"Looks like there are three of you to guard now, instead of two," said the officer. "However, I guess it is all right."
"I wonder if it would be possible," said Chester, struck with a sudden thought, "for us to take him to Berlin with us?"
"I'll see what can be done about it," replied the officer. "I believe that I can arrange it all right."
"We certainly would appreciate it," continued Chester, "and, if the time ever comes when we may be of service to you, you may command us." The officer smiled.
"I doubt if you will ever have the opportunity," he said. "Present circumstances would indicate that there is little likelihood of it."
"Well, you never can tell," said Hal, "the fortunes of war, you know."
"True," said the German, "and, if ever occasion arises, I shall take you at your word."
He bowed and left the tent. Hal and Chester now turned their attention to the dog, which still lay sleeping. Chester whistled sharply. The dog was on his feet in a second, ears cocked and sniffing the air eagerly.
"A real war dog, all right," said Chester. "What shall we call him, Hal?"
"Perhaps he has a name already," said Hal. "Try him."
Chester called off the many dog names familiar to him, and Hal added a few. But, although the animal wagged his tail with evident pleasure at thus being talked to, he gave no evidence of owning any of the names in the boys' vocabulary.
Hal approached and laid his hand on the dog's head. Then, for the first time, he noticed the collar he wore.
"What is it?" said Chester, also approaching.
"Collar," said Hal briefly. "Perhaps his name is on it."
"Here it is, sure enough," cried Chester.
"It's a little dark," replied the lad. "Bring him over here nearer the light."
This was done, and once more Chester bent over the collar.
"Yes," said Chester; "and, if I mistake not, a very valuable addition to our party."
By dint of persuasion the German officer succeeded in gaining the consent of General Von Kluck to allow the boys to take the dog with them. That Marquis was just as pleased to go as the boys were to have him, was plainly evident. When they left their tent for the last time, and whistled to him to follow, he bounded after them with enthusiasm.
The train on which the boys were to be taken back to Berlin did not leave until well along toward midnight, but, with some 5,000 other prisoners, British, French and Belgians alike, they were bundled aboard early. Heavily guarded, and without a weapon of any kind or description, there was no fear of a break for liberty, in spite of the large number of prisoners.