"What's that?" demanded the officer.

He commanded another of his officers to investigate. Hal's heart fell.

The other officer stepped quickly across the room and jerked the man to
his feet. Then he untied him and drew him before the Colonel. The latter,
after one glance at the Bulgarian uniform, ordered his other men to guard
all exits, and he addressed the man.

"What are you doing here, sir?" he asked sharply.

"I came here with some of my comrades last night," said the man. "I, a
little in advance of the others, was overpowered and tied up. All I know
of the others is that they arrived later and there was a fight. I have
heard these people say my comrades were killed."

"Search the house and make a careful examination without!" ordered the
Bulgarian officer.

Half a dozen of his men leaped to obey. The officer said nothing until
his men reported fifteen minutes later.

"The man speaks the truth," said one of the officers, indicating the
Bulgarian.

The colonel whirled upon Hal.

"So," he exclaimed, "you have been lying to me. Perhaps you are not
Americans, eh? Perhaps you are attached to the Anglo-French expedition at
Saloniki?"