Part 3 (2/2)
”Well, we didn't stay very long,” said Hal.
”Let's hope we don't stay for keeps this time either,” said Chester.
”To tell the truth, I don't think much of this spy business myself.”
”Somebody has to do it,” Hal declared.
”Of course, but I am not very fond of that sort of work.”
”If you don't want to go--” Hal began, but Chester interrupted.
”Of course, I want to go if it must be. I am ready to do what I can for my country in whatever way I may.”
”I knew it,” said Hal; ”I was only fooling. Come, we will acquaint McKenzie with his work. And if he comes safely through this, I feel confident he will not remain long in the ranks.”
The found McKenzie, the erstwhile Canadian sergeant, in his tent.
”McKenzie,” said Hal, ”you are about to take a trip, I see.”
”That so, sir? I hadn't heard of it.”
”Yes,” Hal continued. ”I heard a man say you were about to go to Germany.”
”And the man,” said McKenzie, ”was--”
”General Pers.h.i.+ng, McKenzie.”
”Very well, sir,” said McKenzie, to whom the few words told the story of important work to be done.
”In that event, I presume that General Pers.h.i.+ng has seen fit to allow me leave of absence.”
”He has, McKenzie. I shall present the order to Captain O'Neill at once. In the meantime, see that your guns are cleaned, and that you have an extra supply of cartridges. We may need them. Also, leave any papers or other marks of identification behind. When you are ready, come to my quarters.”
”I shall be there in half an hour, sir.”
Hal and Chester made their way to Captain O'Neill's quarters. Hal presented the papers, granting leaves of absence to the three.
”Hm-m,” muttered Captain O'Neill. ”Something up, eh? Well, I wish I were going with you.” He extended a hand.
”Good luck,” he said quietly.
CHAPTER IV
INTO GERMANY
”We'll have to have a leader for this party,” said Hal, ”one whose word shall be law. I'm agreeable to Chester.”
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