aid they do, your majesty," said Hal.

"It is not true," thundered the Kaiser, bringing his clenched fist
down heavily on the table. "I tell you it is not true. Do you
understand? It is not true. I did all in my power to prevent this war.
It is Czar Nicholas of Russia who is to blame. He and his Slavs would
overrun Germany. But, with the help of God, I shall prevent it. I will
not be called the War Lord of Europe for nothing!"

Hal and Chester were startled at this sudden outburst. Neither
realized that Hal was, perhaps, the only person who had dared to stand
before the German monarch and tell him to his face that he had not the
sympathy of the whole world, and that he was held responsible for the
greatest war of all history.

Now the Kaiser was talking to himself, his fists still clenched, and
he tapped nervously on the table, as he muttered:

"They have lied to me. Yes, they have lied to me. They told me that
few held me to blame, that the sympathy of the world was with me. I
thought they lied then. I am sure of it now."

Suddenly he ceased talking, and turned to the table, where he was soon
engrossed in looking over some papers and maps. So he sat, utterly
disregarding the presence of the two American boys; nor did they
venture to interrupt his profound study, until two hours later General
Von Kluck sent the guard ordered by the Kaiser to take them away. When
the officer in charge of the squad made known his commission, the
emperor signified his consent with a nod of his head. He addressed no
further words to Hal or Chester.

"I am commanded," said the German officer, "to take you to my tent and
see that you are well guarded, until it is decided what disposition is
to be made of you."

In a large and commodious tent the boys were made comfortable, and a
guard stationed around the outside. Then the officer took himself away
to make his report to the general.

"Well," said Chester, "they have got us this time, and I don't see any
way of escape. Here we are, right in the heart of the German army, and
we might just as well be in the Sahara desert, as far as our chances
go of getting back to our own lines."

"Don't be so downhearted," said Hal. "More peculiar things have
happened. We are at least in no danger of being shot. I suppose we
should be thankful for that."

"Yes, I suppose we should," Chester agreed. "But just the same I would
like to be back where we belong."

"Well, you can't tell," said Hal. "We