United States or Montserrat ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
"You have indeed rendered a great service to Belgium," broke in the surgeon. "But how do you feel?" "A little weak," replied Chester, with a faint smile. "But Captain Bassil? Where is the traitor?" "Dead," was the Belgian commander's laconic response. Chester shuddered involuntarily. "Never mind," said the general; "it was his life or yours, and mine too, for that matter."
He stepped to the door of his tent and spoke to the sentinel on duty just outside: "Ask Lieutenant Armand to step this way at once." As General Givet turned from giving this command, Captain Bassil suddenly uttered a loud cry and leaped upon the commander. "At least you shall never live to thwart our plans!" he cried, as he sprang.
"The general is taking a much-needed rest. He gave orders that he must not be disturbed on any account. But here," suddenly, "here comes Captain Bassil. He will see that any information you may have reaches the general." Chester turned to greet the newcomer. He saluted as the latter came up to him.
The commander ran his eye over the paper hurriedly, and turned sternly toward Captain Bassil. "What have you to say to this charge, sir?" he demanded. "That it is a lie!" shouted the accused officer. "He is accusing me to save himself." The general looked at him in silence for some moments, apparently undecided as to how to act. "Well," he said at length, "it will do no harm to find out."
"Captain Bassil, eh? Well, you will conduct your prisoner to my quarters. Then you will inform Captain Bassil that I desire his presence immediately." The lieutenant saluted, and the general rode off. Ten minutes later, in the general's quarters, Chester was face to face with his accuser. "Well, sir," said General Givet to Captain Bassil, "what was your reason for ordering this lad shot?
"I will explain, sir," he, added, "if you will have Captain Bassil remain a moment longer." The general nodded and Captain Bassil remained. Chester walked up to him and looked him steadily in the eye for several moments. Then he turned to General Givet and said calmly: "I accuse Captain Bassil, sir, of being a German spy!" "What!" exclaimed the Belgian commander, starting back.
But in spite of the fact that he was underneath, one hand still grasped the hand in which the spy held the revolver; and, try as he would, the latter was unable to break the boy's grip. His teeth bared in a snarl, the traitor suddenly released his grip on the revolver, drew back and drove his fist at the lad's face. But if Captain Bassil was quick, Chester was quick also.
"Do you realize what you are saying?" "Perfectly, sir, and I am prepared to prove what I say." Captain Bassil smiled sneeringly. "I won't believe you will take any stock in such a wild story, sir," he said to General Givet. "With your permission, I shall go to my own quarters." "One moment," said the general, raising a detaining hand, and then turned to Chester.
But I must investigate this case farther. Captain Bassil, you will go immediately to your quarters and consider yourself under arrest." As the captain saluted and turned to leave the tent, Chester, who had been silent thus far, exclaimed: "One moment, please, Captain Bassil," and then turned to General Givet.
"Explain yourself," he added shortly. In a few well-chosen words Chester recounted his experiences of the day before. "And I am positive," he concluded, "that if you will have Captain Bassil searched, you will find in his possession a paper similar to this," and he handed the commander the document he had taken from one of the conspirators before he entered their council chamber.
Word Of The Day