"Well, we'll pass all that up," said Anthony Stubbs. "The question to
consider now is whether we shall take the general's statement as
sufficient to brand the Austrian peace rumor as a German plot."
"It's enough for me," declared Hal.
"Same here," agreed Chester.
"I'm perfectly satisfied myself," said Stubbs. "I am afraid the New
York Gazette will lose a good story as a result, but I can't help that.
I'm not going to yell peace when there is no peace. Now the thing to
do, to my mind, is to get back to our own lines."
"Right," said Hal briefly. "We'll make the attempt to-night, if you are
both agreeable."
The others nodded their agreement. Hal told Stubbs of the hidden
airplane, and it was decided to make the return trip in that craft if
the Germans had not discovered it.
"In the meantime," said Stubbs, "we'll just stick close to this room;
it's safer."
And so they spent the day in the quiet little hotel of historic Sedan.
*CHAPTER VI*
*AN ENCOUNTER*
It was after dark when Hal, Chester and Stubbs left the seclusion of the
hotel and started toward the spot where the lads had hidden their
airplane the morning before.
There were plenty of signs of military activity in Sedan as the three
friends passed along the streets, but no one interfered with them. To
all intents and purposes they were precisely what they seemed--two
German army officers and a civilian above the military age. And at last
they came to the outskirts of the town.
"How much farther, Hal?" Stubbs wanted to know.
"Not much," was Hal's reply. "Perhaps a mile, Mr. Stubbs."
"Not far, eh?" said Stubbs with some sarcasm. "I hope you don't call
that close."
"It's likely to be a whole lot farther to our lines than we have
figured, if the plane is gone," Chester put in.
"And I'm willing to bet it'll be gone," declared Stubbs.
"There you go, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Nobody could ever truthfully
call you an optimist."
"I've lived too long and seen too much to be an optimist," was the
little man's response. "Now, who wants to bet we won't have to hoof it
back to the American lines?"
"I'll take that bet, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, "just to show you that
it pays to be an optimist. What'll it be?"
"Anything you say," replied Stubbs. "Make it a new pipe for me and a
hat for you--when the war's over."
"Suits me," said Chester. "It's a bet."
The three walked along the dark road in silence for some moments.
"By George! it can't be much farther," declared Stubbs at last. "We've
covered a mile now. Must have lost your bearings, Hal."
"Just hold your horses, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "I'm not in the habit of
making such mistakes. We'll be there presently."
Stubbs grumbled to himself but made no reply.
Five minutes later Hal slackened his pace and took Stubbs by the arm.
"There," he said, pointing to a clump of trees a short distance ahead,
"there is the spot we hid the plane, unless I am greatly mistaken. It
may be there yet."
"And it may not," growled Stubbs, although his voice indicated that he
was pleased that the long walk was about over.
At the edge of the miniature forest, Hal paused and glanced up and down
the road. So did Chester and Stubbs. There was no one in sight.
"We'll have a look," said Hal.
He stepped in among the trees. Then he gave an exclamation of relief.
"She's here," he said softly.
It was true. There was the plane right where the lads had left it in
the early morning of the day before. Apparently there had been no one
near it, for its position was the same as that in which the lads had
left it.
"Well, don't let's fool around here," said Stubbs. "Let's be moving."
"Since when did you become so anxious to fly, Mr. Stubbs?" asked
Chester.
"I'm not anxious to fly," retorted Stubbs. "I never did like to ride in
one of these things and I never will; but I want to get out of this
place, and I'm in favor of moving right away."
"We'll move then," said Hal briefly. "Chester, do you suppose you can
make room back there?"
"By George!" said Stubbs. "He'll have to make room for me or there'll
be a fight right here."
"I guess we can squeeze him in some way, Hal," replied Chester.
Hal and Chester turned the craft so that its nose pointed toward the
open, then wheeled it from the woods.
"Climb in, Stubbs," said Hal.
The little war correspondent needed no further urging. Chester took his
place beside him. It was a tight squeeze, for the machine had not been
constructed to carry two in the rear seat, but Chester and Stubbs
managed it. Hal climbed in the pilot's seat and adjusted the spark.
"All ready?" he called over his shoulder.
"Shoot," answered Stubbs, grasping the side of the plane firmly.
