"So," he exclaimed. "You Dutchman! You thought you'd fool me, did you? You are my prisoner. One false move and you are a dead man." "Don't be a chump," said Hal, his teeth chattering from cold. "I tell you I'm English. Can't you tell that by my talk? What do you think I am? A German?" "Well," said the sentinel, "what do you think I would take you for in that German uniform?" Now Hal understood, and in spite of the cold he laughed. "I don't blame you," he said. "I forgot all about this uniform. But I can assure you I'm English. I've been over the river getting a little information." "Well," said the sentinel, by no means assured that Hal was what he represented himself. "I'll let the colonel decide that point. March ahead of me now, and mind, no tricks, unless you want a bullet in your back." "All right," said Hal shortly, "as long as you can't take my word for it, I suppose I shall have to go with you." He walked along some little distance, the sentinel behind him with leveled rifle, before he came to the tent of the officer in charge of what he now saw was a reconnoitering force. "My name is Paine," he informed the colonel. "I have been across the river within the German lines on a mission for General French. I have accomplished it and was returning when this sentinel accosted me. I can show credentials," and he showed the officer a pass signed by the commander-in-chief. The officer shook hands with him. "What can I do for you?" he asked. "I must be back at the earliest possible moment," said Hal. "Have you a fast auto?" "Yes." "Then I should be grateful if you would allow me to make use of it." "It shall be done," said the officer. "Now you sit here by the fire while I have it put in readiness. You are half frozen." "Thanks," replied Hal. "I am. But I haven't very long to stay. Please have the car ready as soon as possible. And if you can spare a driver I shall be glad of his services. I don't believe I could drive the car any great distance." "You shall have him," agreed the officer, and left the tent. Hal huddled up close to the little fire. CHAPTER XXV. THE GERMAN COUP FAILS. Wrapped tightly in a great fur overcoat that the officer had insisted on lending him, Hal snuggled back comfortably in the large automobile as it sped over the ground toward General French's headquarters. The chauffeur was a speed demon and the huge machine covered the ground much more quickly than the one in which the little party of British had started on their mission. It was not long, therefore, before the lad found himself descending from the car. Another moment and he once more stood before his commander. "So, you got back safely, eh," exclaimed General French. "Young Crawford gave me your report, and I was afraid that you would be captured. Did you learn anything further?" "Yes, sir," Hal made reply. "I have learned the number of men in each command, their positions and all details."