a hospital at C----," replied Proctor; "as you know, he was not well enough to be sent back to England. I'm afraid it will be a long time before he is well again." "Let's see, who is taking his place?" "Captain Tremaine. Didn't you know? Promotions are rapid in these days." "Oh, he has got his captaincy, has he? By the way, there is something else I want to ask you," and Bob, knowing that Proctor had spent some time in Germany, spoke to him in German. While Proctor was replying, he gave a quick glance at Rivers, and then moved towards him. It was no time for hesitation or parley. "Rivers," said Bob--"if that is your name--you're a liar. You know German, and, if I'm not mistaken, you're a German spy. At him, Proctor." The last words came out like a shot from a pistol, and he saw Rivers draw a revolver from his pocket as if he intended to shoot him. A few seconds later he was fast bound, and Bob and Proctor escorted Rivers towards General Fortescue's tent. "General," said Bob, "this man tells me he was sent to me from you; is that true?" "Heavens, no! I never saw the fellow before, but I am inclined to think we have put our hands upon a spy," he said, when Bob had recorded what had taken place. Ten minutes later the guilt of the _soi-disant_ Rivers was proved up to the hilt. Notes were found on his person proving not only the fact that he had come from the German lines, but that he had for some time been gathering information in the British lines, with the evident intention of conveying it to the enemy. This information, moreover, was of such vital import, and it had been kept with such secrecy, that it seemed miraculous that he could have obtained it; still, obtained it he had, and a dozen proofs of his treachery were found upon him. To all questions, however, he maintained a rigid silence; evidently he was faithful to his own country. "And did the blackguard tell you he did not know German?" asked the General. "That's what aroused my suspicions, sir," replied Bob. "He was like a character in Hamlet--he protested too much; this made me send for Proctor, to whom I could speak German in a natural sort of way. As I watched his face, I saw that he understood every word that was being said, and I took steps accordingly."