n satisfied by the explanation of the sentry, the officer
again gave his attention to the group before him.

"Proceed!" he ordered. "You may speak English for the benefit of these
young gentlemen. Let us have the story, now!"

"Myself and my comrade searched the baggage of these fellows," began the
soldier, directing a contemptuous glance at the boys. "When we reached
the kit of that one there," here he pointed at Ned, "we discovered what
seemed to us to be suspicious goods. Here it is--!"

A gasp of astonishment terminated the triumphant recital.

"Go on!" ordered the officer without emotion.

"But a moment ago the package was lying on your table!" almost shouted
the soldier. "Now it is gone!"

"So I perceive!" replied the officer. "If you have evidence, please
produce it. Otherwise I shall examine the passports of the young
gentlemen, and if they are found correct I shall permit them to depart."

He reached out a hand for the passports, which were quickly presented.
After a minute scrutiny and careful comparison of descriptions he
returned them to the lads. Again he turned to the soldier.

"Have you any evidence of their guilt?" he inquired.

"I believe they have stolen the package!" stormed the soldier.

"Search them!" commanded the officer. "With respect!" he added.

During the hasty but thorough search of the lads' clothing Jimmie grinned
maliciously into the faces of the soldiers. His delight knew no bounds.
Their discomfiture upon failing to find the package was exceeded only by
the delight of the lad, who prudently held his own counsel.

"There must have been a mistake!" at length declared the officer
impatiently. "We cannot delay the train longer. Permit them to proceed!"

"But I swear I discovered in their luggage a suspicious parcel!"

"It is not here! The young gentlemen do not seem to have it! In the face
of their apparently correct passports and this courteous request from
their friend, von Moltke, I am not justified in holding them longer!
Young men, you may resume your journey!"

Thanking the officer in grateful acknowledgment of his courtesy the lads
again found their compartment. Scarcely had they regained their former
position before the train again began to move.

"Now, Ned," began Harry, as the wheels once more clicked over the rail
joints, "produce! Let's have the secret!"

"Produce nothing!" declared Ned. "I have nothing to produce!"

"The package, man, the mysterious package of