the ground, and stood there as the
boys emerged from the taxi. Looking up, the lads beheld a handsome and
commodious house.

"My home," said the lieutenant simply, "and yours, so long as you are
forced to remain in Berlin."

The lads followed their captor up the steps, and into a prettily
furnished hall, where a servant, summoned by the officer, hurried away
with word for Mrs. Strauss, for, as Lieutenant Heinrich Strauss, the
officer now introduced himself to the boys.

A few moments later a pleasant-faced woman appeared in the hall. The
boys were quickly introduced to her, and she made them welcome,
adding:

"I am sure the general also will be pleased to have you with us."

Both lads looked questioningly at the young officer, who hastened to
explain.

"General Strauss is my father, in command in Berlin. Perhaps were it
not for that, I would not have ventured to bring you to my home. You
would have to have gone with the other prisoners."

"Thanks," said Chester. "I am sure we both appreciate it."

"Indeed we do," agreed Hal.

Before either the young lieutenant or his mother could reply, there
came a heavy footstep without; a moment later the door was thrown
quickly open, and a German officer, huge in stature, and imposing in
his uniform, draped with gold and lace, strode in. At sight of the two
boys he came to a sudden pause.

"What have we here?" he demanded, in a great, booming voice.

"Two of my prisoners, sir," said the lieutenant, stepping forward and
saluting.

"Your prisoners, sir? Do you mean that they are spies whom you have
captured in Berlin?"

"No, sir. They came with the last trainload of prisoners."

"Then, why are they not with the others?" demanded General Strauss
sternly.

"Why, sir," stammered the lieutenant, "I--I----"

"Enough," said the general in a softer voice, his eyes twinkling
although this he endeavored in vain to hide. "You mean that you are up
to some of your old tricks--that your sympathies have gotten the upper
hand of your better judgment. Do you know what I should do with you,
sir?"

The lieutenant made no reply, and the father continued:

"I should have you court-martialed for disobeying the command of your
superior officer. But I won't do it this time. However, it is a very
good thing that our emperor--God bless him--is a very good friend of
your father. Otherwise----"

He broke off and shrugged his shoulders significantly, then continued:

"Then no doubt th