Almost at the same moment there came a sudden interruption to the flight
of the three friends.
Half a dozen forms appeared from nowhere at all and quickly surrounded
the plane. Half a dozen rifles were leveled at the craft and a harsh
German voice exclaimed:
"Halt!"
Stubbs gave an exclamation of disgust.
"I knew it," he said, and that was all.
Hal muttered an imprecation beneath his breath. They had been so close
to getting away safely, and now this interruption made him angry.
"Well," he told himself, "there is nothing to do but try and bluff it
out. Fortunately, we have not discarded our German uniforms." He
raised his voice and called: "What's the meaning of this?"
"Get out of that plane," said the German voice.
The muzzles of half a dozen rifles made Hal realize that discretion
truly is the better part of valor.
"There's no help for it," he told himself.
He got out. Chester and Stubbs followed his example. Hal approached
the man who had accosted them.
"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded again.
For the first time the German appeared to notice the German uniforms and
the straps that proclaimed Hal and Chester captains in the emperor's
service.
"Your pardon if I have made a mistake, captain," he said. "But how was
I to know? Yesterday I found this plane--clearly an American
craft--hidden here. I had it watched all to-day, but no one came near
it. I saw no bodies near to indicate that the American pilot had been
killed. Therefore I judged that there was a spy within our lines.
That's why my men have stood guard here until now."
"You have done well, lieutenant," said Hal. "It's true that this is an
American craft, but it has been used by our friend here," and he
indicated Stubbs, "for purposes favorable to the German cause. Herr
Schindler arrived early yesterday morning and reported to General Knoff
in Sedan. Now Captain Diegle and myself are bound on a little
expedition with him. Do I make myself clear, lieutenant?"
"Perfectly," and the lieutenant ordered his men to lower their rifles.
"It is not for me to question the wisdom of my superiors."
"You are a good officer, lieutenant," said Hal. "I shall see that
General Knoff hears of your vigilance."
"Thank you, captain. Is there anything I may do for you before you
proceed on your journey?"
"Nothing, thanks. Then with your permission, lieutenant, we shall
continue our interrupted journey."
Hal turned again toward the car. Chester and Stubbs followed him.
"Quickly, now," said Hal in a low voice. "His suspicions may be aroused
again. We've no time to lose."
Again Chester and Stubbs clambered into the back seat.
"All right?" asked Hal, after he had taken his seat.
"All right," said Chester.
"Let her go, Hal," cried Stubbs in English.
And these words almost caused their undoing.
At the sound of the English phrase the German lieutenant, who had been
watching the friends embark for their aerial trip, realized in a moment
that he had been fooled.
The plane was gliding slowly across the ground when he called to his
men:
"Spies! Shoot them!"
Instantly the soldiers threw their rifles to their shoulders and poured
a volley after the plane. Then they started after the craft on a dead
run.
The first volley did no damage beyond arousing Hal's anger. He berated
Stubbs' carelessness roundly to himself, but not for a moment did he
take his mind off the work in hand.
Chester and Stubbs ducked instinctively at the sound of the first
volley. Then Chester raised his head, and drawing his revolvers, fired
at the pursuing Germans.
The lad's efforts were rewarded with cries of anger, and there was one
shrill scream. Chester smiled grimly to himself, for he knew that he
had accounted for one of the foes.
Again and again the Germans fired, and Chester heard the balls glance
off the side of the plane. Still the enemy fire had not reached a vital
part of the craft and the occupants were untouched.
Now Hal touched the elevating lever gently and the plane soared in the
air. One more volley the Germans fired after them. Then the three
friends were safe.
"Stubbs," said Chester, as the plane sped through the air. "I ought to
pitch you out of here, and you know it."
"By George! Why?" demanded Stubbs, puzzled.
"Why?" echoed Chester. "Wasn't it your fault that we almost got killed
just now?"
"I don't see how you make that out," declared the little correspondent.
"Didn't you yell out in English just before we started?"
"By George! Did I? I didn't know it."
"You must be losing your mind, Stubbs," declared Chester. "You don't
remember calling out in English, eh?"
"No, I don't," declared Stubbs, "and it's my opinion you're blaming me
to cover up something you have done yourself."
"I've a good mind to reach over and pull your nose, Stubbs," said
Chester.
