me to see if I can't pick that lock," he told himself, and
set to work with what improvised little tools he could bring from his
pocket.

In vain he worked. He could not pick the lock. He stepped back and
viewed the door, meantime keeping his ear cocked for sound of
footsteps from without. Then an idea struck him.

Using his knife as a screwdriver, he removed the hinges from the door.
A moment later he was inside the closet. Quickly selecting two of the
lieutenant's uniforms, he laid them on a chair, and hurriedly put back
the door and tightened the bolts.

Then, holding the uniforms behind him, he made his way back to his own
room, where he threw the uniforms under the bed. Chester was not
there.

"Hope he has things as easy as I did," said Hal to himself, and sat
down to await his friend's return.

When Chester entered the general's private room, which he found
unlocked, he went straight to the general's desk. He knew that maps
and valuable papers were kept there, because the general had once
referred to them as being there while at supper.

The desk was locked, but this did not disconcert the lad, for he had
expected it would be. Drawing a small buttonhook that he always
carried from his pocket, he inserted it in the keyhole. After several
unsuccessful attempts the lock finally turned, and Chester quietly
threw up the top.

Walking to the door and making sure that no one was near, the lad
returned to the desk. Quickly he looked over the assortment of papers,
and at length a smile lighted up his face. Evidently he had found what
he was in search of, for he quickly thrust a paper in his pocket.

He did not leave at once, but continued to rifle the contents of the
general's desk. Finally he appropriated several more documents, which
he also thrust into his pocket.

There was the sound of a door slammed on the floor below. Quickly the
lad closed the desk, and, walking softly to the door, peered out.
There was no one in sight. Closing the door quietly behind him,
Chester walked rapidly down the hall to his own room, where Hal was
waiting for his return.

"Did you get it?" asked Hal, as Chester entered the room and closed
the door behind him.

"Yes," replied Chester; "and you?"

"They are under the bed," said Hal, with a grin. "I believe I would
make a first-class burglar."

"And I," agreed Chester. "However, 'All's fair in love and war,' you
know."

"I am glad I do know it," said Hal. "Otherwise I woul