CHAPTER XVII.
DICK PRESCOTT'S PRIZE CATCH It was the older man, he of the German uniform who now spoke.
"So Berger was really caught in the act of signaling us ?" "Yes, excellenz (Your excellency)," replied the younger man.
"And he is to be shot for treason ?" "It is so, Excellenz!" The language used by both was German, but Dick followed every word easily.
"Too bad! And our commander will regret the loss of Berger much," sighed the German colonel, "for Berger has served us long and usefully.

Strange that he should be caught, when he has so long and safely used that electric light pencil of his.

I suppose Berger grew careless." "It was an American officer who caught him at it and denounced him," said the younger man.
"Ah, well! At least we have you still in that regiment, and you are more cautious.

You will not be caught." "Not alive, at any rate, Excellenz," the younger man assured the enemy colonel.
"Wrong, there!" spoke a low, firm voice.
Both men started violently, with good excuse, for before them stood Captain Dick Prescott, a cocked automatic pistol held out to cover both.
"You will both put your hands up!" Dick ordered them sharply, in German.

"You will be shot at the first sign of resistance, or even reluctance.