Once in the Belgian lines the boys breathed easier.
"Well, here we are at last," said Hal. "I guess we will be able to
explain our presence in the woods satisfactorily."
"I hope so," replied Chester.
At this moment the officer who had placed them under arrest approached.
"Come with me," he ordered.
The boys accompanied him to the headquarters of the commanding officer,
where their position was explained to the latter.
He listened quietly to Hal's account of their adventures since leaving
Berlin, and it was plain to both boys that as he listened he became more
and more incredulous.
Hal finished his recital, and for some minutes the general sat silent.
Finally he said:
"You have told me a strange story--one that I find it very hard to
believe. I must have proof. It must be substantiated. You will consider
yourselves prisoners until the matter has been investigated, unless in
the meantime there should be someone here who will vouch for your honesty
and the truth of this remarkable tale."
"I will vouch for it, general," came a voice.
Turning, the boys beheld in the entrance to the general's hut the smiling
face of Captain Raoul Derevaux.
CHAPTER XII.
LIEGE.
Hal and Chester started forward.
"Captain Derevaux!" they exclaimed simultaneously.
The gallant captain smiled.
"Even so," he returned. Then turning to the general: "I will vouch for
the truth of the story told by these boys, sir," he said.
"You know them, then?" questioned the general.
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