ons and a scratch or so
comprise all his hurts. It is very fortunate, however, for all parties
concerned," placing peculiar emphasis upon the phrase, "that it is no
more serious. It might mean trouble for some one."

"I sure am glad that the fellow is able to get about," was Jimmie's
statement. "He's a plucky chap, and from what I saw of him when he
landed he is an expert in the matter of handling the aeroplane. It
would certainly be a pity if he should be killed or badly injured."

"The German army would lose one of its very best aviators if he were
gone," von Liebknecht replied, "and although the loss of his life would
be irreparable, it might be decided to take payment in kind."

"Meaning?" asked Jimmie, paling slightly under the freckles as the full
import of the other's words came to him.

"Meaning," von Liebknecht replied with wonderful self-control, "that
you will report at once as I directed you."

With these words he turned and resumed his interrupted journey toward
the station, striding along with considerable haste.

"Gee, Bo!" exclaimed Jimmie as the two lads started for the rear, "that
was some close shave! That fellow has got a suspicioner tucked away
inside his brain that is working overtime. Every little thing that
happens he thinks is caused by a spy or something like that. I
wouldn't have his disposition for a million dollars in Mexican money."

In spite of the gravity of their position Dave could not resist the
temptation to laugh at Jimmie's exaggerated statement.

The lads could see that the switching engine that had been moving the
coach was making preparations to couple it to the rear of the train,
and lost no time in proceeding in its direction.

As stated by von Liebknecht, they found Otto and Fritz acting as guard.
The two had received the instructions and were prepared to take charge
of the two lads accordingly.

Shortly after Jimmie and Dave reached the coach it was attached to the
train and the journey westward was resumed.

Jimmie and Dave had been placed in a compartment at the rear of the
coach, together with several of the attaches of the Kaiser's staff.
The Kaiser himself occupied a compartment near the forward end, and
here he was conducting the necessary details of preparation for the
exceedingly strenuous work that lay before the German forces.

For a long time the train jolted on. Engines were changed and train
crews replaced by others, and still the regiment pr