THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH (continued 2)

Ten minutes later the machine was at Hal's disposal.

"Do you want a driver?" asked Colonel English.

"Guess I can handle it myself, sir," replied Hal, taking the wheel. "Good-bye, sir."

A moment later he was speeding along the road which he had covered the night before.

Less than two hours later, Hal reported to General Rhodes in the latter's quarters, which had been established a mile closer to Sedan than when Hal had left his general the night before.

"You have done well," said General Rhodes, after reading Colonel English's report. "Colonel English speaks well of you here. It shall be my pleasure to include your name in my next report to the commander-in-chief."

And all that Hal could say was:

"Thank you, sir."

"Now," said General Rhodes, "you shall be free for the remainder of the day. Your friend, Major Crawford, is at this minute with General Duncan, but he should be back within a few hours. I shall have quarters placed at your disposal immediately and my advice is that you turn in for the day."

"I believe I could stand a little sleep, thank you, sir," said Hal with a grin. "I shall follow your advice at once."

"Very well. And report to me this evening at 6 o'clock."

"Yes, sir."

General Rhodes summoned an orderly, whom he directed to find quarters for Hal and to show Chester to them when the latter returned from his mission. Then Hal saluted the general and followed the orderly.

Fifteen minutes later he was fast asleep.

Hal did not know when Chester returned, but when the lad opened his eyes he saw Chester sleeping on a cot across the room. Hal dressed quickly, then aroused his chum.

"Hello," said Chester.

"Why didn't you wake me when you came in?" demanded Hal.

"Because I thought you were entitled to a little rest," replied Chester. "The same as I am now, although I notice you were not as considerate as I was."

"The only reason I aroused you," said Hal, "was because I thought you might possibly have been ordered to report to the general this evening.

"And so I have," returned Chester. "What time is it?"

"Five o'clock."

"Whew! Then I'll have to hurry. I had no idea it was so late. I'm to report at 6 o'clock."

"Same here," said Hal. "But where have you been, Chester?"

"Carried dispatches to General Duncan. Seems that there is some fresh plan afoot that General Rhodes expects will take us into Sedan within a few days. I don't know what it is, though. Now, where have you been and what have you been doing?"

Hal explained as briefly as possible while Chester hurried into his clothes.

"So you have been fighting again, eh?" said Chester when Hal had concluded. "What would your mother say?"

Hal grinned.

"About the same that yours would, I guess," he replied. "But hurry, I feel like a bite to eat before I report to the general."

"Same here. I'll be with you in a jiffy."

Chester was true to his word, and the two sauntered forth five minutes later. After they had rounded up what Chester called a feast at one of the mess tents, they strolled toward the general's quarters.

As they walked along, they saw a familiar figure come dashing toward them.

"By George!" said Hal, "it's Stubbs. Now I wonder what he can be in such an all-fired hurry; about."

"We'll stop him and see," said Chester briefly.

The lads stepped forward and accosted Stubbs, who seemed to have no idea of stopping for a word with them.

"What's the hurry, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.

Stubbs waved them away.

"Don't bother me," he explained, "I'm busy."

"But—" began Hal.

"I said I'm busy," declared Stubbs. "Can't you see I'm in a hurry?"

"Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about it," said Chester.

Stubbs seemed as if about to pass on, then hesitated.

"I'll tell you," he said. "I am in an awful hurry, but I've time to tell you the news if you promise to keep it to yourself."

"I promise," said Chester. "Let's have it, Mr. Stubbs."

"Austria has sued for peace," said Stubbs briefly.

"What!" said Hal. "Again?"

Stubbs glared at the lad.

"I tell you Austria has sued for peace," he said, emphasizing each word. "This time there is no doubt about it. I have it straight."

Chester's heart beat high.

"By Jove! I hope you're right, Mr. Stubbs," he exclaimed, "but I'm afraid to believe it."

"You needn't be," declared Stubbs. "It's perfectly true, this time."

"And I suppose you're hurrying off to flash the news to The New York Gazette?" asked Hal.

"Exactly," said Stubbs.

"Don't let us detain you, then," said Hal. "But if I were you, Mr. Stubbs, I'd go rather easy on that stuff. You know if you flashed a report like that and it wasn't true, you'd probably have to hunt a new job."

"I don't flash reports I know are not true," said Stubbs.

"Well," said Hal, "what I'd like to know is how you have gained your information when no one else seems to know anything about it?"

"In the newspaper game," said Stubbs, "a man learns to provide his news sources. I provided mine for this very thing some time ago. Now I have been justified."

"All right," said Hal. "I don't want to argue with you about it, but all the same I'd go easy."

"I tell you I've got the dope," declared Stubbs.

"Then you'd better hurry along and file it to The Gazette," Chester put in.

"By Jove, I will!" said Stubbs. "And after this, you'll get no more information from me. But remember your promises. Not a word about this."

"Don't worry, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "We're as mum as a couple of oysters."

"Then me for the cable wire," said Stubbs. He turned and hurried off.

"You know, Hal," said Chester, "it would be quite a feather in the little man's cap if he could get something like that ahead of every other newspaper in America."

"I should imagine it would," Hal agreed, "but I'm afraid he's all wrong. At the same time, however, I hope he's right."

"Same here. And by the way, speaking of Stubbs and his efforts, there is only one other thing, to my mind, that would be greater luck for him."

"And that?" asked Hal.

"That would be to get first word to his paper of the ending of war."

"By Jove! That would be something to talk about," Hal agreed.

"I should say so. But come, we have delayed long enough. It lacks only a few minutes of six o'clock, and we're due in General Rhodes' quarters at that hour, you know."

"Didn't think I had forgotten it, did you?" demanded Hal.

"Well, I didn't know. Your memory isn't as good as it used to be."

"Is that so? Why isn't it?"

"Well, I don't know why," said Chester, "but it's a fact."

Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that moment they came to the entrance to General Rhodes' quarters.

"Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has something worth while for us to do."

"Same here," agreed Hal.

They went in.

CHAPTER XI

A NEW MISSION

"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I'll be ready for you in a moment."

The lads obeyed.

For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while their commander gave dozens of orders to others of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.

At last the room was cleared with the exception of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general's private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads to approach.

"Before I ask if you are willing to undertake rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must explain a few points to you."

The lads stood at attention, but said nothing.

"As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is our immediate objective. To the north, General Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same distance of the town. When the time comes for the deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second division upon the city from the north and west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the east of the town and will strike from that direction. Do you follow me?"

"Yes, sir," said Hal.

"Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge between General Lejeune's division and my own. Telephone communication has been cut. For more than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative if the final attack is to be successful that I communicate with General Lejeune."

"I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish us to make an effort to get through."

General Rhodes nodded.

"That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he should be able to carry word to General Lejeune and return within six hours. Yet I have already dispatched three messengers and none has returned."

"You mean that they have failed, sir?" asked Hal.

"So it would seem. In each case I emphasized the necessity of haste. Had one of my previous messengers got through safely, he should have reported to me ere this. I fear they have been either killed or fallen into the hands of the enemy."

"In which event the enemy may have become familiar with your plans, sir," said Chester.

"No," returned General Rhodes, "they carried no written dispatches. The word that I sent to General Lejeune was verbal. Now my idea is this. If you, Major Paine, and you, Major Crawford, are willing to volunteer for this hazardous duty, I shall repeat the message to you. I have called you both because the matter is urgent. One of you may get through where the other fails. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly, sir," said Hal quietly, "and I am sure I speak for my friend as well as myself when I say we are not only willing, but anxious, to volunteer for the task."

"Indeed we are, sir," Chester agreed.

"Very well, then," said General Rhodes. "The message I would have you carry to General Lejeune is this: Attack in full force at 6 o'clock on the evening of November 6, which is day after tomorrow. I shall lay my plans accordingly, going upon the supposition that one of you will get the message through."

"We shall do the best we can, sir," said Hal quietly.

"And that is the best any man can do," said General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the supposition that one of you will get through and I shall attack at that time whether I hear from you again or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it more prudent, remain with General Lejeune's division until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen."

Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.

"Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," was Chester's comment as they made their way back to their own quarters.

"Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder the job the more satisfaction when you have accomplished it successfully."

"What would you suggest?" asked Chester. "Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we disguise ourselves as Germans?"

"We'll keep our own," said Hal. "There is no use risking being caught as a spy unless absolutely necessary. If we're captured in American uniforms they'll make us prisoners of war. In German clothes, we would probably be shot. I'm against the German uniform this trip."

"I guess you're right. Besides, according to General Rhodes, we shall have to pass through less than half a mile of German territory. Now I'll make another suggestion."

"What is it?"

"My idea is that it will be better if we do not go together. I'll start an hour ahead of you, or you can start an hour ahead of me. We'll lay out our route in advance so the one who goes last will know about how far ahead the other should be. He might even be able to lend a helping hand should whoever goes first get into trouble."

"Not a bad idea," Hal agreed. "Then I elect to go first."

Chester shrugged.

"Any way suits me," he said. "And when will you start?"

Hal glanced at his watch.

"Eight o'clock now," he said. "I'll start at nine."

"Then I shall start at ten," said Chester.

"Right," said Hal. "Now, as we have nothing to do in the meantime, suppose we take a walk about the camp."

"I'm agreeable," said Chester. "Come on."

