"And what is the sentiment in Holland regarding the war?"

The young Dutchman hesitated a moment, and then turned and gazed around
quickly.

"The sentiment," he said at last, "is that Germany must be crushed. Of
course, at this moment Holland cannot afford to enter the arena.
Germany has massed thousands of troops upon our border. An unneutral
act would be dangerous. Nevertheless, Holland's sympathies are with
the Allies -- have been from the start. There is another factor
besides Holland's natural gratitude to England -- that makes for this.
Germany has overrun Holland, as well as the rest of the world with
spies. Holland is offended, but cannot afford to show it -- now. But
while we are kept quiet, there are few of us who would not do much to
help the Allied cause."

Hal thought quickly. He glanced at the young Dutchman shrewdly. He
felt he could be trusted.

"Then," said the lad quietly, "can you conceive of any way by which we
can get passports from the Dutch government that will pass us into
Germany?"

The young Dutchman manifested no surprise.

"Have no fear," he said, as Chester and McKenzie manifested some
anxiety at Hal's words. "I shall not betray you. Only yesterday I was
able to get a passport for your friend Herr Stubbs."