There the prisoners were led before the commanding officer, Colonel Waldstein.  Lieutenant Anderson spoke.

“Colonel,” he said, “I am Lieutenant Anderson, of the British army, and this,” indicating the young captain, “is Captain Derevaux, of the French army.”  Then, pointing to Hal and Chester:  “These two boys are in no way concerned in our affairs, and I hope that you will see fit to release them.”

“How do they come to be in your company, then?” asked the colonel.

The lieutenant explained the circumstances.

The German officer was silent for some moments, meditating.  Then he turned to an aide.

“Summon Lieutenant Schmidt!” he ordered.

Presently an old soldier entered the general’s quarters and saluted.

“Lieutenant,” said Colonel Waldstein, “take these two lads,” indicating Hal and Chester, “and quarter them in your home.  You may remain here,” he told the boys, “until I have made inquiries and learned what to do with you.  You are so young that I can hardly believe you are spies.”

“Thank you, colonel,” said Lieutenant Anderson.

“But, as for you two,” continued Colonel Waldstein, speaking to Captain Derevaux and Lieutenant Anderson, and his voice grew grave, “the fact that I have found you within our lines in civilian attire would justify me in having you shot at once.  But I shall not dispose of your cases until we reach Brunswick, for which place we leave to-night by train.  You may have valuable information.  I shall turn your cases over to my superiors.”

Hal and Chester shook hands with their two friends.

“I don’t know why you should do this for us,” said Hal; “but we appreciate your self-sacrifice more than we can tell you.”

“Indeed we do,” agreed Chester.

“That’s all right, boys,” replied the lieutenant.  “Now, take my advice, and make no further efforts to get out of the country until you are given a safe escort, which, I am sure, will be within the course of a week.”

“That is excellent advice,” agreed the young captain.  “To get through the country now is practically impossible, as we have proved.”

“But what will they do with you?” asked Hal.

The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders.

“Shoot us, I suppose.”

Up to this moment the colonel had not interfered with the conversation, but now he called a halt.

“That’s talk enough,” he declared.  “Take the prisoners away.”

Hal and Chester followed the old lieutenant from the tent.

“Good-by, good-by!” they called to their two friends, as they passed out.

“Good-by,” was the response; “remember our advice.”

The lieutenant escorted the boys some distance into the town, then turning into a lane, marched them into a yard, in which, far back, sat a large frame house.

“This is my home,” he said; “and as long as you stay you will be welcome.  My wife is fond of boys, and will be glad to see you.  You will have the freedom of the grounds, but remember, any attempt to leave the town without a permit probably will end in your being shot.  Take my advice and don’t try it”