"
For a moment it seemed that the face of the Crown Prince softened. Then
it became stern again.
"I can see that you are little more than a boy," he said, "but that is no
excuse. You are a soldier and you know a soldier's duty. That is not
prying into the business of your superiors." He turned to the group of
officers. "What do you say, sirs," he said, "shall I have this man court
martialed, or shall I have him returned to his regiment with a warning?"
But there was no mercy on the faces of the others and Chester
realized it.
"He should be court martialed and shot," said one.
"I agree with you," said another.
"I'm not so sure," said the Crown Prince. "The lad is young. How do I
know what I would have done in his place? No; I am tempted to have him
returned to his regiment and placed under arrest indefinitely."
"Lieutenant Hollsein, I shall leave this man in your charge. See that he
is returned to his regiment immediately."
Chester breathed a sigh of relief. He realized that he was still in a
perilous situation, for when he should be taken to the commander of the
Fortieth Hussars, his deception must be learned. But at least it gave him
more time.
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