"If you do you'll have your own pulled right back again," declared
Stubbs angrily.
"Say! What's the matter with you fellows back there?" called Hal over
his shoulder. "Don't you know we're in enemy territory and that there
are thousands of German planes flying around here some place? If you
have any arguing to do wait until we get back to our own lines. I'll be
referee then and you can fight all week, if you want to."
"Make him let me alone, then," growled Stubbs to himself, but he became
silent.
The journey was continued without incident. Only once was Hal's order
for silence broken, and then by Chester who, nudging Stubbs, said:
"Don't forget our bet. You owe me a hat."
"All right," Stubbs whispered back; "and I'll pay it--when the war's
over."
*CHAPTER VII*
*THE ADVANCE*
The month of October, 1918, was one of the most glorious in the pages of
American history written by the world's war. From early in the month
General Pershing's men struck along their wide front and everywhere the
Germans gave ground. French and British troops also made progress daily
along the great battle front.
On October 3 the Germans retreated on the Lenz front. The British
advanced to within six miles of Lille. Belgian and French troops
advanced in the region of Hooglede and Roulers. Two days later the
German retreat began in the Champagne region. Continuing along the line
to the south, the allies pressed their advantage at all points.
It was clear to all military experts that the beginning of the end was
in sight. From Rheims, American troops, late in October, began the
advance that was to carry them into Sedan and beyond. Germany's
resistance was becoming more feeble daily.
The German emperor was never to recover from the moral effect of the
desertion of Bulgaria as German supremacy waned. With Bulgaria out of
the war, German efforts were turned to keeping Turkey and Austria in
line. But these, too, were to fail. Only a short time after Bulgaria
laid down arms, Turkey signed a truce with England and France. The
United States had no hand in the making of these two truces, because
America, despite much urging, had never formally declared war on Turkey
and Bulgaria.
With the fortunes of Germany at low ebb, it became apparent that Austria
would eventually leave her more powerful ally in the lurch. Again and
again reports filtering into the allied lines told of fast growing
political disturbances in the dual monarchy. Several cabinets had
fallen. The red flag of anarchy was flying in the streets of some of
the smaller towns. The Hungarian parliament had broken with the cabinet
at Vienna, and it seemed only a question of time until the Austrian
revolt would make an end of Austria as a factor in the war.
Conditions were growing serious in Germany also, as reports reaching the
American forces revealed. So far, however, disorder was not as rampant
as in Austria-Hungary, but it was growing clear that the masses of the
German people, long since tired of fighting a losing battle, were
getting ready to take matters into their own hands.
In none of the allied capitals, however, was it believed that Germany
was yet ready to consider a peace, which, everyone knew, must deprive
Germany of her claim to being a world power. The world knew that when
the allies imposed their terms, they would be such as would tie the
hands of Germany for decades to come and would eventually prevent a
repetition, by a blundering and crazy ruler, of a condition that had
plunged the whole world into war.
So the daily advance of the allied armies meant one more day nearer to
peace.
To the north, where the British under Field Marshal Haig were pressing
their advantage, the German line held more firmly than to the south,
where French and Americans were delivering their smashing blows. The
entire sector south and east of the Argonne Forest was controlled by
American forces under the personal direction of General Pershing. True,
General Pershing was nominally under command of Field Marshal Foch, the
French commander in chief, but so was Field Marshal Haig, the British
commander, and General Diaz, the Italian commander in chief, for that
matter. It was Marshal Foch who was the master mind of the whole allied
offensive.
When the rumor was first circulated among the allied forces that Austria
was about to sue for peace, there were few who placed credence in it,
despite the fact that they knew such an appeal was sure to be made
before long. Nevertheless, if it were true, it would be of advantage to
the allies to know of the impending appeal at the earliest possible
moment.
To General Pershing, Marshal Foch had entrusted the task of ascertaining
the truth or falsity of the report. General Pershing, in turn, had
passed the word along where he felt it would do the most good. This was
how it happened that Hal and Chester found themselves so fortunate as to
be ordered within the German lines at Sedan on the mission which opened
this book.
That Germany would have profited greatly at that time could the
Americans, French and British have been fooled by the false rumor goes
without saying. And it is true, too, that the longer the rumor was
permitted to live the greater became the danger of over-confidence in
the ranks of the allies.
