ter the two were rowing shoreward in a little boat.

As they rowed along, they saw several other under-the-sea craft at
anchor and upon the bridges of one or two stood officers. These saluted
as the boys passed, but none so much as hailed them.

"These German uniforms seem to be pretty good things," Frank remarked in
a low voice. "Guess they carry the entree any place in the town."

"We'll see," returned Jack briefly.

Fifteen minutes later they reached a landing and climbed ashore. Then
they tied the little boat up, against their return, and started down the
first street.

"Pretty likely looking town, this," declared Jack, as his gaze roved
about.

"Yes," Frank agreed, "but you can still see the marks of the German
shells that struck during the siege."

They looked around with interest--though not so curiously as to attract
attention--and continued along the street.

For an hour and more they strolled about gazing at the various sights of
interest, but learning nothing of value. Several times they approached
knots of German officers, attempting to overhear their conversation. But
there was nothing in any of this street-corner talk which was worth
hearing, being concerned chiefly with accounts of adventures and curious
episodes.

The lads were saluted frequently as they passed along and they returned
these salutes with customary German stiffness. No one spoke to them and
for this they were duly thankful, although each spoke German like a
native and ran little risk of detection on that score.

Frank glanced at his watch.

"Five minutes to four," he said. "Time to be moving back."

Jack nodded.

"May as well, I guess," he agreed. "If you ask me, this has been an
afternoon wasted. I don't seem to have learned anything of importance
and I don't believe you have either."

"You've been with me right along," replied Frank. "You know as much as I
do."

They retraced their steps toward the water front.

And here, in the place they would have felt least likely to encounter a
familiar face, that very thing happened. They were still a short
distance from the water-front when a man brushed by them closely,
walking rapidly. His head was lowered and his face was well muffled in
spite of the fact that the day was not cold. There was something
familiar about him, though neither lad could place him. After he had
passed both lads turned and looked after him with one accord.

"There is something familiar about that fe