p still, Josh," he said aside, "and let me do all the talking
necessary." And then, addressing the commandant again, he continued:
"There surely must be some mistake about this, Monsieur le Colonel. We
spent the whole of last night sleeping in a house in a small village
where a regiment of brave zouaves routed a force of Uhlans who had taken
possession. The building in which we found shelter was attacked, and we
had the honor of assisting in its defense. I myself shot two Uhlans in
the leg with this same weapon, as they were smashing in the front door,
after firing the back of the building. But the zouaves came up just in
time, and cleared the field of the enemy."

The colonel listened and looked hard at Rod. Evidently he had been
already favorably impressed with the frank face of the lad, and was
puzzled to know what to believe. He turned to the Secret Service agent
and exchanged several low sentences with him. The man seemed positive,
and apparently did his best to convince the officer that at least the
boys should be held, pending an examination.

Once more Rod faced the colonel. He meant to play his trump cards now,
and convince the other that the charge made against them was ridiculous,
to say the least.

Rapidly he started to recount some of the strange happenings that had
been their portion since crossing from German territory to that of
Belgium and taking up the race to reach Antwerp by dodging the invading
armies.

The officers listened, and apparently all of them could understand
English, for they showed the greatest interest. Now and then two might
be seen exchanging meaning looks, as though coming to a mutual
understanding to the effect that this boy must be a modern Baron
Munchausen, judging from the remarkable stories he had at the tip of his
tongue.

This was especially the case when Rod mentioned that they had actually
been invited into the presence of King Albert, who had thanked them
personally.

"It is all very interesting, young M'sieu," said the commandant, when
Rod paused for breath; "but naturally we would be better pleased if you
could show us some proof that these wonderful things have come your way.
So grave an accusation may not be brushed aside, you understand, with a
wave of the hand. And I am sure you will only too gladly oblige us in
this case."

He smiled when saying this; so too did the younger officers, for they
could not believe that the boy was carrying anything with him calc