"Why, yes," returned Hal.

"Do you like the country?"

"Not overly much," replied Hal with a shrug. "There are some very nice
people there, but they are mostly boors."

"My idea exactly," returned the young German officer, "although I have
never been there. Do you think America can do much harm to Germany in
this war?"

"Well," said Hal, "given time, yes; but the American people are
notoriously slow in such matters. Besides, I understand that there are
quite a few German agents at work there now. With enough of them,
irreparable injury could be done to the foe before they could prevent
it."

"I notice you say foe," said the young German; "Yet you have American
blood in your veins."

"A trifle," returned Hal quietly; "not enough to make me lose sight of
justice and right."

"Good!" cried the young German. "Listen. It's true that we have many
agents abroad, but some of them have fallen under suspicion and
consequently will be of no further value. We need more such men who
have lived in America and know the customs, and also will not be
suspected. By the way, have you an appointment for 10 o'clock?"