Hal and Chester, strolling about the fort, in some unaccountable manner
had been left behind. Suddenly, for the first time, they noted the utter
desolation of the place.
"Strange," muttered Hal. "Where has everyone gone?"
"You've got me," declared Chester, "but there must be someone around some
place. Let's go up to the general's quarters."
Now, when the soldiers and civilians had been ordered to leave the fort,
no one knew it was General Simon's intention of blowing it up. They
thought he was abandoning it because he believed it no longer capable of
resistance. But the commander had planned more deeply and heroically. He
did not intend the fort to fall into the hands of the enemy, that they
might repair it and turn its guns against his countrymen.
"A German flag shall never wave over this fort," he had muttered
to himself.
The general was sitting calmly at his desk, awaiting the end, when the
lads entered his room. He sprang to his feet with an exclamation.
"Leave the fort instantly!" he commanded. "Waste a moment and you are as
good as dead!"
Hal and Chester stared at him in surprise.
"I have fired the magazine, and the fort will be blown to pieces in a few
minutes," said the general hastily. "Fly for your lives!"
"But you, general?" demanded Hal, quietly.
"I? I shall die at my post! But go, instantly! You have not a
moment to lose!"
"We shall go when you do, general!" said Chester.
The old commander whipped a revolver from the table before him.
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