For perhaps an hour they strolled about, looking over the huge encampment with critical eyes. Men slept on their arms that night, had been sleeping on them for a week, for there was no telling at what hour might come the order to advance.

Cavalry horses pawed the ground restlessly in that part of the field where they were picketed. The troopers slept or sprawled on the hard ground nearby. To the south were parked the American batteries, while on all sides infantrymen were to be seen by the thousands.

Suddenly, from the direction of General Rhodes' quarters, came a loud hurrah. It was taken up on all sides, and directly the camp became a pandemonium.

"Wonder what's going on?" said Hal.

"Don't know," replied Chester. "We'll find out."

The lads hurried toward the general's quarters. Toward them came a crowd of shouting men, throwing their hats in the air and cheering wildly. Hal stopped one of them.

"What's all the excitement?" he asked.

"Haven't you heard the news, sir?" he asked.

"No," said Hal. "What is it?"

"A truce has been signed with Austria," replied the soldier. "Hurrah!"

"Hurrah indeed," said Hal fervently. "And have you heard the nature of the truce?"

"Yes, sir. An armistice has been signed to become effective to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. The armistice extends for thirty days in which time the allies will draw up terms of peace to be presented to Austria, sir."

"That is good news indeed, my man," said Hal. "I am obliged to you."

The soldier saluted and rejoined his companions. Together they continued their parade of the camp; spreading the glad tidings as they went from place to place.

"So Stubbs was right after all," Hal mused.

"It seems so," said Chester, "but I wonder where he got his information?"

"It's too deep for me," declared Hal, "but he got it all right. I hope he lands his scoop, as he calls it."

"So do I. He deserves it."

Hal glanced at his watch.

"Well," he said, "you can stay here awhile and help the others celebrate. I've work to do and it's time to be moving."

"Wish I were going with you," said Chester, "but I am convinced we have agreed on the best plan."

Hal nodded.

"It seems best to me."

"Then I shall follow the directions we agreed upon," said Chester. "I'll start in exactly an hour."

"And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must get through, no matter what happens."

"Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into trouble, I'll lend a helping hand should I come across you and find that it is possible without endangering my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, you will have to shift for yourself."

"That's the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you can without compromising yourself, but always remember that one of us must get through. Now I'm off."

He held out his hand, which Chester grasped warmly.

"I'm hoping nothing happens," said the latter quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye."

"Good-bye," said Hal.

He gave Chester's hand a parting grip, turned on his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking after him for some moments. Then he moved on slowly.

"By Jove! I hope nothing happens to Hal," he muttered.

It seemed to Chester that the next hour would never pass, but at last the hands of his watch showed 10 o'clock.

"Time to be moving," the lad told himself.

He produced his pair of revolvers and examined them carefully.

"All fine and dandy," he muttered. "Well, I guess there is no reason for waiting longer."

He turned and strode off in the direction Hal had gone just a short hour before.

CHAPTER XII

HAL MEETS AN OBSTACLE

Hal made rapid progress through the American lines. It was almost an hour after he left Chester that he reached the most advanced American outposts toward the north. He was challenged there, but after confiding to the officer in charge of operations there that he was on a mission for General Rhodes, he was allowed to pass.

The German lines, Hal learned, were perhaps two hundred yards ahead. There the enemy had hurriedly dug a temporary line of shallow trenches and settled down to hold them. It was Hal's business to get into and to pass through them.

Fortunately, the night was very dark so the lad had no hesitancy in stepping from the protection of the American lines. The officer in command at that point walked with him as far as he felt prudent. To him Hal confided the fact that Chester would be along presently, and the officer volunteered to speed the latter's progress in any way he could.

"Good luck," he called, as Hal disappeared in the darkness.

Hal made no response, but moved slowly and silently off through the night.

The first hundred yards he covered standing and without fear of detection. It was so dark that he knew his presence in No Man's Land would not be noticed unless the enemy chanced to turn one of their powerful searchlights in that direction. In that event, too, the lad knew it would make little difference whether he was standing or crawling across the open.

After covering what he judged was a hundred yards, Hal dropped to his hands and knees and proceeded more cautiously. Voices in the German lines became audible now and Hal was perfectly well aware that a pair of German eyes might discover him. However, there was no help for it. It was his business to take such chances.

He wormed his way along slowly.

In this manner he came at last to the edge of the German trenches. There he paused a moment, listening intently. He heard voices. They seemed directly ahead of him. The lad crawled to his left. After progressing in this manner for perhaps a hundred yards he paused and listened again. He could still hear voices, but they were some distance to his right. There was no sound directly ahead of him.

Silently the lad got to his feet. His head came just above the top of the trench. He peered around quickly. Some distance to the right he perceived a little knot of men apparently engaged in heated argument. It was apparent that they were so busy with their dispute that they would not notice the alien figure in their midst. To the lad's left, too, perhaps fifty yards away, were half a dozen German soldiers. But they were not looking in Hal's direction.

Slowly the lad drew himself to the top of the trench, then dropped quietly inside. There he crouched for a moment, his hands on his revolvers, ready to fight or run as occasion should demand.

But his presence was unnoticed and Hal drew a breath of relief.

"Safe for a minute, at least," he told himself.

But Hal knew that he could not hope to escape discovery long in this exposed position. Besides, he had no time to spare. It was his business to pass through the German Lines as quickly as possible.

Little light showed in the German trenches. Here and there a lantern flickered as a sentinel passed along his post. Also candles, sheltered from the breeze by improvised shades, showed where little groups of Germans had gathered to chat before turning in for the night.

Hal perceived that his best hope of avoiding discovery lay straight ahead, toward the center of the German camp. The enemy would be looking for no enemies there. Besides, Hal's destination lay in that direction.

Leaving the shelter of the trench, he crawled forward. He stopped once or twice and flattened himself into the ground, as footsteps approached. But the footsteps turned off each time without coming close to him, and Hal proceeded.

Tents had been pitched in improvised streets and Hal heard the sound of deep snores from within. The German camp, except for sentries and some few others, was asleep.

It was very dark. Hal rose to his feet and proceeded more swiftly. He felt confident now that he would be able to pass through the camp without discovery, but he realized that the hardest work cut out for him would be to leave the German lines on the other side.

Nevertheless, it had to be done, so the lad pressed on.

Walking boldly along the little camp street, he at last passed beyond the long row of tents. Not more than a hundred yards ahead now, he knew, he would come upon more trenches thrown up as a protection to the enemy against the forces of General Lejeune of the Second division.

Now the lad went more cautiously, and at last he came within view of the trenches. Here and there a sentinel flitted by in the darkness. In the trenches, Hal saw several groups of the enemy gathered in circles within the glow of light cast by lanterns and candles. He approached very cautiously.

The lad no longer stood erect. He was crawling on his hands and knees. With each inch advanced he knew his danger increased; but he knew, too, that every foot of ground he covered brought him that much closer to success.

"I'll get through quietly if I can," he told himself, "but if I'm discovered I'll make a run and a fight for it. Once in the darkness of No Man's Land beyond I've as much chance of getting away as the boches have of catching me."

The lad halted suddenly. Footsteps were coming toward him, and a moment later Hal made out the figure of a German sentry approaching. The lad squirmed quickly but silently to one side and the German passed without seeing him.

"Close shave," the lad muttered to himself.

He moved forward again.

Other footsteps now approached and Hal made himself as small as possible on the ground. Looking up, he perceived the figures of half a dozen men only a few feet away. They were coming directly toward him. Hal realized that if he didn't act promptly, he would probably be stepped on.

He tried to squirm out of the way silently, but haste was too urgent for extreme caution and the sound of the lad's body gliding over the ground carried to the ears of the enemy.

"What's that?" demanded one of them, and all halted.

"What's what, Hans?" asked a second voice.

"I heard something moving there," said the man called Hans.

"And what of it?" demanded the second voice. "Probably a rat."

"Made too much noise for a rat," was the response. "Sounded more like a man."

"Ha!" said another voice. "You talk as if you feared enemies right in the heart of our own camp, Hans."

"Can't trust these Americans," was the reply. "They're not afraid of anything. One of them is as likely to be here as any place else."

"Some truth in that, Hans," said another voice. "We'll have a look."

The Germans spread out fanwise and moved forward again. This was what Hal had been afraid of, and he knew now that concealment was no longer possible.

"I'll have to make a dash for it," he told himself grimly.

Still stooping, he produced his pair of automatics and paused, ready for action as soon as he should be discovered. And as he had feared, discovery was not long coming.

"Hello! What's that?" said a German voice.

"What's wh—" began a second voice.

Hal waited to hear no more. He knew he had been discovered, and he decided to act before the Germans completely recovered from their surprise.

Springing to his feet, the lad dashed forward with a cry.

"Out of my way!" he shouted in German.

For a moment it seemed that the Germans would obey this command, so startled were they by its suddenness and Hal's appearance from out of the ground, apparently.

But they recovered their wits in a moment and closed in on the lad with guttural cries of anger.

Hal raised both revolvers.

"Crack! Crack!"

Two Germans reeled back and the others gave ground. Before they had time to recover from this unexpected attack, Hal was among them. Twice more his revolvers spoke. The targets were so close that a miss was impossible and two more Germans crumpled up on the ground. The remaining two skipped promptly out of harm's way.

Hal leaped for the trenches, revolvers still in hand. Once beyond the enemy's lines he felt he would be comparatively safe.

