was

c gag which made speech or yells impossible, yet which did not hurt him

and also he felt a natural and lively curiosity as

pur of the moment; he had acted without countin

nd a desire for further adventures. But this time Porky, in the General's office, Porky, sound asleep with his head on the General's desk, could not know that his twin brother was faring fo

d. His eyes and his thoughts were on the pitchy dark before him. He thought with a sense of relief that he ha

y sad experience that it was when the festive burglar was in the room, the pet kitten down the well, or the diamond in the crack that they would not flash at all. So

night. There was scarcely a limit to his strange focus. And at night, like members of the cat

danger, he ran noiselessly forward and gained the turn, where he stood listening. There was not a sound to guide or warn him, so he went on, scarcely breathing. His footsteps made not the slightest sound, and he could feel that there was something soft and deadening under his feet, ei

aced his ear to the funnel and was startled by the clearness with which he was able to distinguish sounds in the General's office. He could hear the scratching of

his handkerchief tightly down the neck of the funnel, and chuckled to note that the sounds from the room were suddenly silenced. If any one shoul

ck, when a sound, a far distant sound, rooted him to the spot. It was a woman

, low laugh floated back to Beany. The s

't tell you because I don't know!

wondered why he did not think to call up the funnel for the help he needed. He just turned and, trusting to h

r beyond. A light shone through this door and Beany headed for it. From within the choked sobbing continued. Half way he smashed into something-a piece of heavy furniture of some sort. He rebounded as if from a blow, and staggered. Before he could get his balance again,

he was made hel

could see a dim glimmer of light. He was laid down

nd Beany, blinking in the glare of half a dozen e

bles padded with feathers, and delicate blankets, but they were soiled and torn by careless spurs. At the foot of the bed, staring at him with amazement in her face, was the old scrubwoman. It was evident that she recognized him. She had seen him often enough, Beany reflected. He returned her look an

being hurt,

id not take his eyes

t you speak English! I wish you would talk and tell me w

moment, then bared her toothless gums in

arm either now or later,

lish, with only the slightest a

dumb woman. No sneers, no jokes about her, always nice and pleasant. Two nice boys!

wear in German. Beany knew it was sw

man raised

s no need for excitement. Why should I not say what I please to this foo

the duster, breaking into English. "

annoy yourself? I am only sorry that it is one of those nice boys. Such pleasant, polite b

ncy, and together they went into the farthest corner of the big room and whispered for a long time, while the two other men stood motionless beside the bed and watched Beany as closely as though they thoug

t here?" asked

there was no use keeping back anything the

nted by a moan. With a glance at Beany's cords, the group beside him all went out of sight th

!" guess

ding his legs tightly and, after searching him for a pistol, released his arms. A cord cunning

ud of this last exploit. He had acted rashly and without the least glimmer of caution. He knew well that he was doomed. There was no possible finish but death, and if it co

the bed, the three men disappeared in the inner room, and finally, to his amazement, Beany too dozed

ly to the chair, felt asleep. Madame, fully dressed, as she ha

e sich?" she said, gri

ly tone, although he did

he offere

her wrinkled

tared through the

adame abruptly.

tray and a. steaming cup. Madame sat sipping

kill you, yet you cannot go back; you must see that. However, you shall have an easy way. I shall assert my authority. You look surprised. Do you think it strange that so old a

hat to say, but after a pause in which she stared at

n life. We have the information that we want, we have two prisoners who are most valuable. The others will go on to-day,

le cackles. Then setting down the emp

ible to him that he was to be snuffed out so soon; he, Beany Potter! He looked at his wrist watch. The cryst

he reflected, and finished winding it. It

ed to him over and over. He thought again of the time and remembered tha

ked. To his amaz

mmunicating with Porky before it was too late! All at once his fingers closed on an ob

. Earnestly, humbly he prayed for help; and then, feeling that he had done all he could in the way of asking, open

he massive chair, tied his hands behind his back, untied his ankles and

ide with heavy underbrush. Beany guessed that they were away from the ruined castle itself and somewhere ou

lay a form closely c

he is," said Be

ith all the horrors imaginable and subjected to some of them, but from out those eyes looked a spirit that blows could never break and death itself could never quell. Beany returned the look with a long gaze. He underwent a new agony. Not only was he unable, through his foolhardy action, to save his own life, but here was another as well that he could not save. For he

ed securely in a chair and the old woman came

I do not need any further help. But you shall write and tell your brother where to look for you. I will see that he gets it in

pencil obedie

upper left-hand carving. Send some one else to

EA

as it is dark take your prisoners to the foot of the garden. There will be a French car there. The girl, as you know, is to

I am going up to see what they are doing above. Do

against his bonds and caught her by the

e! I promise that I won't tell!" His voice went up in a cry that

e, you Americans! That is what we have got to teach you!" She struck him sm

not a sound!" She grinned at Porky. "I will see you o

elieved. Once more he consulted his watch. It would be at least an hour before dark. There

was