, when Chester
cried suddenly:

"They're Germans!"

It was true. It was a squadron of Uhlans, returning from a reconnaissance
of the Belgian position.

It was too late for the boys to run. The cavalry was upon them. The lads
stepped to the side of the road, and continued on their way apparently
unconcerned. A German officer stopped them.

"Who are you?" he demanded. "What are you doing here?"

"We are American boys," replied Hal, "and are making our way to Liege."

"Well, you won't get to Liege to-night. Turn about and march the
other way."

There was nothing to do but obey. With a sinking sensation in their
hearts the lads about-faced and headed toward the great German camp. For
a long time, it seemed to them, they were marched along slowly, and
finally the first huts of the German army came into view.

"I am afraid our mission is a failure," whispered Hal, as the two lads
were led to a hut and placed under heavy guard.

"It looks that way," Chester agreed; "but we must hope for the best. It
may be lucky for us that we have no papers on us."

"What are they going to do with us?" Hal asked one of their guards.

"Shoot you in the morning, I suppose," was the answer. "Persons found
between the two armies in civilian clothes cannot hope for mercy."

"But we are not spies!" cried Chester.

"Perhaps not; but I don't believe that will make any difference."

The guard would talk no more.

"Our only chance is that they believe we were trying to get to Liege
simply to get out of the country," whispered Chester. "If they knew we
were just returning from a mission, we would be bound to die."

"Looks to me as though we were bound to die, no matter what they know,"
was the reply.

The boys got little sleep that night. They realized just how near they
were to death, and, while their courage never faltered, they nevertheless
had practically given up all hope.

At the first streak of dawn they were led to the quarters of the
division commander, and their case was disposed of with remarkable
rapidity. Their protests availed nothing, and they were sentenced to be
taken out and shot.

With a firm step the two lads walked to the place of execution,
surrounded by their guards. But the hearts of both were heavy.

"I wish I could have seen mother once more," said Hal softly.

Chester gave his chum's hand a slight squeeze.

"Well, it can't be helped now," he replied, with an attempt to appear
cheerful. "But come, br