"Well," said General Knoff, "it would appear that the fates are just, after all. I have no doubt that it was information you gained from me that spoiled our plans." "I have no doubt of it either, sir," Hal smiled. "And such being the case," the general continued, "I shall see to it that you are tried as spies." "But we are in American uniform now, sir," said Hal. "You weren’t then," was the reply, "as I stand willing to prove. No; I shall have you shot. No man can make a fool of me and live." "You can’t do that, sir," said Hal, quietly. "I can’t, eh?" exclaimed the general. "I would like to know what is to prevent me?" Hal’s smile seemed to infuriate the general. "Captain," he said, "you will place these men under arrest." The German captain saluted respectfully, but he shook his head. "It is impossible, sir," he said. "What’s that?" demanded General Knoff angrily. "Do you dare dispute my orders?" "Only when I have previously received commands from your superiors, sir," was the reply. "What do you mean?" "These young Americans," the captain explained, "have safe conduct in our lines. I only know they have piloted our delegates who have been discussing an armistice with the French commander-in-chief. I cannot arrest them, sir." "I see," said General Knoff. "You are perfectly right, captain." He stepped close to Chester and extended a hand. "As a military measure," he said, "I would have you shot for what I know, but I want to thank you again for a service you rendered me in Sedan." Chester was taken absolutely by surprise. Nevertheless he grasped the general’s hand, for that was what seemed to be expected of him. "I am glad I was on hand at such an opportune moment, sir," the lad replied. "So am I," said the general. "You know my name, of course. When the war is over, should you chance to be in Berlin, it would give me pleasure to entertain you at my home in Berlin." "Thank you, sir," said Chester. "Should I chance to be in Berlin at any time, I shall avail myself of your offer, sir." The general bowed slightly, insisted on shaking hands with Hal also, and then said: "Well, gentlemen, you are probably tired from your trip, so I will not detain you longer. Captain, I leave the young Americans to you." The lads followed the German captain from the room. Their quarters for the night were commodious, though not richly furnished. However, as Hal said: "I have slept in whole lot more unpleasant places and thought I was doing well." "It’s plenty good for me," Chester agreed. "By the way, Hal, has it occurred to you that we may return to Hirson to-morrow alone?" "What do you mean?" "Why, that the German high command may refuse to accept Marshal Foch’s terms, and refuse to negotiate farther." "Hardly likely," said Hal. "My view is that the Germans are so anxious for peace that they will accept almost any terms."