Hal shrugged his shoulders.

"We can't very well offer proof of our identities," he said. "But were
the American consul here, I could very soon convince him."

The officer frowned at this remark. The mention of an American consul or
minister or ambassador always brought frowns to the faces of military
officers in the war zone. It boded trouble if American subjects were not
well treated.

"And how do you happen to be here?" demanded the Bulgarian.

"Montenegro was becoming too warm," said Hal. "We thought we would get
into Bulgaria or Greece, neutral countries. We did not know Bulgaria had
declared war."

The Bulgarian's face seemed to relax a trifle. Apparently Hal had made a
favorable impression.

"Well," he said, "the best I can do is turn you over to my superior.
Still, if things are as you say, I have no doubt that you will be allowed
to proceed into Greece."

"Thank you, Colonel," said Hal.

The officer glanced around the room; and suddenly his eyes fell upon a
man lying in the corner of the room. It was the Bulgarian whom Ivan had
tied up the night before.