As he moved up the steps he was startled to see a shadowy figure lurking in the doorway. His hand dropped to his pocket, and he advanced cautiously.

"Don't be afraid. Take your hand away from that revolver," came the voice of Gladys Schweiring.

"Miss Gladys!" exclaimed Hal in surprise. "What are you doing here?

It is almost midnight."

"I was waiting for you," was the low response. "I was afraid something might have happened."

"It has," replied Hal, "but it is good news and not bad. Where is your mother?"

"In the drawing-room."

"Are the others there?"

"Just your friends. The guests have gone, and father has retired."

"Good. I have important information for them,"

Hal followed the young girl into the drawing room. Chester rose to his feet.

"By George! I'm glad to see you back safely," he said. "I was afraid something had happened."

Others echoed his words.

"Folks," said Hal, "I've news for you--good news."

"What is it?" demanded Chester eagerly.

"Well," said Hal very quietly. "I've seen the list!"

CHAPTER VII

THE MINISTER'S BALL

It was a gay a.s.semblage that thronged the home of the Swiss minister four nights after Hal's interview with the chief of the German secret service. Elegantly dressed women and well groomed and handsome officers danced and sang, and from the general tone of the evening it would have been hard to believe that Germany was engaged in a war that threatened her very existence.

Hal, Chester and McKenzie went to the ball accompanied by Mrs.

Schweiring and her daughter. Mrs. Schweiring's husband announced that he would appear later, as he had matters of importance to transact at his office.

This was the night that Hal had decided upon to make an effort to get the list of names for which the three friends were risking so much. He had a well-conceived plan in mind. The details he had worked out in the days following his interview with the German chief of secret service and his preparations had been careful and thorough. Now he was anxious for action.

General Rentzel reached the ball late in the evening. He paid his respects to the Swiss minister and to the latter's wife. A few moments later he encountered Hal, and escorted the lad to a secluded nook, where he presented the lad with several doc.u.ments.

"This," he said, indicating one, "is your pa.s.sport into Switzerland.

From there you will travel as a Swiss subject. You will present that paper," and he indicated a second, "to Herr Baumgartner in Washington.

You will find him still at the Austrian emba.s.sy. He will give you other instructions. Also, you will receive your pay through him, and whatever other money is necessary."

Hal bowed.

"Very well, sir," he said.

"I don't know that there is anything further," said General Rentzel, "except to warn you that treachery means death."

"I am aware of that, sir," returned Hal quietly.

"Very good, then. Good luck to you."

The general moved away.

Hal sought Chester instantly, glancing at his watch as he pa.s.sed along slowly and without apparent haste. It was 10:30 o'clock.

"It's time to get busy, Chester," he said quietly. "It's half-past ten, and I may require an hour and a half. You get word to Gladys and her mother to keep General Rentzel here under some pretext until midnight. I'm off."

"Am I not going with you?" demanded Chester.

"No," said Hal. "I don't have time to wait, and the message must be delivered to Mrs. Schweiring or her daughter at once. I'll pick McKenzie up on the way. Good-bye."

"Good luck," said Chester simply.

Hal left the room quietly. In the hall he found McKenzie, whom he motioned to follow him. McKenzie did so quietly.

Outside Hal found the automobile which had brought them to the ball.

He leaped in and McKenzie followed. Hal gave quick directions to the chauffeur to drive them home. The latter asked no questions.

At the home of Mrs. Schweiring Hal ordered McKenzie to remain in the car while the lad hurried into the house. He returned a moment later, carrying a small grip. This he threw into the car and climbed in after it.

"We have important business with General Rentzel," he told the chauffeur. "You will drive us there and then return to the ball for your mistress."

The chauffeur asked no questions. There were so many queer things going on in Berlin that he was not even greatly interested.

General Rentzel's office was in darkness when the car pulled up before it. Motioning McKenzie to follow him, Hal hastened up the steps. The chauffeur, in accordance with Hal's instructions, immediately disappeared down the street with the car.

In the darkness of the vestibule, Hal tried the door.

"Locked," he said. "Lucky we came prepared."

He opened the little grip he carried.

Meanwhile, Chester had carried Hal's message to Gladys. The latter had repeated it to her mother, and these two now shadowed General Rentzel every place he moved, for they were fearful that he might decide at any moment to leave the house. Chester kept his eyes on all three.

Chester was plainly nervous. Had he been in the danger himself his nerves would have been as hard as steel, but the inaction while someone else was doing the work made him impatient and fanciful.

Finally General Rentzel approached the Swiss minister and paid his adieus. Then he moved toward the cloakroom.

Halfway there he was intercepted by Mrs. Schweiring and Gladys.