The man saluted and disappeared. At the last words of the officer it
suddenly came to Chester where he had heard the voice before. He
approached the officer and peered more closely into his face.
"I wasn't sure, until I heard your last words," he told him, "but I know
you now. You are a German spy."
"Hold your tongue," said the officer harshly, "or I will shoot you down
where you stand."
At that moment another officer hurried up and saluted the captain.
"You sent for me, sir?" he asked.
"Yes; this boy is a German spy. I have positive proof. Have him shot
at sunrise."
"Very well, sir," replied the lieutenant; then to Chester: "Come!"
"But--" began the lad.
"No words," said the lieutenant. "Forward--march!"
Chester saw it was no use to protest, so he marched ahead of the
lieutenant without another word. He was taken to a small tent, thrust in,
and a trooper ordered to mount guard over him. Wearily the lad threw
himself down, and, in spite of his predicament, was soon asleep.
It was just beginning to grow light when he was rudely awakened by
someone shaking him by the arm. Five minutes later and he was marched
from his tent between a file of soldiers.
As he walked rapidly along between his captors, he suddenly espied an
officer approaching on horseback. Even from where he was, in the dim
light Chester recognized the horseman, and his spirits rose. It was
plainly apparent that the rider would pass within a few feet of him.
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