But the sounds of the revolver shots had aroused the camp. Men streamed forth from all directions.

Hal found his progress barred by a dozen men who seemed to appear from out of the ground. The lad raised his revolvers again and emptied them into his foes, then sprang in among them, his revolvers clubbed.

With both hands he laid about him lustily, the while endeavoring to push through the enemy and reach the trench beyond. But the weight of numbers was too great and directly Hal went to the ground under a blow from a rifle butt.

He dragged himself to his feet and again mixed in with his foes. For a moment it seemed that he might fight his way clear, so desperate were his efforts. Reinforcements continued to arrive, however, and at last the lad was overpowered.

Strong hands seized him from behind, rendering further struggling futile. Hal relaxed his efforts and grew quiet.

"You've got me," he said quietly, "but I'd have got away if there hadn't been half a hundred of you."

"Tie him up," said a German voice.

No sooner said than done. A moment later Hal's arms were bound securely.

"Bring him up to the light," said another voice. "The colonel wants a look at him."

Hal felt himself propelled toward the trench. There a lantern was thrust in his face and a man attired as a German colonel of infantry surveyed the lad.

"So we've caught you, you American pig!" he exclaimed.

"So it seems," returned Hal quietly. "What are you going to do with me? That's the next question?"

"Brave man, aren't you," sneered the German. "Well, you won't be so brave when I get through with you. Lieutenant Steinz!" he called.

"Now what's up, I wonder?" Hal muttered to himself.

CHAPTER XIII

CHESTER TO THE RESCUE

Chester, after leaving the American lines, proceeded with the same caution that had characterized Hal's movements. He made no better time creeping across No Man's Land than had Hal. However, he was just as fortunate as his chum in penetrating the German trench. He reached them an hour later than had Hal and for this reason he did not see as many figures. Most of the enemy in the trenches facing the Americans on the south had turned in for the night.

Chester's passage through the German camp was considerably quicker than Hal had been able to proceed. Nearing the German outposts toward the north, however, he found it necessary to advance with greater caution.

Suddenly he came to a stop and threw himself flat on the ground. A short distance away he saw a faint light, cast by several lanterns, and he heard German voices.

"They're not all asleep here, at all events," the lad told himself. "I'll have to be careful."

He wormed his way toward the light and when he came close enough to ascertain what was going on, he gave an exclamation of pure alarm.

"Great Scott! They've nabbed Hal," he muttered.

Unmindful of danger now, he crept forward more swiftly and at last drew close enough to distinguish what was said.

"So you won't tell what you are doing here?" came a coarse voice in German.

"I will not," was the reply in a voice that Chester recognized as Hal's.

"Then I'll have to find a way to loosen your tongue," said the German voice. "Lieutenant Steinz, do your duty again."

Chester strained his eyes to see. He made out the form of a big man who stepped toward a figure that Chester made out as Hal. The man's arm drew back and flashed forth. Chester saw Hal stagger back, but the lad made no outcry.

Chester's blood boiled.

"So that's the kind of men we have to deal with, eh?" he muttered. "Well, I guess I'll have to take a hand in this game."

With Chester to think was to act. Nevertheless, he realized the need of caution if he were to extricate Hal from his present difficulty.

"I'll have to be pretty careful," he told himself; "otherwise, they'll snare me, too."

Chester's first impulse, of course, had been to dash forward, guns in hand, and wreak what damage he could among his enemies. He thought better of this, however, and continued to creep forward carefully and silently.

"If he hits you again," he said, speaking to Hal but muttering the words to himself, "it can't be helped; but we'll repay those blows with interest."

Hal, standing erect before his captors, did not flinch as Lieutenant Steinz drew back his arm for another blow. But his eyes flashed dangerously.

"You'll be sorry for this, my friends," he said quietly.

"Threats, eh?" sneered the German. "You're in no position to threaten, pig."

"Perhaps not," admitted Hal, "but just the same I am warning you."

There was something so menacing in the lad's voice, that for a moment the German hesitated; but for a moment only, then he drew back his arm and struck.

Once more Hal staggered under the blow, but he did not flinch.

The German raised his arm and would have struck again but for a sudden interruption.

When Chester saw the German strike Hal a second time, it was more than his blood could stand. He forgot, for the moment, his mission, that his first duty was to pass beyond the German camp. He threw caution to the winds.

With a wild cry he leaped to his feet and dashed forward, a revolver levelled in each hand.

Startled, the Germans turned to face their new foe. One look at Chester's angry features and they recoiled involuntarily.

At the same moment Chester fired—both weapons at once. Two of the enemy toppled over in their tracks.

Now Hal had a quick mind. At Chester's first cry he knew what was up and he grew instantly alert, ready to take advantage of the first opportunity that presented itself.

The opportunity was not long coming.

Lieutenant Steinz, turning to get a view of Chester, for a moment left Hal unguarded. In that instant Hal sprang. Both hands he locked about the German's throat, and squeezed with all his strength. In vain the Teuton squirmed, struck and kicked.

Suddenly Hal released his right hand and drove it into the man's face. At the same moment his left hand shot out and seized the German's revolver. Then he stepped quickly back, levelled the weapon and fired.

"Come on, Chester!" he shouted.

Chester needed no urging.

In a few quick strides he was at Hal's side.

"Let's get out of here," he cried. "It's getting too warm."

Together the lads dashed toward the trench.

A cry of alarm went up from the Germans behind.

"Shoot them!" cried a voice that Hal recognized as that of the German colonel.

"Zig-zag, Chester!" cried Hal, and suited the action to the word.

Chester followed his chum's example and the first volley from behind failed to find a mark.

By this time the lads were at the edge of the trench.

"Up and over with you, quick!" cried Chester.

Hal leaped to the top of the trench and toppled to the ground beyond even as half a score of bullets sang across the spot where his head had been a moment before.

Chester also sprang for the top of the trench. But he had leaped too soon, and instead of reaching the top he fell short, and dropped down inside the trench again.

Germans were almost upon him when he regained his feet.

Chester realized that a second leap was out of the question at the minute, so guns in hand he turned and faced his foes.

"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!"

His automatics spoke angrily and all four bullets found human targets.

Hal, meanwhile, safely over the trench, looked around for Chester. When he failed to see him he realized on the instant what had happened.

"What shall I do?" he asked himself. "Duty says to hurry to a place of safety, but friendship says help Chester."

He wasted little time in thought.

He scrambled back to the top of the earthen embankment and took in the sight about him.

There Chester stood at bay, his automatics held in steady hands. Hal drew his own weapons.

"Jump up here quick, Chester!" he called. "I'll cover you."

"Don't bother about me," Chester called back. "Get away from here. Remember you must get through. I'll hold 'em off."

"Don't be a fool," shouted Hal, discharging his revolver at a big German who was about to shoot Chester down with his rifle. "Come up here."

Chester paid no further heed to his chum.

Hal gritted his teeth, dropped one revolver in his pocket, and reaching down grasped Chester by the shoulder.

"Come on," he called.

Chester shook off his chum's hand.

"Let me alone." he shouted angrily. "I'll get a few of these boches before they down me."

His revolvers spoke as he talked, and two Germans dropped.

Meanwhile bullets were striking on all sides of the two lads, and it seemed a miracle that they were not touched.

Hal considered the situation in a flash.

"There's one chance," he said.

Deliberately he sheathed his other revolver, thus leaving himself unarmed in the face of his foes. Then, bracing himself as best he could on the embankment, he reached down and seized Chester by both shoulders.

Putting forth all his strength, Hal heaved mightily, and drew his chum to the top of the embankment with him. There he released him and drew his revolvers again.

Came a cry of rage from inside the trench as the Germans saw their prey about to escape. Two men dropped on their knees and sighted their rifles carefully.

But before they could fire Hal had accounted for one and Chester for the other.

Again a howl of rage went up from the German trench.

"Kill them! Kill them!" screamed the German colonel. "What a lot of dunderheads! Can't you shoot?"

He seized a revolver from a young officer close by and dashed forward himself.

Hal, in the act of tumbling from the embankment, smiled slightly and faced the colonel, unmindful of all other dangers.

"So you're the man responsible for those blows a moment ago, eh?" he muttered. "Well, you'll never do it again. Take that!"

He sighted carefully and fired.

The German colonel staggered in his onward rush, reeled crazily, threw up his arms, casting his revolver a dozen paces away, then fell to the ground.

"So much for you," Hal muttered. "You won't bully another American, I'll bet on that."

"Come on," said Chester, who had stuck close to his chum all the time. "It's too warm here. Let's move."

"Right. Suits me," said Hal quietly.

"Down we go, then," said Chester.

He rolled rather than leaped to the ground on the outside of the trench. Hal did likewise.

Both lads were slightly bruised by this method of descent, but they were not injured seriously. They scrambled to their feet.

"Now, let's see you run!" shouted Hal to Chester.

They ran.

CHAPTER XIV

THE CLOSING OF THE NET

Bullets flew thick and fast after the two lads as they clashed for the shelter of the American lines beyond. Fortunately, however, none touched them.

The Germans, it appeared, were so bewildered by the suddenness of Chester's appearance, single-handed attack and the flight of the two chums that followed, that they forgot all about their searchlights, which would have made it possible for them to have picked off fugitives at will; or else they had no searchlights in that section of the field.

Zig-zagging from right to left, the lads ran at top speed. For a time bullets whistled unpleasantly close, but soon they became few and far between.

