nger. At the
worst, we can call for aid on the American consul here and make him
straighten out the matter."

"That's so," said Pud. "I never thought of that."

"Of course, you didn't, you big puddenhead," said Bob. "At your time of
life, you have difficulty in thinking of anything but your stomach."

A little later, Captain Abercrombie came to the door. The boys rushed
over to hear what he had to say.

"I am instructed by Major-General Norris, the Commandant, to say to you
that he regrets the inconvenience to which you have been put. He finds
that the information given him is correct in every particular, and he
feels that there was no idea of spying on your part. At the same time,
he desires to recommend to all of you that in future, on going into a
fortress, whether here or elsewhere, that when given a card of
instructions, you read and act according to the same. He desires that
you be set at liberty at once and has a military carriage at the West
Gate to drive you to the Chateau. Private Watson, will you kindly see
the gentlemen to the West Gate, where you will find the carriage ready?
With your permission, I shall also accompany you as far as the
Commandant's office."

"Hurray," said Pud. "I knew it would be all right."

"I'm sorry to have put you to all this trouble, Captain," said Bill.
"I'm sure that I'll be more careful in the future."

"It was no bother. I am glad that you got off so easily. We have to be
careful here at all times, for this is, you know, the strongest fortress
in His Majesty's great Dominion, and its secrets must be guarded."

On arriving at the Commandant's office the captain left them, and it was
not long afterwards that they were sitting around a table at the Chateau
Frontenac, chatting and laughing and having a good feed, as Pud
expressed it.

"That experience of ours seems just like a dream to me," said Bob, as
the waiter left to get the dessert.

"It was no dream," said Pud. "If that old Major-General Norris had not
been such a thoroughbred, he might have given us a peck of trouble."

"Never again for me," said Bill. "If ever I go into a public place and
they give me directions, I'm going to listen and do what's ordered."

"What's doing to-night?" asked Pud, who was always looking for fun in
some form or other.

"Nothing much," replied Bob. "I understand that there's a band concert
by the Highland Regiment band on the Esplanade this evening. We can
listen to that for a whi