seemed to the lads to be an apology, but was
cut short by the Kaiser, who gave a command in German. Without
attempting to complete his unfinished speech, the Captain repeated the
command to an aide standing near, and he in turn addressed two Uhlans.

Much to their surprise, the boys were confronted by their old
acquaintances, Otto and Fritz, who gave their orders in a single word.

"Vorwarts!" came the command in crisp tones as the two crowded their
horses almost upon the two lads.

"That means 'Hike!'" explained Jimmie, turning to Dave.

"Here goes, then," returned Dave, stepping out bravely.

"I say, Otto," began Jimmie presently, "where are we going?"

"Verboten!" came the only answer the Uhlan would offer.

"Ha!" cried Jimmie. "I know what that means. I've seen a good many
signs with that word on it. It means that we are forbidden to walk on
the grass, breathe, live, eat, or do anything else without permits."

"No, no, Jimmie," explained Dave. "He means that he is forbidden to
tell you where we are headed for. Isn't that it?"

"I don't know and don't much care!" was the other's reply. "They are
welcome to start a goat farm any time they wish. They've got mine for
a starter. Of all my going a-fishing, this is the limit."

After about half an hour's walk they found themselves near a building
that had evidently been a farm residence. In common with many other
rural establishments of Germany, this place had been built with the
barns attached to the dwelling house.

Into what had been the cow stable the boys were conducted by their
guards. A ladder stood in one corner, leading up through a trap door
to the fodder loft above. Up this ladder the boys were directed.

"Fine little old prison!" declared Jimmie contemptuously.

"Well, it might be worse," said Dave consolingly. "We're here yet."

"Yes, and if I ever get another chance at the Germans," declared Jimmie
with vigor, "I'll punch their heads as hard as I can!"

"We might as well make ourselves comfortable," suggested Dave.

"Not on your life!" cried Jimmie heatedly. "From now on I'm going to
make every move in the calendar to get out of this place and away from
those Germans. If I ever get back to America I'll never eat another
bit of sauer kraut as long as I live!"

Dave could not repress a laugh at this outburst. He could sympathize
with Jimmie's attitude, for he felt that they were being unjustly
treated.

"How are we going to