The German made no move to comply. At first Frank thought of pushing the man away; then changed his mind, for he realized that such an act would draw all eyes to them. The best plan was to get by quietly if possible. "What is it?" he asked. "It is my belief that you are a spy," declared the German. "Yes?" said Frank inquiringly. "Well, sir, every man has a right to his own opinion; you as well as another." "Smart, aren't you?" sneered the German. He raised his hand suddenly and, before Frank could realize his intention, slapped the lad smartly across the face. Frank took a step forward and his hands clenched. His face turned red and he was about to return the blow. A second time his better judgment prevailed and he stepped back, remarking quietly: "You shall answer for that, Lieutenant Holzen!" "What! you know my name?" exclaimed the German. "So I shall answer, eh? Yes, so I shall, at any time and place that suits your convenience." "I am no duelist," said Frank quietly. "No; you are a coward," was the retort. Again Frank's face turned red and his hands clenched; but he restrained himself. "For that you shall answer also," he said. "Now, stand aside. I would pass." "Not much!" said Lieutenant Holzen. "First you must tell me the time and place of meeting." "Look here, I'm getting tired of this foolishness," said Frank. "Get out of my way." "What do you mean by speaking like that to me?" demanded the German angrily. "You shall pass when I allow you to pass, not before." "If you don't get out of my way immediately, I shall have to throw you out," said Frank very quietly, which was a sure sign that his anger was reaching the bursting point. "So?" said the German with a laugh. "Now, I say----" "You've said enough," cried Frank suddenly. He struck out suddenly with his right fist. The blow went true. Struck upon the point of the jaw, the German reeled back. Frank straightened him up again with a left-handed hook to the stomach and then sent his right fist to the jaw a second time. The German officer sprawled across the table. Before any of the others could interfere Frank dashed toward the door where Lord Hastings and Jack stood, having watched developments with the assurance that Frank could take care of himself. All dashed out together. "This way!" cried Lord Hastings. The others followed close on his heels. Behind, as they darted round a corner, they could hear the hue and cry of the pursuers. "We'll have to do some sprinting," declared Lord Hastings. For perhaps fifteen minutes they ran, turning corner after corner, and at last, when Lord Hastings felt they were safe from pursuit, he drew up for a much needed breath. "Can't tell whether they'll follow us or not," he said. "If they take any stock in the officer's story that we are spies, they will. If they think it is just a private quarrel, the chances are they won't. However, we can do no particular good here. We'll have to go back and see."