September 19 it was said that Bulgaria would join the Central
Powers, thus permitting Germany to establish an unbroken line of allies
from the Baltic to the Bosporus.

"On October 5, the Allies, upon invitation of the Greek premier, began
the disembarkation of troops at Saloniki to go to the assistance of the
Serbians; and, so far as I know, they are still landing."

The three friends had listened attentively to this account of the Balkan
situation. They had heard some inkling of the seriousness of the Serbian
plight, but had not realized until now that Germany had at last set out
to crush the little Balkan kingdom as she had crushed Belgium in the
early days of the great war.

"And what is the latest on the Bulgarian attitude?" asked Colonel
Anderson.

"Well, I haven't heard anything later than I have told you, but my
personal opinion is that Bulgaria, sooner or later, will join the
Germans."

"Fools," said Colonel Anderson, briefly.

"And Greece?" inquired Chester.

"I don't know, but I believe Greece will keep out of the war just as long
as she possibly can. Certainly, the Greek people will never consent to
aiding the Germans."

"You never can tell," said Colonel Anderson sententiously.

Outside the tent it was now growing light, for time had passed swiftly.
Hal noticed the light filtering in.

"Great Scott! I had no idea it was morning," he said. "It must have been
after midnight when we awoke. Let's get outside."

They left the tent and Hal went into their own quarters a moment, where
he found Stubbs up and about to emerge. Together the five walked toward
the eastern extremity of the camp.

Came a sudden blaring of trumpets and a body of horse swept toward them.
The riders drew rein almost before the friends, dismounted and stood at
attention, while a figure who had been in the center also jumped to the
ground. This figure of huge stature, a man of advanced age, who
dismounted nimbly in spite of his years, walked toward the spot where
stood the five friends. Edwards came to attention, as did the others.

"The king!" said Colonel Edwards in a low voice.

CHAPTER IV.

INTO THE MOUNTAINS.

Nicholas, king of the Montenegrins, came forward slowly, his head bowed
as though in grief, and it seemed for a moment as though he would pass
Hal, Chester and the others without seeing them. But even as he drew
abreast of the five, he looked up suddenly. His gaze rested upon Colonel
Edwards and the Eng