"Why, no," said Hal. "Why?"

"Will you go with me at that hour?"

"Where to?"

"To my father's quarters. He, as you know, is the chief of the secret
service. As such, he has charge of the agents abroad. I thought he
might make you a proposition."

"There will be no harm if I am unable to accept, will there?" asked
Hal.

"Not a bit," replied the German heartily.

"Then I'll go."

The next hour was spent in general conversation, after which Captain
Rentzel arose to take his leave.

"I'm going to run off with one of your friends, Miss Schweiring," he
said, indicating Hal.

The others laughed, "Oh, take him and show him about a bit, Frederick,"
laughed Mrs. Schweiring's husband. "Only be sure that you return him
safely."

Hal followed the young captain from the house.

Half an hour later he found himself in the palatial office of the chief