to "hedge";
that is, he hastened to "square himself" with the French colonel, who
was now glancing curiously, perhaps a bit suspiciously, toward him.

"Apparently I have been mistaken in supposing that it was these brave
young messieurs who were sending secret messages to the enemy," he went
on to say glibly, "and I hasten to offer them my most sincere apologies
and regrets that through me they have been put to such needless trouble.
I hereby withdraw my charge and trust that you will forget it has ever
been made, Monsieur le Colonel."

This was said in French, which Rod alone of the three boys could fully
understand, but Josh guessed the tenor of the remarks from the shrugs
accompanying them.

"He's eating his words, Hanky, don't you see?" he observed behind his
hand to his other chum. "Some people know enough to get in out of the
rain when the deluge comes. Jules has wasted some more hard cash, seems
like."

Now Rod understood that he could make it pretty hard for the Secret
Service man of the French Government if he chose to tell what he knew
about Jules, and the profit that would accrue to the schemer could he
prevent Andre from signing that paper on time. He did not think it good
policy, however, to mention the matter. It would only serve to anger the
man, and could not bring them any particular benefit.

Accordingly Rod only shot him a suggestive look that doubtless the other
could easily analyze. It meant that the boys were not disposed to be
vindictive--that in fact they were ready to take it for granted he did
not know the true condition of affairs when he entered into his
agreement with the crafty Jules; and hence they were going to let the
matter drop.

Perhaps the man might feel a spark of gratitude and appreciation for
this kindly and generous spirit; the future would show that, Rod
thought.

As the colonel had been so much interested in their story, Rod
considered it only fair that he relate a few more circumstances
connected with their past. He also gladly showed him the paper given him
by the surgeon at the field hospital, telling how the American boys had
worked like beavers in assisting him take care of the numerous cases he
had been compelled to handle with such inadequate facilities at his
command. Yes, there were still other documents which Rod allowed them to
glance over, after which he smilingly remarked:

"I suppose now, M. le Colonel, there will be no necessity for taking us
out befo