The officer in charge of the guard even wanted to talk to him about the war and prove to him how jealousy had caused the other nations to set upon Germany.

But John evaded him and continued to look for the young prince who was serving as a mere lieutenant.
It was about an hour after dark when he caught his first glimpse of von Arnheim, and he was really glad to see that he was not wounded.
"I've come to tell you, Mr.Scott," said von Arnheim, "that all of you must march at once.

You will cross the Marne, and then pass as prisoners into Germany.

You will be well treated there and I think you can probably secure your release on condition that you return to your own country and take no further part in the war." John shook his head.
"I don't expect any harshness from the Germans," he said, "but I'm in this war to stay, if the bullets and shells will let me.

I warn you now that I'm going to escape." Von Arnheim laughed pleasantly.
"It's fair of you to give us warning of your intentions," he said, "but I don't think you'll have much chance.