Hal slowed down. Chester followed his example.

"Whew!" said Chester. "Pretty close, but we're safe enough now, I guess."

"By George! I hope so," declared Hal. "But there is just one job that I would have liked to complete before getting away from there."

"What's that?" demanded Chester.

"I would like to have let a little lead into that big German lieutenant who battered me up with his fist."

"Don't blame you," said Chester. "I'd like a shot at him myself."

"Well," said Hal, "I left my mark on his throat, and that's some satisfaction. Also, I disposed of the colonel who was responsible, and there's more satisfaction there, too."

"I saw you," replied Chester. "It was a neat shot."

"Well," said Hal, "we've done something that a couple of other couriers sent out by General Rhodes failed to accomplish—we have passed through the German lines. The general's plans will not go wrong if we can help it."

"Right," agreed Chester. "And I figure that the sooner we report to General Lejeune the better."

"Correct as usual. But I don't know that I care to try and repeat the feat of getting through. Besides, we have General Rhodes' permission to stay here until after the big battle if we like."

"And I vote that we stay," said Chester.

"Think I'll cast my own ballot that way," declared Hal. "We'll stick, unless something turns up to change our minds."

"Now for the American lines, then," said Chester.

They hurried on through the darkness and directly the dim outline of the American trenches loomed up ahead.

"Here we are," said Hal. "Now to get over."

As they would have climbed up, however, the figure of a soldier appeared above them. He saw them instantly and levelling his rifle cried:

"Halt! Who goes there?"

"Friends," said Hal briefly.

"Advance, friends, and be recognized," said the sentinel.

Hal and Chester obeyed and the sentinel scanned them closely.

"You look all right," he growled at last, "but I'm not sure of you."

"Do you think we'd be coming in here if we didn't belong?" demanded Chester.

"I don't know about that; but I can't see any good reason why you should be prowling around out in No Man's Land if you are not bent on mischief."

"Don't be absurd, man," said Hal. "We come from General Rhodes with a message for General Lejeune."

"A likely story," said the sentry. "How'd you get through the Germans?"

"Walking and running," said Chester. "But are you going to keep us standing here all night? I tell you we bear an important message from General Rhodes."

"What'd you both come for?" the sentry wanted to know.

"That," said Chester, thoroughly exasperated, "is none of your business, my man! Will you call the sergeant of the guard, or shall I?"

"Oh, I'll call him," said the sentry, "but I'll tell you right now I don't think it will do you any good. Kindly step up here, will you?"

Hal and Chester did so. Then, for the first time, the sentry saw that they were officers in the American army. He looked flabbergasted.

"I—I—I beg pardon, gentlemen," he said. "I didn't know you were officers. Why didn't you tell me?"

"You didn't give us a chance," said Hal shortly. "Kindly summon the sergeant of the guard."

The sentry argued no longer. He raised his voice in a shout that brought the sergeant of the guard on the dead run.

"What's the matter with you, you bonehead?" demanded the sergeant as he came lumbering forward. "Want to arouse the whole camp?"

"It's all right, sergeant," said Hal. "He only did as ordered. We have come from General Rhodes with an important message for General Lejeune. Will you direct us to his quarters?"

The sergeant saluted stiffly.

"Follow me, sirs," he said briefly.

Five minutes walk brought the three to the headquarters of the commander of the Second American division. There the lads were accosted by a member of the general's staff, Colonel O'Shea.

"We desire to see the general at once on a very urgent matter," said Hal.

Colonel O'Shea scowled.

"The general left orders that he was not to be disturbed unless upon a very important matter," he replied.

"But this is urgent," said Chester. "We are instructed by General Rhodes to deliver the message at once."

"But how am I to know the matter is so urgent?" asked the colonel.

"Because I say so, sir," said Hal quietly. "I am not in the habit of lying, nor of having my word doubted."

"Oh, is that so," said the colonel, though somewhat taken aback. "Well, I'm not sure the general will care to be disturbed. You may deliver your message, and then I shall consider whether your business is of such importance as to justify waking the general."

"We were not instructed to deliver our message to you, sir," said Hal simply. "I have to request again that we be given immediate audience of General Lejeune."

The colonel hesitated. Apparently he was on the point of refusing to arouse the general, but he thought better of it, shrugged his shoulders and turned away.

"One moment," he said brusquely.

He returned a moment later, however, followed by a second figure, attired in a suit of pajamas and rubbing sleepy eyes.

"General Lejeune?" asked Hal.

"Yes," was the sharp reply. "What is it?"

"We bear a message from General Rhodes, sir," said Hal.

"Well, let's have it, let's have it," exclaimed the general. "I've got to get back to bed and get some sleep."

"First, sir," said Hal, "I must explain that we came through the German lines where two or three other couriers lost their lives. General Rhodes wishes you to understand, sir, that the success of the campaign depends upon your acting in accordance with his message."

"I have no doubt of it," said General Lejeune. "I have been unable, since the German wedge was driven between our forces, to get into communication with General Rhodes or other divisional commanders. I am isolated here, but at the same time I consider my position impregnable, so I am standing pat."

Hal and Chester bowed in understanding of the general's explanation, and the commander of the Second division added:

"Come, sirs, what is the message you bring?"

"General Rhodes' message, sir," said Hal, "is that he requests you to attack the enemy before Sedan in full force on the evening of November 6, the attack to begin precisely at 6 o'clock."

"Very well," said General Lejeune, "and just what is at the bottom of this plan—what is to be gained by it?"

"That I do not know, sir," said Hal. "General Rhodes simply asked us to carry that message. He said that the success of the campaign against Sedan depended upon you doing your part."

"Well, I'll do it, never fear," said General Lejeune. "I've got one of the best fighting units in France, and there's not a man in it who's not dead anxious to get another chance at the Huns. You may take back word to General Rhodes for me, that I shall act in accordance with his wishes."

"If it is all the same to you, sir," said Chester with a slight smile, "we're not going back—not, at least, until the battle of Sedan is over."

"How's that? How's that?" asked the general in some surprise.

"Why, sir," said Chester, "General Rhodes gave us permission to stay with you if we deemed it imprudent to try and pierce the enemy's lines again."

"And you think it would be imprudent?" asked General Lejeune with a slight smile.

"In view of the trouble we had getting here, yes, sir," replied Chester.

"Very well, then," said the general, "you may remain with us. Colonel O'Shea, will you find quarters for these gentlemen? By the way, I did not catch your names."

"Crawford, sir," said Chester.

"Paine, sir," said Hal.

"Very well," General Lejeune continued, "Colonel O'Shea, will you please see that Major Paine and Major Crawford are provided with suitable quarters? And will you both report to me at 8 o'clock in the morning, gentlemen? I may have need of you. The Second division is an hospitable unit, but you'll find that guests are required to work as well as home folks."

"We shall be more than glad to do our parts, sir," said Hal.

"Very well. Now you have kept me out of bed long enough. I'll leave you both to the good graces of Colonel O'Shea, and if he doesn't find suitable quarters for you, you let me know and I'll have him court-martialed."

With this, and a smile on his face, the good-natured commander took his leave.

"By George!" said Hal, as the lads followed Colonel O'Shea from the general's quarters, "he's the most lively commander I ever did see."

"Full of 'pep' eh?" said Chester with a laugh.

"Yes," Hal agreed, "and I'll bet he's full of the same old 'pep' when it comes down to business."

And Hal was right.

CHAPTER XV

THE CAPTURE OF SEDAN

The American advance against Sedan was in full blast. All night the fighting had raged. Promptly at 6 o'clock on the evening of November 6 General Lejeune had hurled the Second division forward in accordance with the plans outlined by General Rhodes of the Forty-second.

Apparently the Germans had anticipated the attack, for they were braced to receive it when the first Yankee troops began to move. The enemy stood firm—and was continuing to stand firm almost twelve hours after the assault was launched.

There was a slight chill in the early November air as it grew light. The air was filled with shrieking shells and shrapnel. Rifle and machine-gun fire rose even above the noise of the field and siege guns. Shrill whistles punctuated intervals of seeming silence as American officers gave orders to their men. In the midst of battle, whistles are depended upon mainly for signals—also there are signals given with the hands. The confusion is usually too great to permit verbal orders being understood.

At the same time that General Lejeune attacked the enemy, General Rhodes, to the south, also had advanced. But the enemy was holding stubbornly in that section of the field also, and at 6 o'clock on the morning of November 7 the American forces had made only slight progress. However, they were still hammering hard at the German lines.

With a gallantry not exceeded in the annals of the war, the Second division kept at its task. When one enemy machine-gun nest was captured, they found themselves targets for others, whose gunners, discovered, had withheld their fire until the moment when it would be the most effective.

Another grand assault was ordered by General Lejeune.

The Germans made a determined resistance. They put in fresh troops and subjected the American lines to a terrific artillery bombardment of high explosives and gas shells. Directly in the path of the advancing Americans was a large wood. Although the wood was not yet cleared of the enemy, the American line here was farther advanced. Many prisoners had been taken.

A third attack resulted in the capture of still more prisoners and many machine-guns. In the meantime the Ninth infantry, on the right of that part of the field where Hal and Chester found themselves, had advanced its position to the northern edge of the Bois de la Jardin and was digging in to beat off a possible counter-attack. In fact, the entire Third brigade, assisted by a battalion of the Second engineers, was strengthening its lines as well as possible under heavy enemy machine-gun and artillery fire.

