said Rod hurriedly, "we must do
something to baffle the terrible game he is bent on playing. Can you
lead us to the place where the man is hiding, and is it possible to get
close to him without his knowing about our being there?"

"Sure thing, Rod; why, I could have jumped down on his back if I'd
wanted to; but I just moved away as slick as you please."

On second thoughts, however, Rod changed his plan. What he had
contemplated trying seemed too risky; for if the man learned that his
plot was discovered he might touch the key and explode the mine before
the boys could master him, even though all the staff including the
general himself had not gathered as yet under the Headquarters shelter.

"I'll try and get in touch with the officers before the council is
called," he told his comrades, and immediately started off.

It was an object with Rod to hasten his steps, and yet at the same time
try not to arouse any suspicion. If he were detained on the way precious
seconds would be lost, and after all he might fail to save the French
officers from a dreadful fate at the hands of a crazy German soldier.

Arriving close to the shelter of which mention has been made, Rod boldly
singled out a man who he fancied would be apt to listen to him.

"Pardon, Monsieur," he said hastily, "but by accident myself and friends
have just learned that there is a scheme afoot to blow up this shelter
while you and your brave fellow officers are in conference. Even now a
madman lies hidden close by, his finger on a battery, and ready to close
the circuit in haste. I am come to give you warning. Please do not
exhibit any alarm, but arrange it so that every one may spring away from
this place when you give the word!"

The officer stared hard at him, as indeed he had good reason to. The
information was certainly of a thrilling nature, and well calculated to
arouse a chill in the region of his heart.

Again that frank and fearless face of Rod convinced his listener of the
truth of his story, even though it seemed so remarkable and monstrous.
The officer turned to his four companions and said something to them in
a low but positive tone. From their startled looks it was soon evident
that they chose to take the warning most seriously.

All at once he uttered a loud cry. It was the signal agreed upon, for
every man proceeded to leap away from the shelter and make haste to
place as many yards as possible between Headquarters and his own person.