Whistler did not wish to look in the direction of the schoolhouse site a second time. The shock of the destruction of all those innocent children was too fresh in his mind for him to be willing to view the spot closer. The crowd gathered about the steaming ruins were made up for the most part, probably, of the bereaved parents and friends of the victims. In the opposite direction, up the road, where the twisted wreck of the Zeppelin lay, the American lad could distinguish the figures of some of his friends. He hurried in that direction, and as he drew near he saw that the crowd here gathered was very much excited. The man who had previously used the shotgun was waving his weapon threateningly, and some of the other people of the countryside were shouting at the group of gray-green figures that was plainly the crew and officers of the wrecked airship. One of these Germans--a big fellow--showed marks of a serious beating. He was the fellow, Whistler was sure, that Willum Johnson had attacked. The giant British seaman and the _Colodia_ boys were right up in the forefront of the threatening crowd facing the Germans. But Whistler saw that there was a British Naval officer and several constables in charge of the prisoners. “Remember, my man, that you wear the King’s uniform,” the British officer was saying to the giant as Phil approached. “I shall have to report your attack upon this prisoner. They all gave themselves up--” “And they were all armed--every one of them,” put in Frenchy, _sotto voce_. The officer glared at him; but it gave Willum Johnson courage to add: “Who says they didn’t try to escape? Hi got the first bloke hout of the machine, Hi did. Then hother folks run up an’ ’twas hall over.” “I saw _one_ run,” Frenchy declared, looking boldly at the Naval officer. “So did I, sir,” added Al Torrance. “You mean that one of these Germans tried to run after the seaman here made his unwarranted attack upon them?” asked the officer sharply. “Bill jumped on the first fellow out of the machine,” Al said with confidence. “The second chap ran up over that ridge and disappeared.” “Nonsense!” exclaimed the officer. “Here are fourteen--all that were in the crew, so their commander says.” “And Hi wouldn’t believe him if ’ee swore hit hon a stack of Bibles as ’igh as a ’ouse!” cried the Coster. Just at this juncture Whistler Morgan interfered. He said very respectfully to the Navy officer: “Beg pardon, sir, but the German that escaped is over behind the hill now. One of my chums and I chased him, and----” “Do you mean to tell me there were fifteen members of the crew of this Zeppelin?” “I’m not sure of that. He may not have been an accredited member. I think he is a spy brought over for some purpose and dropped here.” “You know where he is?” demanded the officer. “Yes, sir. My friend is watching him now. He had a bundle with a disguise and pistols in it. You’d never know him for a German the way he looks now.”