The defensive part played by this brigade was very difficult. Its losses were heavy as a result of enemy shell fire and gas bombardments, to which the Third brigade could not at the moment reply. Its duty now was to hold its lines. Its present action was confined to a rifle and machine-gun duel with the enemy.

To the south, the First brigade also was hotly engaged. It had advanced in the face of a terrible artillery and machine-gun fire until at hand grips with the foe. Then ensued one of the fiercest struggles of the war.

As in other encounters, the Germans proved no match for the Yankees at hand-to-hand fighting. They resisted desperately, but gradually were driven back. The Americans, with wild cheers, pursued them closely.

General Lejeune's center, composed of the Second brigade, with an additional battalion or two of artillery, also was meeting with greater success than the Third brigade, which, for the moment, had been checked.

The advance was pushed with desperate energy, and the Germans could not hold their ground in the face of the withering American fire. The German center faltered, then broke.

Taking advantage of this success, General Lejeune pushed Brigadier General Abernathy's Second division into the breach. Immediately, also, he ordered the First brigade forward in an effort to break through to the south, while orders were rushed to the hard-pressed Third brigade to make a final effort.

The task of the Third brigade was easier now. Bereft of its supports, the German center was obliged to yield ground to the Third brigade or risk being cut off and surrounded.

The Germans gave ground slowly.

To the south, the First brigade also began to drive the foe more swiftly. It appeared for a moment that the Germans would suffer a rout. Under the direction of their officers, however, they braced perhaps half a mile farther back, and again showed a determined front.

Trenches dug by the Americans were abandoned now as the Yankees poured forth in pursuit of the enemy. Not a man in the whole Second division who was not sure that the trenches would never be needed for defensive purposes. No one knew better the morale of the American troops than did the men themselves.

Nevertheless, the advance slowed down in the face of the resistance being offered by the enemy. For a time it appeared that the fighting had reached a deadlock.

The deciding touch to the battle was furnished by General Rhodes.

Sweeping up from the south, the Fifth, Sixth and Seventh brigades of the Forty-second division bore off a trifle to the east and then turned north again, thus catching the enemy on the left flank.

This maneuver, apparently, had not been anticipated by the enemy's general staff, for it took the Germans by surprise. True, they received warning in time to wheel machine-guns into position and to place big guns to rake the Americans as they dashed forward. But the warning had not been received in time to permit the general staff to alter its plan of defense, and for this reason proved the blow that broke the backbone of the enemy's resistance.

The enemy, closely pressed by General Lejeune, had no time to make changes in his defensive plan necessitated by General Rhodes' sudden attack. Reinforcements could not be sent to check General Rhodes without weakening the front opposed to General Lejeune.

General Schindler, after a hasty conference with his staff, ordered a retreat to the lines just before Sedan. The Germans fell back rapidly.

Neither General Rhodes nor General Lejeune was content to rest with this advantage, but each decided to push on.

During all this time, the enemy had been successful in keeping a wedge between the Second and Forty-second American divisions. General Schindler realized that if he hoped to extricate his men from the trap sprung by the Americans he must prevent a juncture of the Second and Forty-second at all hazards.

Now, however, as the attack seemed on the verge of success, General Lejeune decided that the German wedge separating him from General Rhodes must be pierced.

Accordingly, without permitting the advance to slacken elsewhere, he threw the First brigade against it.

For perhaps fifteen minutes the fighting was fast and furious. In vain the Germans tried to stem the tide in khaki that rushed forward against them. General Schindler further weakened his center to rush reinforcements in order to retain the wedge intact.

But it was no use. The Americans were not to be denied. They fought with the courage and desperation of lions. Little heed did they pay to the hail of machine-gun bullets that swept them as they advanced. Artillery and explosive shells failed to stop them. Rifle fire was no more effective.

Suddenly from the German lines sallied a regiment of cavalry. The American infantry braced to receive the charge.

At the same time Hal found himself before Colonel Taylor of the First brigade with dispatches from General Lejeune. He had just delivered them as the German cavalry sallied forth.

"Great Scott! What a chance to take!" the lad muttered under his breath. "The Germans must be licked. This move can be for no other purpose than to give infantry time to withdraw."

The American infantry stood firm as the German cavalry hurled itself upon them. Not an inch of ground did they give. Horses and men fell in heaps. Other chargers reeled back, throwing their riders beneath their hoofs. At the same time the Yankee infantry poured in a hail of rifle fire.

The Germans retired a pace, reformed and charged again. The result was the same. Not an inch did the Americans give, and the execution in the enemy's ranks was fearful to behold.

"I guess that will stop that," Hal told himself.

He was right.

When the enemy's cavalry withdrew a second time it did not reform for a third charge. Instead, it fell back upon its infantry and artillery supports, apparently fearing that the American infantry would pursue and annihilate it.

"I thought so," said Hal.

In the meantime, the German retirement in other parts of the field had become more rapid. The lines before Sedan were abandoned gradually and at last there was nothing to keep the Americans from entering the city save the cannonading of the German artillery from far to the rear of the town.

But although the bulk of the German army had retired safely to the east of Sedan, fortune had not been so kind to the two brigades which had formed the wedge between the Second and Forty-second American divisions.

When General Lejeune's men had pushed back the cavalry attack, General Rhodes, to the south, had gained an inkling of what was going on. Accordingly he had ordered an attack upon the hard-pressed foes.

Caught thus between two fires, the Germans tried first to hold their ground, and, finding this could not be done, to retreat orderly.

But they had delayed too long.

Three regiments of the First brigade of General Lejeune's division had been hurried forward to cut off a movement, and the Germans, when they found flight blocked, became disheartened. In spite of the fact that they outnumbered the little force between them and the bulk of their army, thousands of men threw down their arms and surrendered. This forced the others to follow suit or be annihilated.

Less than two hours later, with German shells still falling among them, American troops entered Sedan.

And the French population, virtual prisoners for many months, received them with wild acclaim. It was a joyous day for the citizens, indeed.

CHAPTER XVI

AN UNEXPECTED HONOR

"Sedan at last! This settles the war."

It was Chester who spoke.

"Right you are," replied Hal. "The poor old kaiser's goose is cooked. Even the most sanguine German can no longer hope for victory."

"I think the kaiser gave up hope a long while ago," said Chester. "He—Hello, what's up now, I wonder?"

He broke off suddenly and pointed to a horseman who came galloping into the town from the east, gesticulating excitedly as he rode along. Words that he shouted as he dashed forward seemed to create great excitement among the villagers, who, all day, had been parading the streets in celebration of the American occupation of the city.

"Don't know," said Hal. "We'll try and get close enough to hear what he says."

As the man drew close, the lads saw that he was a German cavalryman. It appeared strange to both boys that he was thus permitted to ride free, as the feelings of the villagers were very strong against the Germans. But it soon became apparent that the message he brought secured him immunity.

"What's that he said?" asked Chester, with hand to his ear.

"I didn't catch it," said Hal. "Here, get in front of him. We'll stop his wild ride."

Chester needed no urging. The lads stepped directly in front of the galloping horse. Hal produced his revolvers.

The rider checked his steed. Hal approached him.

"Dismount," said the lad in German.

The rider did so.

"Now," said Hal, "what's all the excitement? You seem to have something on your mind. What is it?"

"Haven't you heard the news?" demanded the rider.

"I wouldn't be asking you if I had," said Hal. "What is it?"

"The kaiser has abdicated!"

Hal and Chester started back in pure amazement.

"What!" they exclaimed in a single voice.

"So I am informed," declared the German. "It is true that my information has not been substantiated, but I know enough of conditions in Germany to credit the report."

"Well, you come with me," said Hal. "We'll take this matter to General Lejeune."

The German accompanied them without objection.

General Lejeune received the report with skepticism.

"Nothing to it, in my opinion," he said. "It is true that conditions in Germany are fast approaching a crisis, but I believe this report is premature. However, I have no doubt that something like that will happen within the next thirty days. But what are you doing in our lines, man?"

This last to the German soldier.

"Well, I'm tired of fighting," was the soldier's reply. "I want to live to go home again some day. I've a family in Hamburg that will need me. I am content to remain a prisoner until the war is over."

"And so you shall," said General Lejeune. "Whether your report is true or not, it has given me an interesting moment. Colonel O'Shea, will you turn this man over to the corporal of the guard?"

The prisoner was led away. General Lejeune turned to Hal and Chester.

"I am sorry to lose your services, gentlemen," he said, "but I have just been in communication with General Rhodes, and he wishes you to report to him at once."

The lads saluted the commander of the Second division and left his quarters.

Half an hour later they reported to General Rhodes as he rode into Sedan to establish his own quarters, as the Second division was soon to advance again. General Rhodes greeted the lads warmly.

"I am certainly glad that you both came through safely," he said, after returning their salutes, "and I must say that I didn't expect it. You have been in luck. Now I have another important matter in hand."

"We shall be glad to offer our services, sir," said Hal.

General Rhodes smiled.

"I've no doubt of it," he replied. "However, this mission is not likely to be so dangerous. Don't worry, though," he added, as the faces of the lads fell, "I believe I may safely promise you some interesting moments."

"We're glad of that, sir," declared Chester.

"I wonder," said General Rhodes, "whether you have heard of the reported upheaval in Germany?"

