CHAPTER IX
ABANDONING A REGIMENT
In wide-eyed amazement Jimmie stared for a moment at von Liebknecht,not knowing what answer to make to the sudden question. He dislikedvery much telling the officer the truth concerning the packet he hadbeen to so much trouble to rescue, yet felt that nothing else but theexact truth would serve in the present instance.
For a full minute he glanced about from one to another of the group inthe tent. The glances that met his in return were anything butfriendly. Some were indifferent, while others scowled fiercely astheir resentment against the lad mounted. Evidently all firmlybelieved that the boy was what he had been accused of being--a spy.
At length resolved to adhere to the truth at whatever cost, Jimmieraised his head to direct his gaze straight into the Captain's eyes.
"That packet," he began in a low tone, "is my own private property. Idon't know just what it contains, but it is not contraband."
A faint smile lighted von Liebknecht's usually immobile countenance.
"How, then," he asked, endeavoring to make his voice convey the spiritof friendship he tried to feel for the lad, "can you say that it is notcontraband or infer that the packet does not contain information thatwould be of value to our enemy if you do not know its contents?"
"Because I received it from a man who was dying and who wanted badly tomake restitution for some things he had done that were wrong. He hadno interest in the dispute between your country and your enemies exceptto make whatever money he might from the matter."
"You speak in riddles. Please explain more fully."
"Well," Jimmie continued, "there was a man in the United States whobrought over a ship load of ammunition. He stole a lot of moneyintended for the relief of the suffering people of Poland. Hekidnapped and shanghaied me and generally proved himself a bad sort.When he got over to Riga he was forced to enlist in the Russian Cossackregiment, the same as I was, and when the Russian Cossacks attacked theGerman troop train he was wounded badly. I tried to assist him, anddid what I could. When he found he was dying he asked me to take thispacket, which I understand contains the keys to a safe deposit box inNew York City, and when I get back there he wanted me to see what Icould do toward setting right some of his wrongdoings."
"A very fine tale, indeed," was the comment of von Liebknecht, "but youwill scarcely expect us to believe that in the face of all thecircumstances. We don't mean to imply that you, necessarily, knowdifferent, but the man's story as you have told it is improbable."
"I am telling the exact truth as I understand it!" declared Jimmieearnestly. "If he was lying to me, I do not know it. I believe hetold the truth, for he understood that he could not live much longer."
"Nevertheless, we will be obliged to examine the contents of thepacket," stated von Liebknecht positively. "Is it not so?" he asked,turning to the group of officers for confirmation of his decision.
Vigorous nods from the ones addressed indicated their approval.
Unwilling to submit to the proposed action, Jimmie took a stepbackward. His action was misinterpreted by the soldier who hadcaptured the boy. With a quick motion the man again seized thered-headed lad in the same manner as previously, and deftly slid hishand to the pocket where the packet reposed. Before Jimmie could offerany resistance the object sought was brought forth and tossed upon thetable.
"Please make a note of the fact," stated von Liebknecht, addressing anorderly seated nearby with a memorandum book, "that the packet is to beopened with the full consent of Herr McGraw."
Jimmie gasped. He began to understand that the records of his presencein the German regiment of Uhlans would be made to show favorably forthe officer in command in case anything serious happened. And thatsomething very serious would shortly happen to him the boy did not fora single moment doubt. He felt vaguely uneasy.
With a knife tendered by one of his associates von Liebknecht deftlyripped the stitches that held the wrapping of the tiny packet.
In another moment the oiled silk covering had been removed and an innerwrapping opened. Jimmie leaned forward to gaze upon the contents withas much interest as was displayed by the others.
Presently, when the wrappings had been removed, he saw a key and afolded paper. The key was of the peculiar construction adoptedgenerally by safe deposit vaults for the use of their patrons. Thepaper had been prepared evidently for use in case of just the emergencythat had overtaken the man who had given it to Jimmie. It was coveredwith memoranda and figures in very fine waiting.
Von Liebknecht scowled as he pored over the document. The memorandumhad been made in a fragmentary way, and evidently referred to otherdocuments that would be found in the safe deposit box.
The Captain puzzled over the document for a time, then passed it to theofficer nearest him. He then gave his attention to the key.
"What do you make of if?" he asked Jimmie presently, tapping in anervous manner upon the table with the key. "What does it mean?"
"Just what I told you, I think," Jimmie replied.
"It appears different to me," the Captain objected. "I am of theopinion that it has to do with information concerning the dispute inprogress between my country and the enemies. I am sorry, but I shallhave to retain the packet for forwarding to headquarters. You willreceive it again if it is found to be what you claim. Otherwise--"
He left the sentence unfinished, and Jimmie waited for a time,expecting him to complete the statement.
"Well, otherwise?" asked the boy half breathlessly.
"Otherwise, we shall see," stated von Liebknecht with a smile.
"And in the meantime?" went on the lad anxiously.
"In the meantime we are preparing to leave for the western theater ofwar, where we are needed far more than here. You will accompany uswith the best grace possible under the circumstances."
