"Leaving how many in their present position, as a screen?"
"Very few, sire. Hardly more than 50,000 men."
The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his mustache. Then he spoke aloud:
"If the British were aware of that," he said, "by a quick advance they would place us at a tremendous disadvantage."
"So they would, sire," agreed General Von Kluck. "But it must be seen that they do not anticipate our plan."
"In that event," came the Emperor's reply, "it will be necessary for that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn."
"Good; but you say it is impossible for you to be ready until the day after to-morrow. In that event, we must hold the English in their present positions at all costs. A premature advance on their part, while we would undoubtedly repulse it, would mean the ruination of our coup. See to it, gentlemen, that there is no leak."
"There shall be none, sire," came a chorus of officers.
"Very well. But I had had my mind set on being in Paris long ere this. Had it not been for the interference of these English--and these starving Belgians, I would be there now," and the Kaiser's voice grew harsh. "They must be crushed," and he struck the table a heavy blow with his clenched fist.
"And crushed they shall be, sire," said Count Von Moltke soothingly. "It is only a question of time."
"Well, you have been long enough doing it," came the Emperor's angry voice. "See that you do not fail me again. If you do----"
He broke off, but his silence was more menacing than any threat he might have uttered.
There was the sound of chairs scraping on the floor, and a moment later of heavy footsteps. Hal, in his hiding place, knew that the German officers were leaving the house.
"By George!" the lad muttered to himself, "Wilhelm must be a holy terror. I'll bet Von Kluck, Von Moltke and all the rest are due for a terrible wigging, for I'm here to see that this plot fails."
Hal waited patiently for perhaps half an hour, and then, feeling certain that the coast was clear, emerged from his hiding place. He was just lowering himself from the window by which he had entered when, from almost below him, there was a loud scream.