se,
knowledge that he was a scout might have been easily discovered by
German spies in this sector. Your friend speaks perfect German."

"Oh, yes," Ruth said. "He began to prattle to Babette, his
German-Swiss nurse when he was a child."

"So he has been of much help to us near Merz. But my brother informs
me now that a serious difficulty has arisen."

"What is it, Major Marchand?" asked the girl, with tightening lips.

"Lieutenant Cameron has been arrested. He is suspected by the Germans
at Merz. He was furnished the papers and uniform of a Bavarian
captain. The authorities are making an investigation. It may--I am
desolated to say it, Mademoiselle!--become fatal for Lieutenant
Cameron."

CHAPTER XVIII

BEARING THE BURDEN

It was dusk before Ruth Fielding arrived at the Clair Hospital after
her exciting call at the Chateau Marchand. She had refused to allow
Major Marchand to accompany her to the village, for she learned he must
be off for the front lines later in the evening, and would in any case
have but a few hours with his mother.

Ruth had conceived a plan.

She had been in serious conference with Major Marchand and the
countess. Neither, of course, knew the particulars of Tom Cameron's
arrest at Merz, beyond the German lines. However, they sympathized
with her and applauded her desire to help Tom.

For there was a chance for Ruth to aid the young American lieutenant.
The major admitted it, and the countess admired Ruth's courage in
suggesting it.

The brief announcement of Tom's arrest sent by Count Marchand by Bubu,
the greyhound, together with facts that the major knew, aided Ruth in
gaining a pretty clear understanding of Tom Cameron's situation.

He had volunteered for this dangerous service and had been assigned to
work with the French secret agents on both sides of the battle line.
After his own comrades' suspicion was fixed on him, it was decided, Tom
agreeing, that he would be able to do better work in Germany. Major
Marchand had himself guided the American lieutenant to Merz, and
introduced him to Count Allaire Marchand.

"And we both consider him, Mademoiselle," said the major generously, "a
most promising recruit. We arranged for him to enter Merz in the guise
of a wealthy Bavarian Hauptman on leave. Merz, you must understand,
was quite a famous health resort before the war. Many foreigners, as
well as Germans, went there to drink the waters. That is why we had a
s