Part 34 (1/2)
One he made out was a male voice, which he took to belong to a German officer. The second was that of Mademoiselle Vaubaun. Then a third voice boomed out. This, Hal knew, was that of a second German.
Hal approached the door and put his eye to the key-hole. Then he started back and whipped out his revolver.
In the center of the room sat Antoinette Vaubaun. She was no longer attired as an old woman. She was the girl that Hal had seen the night before. Her hair hung down her back. It was perfectly plain to the lad that she had been discovered. Her face, though pale, was set sternly. Hal listened to the conversation that ensued.
”So you are a spy, eh?” said a big German officer who sat on her right.
The girl made no response.
”Why don't you answer?” demanded the third occupant of the room, a heavily bearded man, and shook his fist threateningly in her face.
”I'll answer only what I choose to answer,” returned Antoinette quietly. ”Neither you nor the whole German army can make me talk.”
”Is that so?” sneered the first man. ”I suppose you've heard of the fate that came to an English nurse called Edith Cavell, eh?”
”I have,” replied the girl angrily, ”and it was crime for which Germany will have to pay some day. But you can't frighten me.”
”You, too, will be shot as a spy,” declared the larger German.
”And do you think that frightens me? I have done a whole lot for my country. Many times I warned my countrymen of an impending German attack. I am only sorry that I shall no longer have the opportunity.”
”What!” exclaimed the German. ”You admit it!”
”Of course I admit it. Why not?”
The German took a step toward the girl and raised a hand as though he would strike.
This was more than Hal could stand. He sent the door cras.h.i.+ng in with a swift kick and dashed into the room.
It would have been possible for Hal to have shot the German where he stood, but the lad was so angry that he wanted a word with him first.
”You big, hulking coward!” he cried.
Both Germans dropped their hands to their revolvers.
Hal's revolver flashed fire.
The German nearest the young French girl clapped a hand to his forehead and sank to the floor.
There was a flash as the second German fired.
CHAPTER XXV
A FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
Hal felt a stinging sensation in his left side. He paid no attention to this however, but, dropping suddenly to the floor, turned to face his adversary. He saw in that instant the reason the German's bullet had not penetrated a vital spot.
As the German had fired, Antoinette, with a quick movement, had grasped at his arm. She had not succeeded in turning the revolver from its victim, but she did manage to spoil the man's aim. Therefore, the bullet had glanced off one of Hal's ribs.