it in water. Throw it away.
Look out!" yelled several.

One or two soldiers started for the black box, and others with ready
bayonets for the professor, for there had been a number of spies
discovered of late in that sector.

"Don't touch that box!" cried the professor. "Don't open it! Keep away
from it!"

And, as he hurried toward it, the soldiers leaped back.

CHAPTER XXVI

A DISAPPEARANCE

"Halt!"

It was the ringing voice of one of the officers speaking, and so sharp
was the tone that even Professor Snodgrass paused in his movement
toward the black box.

"Don't go any further," went on the officer, who stood dominating the
scene. "Some one secure that man, and then we'll dispose of the box.
Take good care of him!" and he pointed to the scientist.

Ned Slade, Bob Baker, and Jerry Hopkins looked in astonishment at one
another. What could it all mean?

"Zere must be some mistake," said the French officer who had escorted
the professor to headquarters.

"Mistake? No!" exclaimed the American officer who had ordered a halt
in the proceedings. "But it would be a mistake if we let him get near
that black box. I heard all that was said. If that is a bomb the best
way to let him carry out his plan would be to set it going, even if
he destroyed himself. Some spies are capable of that."

"Spy!" cried Jerry, instinctively, forgetting that he was speaking to
a superior officer. "Professor Snodgrass isn't a spy!"

"No, I am sure he is not!"

This was another officer speaking, one well known to the professor,
and who knew him. In fact, it was this officer who had summoned the
former instructor of Boxwood Hall to headquarters.

"Don't arrest the professor," went on the latter officer. "As for his
black box, handle it just as he tells you."

"But, Colonel Lacombe," protested the officer who had interfered in
the proceedings. "Surely you----"

"I understand it perfectly, Major Dustan," was the smiling reply. "I'm
sure you'll find it all a mistake when I explain, or rather, when
Professor Snodgrass explains. That is why I sent for him. Will you
come this way, if you please, Professor? And bring the black box----"

At that instant the little scientist, who appeared to have recovered
his composure on the appearance of his friend, the colonel, pointed to
the black box which, all this while, had remained on the ground in
front of the group of headquarters buildings.

"Look out!" shouted Professor Snodgras