The Boy Allies with Haig in Flanders Part 26

"One thing at a time, old man," said Hal. "We'll have to leave most of this to chance."

"Anything suits me," Chester declared. "Listen, I think someone is coming now."

Chester was right. A moment later the officer to whom the lads had surrendered entered the tent. He greeted the lads with a smile.

"I've heard of your treatment," he said. "I won't presume to criticize my superior officer, but I just want to say that I admire your bravery no matter what brought you into our lines."

"Thanks," said Hal. "We appreciate it. I suppose I should have kept my mouth shut, but I guess it won't make any difference in the long run.

What will be done with us, do you suppose?"

"Well, you are prisoners of war, of course," was the reply. "You'll probably be sent to a prison camp until peace is declared--and n.o.body knows when that will be."

"You're right on that score," said Hal. "Oh, well, I guess we should consider ourselves fortunate that we are prisoners rather than dead soldiers."'

"And yet you don't," said the German with a smile.

"Well, no, that's true," Hal admitted. "'I just said we should."

"I must be going now," said the young German, "So I'll say good-bye. I hope I may see you when the war is over."

"Thanks," said Chester.

He extended a hand, which the German grasped. Hal pressed close to the man's side with extended hand, which he offered as the German grasped Chester's fingers.

As the lad stood close to the German, his left hand stole forth cautiously, and dropped to the revolver which the German carried in a holster at his side.

He removed the weapon so gently that the German did not feel his touch. Quickly Hal slipped the revolver into his coat pocket, and then grasped the man's hand as Chester released it.

"Good-bye," he said quietly. "I'm sure I second your wish."

The German bowed and left the tent.

Chester turned to Hal and said in a low voice:

"Get it?"

Hal nodded.

"You bet!" said he.

CHAPTER XX

A STRANGE PROCEEDING

"Lieutenant," said the Canadian named Gregory, "before I joined the army I was considered somewhat of a detective in Montreal. I've had some experience with pickpockets. It's a pleasure to see you work."

"That sounds like rather a left-handed compliment," said Chester with a smile, while Hal and the others laughed.

"Nevertheless, it was very neatly done," said Gregory.

"Well, Hal," said Chester, "you've got one gun, what are you going to do with it?"

"Hold your horses, old man," returned Hal. "Nothing was ever gained by too great haste. Something will turn up."

Something did a moment later in the form of the German officer who so recently had left the tent. He came in quickly, looked around, and stood undecided.

"Why, I thought you'd gone, captain," said Chester, though his heart sank.

The lad realized the import of the other's return.

"I've lost something," said the German.

"What was it?" asked Hal.

"Well, it's my revolver," said the German. "I thought maybe I had dropped it here."

"Hope you didn't expect to find it if you had?" said Hal.

The German laughed good-naturedly.

"Maybe not," he said. "However, I'm going to ask you if any of you have it."

"If we had," said Hal quietly, "I'll guarantee we wouldn't stay here half an hour."

The German looked at Hal keenly. Apparently he took the lad's answer for a denial, for he said:

"Well, all right. I just thought I'd make sure. I know you wouldn't lie about it."

He bowed again and was gone.

"Well, by George!" exclaimed Hal. "I didn't tell him I didn't have his gun, did I?"

"You did not," said Chester, "but you seem to have convinced him that you didn't have it."

"It's just as well," said Smith.

Five minutes later a German soldier entered, bearing a tray on which was water and dry bread.

"Well, well," said Hal. "What a feast for the hungry, eh?"

He took the tray from the man's bands, while Chester edged closer to him. When the man left the tent, Chester produced an object which he held aloft.

"Something for you, Gregory," he said.