“Yes, I agree with you,” said Jerry. “And there’s something in this affair to-night, too. But we don’t know enough to cause more than suspicions, and there’s a chance that things would go against us.” “Then what are we to do?” asked Bob. “Keep quiet, I say, until we have more definite information,” was the tall lad’s answer. “We can make another attempt to find out more about this crooked-nosed man.” “That’s what I say,” decided Ned. “Let’s wait a bit.” So they said nothing about having followed the man to the barn, being able to get close to him because he took them for negroes, and they bided their time. The minstrel show made a welcome break in the monotony of camp life, and it acted like a good tonic. The boys were the more ready to take up the routine of work, and there was plenty of it. As they progressed in their soldier life Ned, Bob and Jerry found it more interesting. The need of the various drills began to be better understood. They liked the work on the rifle ranges, the machine gun exercises and the trench work. They went on several other hikes, and at times were given charge of some new squads of drafted men who came to camp. It was about two weeks after the minstrel show that Jerry, Bob and Ned were all out on guard together when they heard the man on the post next to Jerry’s calling: “Corporal of the guard!” “What’s the matter?” asked Jerry, as he sent the call down the line. “I’ve got a prisoner!” was the answer. “I caught him trying to get in through the lines! I guess he’s a German spy!” “Maybe it’s the crooked-nosed man!” exclaimed Bob. “Or the one who was with him in the barn,” added Ned. “Or the one they spoke of as going into some game with Pug,” said Jerry. “Come on! We’d better go help Kelly.” Kelly was the name of the sentry who had called. The three boys went off on a run in the darkness, going to the aid of their comrade. Little did they dream of the surprise in store for them. CHAPTER XXVI A NIGHT ALARM “Corporal of the Guard! Post Number Ten!” This was the cry, in various intonations, that went ringing down the line in the darkness. As instructed, Ned, Bob and Jerry, being the nearest to the place of the alarm, went to render what aid might be necessary to the sentry who had first called. Meanwhile the corporal of the guard, rousing those whose duty it was to go out with him and see to the disturbance, was hastening to the scene. As Ned, Bob and Jerry approached they heard some one saying: “But I must have it! I tell you I must get it. It is exceedingly valuable, and you ought not to stop me.” “Stop you! I’ve stopped you all right!” came the vigorous tones of Kelly, the sentry. “But I must get through. I must!” “And I say you must not! Trying to run the guard under my very nose; that’s what you were trying to do. But I caught you! You’re a German spy--that’s what you are!” “No, I assure you that you are mistaken,” came a gentle voice in answer. “I am only after some new specimens----”