"Yes, sir," said Hal. "Only a few moments ago we captured a man who declared the kaiser had abdicated."

"That," said General Rhodes, "is probably untrue; however, I know that the kaiser has considered abdicating. In fact, his abdication is being urged by his military leaders—his erstwhile friends, Hindenburg and Ludendorff."

"Can that be possible, sir?" asked Hal.

"Yes, we have authentic information to that effect. I understand, too, Germany is preparing to ask Marshal Foch for an armistice preliminary to signing a declaration of peace."

"By Jove, sir!" exclaimed Chester, carried away in spite of himself.

General Rhodes smiled again.

"It is good news," he said quietly. "Of course, I am not absolutely positive of that, but in view of recent German reverses I do not see how the enemy can do aught else."

"Well, sir," said Chester, "we'll impose terms on them that will make their hair curl."

For a third time General Rhodes smiled.

"We won't be too severe," he said. "Remember, we are not German."

"That's true, too, sir," said Chester. "But all the same, it should be done, if you ask me."

"Perhaps," said General Rhodes. "Now, I suppose you are wondering why I called you here?"

"Yes, sir," returned Hal.

"Well," said General Rhodes, "I have been summoned to report to the commander-in-chief and I want a couple of officers to go with me who can be useful as well as ornamental."

Both lads flushed.

"I know that you drive an automobile exceedingly well, Major Paine," the general continued, "and for that reason I am selecting you as my chauffeur on this trip."

"But I am afraid I shall not be so useful, sir," said Chester.

"Well," said the general, "I am taking you along because I thought you'd like to go."

"And so I would, sir," answered Chester.

"It may be," General Rhodes continued, "that before our return we shall be present at a very momentous gathering."

"You mean, sir—" asked Hal.

General Rhodes nodded.

"Exactly," he replied. "I mean that the commander-in-chief is summoning me for some purpose other than because he wants to see me. It would seem that matters have reached a point where something is likely to break at any minute."

"By George! I hope so, sir," declared Chester.

"I shall expect you to be ready in an hour," said General Rhodes ending the interview suddenly. "I shall have a car here at that time."

Chester and Hal saluted and departed.

"Now, this is what I call a regular mission," declared Hal, as they hurried to their quarters.

"It is if it develops," replied Chester.

"Something tells me it will develop," said Hal.

"Let's hope so."

The lads were back at General Rhodes' headquarters well within the time allowed them. A large army automobile stood without.

"Guess this is our steed," said Hal.

He was right.

General Rhodes appeared a few moments later and took his seat. He motioned Chester to a place beside him. Hal took the wheel.

"Where to, sir?" he asked of the general.

"Rheims," was the reply. "The commander-in-chief is there now. You know the road, of course?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then you will take us there as speedily as possible."

The machine shot forward with a lurch.

Now if there was one thing Hal did better than anything else it was to drive an automobile. He was a fast though careful driver and his hands and nerves both were like steel when he clutched a wheel.

He had been over the road before, and his excellent memory served him in good stead now.

It was after 3 o'clock on the afternoon of November 7 when the automobile flashed into the outskirts of Rheims. Hal stopped the car long enough to inquire the way to General Pershing's headquarters, then moved forward again.

"You are a good driver, Major," said General Rhodes, as he alighted and motioned both boys to follow him.

"Thank you, sir," returned Hal. "I've had experience enough, sir, I should be, at all events."

General Rhodes vouchsafed no reply, as he mounted the short flight of steps to General Pershing's offices, with Hal and Chester at his heels.

Apparently his arrival was expected, for an orderly saluted and told him that he was to proceed to the commander-in-chief immediately.

"You gentlemen stay here until I send for you, or return," he instructed the two lads.

Hal and Chester stood stiffly at attention as he walked away.

"We're in luck, if you ask me," said Chester after their commander had gone.

"It would seem so," Hal agreed. "If anything happens, I'd like to be in at the finish."

"So would I. We've been in the war from the first. It would be no more than right for us to see the finale."

"Maybe we will," said Hal. "Here's hoping."

They sat quietly for some time. Two hours later an orderly approached.

"Major Paine! Major Crawford!" he said, "the commander-in-chief desires your presence at once. Kindly follow me."

CHAPTER XVII

STUBBS AGAIN

General Pershing greeted the lads cordially.

"Glad to see you again," he said. "General Rhodes informs me that you have been up to your old tricks and have again been cited for gallantry in action. However, it is no more than I would have expected of you."

The lads bowed in response to this praise, but neither spoke.

"It is fortunate that General Rhodes brought you with him," General Pershing continued. "Still, it may not be so fortunate for him, for I am about to deprive him of your services. I take it that you will survive the separation, though," and the commander-in-chief smiled.

"We are always glad to serve in whatever way we may, sir," said Hal.

"Good!" said General Pershing. "Then I shall avail myself of your services. Several hours ago I was in communication with Marshal Foch, who is now in Soissons. General Rhodes informs me that he has made you acquainted with the facts that seem to indicate an early cessation of hostilities, so I need not amplify here. Now, Marshal Foch, anticipating that Germany may really sue for peace, has asked my advice in the matter of armistice terms pending a final treaty of peace. These I have written out. As you will readily recognize, they are not to be trusted to careless hands. I have confidence in you, however, gentlemen, so I shall ask you to carry this paper to Marshal Foch."

"We shall be glad to do it, sir," said Chester.

"Very well. Then I intrust this paper to you, and I need not warn you to guard it carefully and keep the matter secret."

General Pershing extended a document to Hal. The lad took it and put it carefully in his inside coat pocket.

"It will be safe there, your excellency," he said quietly.

"Now," said the commander-in-chief, "it is my wish that that paper be placed in Marshal Foch's hands at the earliest possible moment. The car in which you drove General Rhodes is at your disposal."

"We shall make all possible haste, sir," said Chester.

Both lads saluted their commander and left the room.

"By Jove!" said Hal, as he sprang into the car, "there is no use talking, important developments are pending. It begins to look like peace to me."

"And to me," Chester agreed. "Well, the sooner the better. Four years of war is enough to satisfy Mars himself."

Soon the car was speeding westward.

It was a long drive to Soissons and it was after nightfall when Hal saw the lights of the city in the distance. A few moments later they entered the town.

Hal had no difficulty ascertaining where Marshal Foch made his headquarters and he drove there at once. A few words to a guard before the building brought forth a member of Marshal Foch's staff and the lads explained their mission to him briefly.

"You are expected," said the French officer. "Follow me."

He led the way into the house and through a long hall. At the far end he tapped on a door.

"Who's there?" came a voice, that Hal at once recognized as belonging to the French commander-in-chief.

"Colonel Murrat," said the lads' guide. "The messengers from General Pershing have arrived."

"Show them in at once," said Marshal Foch.

A moment later Hal and Chester were in the presence of the generalissimo of all the allied forces. They saluted him respectfully.

"I may be mistaken," said Marshal Foch, eyeing them searchingly, "but I'll wager you are Majors Paine and Crawford. Am I right?"

"Yes, your excellency," said Hal. "We are honored that you remember us."

"I never forget a face," replied Marshal Foch; "and seldom a name. Then you bring me a communication from General Pershing?"

For answer Hal produced the document given him by the American commander-in-chief earlier in the day. He passed it to Marshal Foch without a word. The French commander took it and laid it carefully on his desk.

"That will be all for to-night, gentlemen," he said. "I shall be pleased if you will avail yourself of our hospitality. Colonel Murrat will find quarters for you. Will you report to me in the morning at 8 o'clock? I may have a reply for your commander-in-chief."

The lads saluted again and withdrew. Colonel Murrat showed them to excellent quarters in a house next to the one in which the French commander had his headquarters and left them.

"Well," said Chester, after he had gone, "looks like we are right in among things, doesn't it?"

"It certainly does," Hal agreed. "But say, I'm hungry. Let's step out and round up something to eat."

"Suits me," declared Chester, "I'm half starved myself."

At a little restaurant only three or four blocks away they were soon comfortably filled. Hal was on the point of suggesting that they turn in for the night when a figure entering the door caught his eye.

"By all that's wonderful," he exclaimed, "here comes Anthony Stubbs."

Hal was right. The little war correspondent espied the lads at the same moment and hurried toward them with outstretched hand.

"I'm awfully glad to see you boys again," he exclaimed. "What brings you here, if I may ask?"

"Sit down, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Have something to eat with us."

"Thanks: don't mind if I do. But I repeat, what are you doing here?"

"How long have you been in town, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester, ignoring the little man's question.

"About fifteen minutes, more or less. But I say, what are you doing here? This is the third time I've asked that question."

"Then don't ask it again, Mr. Stubbs," replied Chester.

"Oh, I see," smiled Stubbs. "Can't answer, eh? Well, I'll wager another hat with somebody that I can tell you why you're here."

"You'd lose this time, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal.

"Oh, no I wouldn't. You're here in connection with the signing of an armistice by Germany and the allies."

Chester started to his feet.

"Sh-h-h! Not so loud, Stubbs," he exclaimed.

Stubbs smiled, but he lowered his voice when he spoke again.

"Well, would I lose the bet?" he asked.

"I can't say a thing, Mr. Stubbs," was Hal's response.

"Well, I'm bound by no such orders," said Stubbs, "so I can. First, however, I want you to understand that whatever I do say is in confidence."

"Of course," said Hal.