"But my comrades?" asked Jimmie, with a slight tremble in his voice."Will it not be possible to let all four of us return to America?"
"I am sorry," returned the Captain, "but what you ask is impossible."
"Well, then," persisted the lad, "can't we at least let them know whereI am and where I am going, so that they won't worry?"
"They are, no doubt, well acquainted with you and your abilities," wenton von Liebknecht. "If your capacity for taking care of yourself isequal to your ability to make a disturbance, they should experience nouneasiness on your behalf. Besides," he added, "it is impossible tocommunicate with them just now. We do not know where they are."
In spite of the seriousness of his own situation, Jimmie breathed asigh of relief, for he felt that the information given him was correct,and he interpreted the Captain's statement to mean that the three boyshad succeeded in making their escape from the soldiers.
He was, nevertheless, greatly perturbed over the prospect of leavingthe immediate vicinity, for he felt that his chances of escape weregreatly lessened. He knew that the boys would endeavor to assist him,but, owing to the interrupted code message, he could only guess at howthis would be accomplished.
The map, still spread upon the table, gave him a hint. He rememberedthe fact that von Liebknecht's finger had pointed at Cracow. A firmresolve formed within the boy's breast. He determined that, if hissuspicion proved correct and the regiment paused at Cracow, he wouldmake an attempt to escape there. He also decided that if it were atall possible he would advise his chums of the fact.
While Jimmie was turning over these points in his mind a buzz ofwhispered conversation was going on between the officers around thetable. At length a decision was reached, and von Liebknecht againturned his attention to his newest recruit.
"You may go in company with this man," he said. "He and OttoFreundlich will be given charge of you, and will be required to turnyou over to the proper officer upon demand. They will have orders toinsist upon your presence at all times, and in order to make sure thatyou do not attempt to escape they will be given orders to shoot ifnecessary. I would advise you for yo
ur own good not to try to leavethe regiment at any time."
"If we are leaving this place and my chums are not here," Jimmiereplied, feeling that further argument would accomplish no alterationof the Captain's decision, "I cannot see why I should attempt toescape. You are entirely wrong in supposing that I am trying to getinformation to the Russians concerning your army."
"Perhaps you are right," assented von Liebknecht, not unkindly. "Thatis a point that we shall ascertain in our own way. For the presentevery circumstance is unfavorable for you, and we must be careful. Youunderstand, do you not?" he asked with a slight smile.
"I see how you understand it," the boy said. "Of course, if you chooseto look at the facts as you do, I cannot help it. I don't want to getshot, so I think I'll not try to make a getaway."
"Good!" declared the Captain, apparently greatly relieved. "That makesit easier for us. Now, I shall ask you to assist in getting yourequipment ready for the journey. Everybody will be required to workhard if we leave at the time desired."
"Very good, sir," stated the boy, saluting in the approved Boy Scoutfashion. "I'll help all I can."
So saying, he turned on his heel and signified to the soldier detailedas his guard that he was ready to leave the place.
"So we are to be comrades for a while at least?" inquired Jimmiepleasantly as the pair left the tent. "We might as well get acquaintedbefore we go farther. My named is Jimmie McGraw. What is yours?"
"Mine iss Frederich von Strassheim," answered the other, apparentlyfeeling no resentment against Jimmie for his kicks and blows deliveredduring the process of capture. "We shall be well acquainted."
"That's interesting," declared Jimmie. "I thought that the word 'von'was used only for officers and persons of nobility, though."
"The designation 'von,'" answered the other, proudly drawing himselferect, "is used only by those entitled to it by royal decree. Myancestors distinguished themselves and were of the house ofHohenzollern. That is why I am allowed to use it."
"Oh, so that is it?" mused Jimmie. "All right, von Strassheim, I thinkthat I'll call you Fritz, though, if you don't object."
"Goot; call me Fritz, then!" laughed the soldier. "Great friends weshall be as I can perceive. And may I call you Jimmie?"
"Call me Jimmie, Red-head, The Wolf, Freckles--oh, anything," statedJimmie with a laugh, in response to the other's good nature, "but," hewent on, "for pity's sake don't call me late for eats."
"Mess call iss not yet," responded the other, again resuming hisaccustomed gravity. "We shall have plenty of time to pack our kits."
"Then let's be about it," suggested the lad. "Where shall we go tomake a start, and what shall we do first, and how shall we do it?"
"One at a time--one at a time," protested Fritz. "First we shall gopast the place where I found you signalling. Then we shall proceed tothe stables and look after our horses."
"And then?" inquired Jimmie interestedly, feeling that any informationhe might get from Fritz would be useful later on.
"We shall in full marching order break camp," was the reply. "To thetrain of cars we will ride, and there put our horses and baggageaboard. Then we start for the west. But here is the exact spot whereyou were standing when I interrupted your conversation."
"Yes, this is the place," acknowledged Jimmie. "And right over thereis the aeroplane of my friends. Oh, look!" the boy cried. "See,they're starting out with it! Great frozen hot boxes! Those otherfellows are shooting! Good night!"