ulated
to substantiate his remarkable story.

Judge then of their amazement when Rod coolly produced certain documents
which he kept wrapped in oilskin, located in a deep pocket of his coat.

"Be kind enough, my Colonel," Rod said composedly, "to observe that not
only is this paper signed by the gallant king of the Belgians, but that
indeed he himself wrote every word it contains. And I have still other
proofs to show you in turn, if you would still be convinced that our
story is every word of it true."

There was a tense silence; several pairs of eyes were glued on that
document which Rod meant to have framed if ever he were lucky enough to
get it safely home with him. It would be a badge of honor to which he
and his chums might proudly point when speaking of their remarkable
adventures in the Land of the Great War.

The manner of the colonel had changed when finally he looked up.
Admiration spoke in the glance of his sparkling eyes. Here, then, were
brave American boys who had indeed done something worthy of commendation
by one whose name was already on the lips of every loyal Frenchman;
because the stubborn defense of his native soil by King Albert and his
little army had caused the delay in the plans of the German host that
really saved Paris from capture.

"It is only right that I should beg your pardon, young M'sieu," he
hastened to say, with deep feeling his voice; "there is no mistaking the
meaning of this recommendation, which rings true. You are the friends of
Belgium, and also of France. There is little that you could ask within
my power to grant that I would refuse you. And if you will do me the
honor to shake hands with me I shall be proud to press the palm that
King Albert has held."

Well, the thing had not been so hard to accomplish after all. Still Rod
realized that the Secret Agent of the French Government must have sold
himself to Jules for a price, knowing at the time he was going to put
the lives of innocent boys in peril; and Rod did not feel positively
safe yet.

The man, however, saw that, so far as he was concerned, he had put his
foot in a hole and had better beat a hasty retreat while there was yet
time.

Undoubtedly he himself had been impressed by the display of a document
of such great value, and realized that those who had the sincere
friendship of the ruler of the Belgians were not to be treated harshly
with impunity.

As Josh afterwards remarked, the man immediately commenced