oceeded westward.
The soldiers disposed themselves about the cars in such positions as
were possible and slept the tired sleep of overworked humanity.

Still the Kaiser and his staff sat and discussed plans and prepared
orders for the grave matters confronting them in the western
amphitheatre of war. Apparently their endurance knew no bounds. Sleep
seemed to be farthest from their thoughts.

But at length, wearied from their long vigil and arduous labors, the
group were glad to find the Kaiser disposed to snatch a few moments of
rest. The maps were folded, the dispatch boxes closed, and all
prepared to find positions where they could sleep.

"But the two boys!" von Liebknecht suggested as final preparations were
being made for dismissing the group. "What of them?"

"Their case can be settled at once," declared the Kaiser. "Let them be
brought here and we shall question them."

And so it was that as the dawn was breaking ruddily in the east Jimmie
and Dave were wakened from their sound sleep and informed that their
presence was desired in the compartment where the Kaiser waited.

On their feet almost instantly, the two lads rubbed the sleep from
their eyes. They stretched and yawned prodigiously.

"Setting-up exercise," commanded Jimmie sharply. "It'll wake us up in
fine shape. Here goes--one, two three."

Dave followed Jimmie's example, and the two went through a short
routine of bending and turning exercises that started the blood
coursing through their veins and cleared away the fog of sleep.

"There!" announced the red-headed lad presently to the officer. "Now
we're ready for the Kaiser or the whole bloomin' German army. Lead on
and we'll follow as closely as you like."

Their movements had been closely observed by a group about them, and,
in spite of the fact that they were foreigners, many a kindly glance
told of the attitude of the men with whom they were placed.

The train had slowed somewhat in climbing a grade, and the boys found
no difficulty in following their guide. As they proceeded slowly
toward the forward end of the coach Dave found a chance to nudge Jimmie.

"If we only knew what was about here, this would be a grand chance,
don't you know, to give them the slip."

"What do you mean, give them the slip?"

"Why, drop off the train and fade away into the landscape somewhere
hereabouts!" declared Dave with a glance over his shoulder.

"With the day just opening, like switching o