Part 26 (1/2)
”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.