Frank had spoken in German and they all understood him, but there was no answer ready, although the men's eyes glowered as they rested on his uniform and there were muttered exclamations. "Is there any one of you that speaks English?" Frank asked, after waiting a moment. Again a whispered consultation, and one of their number was pushed forward by the others. "Do you speak English?" Frank asked. "Yes," replied the man roughly. "I lived for five years in your accursed America." The tone and words were offensively insolent, but Frank took no notice of them. "Then perhaps you can tell me what you and your comrades want with us," he said. "We want those prisoners you have with you," the man replied. "What prisoners?" parried Frank. "Don't try to fool us," the man answered angrily. "We saw those men walking with their hands on their heads, and we know they are Germans. We want them, and we're going to have them." "How are you going to get them?" Frank asked quietly. "How are we going to get them?" sneered the man. "Why, by taking them, if we have to. There are only four of you, as we saw through our glasses, and we're four to one. You wouldn't be fools enough to fight against such odds. If you give them up peaceably we won't hurt you. But if you don't, we'll wipe you out." "Now listen," said Frank sternly. "We've arrested these men because they were plotting against the United States. We've set out to take them into camp, and we're going to do it. This district is under American rule and America has a long arm. You may wipe us out, but the American Government will reach out that arm and get you, no matter where you try to hide. I warn you to go on your way and let us pass." "It's fight then, is it?" snarled the German. He turned to his companions. "Comrades!" he roared. But he got no further. Like lightning, Frank's left hand shot out and gripped the man by the collar. With his right, he yanked his automatic pistol from his belt and clapped it against the man's temple. "One move and I'll blow your brains out," he snapped. The man, after his first instinct of revolt, stood like a statue. That cold muzzle against his head was a compelling argument. There was a wild commotion among the Germans, and rifles were raised, but as Frank had whirled his prisoner between him and them they did not dare to fire, but stood raging but irresolute. Walking backward with his prisoner, the pistol still pressed to his head, Frank rejoined Bart and Tom, whose rifles were leveled at the crowd. Step by step the boys retreated, until they stood with Billy in the shelter of the oaks. Frank then delivered his prisoner to Billy, who made him lie down in the snow cave with the others. "Good work, old man!" said Tom admiringly, as he clapped Frank on the shoulder. "I'll tell the world so," agreed Bart enthusiastically. "Gee, but my heart was in my mouth while I watched you," said Billy.