any particular feature, he caught a glimpse of the face.
As far as he could judge, it was grave and deeply lined. He noticed,
too, that the hair was grey, while over the temples it was nearly white.

But what impressed him most was the peculiar quality of the eyes--he
did not remember ever having seen such eyes before; they were not
large, neither was there anything particular in their colour--and yet,
they held him like a magnet. Instinctively he knew that here was a
master of men.

Those eyes which looked into his--not large, light, steely grey in
colour--spoke of domination--of power; they seemed hard and glittering.

A second later he gave a nod to the officers on guard, whereupon they
silently backed out of the apartment, leaving Bob alone with the grave,
solitary figure at the desk.

CHAPTER XIX

"Your name is Robert Nancarrow?" The words came suddenly, not in the
form of a question, but as an assertion.

The voice was light, almost thin; the eyes were the eyes of a
commander; the face, to Bob, suggested weakness.

He spoke English almost as an Englishman might; there was scarcely the
suggestion of a German accent.

"Yes, sir," was Bob's reply.

"You are under General Fortescue, and to-night were placed on outpost
duty. By your quick, decisive action you gave your men alarm and
frustrated the plans of those you call your enemy?"

"I'm very proud to think so, sir," replied Bob.

Again those piercing eyes rested on him. Bob felt a shiver run down
his spine as he saw them. Evidently the man at the desk was reading
him like an open book; he was estimating his quality--his position.

"You wear a lieutenant's uniform, I see?"

"Yes, sir."

"Were you trained as a soldier?"

"No, sir."

"How long have you been in the Army?"

"Only a few weeks, sir."

"And yet they made you a lieutenant?" and the suggestion of a smile
passed his lips--a smile that was almost a sneer.

"You may know, sir," said Bob, "that in England we have what is called
an 'Officers Training Corps'; men who join that corps do not
necessarily go into the Army, but they join it so that in time of need
officers may be forthcoming. When I was at school at Clifton, I joined
the Officers' Training Corps, and qualified. That accounts for what
would seem a rapid promotion."

"I see; and you come from what is called a good family in England, I
suppose?"

"I can claim to have that honour, sir," and again the lonely figure w