ummer estate on the outskirts of Merz."

In addition, the major told of Tom's early successes in getting
acquainted with the chief men of the town--particularly with the gouty
old Prussian general, who was the military governor of the district.
Information which Tom had gained, the major whispered, had spurred the
American authorities in this sector to remove the civilian population
for several miles back of the trenches.

There was soon to be a "surprise" attack upon the Americans, and the
huge guns being brought up for the bombardment before the infantry
advance might utterly wreck the open country immediately back of the
American trenches.

Tom Cameron, posing as Captain Von Brenner, was apparently awaiting at
Merz's best hotel the appearance of his sister, who, he declared, would
join him before the conclusion of his furlough. At first the old
general and the other authorities had accepted the American at his face
value.

Somehow, suspicion must have been aroused within the last twenty-four
hours. The message that had come by Bubu stated that Tom was under
arrest as a suspicious person, but that he was detained only in the
general's quarters.

It was something that might blow over. Finesse was required. Ruth had
suggested a plan, which, although applauded by the major and his
mother, they could not advise her to carry out. For, if it failed, her
own peril would be as great as Tom Cameron's. In fact, the result of
failure would be that both of them would be shot!

But the American girl was inspired for the task. So, urged by the
countess, her son had agreed to assist Ruth in an attempt which he
could but approve. Had Count Allaire Marchand, or any of his French
operatives in and near Merz, attempted to assist in Tom Cameron's
escape out of Germany, they would merely lay themselves open to
suspicion, and possibly to arrest.

Ruth saw a code message written to the count, who was hiding on what
had been the Marchand estate before the war, and then saw Bubu called
into the library and the twist of oiled paper secreted in the dog's
mouth. When the greyhound was released for his return journey to Merz,
Ruth, likewise, left the chateau. A short time later, as has been
said, she arrived safely at the hospital in the village.

Just as she was about to enter the gateway, a heavy touring car rumbled
up the road from the south. It stopped before the hospital gate.
There was a uniformed officer on the seat be