"I understand that, sir," said Hal.

"By the way," said the Dutch officer, "there is a Dutch newspaperman
here at this moment. Perhaps you would like to meet him. He is Herr
Heindrick Block, of the Amsterdamer."

"We shall be pleased," said Hal quietly.

The Dutch officer excused himself, and returned a moment later with a
young Dutchman, whom he introduced to the three friends. They shook
hands all around.

"I've already met a compatriot of yours," said the young Dutchman,
smiling, "a Herr Stubbs. He is with one of the New York papers -- I
forget which."

Hal and Chester gave a start of surprise, but quickly recovered
themselves.

"He is with my paper, The Gazette, sir," returned Chester. "Is he in
these parts?"

"He was yesterday," replied Block. "I do not know where he is now."

The three friends took an instant liking to the young Dutch newspaper
man. He led the three to where he was temporarily quartered.

"We can have a little chat here," he said.

During the course of the conversation Hal asked: