h boots did feel queer on
her legs.

Her companion was hammering on the door of the cottage with the hilt of
his sword. A window opened above.

"Leutnant Gilder and Sub-Leutnant Louden billeted here. Make haste and
come down," he commanded in his gruffest voice as the automobile
wheeled around in the drive and started back for the gate.

In three minutes the door was opened; but it was dark inside.

"Is it thou, my Henri?" whispered a voice.

"Allaire!"

Ruth knew that it was the young count himself. Major Marchand drew her
into the tiny hall. There was not much light, but she saw the two tall
men greet each other warmly--in true French fashion--with a kiss upon
either cheek.

CHAPTER XXIV

CAPTAIN VON BRENNER'S SISTER

The major turned immediately to Ruth, drawing his brother forward.

"Mademoiselle Ruth Fielding, Allaire. The Count Marchand," he
whispered formally. "You understand, from my message by Bubu, Allaire,
for what reason the lady has taken this arduous journey, do you not?"

"But yes," rejoined his brother. "Bubu safely arrived. I have not yet
sent him back."

"But Tom--Lieutenant Cameron? What of him?" Ruth asked anxiously.

"Have no present fear, Fraulein," said the count in German. "He has
not yet been allowed to return to his rooms at the hotel in Merz. That
is all."

"He is a prisoner at the house up yonder, yes?" the major asked, with a
shrug.

"Not a prisoner. A guest," replied the count. "General Stultz is
still friendly. The Hauptman von Brenner," and he smiled, "is teaching
the general some American card game, I believe. The whole staff is
card-crazy. They have little else to do but play."

"And what plans have you already made for Fraulein Ruth?" queried Major
Marchand.

"While she remains under this roof she will pass as Frau Krause's
niece. But in the morning she will be furnished an outfit I have
secured, and she shall enter Merz as a very different person."

"Oh, dear!" murmured Ruth. "Another disguise?"

"You could scarcely continue in your present dress and escape
discovery--by daylight," the count said dryly.

This fact was, of course, patent. Ruth was only too glad that the
voluminous cloak covered her completely.

The count led her up two flights of stairs to a tiny, neat chamber
under the roof. It was evidently a domestic's bedroom.

"Put the uniform outside the door, Fraulein, when you remove it. It
must be hidden," whispered the