service. Elegantly dressed women and well groomed and handsome
officers danced and sang, and from the general tone of the evening it
would have been hard to believe that Germany was engaged in a war that
threatened her very existence.

Hal, Chester and McKenzie went to the ball accompanied by Mrs.
Schweiring and her daughter. Mrs. Schweiring's husband announced that
he would appear later, as he had matters of importance to transact at
his office.

This was the night that Hal had decided upon to make an effort to get
the list of names for which the three friends were risking so much. He
had a well- conceived plan in mind. The details he had worked out in
the days following his interview with the German chief of secret
service and his preparations had been careful and thorough. Now he was
anxious for action.

General Rentzel reached the ball late in the evening. He paid his
respects to the Swiss minister and to the latter's wife. A few moments
later he encountered Hal, and escorted the lad to a secluded nook,
where he presented the lad with several documents.

"This," he said, indicating one, "is your passport into Switzerland.
From there you will travel as a Swiss subject. You will present that
paper," and he indicated a second, "to Herr Baumgartner in Washington.
You will find him still at the Austrian embassy. He will give you
other instructions. Also, you will receive your pay through him, and
whatever other money is necessary."

Hal bowed.