"Certainly, Mr. Stubbs," agreed Chester.

"Well, then," said Stubbs, "I want to tell you I'm on the trail of the biggest scoop in newspaper history. I'm going to be the first war correspondent to flash the news that the armistice is signed."

"You mean you think you are," said Chester.

"I'm dead sure of it. Now, I'm in close touch with a very influential naval officer. He has agreed to let me know the moment the armistice is signed; and the news will come to him over the only direct wire to the place of meeting between Germans and allies, for it will be an official wire."

"You're getting away ahead of the game, Mr. Stubbs," declared Chester.

"Certainly you have no information yet that an armistice is likely to be signed soon."

Stubbs smiled.

"But the trouble is I have," he replied quietly.

"Stubbs," said Hal with real admiration, "I don't know how you do it, but you certainly have a way of getting information when you start after it."

"That's why the New York Gazette sent me over here," replied Stubbs modestly.

"I see," said Hal. "Well, I wish you luck. But what are you doing here?"

Stubbs was silent a moment. Then he said:

"I know you'll say nothing about this, or I would keep mum. Truth is I came here to make these arrangements I've been telling you about."

"And how long will you stay, Mr. Stubbs?"

"Over night. I'm off for Versailles to-morrow."

"Versailles!" exclaimed Chester. "But you will be out of the fighting zone then, Mr. Stubbs, and it will take you longer to get word should your news develop."

"But I'll be where I can get it on the cables ahead of some of the rest of 'em," said Stubbs with a grin. "Also, I'll get word in Versailles as soon as the fellows get it here, or wherever the thing is pulled off. I've seen to that."

"I get you, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Now take my advice and wait until you are sure of your facts before you do anything rash."

"I wasn't born yesterday," said Stubbs with another grin. "I'll flash the word when the time comes, not before."

"Sorry we can't help you a little bit, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, "but you know how it is."

"Oh, that's all right," said Stubbs. "I understand. I don't make a habit of telling all I know either. Well, that was a pretty fair meal you fellows set me up to. Now let's get out of here. Where are you putting up?"

Hal told him.

"Guess there's no objection to my coming along, is there?" asked Stubbs.

"I guess not," said Hal. "Come along."

So Stubbs accompanied the two lads back to their temporary home.

"I'm going to turn in on that second bed there," he said. "You two fellows can bunk together. If I'm gone when you get up in the morning you'll know I'm on my way."

He threw his clothes off hastily, and crawled into bed.

"Good night," he said.

He was asleep and snoring loudly long before Hal and Chester turned in for the night.

"Let him snore," said Hal with a grin. "I'm not particularly fond of such noises, but I'd hate to disturb him. Anyway, he won't bother me long, and not at all after I get to sleep."

"Nor me," agreed Chester. "Let him snore."

So the lads also crawled between the sheets.

"Guess we'd better get all the rest we can," said Chester. "Things are liable to happen from this time on."

Chester was right. Things did happen.

CHAPTER XVIII

A MESSAGE FROM THE ENEMY

An air of confusion and extreme activity pervaded Marshal Foch's headquarters when Hal and Chester presented themselves to the French commander-in-chief the following morning.

The lads awakened early in spite of the fact that they had not gone early to bed. Stubbs already had taken his departure, but he had left a note which read:

"Good-bye. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn't wish to disturb you. You'll hear from me after I land the big scoop. Stubbs."

Upon entering the office of Marshal Foch the lads stood at attention for some moments before the marshal noticed their presence. Then he motioned them to approach.

"I'm very busy now," he said, indicating a mass of papers on his desk, "so I will ask you to sit down and await my pleasure. I am expecting momentarily to have news upon which to base a communication to General Pershing."

He turned back to his desk, and Hal and Chester found seats in the far end of the room.

From time to time, French officers hurried in, reported to Marshal Foch and departed again as hurriedly.

Marshal Foch tapped a bell on his desk. An officer who answered the part of private secretary arose from a desk across the room and hurried to his commander's side.

"Any word from General Marcel?" asked Marshal Foch.

"None, your excellency."

"Strange. My information indicated that developments would begin before now. What day is this, Colonel?"

"The eighth of November, your excellency."

"So it is, I had forgotten. In times like these, it seems I cannot keep track of the days. If General Marcel has not reported in the next half hour, you will send a messenger to ascertain why."

"Very well, sir."

The officer resumed his seat and Marshal Foch again plunged into the mass of papers on his desk.

Half an hour passed and in the interval no one had entered the room. Marshal Foch's secretary arose and approached his commander.

"I shall send a messenger to General Marcel now, your excellency," he said.

Marshal Foch nodded, but did not raise his head from his work.

The secretary left the room. He returned five minutes later and resumed his seat without a word.

Another half an hour passed.

Then an officer in full general's regalia entered and approached Marshal Foch.

"I am here, sir," he said, saluting.

The French commander looked up.

"Ah, General Marcel," he exclaimed. "And what have you to report, sir?"

"Nothing, your excellency."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing, sir. I have heard no word from the enemy since my conversation with you last night."

"Please repeat to me your reply of last night to the unofficial overtures made through the Swiss ambassador. My memory is not as good as it once was, general."

"I simply repeated your words, sir. I said: 'If the German general staff desires to ask an armistice on the western front, the allied forces will respect a flag of truce.'"

"And that is all, general?"

"That is all, sir. It was plain enough. The enemy knows now that he need attempt to gain no delay by subterfuge. If he is sincere in his appeal, a flag of truce will be sent from the German lines."

"Exactly," said Marshal Foch. "In the meantime, general, I shall order an attack in force along the whole front."

"I shall report to you the moment there are developments," said General Marcel.

"Very well, general. Let us hope the developments will come speedily. That is all."

General Marcel saluted and withdrew.

Marshal Foch swung again to his secretary.

"Summon General Magnin," he instructed.

The secretary went out hurriedly. He returned a moment later accompanied by a second figure, General Magnin, then acting chief of staff.

"General," said Marshal Foch, "I am going to order a further advance all along the line. Will you see that the necessary orders are given, at once?"

"At once, your excellency," said General Magnin, and withdrew with haste.

"Now, that's what I call getting action," Hal whispered to Chester.

"You bet," was Chester's low response.

Once more the French commander became immersed in his work. He took no notice of Hal and Chester, who, though trying to be as patient as possible, were beginning to get restless and to fidget uneasily.

At noon Marshal Foch showed no intention of stopping work for lunch.

"I can stand it if he can, I guess," Chester told himself.

At 2 o'clock the French commander was still with the papers and maps before him.

At 3 o'clock General Marcel entered hurriedly.

"General Dupree reports a flag of truce advancing from the enemy lines south of Rocroi, sir," he said, his voice trembling under repressed emotion.

Marshal Foch was on his feet instantly.

"By 'phone?" he demanded.

"Yes, sir."

"And what else did he say?"

"That is all, sir."

"Very well. Report to your own station, general. I'll get General Dupree on the wire myself."

General Marcel withdrew.

"Colonel Matin!"

The French commander's secretary was on his feet instantly.

"Get General Dupree for me on the wire at once."

Colonel Matin seized the telephone. Five minutes later he said:

"General Dupree on the wire, your excellency."

Marshal Foch seized the instrument.

"Hello, Dupree," he said into the transmitter. "This is Marshal Foch. Has the flag of truce reached our lines yet?"

"No, sir," was the response over the wire. "There seems to be some doubt that it will reach our lines."

"Some doubt? What do you mean?"

"The bearer has turned back twice, sir, and—one moment." The voice broke off and for several moments Marshal Foch waited impatiently. At last General Dupree spoke again: "The flag of truce is advancing again, sir."

"Good," said Marshal Foch. "I'll keep the wire open. Inform me at once of what the messenger says."

For perhaps five minutes Marshal Foch held the 'phone himself. From time to time his eyes wandered to the mass of papers that littered his desk. He called suddenly:

"Major Crawford!"

Chester sprang to his feet with alacrity and advanced to the marshal's side.

"Take this 'phone and inform me the moment General Dupree is on the wire again."

Chester did as commanded, and sat motionless before the telephone. Marshal Foch, meanwhile, bent over his desk and buried himself in maps and papers.

Not for a moment, it seemed, could this active man rest. He could not even content himself the few moments necessary to await further word from General Dupree. His mind was never idle. He was busy and active every minute he was awake. This, perhaps, was what made him the great and successful military genius he was.

A voice came over the wire to Chester's ear.

"Your excellency?"

"One moment," said Chester.

He found it unnecessary to apprise Marshal Foch that General Dupree was on the wire again. At the first sound of the lad's voice, the French commander had left his chair and stepped to Chester's side. Now he took the receiver from the lad's hand.

"This is Foch," he said. "Well?"

"The message from the enemy," said General Dupree, "is signed by Ludendorff. In effect, it requests a meeting between a commission of Germans and the allies to discuss terms of an armistice."

"Hm-m," said Marshal Foch. "Signed by Ludendorff, eh?"

"You may tell the envoy," said Marshal Foch, "that to-morrow at noon I shall be at Hirson, accompanied by my staff. A flag of truce from the enemy's lines will be respected then as now. If it is the earnest and true wish of the enemy to seek means of bringing an end to hostilities, I may be seen at Hirson at that hour. That is all, general."

