The German obeyed. There was nothing else for him to do. His head dropped, and a guilty flush crept over his face. Hal stepped forward and picked up the man’s revolver, which he stowed safely in his own pocket. "I thought you betrayed your true characteristics when you insulted these ladies," said Hal. "I am sure of it now. I shall make it my business to see that this matter is reported to the proper authorities. You may go now." Without a word, and followed by his companion, the German turned and strode toward the door. As he would have passed out, he stopped suddenly and brought his heels together and saluted sharply. His companion did likewise. A moment later a figure in the uniform of a German general of infantry stepped into the room. He halted just inside the door, as he took in the situation about him. The others still stood as they had when Chester’s opponent had left them, and the general realized instantly that something was amiss. Hal and Chester saluted as the general strode across the room without so much as a glance at them, and addressed the mother. "What is the matter?" he asked. It was the girl again who replied. "That man insulted me, father," she said, indicating Chester’s erstwhile foe, and in a few brief words she told how Chester had come to her assistance. The general saluted Chester, then Hal in turn. "I will talk with you later, sirs," he said. "Right now I have other business." He strode across the room to where the young German officers stood, awaiting permission to take their departure. Straight the general went to the man who had accosted his daughter, stopped close to him, raised his right arm and brought his open palm stingingly across the other’s face. "Let that teach you," he said, "that a German officer does not insult women of his own race." The German captain staggered back, but said nothing. "You may go now," said the general. "You will hear more from me later." The young officers left the room hurriedly. General Knoff, for as such the general now introduced himself to Hal, Chester and Stubbs, addressed Chester quietly. "You have befriended my wife and my daughter," he said. "I thank you, sir." Chester saluted again, but made no reply. "It is my wish that you all join us at breakfast," continued the general. "We should be pleased, your excellency," said Chester politely, "save for the fact that we have just breakfasted." "Then you shall at least have another cup of coffee with us," said General Knoff. Chester bowed his assent, for he realized there was nothing else to do. A mere German captain did not refuse an invitation from a general—not under the iron discipline that still ruled in the armies of the kaiser.