Herr Block did so and took his departure.

"It all sounds simple enough," said Stubbs, "but it doesn't sound good
to me."

"Don't croak, Stubbs," said Chester; "you ought to be glad to get out
of here."

"Oh, I'll be glad enough to get out, but it doesn't sound plausible."

"Truth is stranger than fiction, Stubbs," said Hal.

"It'll have to be this time to convince me," declared the war
correspondent.

The four became silent, awaiting the arrival of the jailer.





CHAPTER XIII

THE RETURN

It was half-past seven when the jailer entered the cell in which the
four friends were imprisoned. He carried a large tray, on which was
loaded food. As he entered the cell, he dropped his heavy key ring.
Hal pounced upon it.