passengers. Hal, Chester and McKenzie had extended their passports
along with the other passengers, and the German officer had found
nothing wrong with them.

As the German took his leave, McKenzie breathed a sigh of relief.

"I was sure he was going to nab us," he said.

"Careful," whispered Hal. "We must do all our talking in German, and
we must do very little of that concerning our private affairs.
Remember, walls have ears, and I guess that will apply to a railroad
car as well as a house."

"Right, Herr Block," said Chester with a smile.

The lads found that by remaining upon their car they would go straight
through to Berlin. The train was called the Amsterdam-Berlin express,
and, while at the border, it was crowded with troops, there was still a
fair sprinkling of passengers bound for the German capital.

It was after dark when the train pulled into Berlin and Hal, Chester,
and McKenzie prepared to disembark. As the train stopped, Hal made
sure that his revolver was loose in his pocket, settled his hat firmly
on his head, and led the way from the car.

As with most travelers in that part of the world at that time, neither
was burdened with baggage. Each carried a small portfolio, much used
at that time by war correspondents, but they had no other luggage.

"We'll go to the Hotel Bismarck," said Hal.