"I don’t know," said Stubbs. "You see, I’ve been on the ground longer than you have and have already made considerable progress. Looks to me like I’d be giving you my information in return for nothing." "Oh, of course if that’s the way you feel about it," said Chester, considerably nettled. "Hold on, now!" protested Stubbs. "Not so fast, if you please. I didn’t say I wouldn’t throw in with you, did I?" "No, you didn’t say it," returned Chester significantly. "Then don’t cry until you’re hurt," enjoined Stubbs. "At the same time there is another reason that tells me to let you go at this thing in your own way." "And that, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Hal. "That," returned Stubbs, "is because every time I get mixed up with you fellows I get in trouble. Either I’m moving forward a couple of leaps ahead of a bayonet, or I’m all snarled up in a knot of struggling Germans; and I don’t like that, I tell you. I’m a peaceable man." Hal and Chester laughed. "Oh, yes, we know how peaceable you are," said Hal. "We’re perfectly willing to bank on your courage, Mr. Stubbs." "Well, I’m not exactly willing to bank on it myself," replied Stubbs grumblingly, but he was plainly pleased. "Whatever you think best, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "Surely, Chester," said Stubbs, "you didn’t take me seriously? Surely you knew that I am willing to do whatever I can to further the cause of America and her allies. I was simply joking." "Maybe you were," returned Chester, not at all convinced, "but all I’ve got to say is that you have a mighty poor way of showing it." "Then I’ll do better," said Stubbs. "Listen." He proceeded in a low tone. "I’ve been here for two days. I heard rumors some time ago that Austria and Germany were at the breaking point. Bulgaria, out of the war, as she has been for several weeks, it became apparent that Germany’s other two allies would soon leave her in the lurch. Now Turkey doesn’t matter so much, although with the Ottomans out of the war the strain on the allies will be lessened considerably. But with Austria—the kaiser’s most important and powerful ally, ready to quit—the moment seems auspicious. Now, I wanted to be on the ground floor when the news broke. That’s why I took a chance and sneaked through the German lines; that’s why I’m here. "That’s why we’re here, too," said Hal quietly. "Now, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, "you inferred that you had already learned something. What is it, if I may ask?" "I didn’t exactly say that," protested Stubbs. "However, I have found what in the newspaper business is called a ’leak’ and I have hopes it will produce some news before many hours have passed." "And what is this leak, Mr. Stubbs?" "Why," said Mr. Stubbs, "its none other than our friend the night clerk whom you so unceremoniously ordered from the room a few minutes ago. He thinks I’m a pretty regular fellow. The reason is plain enough. I’ve been supplying him with tobacco for the last two days." Both lads smiled.