ly with wax.

"Gather your possessions quickly and follow me!" commanded the soldier
triumphantly, drawing a revolver. "We shall visit the commander!"

"What is that thing and where did it come from?" questioned Ned.

"Search me!" declared Jimmie, excitedly. "Maybe this gink had it up his
little sleeve and dropped it in there at the right minute!"

"He looks equal to it!" stated Jack stoutly. "He's a villain!"

"Better be careful what you say!" cautioned Ned. "We are not out of the
woods, and these fellows understand English pretty well!"

"I wish I had my automatic and about ten yards start!" stormed Jimmie,
gathering up wearing apparel and jamming it into his kit. "I could beat
that slow-footed camel in a straightaway without half trying!"

"Better wait and see it out," advised Ned, replacing his own belongings.
"It's only a mistake and can surely be explained."

"Maybe we can be examined and go ahead on this same train," offered Jack
consolingly. "Anyhow, we won't gain anything by arguing with these
fellows. They have no sense of humor and don't want one!"

Following their two captors the lads trudged down the track toward the
hut. Carefully they picked their way between groups of genuine refugees
rearranging their meagre possessions in the coaches.

In a short time the boys were duly presented before a gray-haired officer
seated at a table placed against the wall of the hut. It was darker in
the room than out of doors. A single oil lamp served to dispel the
gathering gloom of the early twilight.

Reporting volubly in German, with many gesticulations, the soldier
presented the four boys. At the conclusion of his recital he laid the
parcel upon the table. Drawing himself to his full height and assuming a
tragic air he surveyed his captives with complacency.

"Look at that mark!" whispered Jimmie hoarsely. "What is it?"

"It says 'U-13' as plainly as the freckles on your nose," replied Harry,
who stood nearest the table. "I don't know what it means!"

A challenge from the sentry at the door drew the attention of those
within the hut. For a moment every eye turned toward the entrance.

Ever on the alert, Jimmie saw a hand thrust through the open window. It
seized the package and noiselessly disappeared.

CHAPTER II

DIFFICULTIES AND DANGERS

Finding that the disturbance had been caused by the approach of one of
the refugees, who demanded an audience with the commander, but who had
quickly bee