Marshal Foch replaced the receiver and returned to his desk. Then, instead of plunging again into the mass of work awaiting his attention, he sat in thought for some time. At last he raised his head.

"It has been thoughtless of me to keep you gentlemen here all this time," he said to Hal and Chester, "but to tell the truth for the time being I had forgotten your presence. Now, I don't know as it is really necessary for me to send any word to General Pershing. However, I shall be in touch with him by telephone shortly, and I shall take pleasure at that time in informing him that I am taking you with me to Hirson to-morrow."

In spite of themselves, Hal and Chester uttered exclamations of pure astonishment.

Marshal Foch smiled.

"I know it is a strange procedure," he admitted. "Still, it will be well if I have some one besides French officers when I meet the German delegates. Do you care to go?"

"Of course, your excellency," said Chester breathlessly.

"Of course, sir," declared Hal.

"Then go you shall," said Marshal Foch. "Report to me here to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock."

Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure, their spirits high.

CHAPTER XIX

HIRSON

Almost due west of Rheims approximately 150 miles as the crow flies, less than two hundred miles northeast of Soissons, is the village of Hirson. Through all the war, this little village, on the edge of the Franco-Belgian border, had retained its quiet seclusion. It had been the scene of much severe fighting during the four years of the war, but otherwise laid no claim to prominence.

But now Hirson was to become historic. In it was to be written one of the most important chapters in the history of all nations.

Into Hirson on the morning of November 9, steamed a special train. The Tricolor streamed from the engine pilot, from the rear car, and fluttered from each and every window as the train drew into the little station.

At the depot awaiting the arrival of the train stood a group of men. Included in this group was the burgess, the mayor of the city, and other officials of the city government.

As the train came to a stop a uniformed man dropped from the steps of the rear car, removed his hat and stood at attention. Directly other uniformed figures alighted. These also drew themselves up to attention. Following these there stepped from the car an elderly man, smooth shaven except for a flowing white mustache. Tall he was and erect. His uniform, though plain, nevertheless proved him of high rank and it was apparent to the casual observer that here was the man to whom the others now paid homage. In fact, a glance showed that the man who now stepped from the car was of the highest military rank in France. He was, as his stars and bars proclaimed him, a marshal of France—the commander-in-chief of all the allied armies opposed to the Germans—Marshal Foch.

Following him from the car came his retinue of officers—members of his staff, and a few others who had been invited to accompany him to the coming conference with representatives of the German empire.

As Marshal Foch left the car, the mayor of the town hurried forward, and welcomed him to the city with a series of deferential bows and words. It is doubtful, so excited was the mayor at the unexpected honor paid his little town, if the man really knew what he said; but his intentions were all of the best, and Marshal Foch accepted them as such—and smiled.

"I am very glad to be here, Mr. Taylor," he said quietly, "particularly on such a mission. I know that the people of your little city will be proud to be hosts upon such an historic occasion."

"Yes, ye-s-yes, your excellency," stammered the burgess.

"Will you kindly see if you can prepare food for my officers and myself?" requested Marshal Foch.

"It shall be done immediately, your excellency," said the mayor, and bustled away.

Marshal Foch turned to the members of his staff and the others who composed the party.

"There is nothing for us to do at the moment, gentlemen," he said, "except to prepare ourselves for the feast. By the way, Colonel," turning to his secretary, "at what hour did I bid General Dupree report to me here?"

"Two o'clock this afternoon, sir," was the reply.

Marshal Foch glanced at his watch.

"And it is not quite noon yet," he said. "Well, we have plenty of time ahead of us."

Directly the burgess returned to report that luncheon was served in the depot, and to this Marshal Foch and members of his staff repaired at once.

The meal disposed of, it was after 12 o'clock. The next hour the French commander-in-chief spent in animated discussion with members of his staff.

Now Hal and Chester, in response to the commands of Marshal Foch, had reported to him at the hour appointed and thus found themselves members of the group that proceeded to Hirson. The heart of each lad beat high, for both were smart enough to know that they were on the eve of historic events.

"I'm willing to bet, though," said Hal, "that the Germans will go back on their promises."

"I don't think so," declared Chester. "They are aiming to get the easiest terms possible, and they must be smart enough to realize that the longer they postpone their cry for peace, the harder will be the terms imposed by the allies."

"Maybe so," Hal admitted; "but after four years' experience with the Germans, I believe nothing until I see it."

"You talk like Stubbs," said Chester.

"Perhaps; and yet I'm telling you just how I feel."

"For my part," said Chester, "I believe the enemy has at last come to the conclusion that they are licked and want to get out of the mess the easiest way they can."

"You may be right. It would be just like the Germans to have wreaked destruction on all other nations and then to try and crawl out without paying the cost."

"Don't fool yourself about that," said Chester. "They'll have to pay."

"I'm sure I hope so. Personally, I am in favor of dismembering the German empire."

"I believe that is what will be done. Certainly, with victory in their grasp, the allies cannot afford to allow Germany to prepare a second time for a conflagration that will consume the world."

"You wouldn't think so, that's certain."

The lads became silent as Marshal Foch, followed by members of his staff, approached them.

"Well, gentlemen," said the marshal, "are you glad to be here, or would you rather be on the firing line with your American forces?"

"For the moment," replied Hal, "we would much prefer to be here, sir. I want to say that we are indeed fortunate to be on the spot where history is about to be written, your excellency."

"Right you are, young sir," declared Marshal Foch, "and if I am not greatly mistaken, history will be written here—and that very soon."

"The sooner the better for all concerned, sir," said Chester.

Marshal Foch bowed slightly in acknowledging this remark, the lads saluted and the commander-in-chief walked away.

"Well," said Chester half an hour later, "I'm getting tired of sitting around here. I wish something would happen."

"I heard Marshal Foch say that General Dupree was to report here at 2 o'clock," said Hal "It's almost that now. Something may happen soon after that."

"Let's hope so. This is tiresome business."

Shortly before 2 o'clock, the sound of an approaching train raised the lads' hopes again. Others in the party also showed keen interest. A few moments later a train drew into the station. Marshal Foch and his staff were on the platform.

Presently there alighted a figure in the uniform of a divisional commander.

"General Dupree," said Chester to Hal.

The lad was right.

General Dupree hurried at once to Marshal Foch and the two engaged in conversation when the formalities of greeting had been exchanged.

"Then you say that the German envoys will be here this evening?" asked Marshal Foch.

"So I have been informed. They have sought safe conduct through our lines, and without asking your permission, sir, I have granted it."

"That is well. At a time like this we must not let a few formalities stand in the way."

"I thought you would say so, your excellency, therefore I have ordered that firing be suspended all along the line at 4 o'clock, the hour upon which I am informed, the German representatives will leave their own lines."

"You have done well, General. Now what is your idea as to their reception?"

"There should be no formal reception, sir. These men are coming to sue for peace. As defeated enemies, so they should be received. We must not lose sight of the fact, sir, that we are dealing almost with barbarians."

"True, General," said Marshal Foch, "and yet I wish it could be otherwise."

"You may be sure," said General Dupree, "that they will never be satisfied with any terms for an armistice which you may offer."

"That will be their misfortune," was the reply. "But as for my terms, they may take them or leave them. I shall stand firm."

"As you should, your excellency. The enemy is entitled to no consideration."

"I shall be no more harsh than necessary," said Marshal Foch. "All I am striving to bring about is peace—peace on such terms as will prevent a resumption of this murderous struggle."

Marshal Foch now turned and re-entered his car which still stood in the station.

"I shall receive them here when they arrive," he informed General Dupree, who accompanied him.

The day passed slowly for Hal and Chester.

Much as they would have liked to look about the city a bit they knew that their duty lay with the others who had come to Hirson, and they stuck close to the railroad station.

"Hope we don't have to linger here long after the conference," said Chester. "This is not my idea of having a good time, at all."

"Nor mine," Hal agreed; "and yet, when we get back to America we will have something to talk about."

"Rather," Chester agreed dryly. "But I wish something would hurry up and happen."

"So do I; but wishing won't do any good."

"Maybe not; but it gives a fellow something to talk about, and that helps pass away the time."

The day drew toward a close at last.

Hal and Chester, along toward 4 o'clock, found themselves close to the telegraph operator in the station. Suddenly the clattering of the instrument became more nervous. The operator pricked up his ears. Then he leaped to his feet excitedly.

"They're coming!" he cried.

CHAPTER XX

THE GERMAN ENVOYS ARRIVE

A third train drew into the station. Two French officers alighted first. These were the men who had been directed to receive the German representatives and accompany them to Marshal Foch's headquarters.

The German delegates, who left the train immediately after them, presented a strange appearance. Garbed in German uniforms, their eyes were blindfolded. This precaution had been taken by direction of Marshal Foch in order that the delegates might not acquaint themselves with the allied strength and other military details as they passed through the lines.

The German delegates were worn and travel-stained. It had been a hard trip through No Man's Land in an automobile. There they rode in the drizzling rain, over shell holes and under the most trying conditions. Consequently, they were not in the best of humor.

Immediately upon alighting from the train that had brought them to Hirson, they were conducted to Marshal Foch's train.

In the rear car, Marshal Foch was busy at his desk. This car was fitted out with all material comforts. It was the marshal's private car. In it he often slept and worked. It had all the comforts of home and bore some resemblance to a large parlor.

His staff stood respectfully some distance away, while his guests, including Hal and Chester, were even farther back in the car.