have no fear," responded Schenk in a
voice which made Max, who knew its usually firm tones so well, grasp the
bag on which he leaned with a sudden new affection. "I fully realize
their vast importance to our common cause."

Apparently the officer also noticed something amiss. "Show me the
plans," he replied curtly.

There was a few moments' suspense. Max could hardly suppress his impulse
to laugh aloud, for, although he could not see, he could picture without
the least difficulty the manager's utter misery and discomfiture.

"I have them not. They were with the valuables locked in the safe,"
replied Schenk in a stammering voice. "But, General, they shall be
recovered. I have agents everywhere, and no efforts shall be spared to
recover them."

The officer strode the length of the room and back. Then he sat heavily
down again on the side of the manager's desk, cleared his throat, and
responded slowly and impressively:

"This matter, Von Schenkendorf, is now beyond my powers. I must report
the matter to my Government. Till then you must not move from Liege
without my permission."

The manager made no reply.

"This room," the officer went on, "must be kept locked until it has been
thoroughly investigated by officers whom _I_ shall send. But you may
make such enquiries through your own agents as you think fit. If you
succeed, it will, of course, influence matters considerably to your
advantage."

"General," replied the manager humbly, "General, I will do so. But let
me beg you not to let this one mischance, which might have happened to
anyone, wipe out the recollection of my many great services to the
State."

"All shall be considered," replied the officer coldly as he strode
towards the door. It was obsequiously opened for him, and the three men
passed out, the manager locking the door behind them.

"Give me the key," demanded the officer. It was handed over, and the
party moved with heavy tread along the passage and down the stairs.

CHAPTER X

Getting Ready for Bigger Things

"Now for it, Dale; it's now or never," cried Max in a voice of
suppressed eagerness, as he emerged from under the desk the moment the
party of Germans moved away along the passage. "If we do not get clear
at once I rather think we never shall."

"Yes, we are what you might call 'right on the post' and rowing neck and
neck. 'Twill be a near thing whoever wins," replied Dale, again breaking
out into rowing jargon, as he was