od
marking both cheeks and nose. Evidently General von Berthold was
considerable of a bully and tyrant when in his cups, even as he may have
been a severe martinet when on duty.

Jack ground his teeth at seeing this exhibition of pettiness on the part
of the general. He had heard more than once that German officers, from
sub-lieutenants upward, were terribly severe with their men, treating
them brutally, and acting as though they were themselves of a superior
class; but this was the first time he had actually come in contact with
anything of the kind.

"What fools!" Jack muttered to himself. "Why can't they take a lesson
from Russia, where the people have risen and put ever so many of their
former officers to death. And Russian commanders were gentle beside
these domineering brutes. But they'll get their dose some day before
long, that's as sure as fate. And poor little Helene!" Jack's heart was
heavy as he thought of his little protege's sister.

The man picked up his tray again and went stumbling along the hall,
still muttering, then chuckling half hysterically, as though some
pleasant thought had flashed across his mind. Jack imagined he must be
anticipating a day of reckoning that was coming--a day when old scores
would be wiped out and the slate be made clean for a new deal.

More than ever Jack was determined that little Helene should not be left
in the charge of such an ill-tempered man. If General von Berthold could
show such spleen because his man servant displeased him slightly he was
apt to treat a child cruelly.

But the coast being clear, Tom issued forth and beckoned to his
companion to come along. They hastened up the broad stairs of the
chateau, reaching the second floor without mishap.

Here they found a maze of passages that would have puzzled any one
lacking the ability Tom possessed for solving riddles.

"Which way next?" Jack whispered in dismay, as he turned from one to
another of the various passageways branching off from the main hall.

"Always keep to the right," answered his companion. "Remember that wing
is the only one saved from the wreck."

He himself was looking at the floor, for there was sufficient light to
enable him to see. Jack's eyes followed those of his chum, and he could
not keep from uttering a low exclamation of admiration as he
comprehended the system Tom was following.

When the vandals had attempted several times to wreck the chateau in a
general spirit of destruc