they
were made comfortable, there was never a moment that they were not
beneath some watchful eye.

Several times they were allowed to leave their canvas prison and
stroll about outside, but on each of these excursions the German
officer in whose custody they had been placed accompanied them; and
finally from General Von Kluck came the order for them to be sent to
Berlin.

"I sort of hate to see you go," the German officer told them, upon
informing them of their fate. "We have gotten along famously together.
However, I am sure you will be well treated in Berlin, and that when
you are released at the end of the war you will be able to deny some
of the tales of German cruelty to their prisoners."

"From the treatment we already have received we can deny them now,"
said Hal.

"Indeed we can," Chester agreed.

"Come," continued the officer, "what do you say to a little walk
around? You will not start on your journey until to-night."

Accompanied by their guard the boys once more started on an excursion
through the huge German camp. For an hour or more they walked about,
discussing the war in its various phases, but finally the officer told
them that it was time for him to report for duty, and they started
back toward their temporary prison.

As they were walking slowly along a large gray shape came bounding
toward them. Almost in front of them it came to a stop. It was a dog.

Hal reached forth a hand and patted the animal on the head, and the
dog's tail wagged in friendship. But when the German officer also
stretched forth a hand, he uttered a menacing growl.

"He must be one of your French war dogs," said the German with a
laugh, quickly withdrawing his hand. "We have captured a large number
of them, and, in spite of the fact that we treat them as well as we
know how, they will have nothing to do with us."

At that moment another German officer approached the trio, and, as he
came closer, the dog snarled and showed his teeth. The German drew
back his foot, and, before anyone could interfere, kicked the animal
sharply in the ribs.

But the German paid dearly for this act, for, with one quick bound,
the dog leaped upon his assailant, and, snarling fiercely, bore him to
the ground. Hal, Chester and their officer friend jumped quickly
forward, and, after a sharp tussle, succeeded in dragging the dog off,
though not until he had considerably shaken up his victim, even
drawing blood from a wound in his throat.