The Boy Allies in Great Peril | Page 8

them. Hal and Chester recognized him in an
instant.
"Uncle John!" cried Chester.
He glanced at Hal and smiled sheepishly.
"We seem always to be in trouble when he appears," said Chester with
a slight smile.
Uncle John addressed the officer in command of the squad.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"The meaning of what, sir?" asked the officer respectfully, for he was
impressed by Uncle John's manner.
"What are you doing with these two lads?"
"They are under arrest, sir."
"What!" ejaculated Uncle John. "Under arrest, and what for?"
"They are spies."
"Spies!" The good man staggered back. He forced a smile. "You are
joking with me," he said.
The Italian officer drew himself up.
"I never joke of serious matters," he said quietly. "But what interest
have you in these prisoners?"
"Well, I have considerable interest," was the reply. "One of them
happens to be my nephew. What have they been doing?"

"I couldn't say as to that. All I know is that they are spies."
"You're crazy," shouted Uncle John, now becoming angry. "They are
British army officers, and American citizens."
The young officer drew himself up.
"Crazy, am I?" he demanded. "March!" he ordered his men.
"Here, hold on a minute," gasped Uncle John. "I didn't mean to ruffle
your feelings; but one of those boys is my nephew. I tell you they are
British officers."
"I trust they will be able to prove it," said the Italian.
"What?" demanded Uncle John. "Why?"
"Because," replied the officer with a pleasant smile, "they probably will
be shot if they don't."
"Shot!" gasped Uncle John.
"Exactly. That is the usual treatment accorded spies."
"But I tell you--"
"You can tell the rest to General Ferrari," said the Italian officer.
"Forward, men."
Uncle John was brushed unceremoniously aside in spite of his protests,
and the lads were led away.
"Don't worry, Uncle John," Chester called back to him. "We'll get out
of this all right. Tell mother to have no fear."
"I'll see the ambassador!" shouted Uncle John. "I'll get you out of this.
I'll show these confounded Italians they are not half as big as Uncle
Sam."

"Poor old Uncle John," said Chester to Hal. "He does get excited so
easily. I'll bet the ambassador is due for an unpleasant half hour."
"I'd give a whole lot to be there to hear what transpires," agreed Hal.
In front of a large and imposing building the Italian officer called a halt;
and a few minutes later ordered the prisoners up the steps.
"Where are we going?" demanded Hal.
"You'll find out soon enough," was the reply.
"You're very civil and courteous, to be sure," said Hal.
"I can see no reason for being courteous to a spy," replied the officer.
"Perhaps not," returned the lad; "but when we are out of this I believe I
shall hunt you up and pull your nose."
"What!" exclaimed the officer, stepping back. "Pull my nose! Such
American impudence! I have a notion to pull your nose right here."
"I wouldn't if I were you," said Chester, grinning.
"And what have you to say about it?" exclaimed the now angry officer.
"Oh, nothing," replied Chester. "Just a kindly word of warning; that's
all."
The officer stared at both lads angrily, as they stood at the top of the
steps, and seemed about to say more, when a second officer appeared in
the doorway and motioned for all to enter.
"Move on there," said the first officer angrily.
The lads obeyed without replying.
Inside the building they were led through a long corridor, and thence to
a room which they were motioned to enter. Inside stood a tall, stout

man attired in full military uniform.
"General Ferrari, I guess," Chester whispered to his friend.
Hal nodded in assent. It was indeed General Ferrari, and he came
forward.
"What have we here?" he demanded, addressing the officer.
"Spies, sir," was the reply.
"Where did you find them?"
The officer explained.
"So Colonel Fuesco found them, eh? You say they stole an important
document from him?"
"Yes, sir, and the colonel will be here directly, sir."
"Good, you may go. Leave a guard outside the door."
The officer saluted and took his departure, casting a sneering glance at
the two lads.
"Sit down," commanded the general.
The lads obeyed, and the general took a seat at a huge desk at the far
end of the room and immediately plunged into a mass of
correspondence. For half an hour he was busy with his letters and paid
no attention to the boys. The latter also sat silently.
An orderly entered the room and announced:
"Colonel Fuesco, sir."
"Show him in," said the general.
A moment later and the colonel came blustering in. He gazed angrily at

the two lads