shall be along on the next train. But, just the same, I'd like to get my
hands on that--"

"Come, now," Chester interrupted again, "let's send that telegram and
find out when the next train leaves."

They found the telegraph office, and Hal prepared a message, which he
handed through the window.

The clerk glanced at it, and then passed it back.

"Can't be sent," he informed Hal.

"Can't be sent! Why not?"

"Nothing can be sent over this wire but military messages from this time
on," said the clerk.

"But we missed the train, and I want to send this message to my mother,
so she won't worry," pleaded Hal.

"I'm sorry," the clerk returned kindly, "but it is impossible. I must
obey my orders."

Hal and Chester were nonplused.

"What shall we do?" questioned Chester.

"The only thing I know to do," replied Hal, "is to take the next train
without telegraphing. Mother is sure to be at the Brussels station. I