The lights displayed among the German troops disappeared as the plane continued its journey toward the northeast. Soon, however, other lights came into view below.
"This," said Hal, "should be Spa, unless my geography and sense of direction are all wrong. I’ll take a chance, at all events."
Almost above a score of the lights, Hal shut off the motor and the machine began to descend. A short time later it came quietly to earth just beyond the village. Hal scrambled out and spoke to the Germans.
"This should be Spa, according to my calculations," he said. "Correct me if I am wrong."
"You are right, sir," said one of the German delegates. "You have done well in bringing us here in such a short period of time."
The Germans alighted, and Chester also scrambled out.
"If you will come with us," said the spokesman of the enemy mission to the lads, "we will see that you are provided with quarters for the night. It is hardly possible that we will return before to-morrow at noon, if at all."
The lads followed the Germans into the town. Before a building somewhat larger than the rest, the men stopped and the one who appeared to be leader of the party said:
"You gentlemen wait here. I will go within and see that quarters are provided for the young Americans."
He motioned the lads to follow him, which they did. Inside a German officer barred their progress, but the German soon set the man’s doubts at rest, and the latter stepped aside.
"Captain," said the German envoy, "these gentlemen have brought us back from the allied lines, and will conduct us there again to-morrow should it be necessary for us to go. You will kindly see that they have all necessary accommodations for the night."
"Then I shall leave them to you. I will return for them to-morrow some time."
The German bade the lads good night and took his departure. The German captain addressed them.
The lads did so. Along a long hall they were led. Then they turned into a large room at the far end of the hall. Inside were a dozen or more German officers. The captain led the way toward a door across the room. All eyes were turned on the lads as they stepped across the room.
Suddenly there came an exclamation from a man who sat near, as Hal and Chester passed. A chair scraped the floor and a man sprang up and confronted them. Hal and Chester looked into the eyes of General Knoff, the German general whose daughter Chester had befriended in Sedan some weeks before.