but I could scarcely credit it,"
replied Hal guardedly.

"Well," said the old man, "it is true. A plot was discovered not two
days ago to give the city into the hands of the Russians. The
conspirators were arrested right here in my house. They were friends of
mine. I was known to be loyal, and my false friends took advantage of
that fact to do their plotting here. Now my house is watched closely,
although they have hesitated to arrest me."

The old man made the two comfortable for the night and left them. Before
preparing for bed the lads talked over what the old man had told them.
As they were getting ready to retire, they heard voices from an
adjoining room.

Through a little hole in the wall they could see a stream of light. Hal
put his eye to the hole. In the room beyond he made out the figures of
two Austrian officers. Then the lad motioned to Chester to remain
silent, and laid his ear to the hole.

"You are sure of this other plot?" came a voice.

"Perfectly; but we will nip it in the bud. There is no question but the
people would welcome a Russian investment of the city. Galicia is
practically in sympathy with the Russians. We have been hard put to it
to keep them from rising and turning the city over to the Czar's
troops."

"Well, I am sure we are equal to any occasion," said the first speaker.

Hal turned away from the wall and repeated the conversation to Chester.

"I guess that's all we need to know," he added.

"I should say it is," was the reply. "Now the question is, how are we to
get back to our own lines?"

"I have a plan that may work," said Hal. "It came to me a moment ago."

"And that is?" prompted Chester.

"Well," said Hal quietly, "we will exchange clothes with those two
officers in the next room."

"Good!" cried Chester.

"Let's start then."

"Hadn't we better wait until they are asleep?"

"No; I believe I have a better plan. Come with me."

Quietly the two lads slipped from the room and down the little hall.
Then they turned and made their way back again, coming only as far as
the door to the Austrians' room. Hal opened it and walked in. At sight
of the two Austrian officers he drew back in well-simulated surprise.

"I beg your pardon," he exclaimed. "I am in the wrong room."

"Oh, that's all right," laughed one of the Austrians. "Are you the
Americans who are stopping here?"

"Yes," replied Hal.

"Well," said the Austrian. "It's early yet; come in and have a chat with