It is for this reason that General Pershing was immensely pleased to
receive so soon a report from Colonel O'Neil, at Rheims that this first
rumor of an impending appeal for peace by Austria was nothing more than
a German plot. Immediately the word was passed along the whole battle
front. The result was, that Germany, instead of having gained by this
piece of duplicity, suffered. For when allied troops went into battle
they struck that much harder. For a time they had believed that their
efforts were to be crowned with immediate success, and now that they
learned the Germans had been playing with them they fought with the
desperate energy of the man who fears he has been made ridiculous.
It was learned later that this rumor of Austria's decision to break with
Germany was started by the Germans themselves for the reason we have
seen.
Austria was not so much as consulted in the matter, and it has been
shown since that this very fact was responsible, in a measure, for
Austria's decision some time later to sue for a separate peace. So the
bomb launched by the kaiser and his advisers proved a veritable
boomerang.
But President Wilson and his advisers had not been fooled by the German
plot. President Wilson, some time before, had laid down conditions on
which Germany and Austria might have peace, and to these he stuck. He
had informed the German and Austrian people that they might have peace
at any time by laying down their arms, provided they ousted the
militarists who were responsible for the war. Several efforts had been
made by German and Austrian officials to fool America by changes of
cabinets and other political tricks but President Wilson, with his
allies, was adamant.
So the situation stood in the middle of October, when the allies girded
themselves for what they felt sure would prove the deciding effort.
All along the great battle line, which stretched from the North Sea to
the frontier of Switzerland, British, French, Belgians and Americans
supported by their own allies, Portuguese, some few Brazilians and
troops from British and French colonial possessions, gathered themselves
for the final spring.
The last great offensive was begun by the British and Belgians to the
north. Through Belgium and western France they plowed, pushing the
enemy back on all sides. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, in German
hands since early in the war, was recaptured. The Belgian government,
which after the fall of Brussels had moved into France, returned to
Brussels amid the cheering of thousands of Belgians.
As the Germans retreated, they followed their customary tactics of
cruelty. Fire and sword were applied to the abandoned towns until a
threat from France put a stop to it. France's threat was this: That for
every town destroyed by the Germans in their retreat, retaliation would
be made. For every town thus destroyed by the Germans, a German town
would also be put to the torch.
This threat, carried by neutral envoys to the German high command,
resulted in the abandonment of the German campaign of destruction, for
the German high command was now more far-seeing than it had been a year
before. The kaiser and his generals at last had been forced to the
conclusion that they were waging a losing war. Also, they knew that the
French troops had not forgotten the horrors of the early days of the
war, and their hatred of everything Prussian dated farther back even
than that--to the days of the Franco-Prussian war, when they had been
able to gauge for the first time the workings of the Prussian mind.
To the south of the Belgian frontier, the French wrested St. Quentin,
Lille and other important railroad towns from the enemy. No longer did
the Germans offer the fierce resistance that had characterized their
earlier activities. They withdrew now without the stubbornness of yore.
Their morale had been shattered, and they were glad to retire.
All along the battle line the great field and siege guns of the
Americans, French, Belgian and British played havoc in the enemy ranks.
The German artillery replied, but it lacked the volume and the fierce
challenge of old. Then, too, the Germans had lost thousands and
thousands of their guns, field pieces and machine guns. Factories
behind the German frontier had been depleted of workers to fill the gaps
in the fighting front, with the result that guns and ammunitions were
not being produced so fast as they had been the year before.
This meant that the Germans were compelled to conserve their ammunition.
The high command had also found it necessary to be more sparing of its
man-power and less prodigal with its food supplies. No longer could the
enemy sacrifice a few thousand men and thousands and thousands of rounds
of ammunition to gain a few feet of ground.
On the other hand, due to the activity of American factories, the allies
were supplied with more ammunition, guns and food than ever before since
the war began. Also, numerically, were superior to the foe.
With these facts in mind, Field Marshal Foch ordered the advance all
along the front that was to prove the end of Germany as a military
power; that was to result in the abdication of the German emperor and
the crown prince; and that was to mean revolution throughout the German
empire until such time as a stable government could raise its head and
the common people could come into their own.
And so it was a great day for the German people when Marshal Foch gave
the word that set his millions of men in motion from the North Sea
hundreds of miles south to the frontier of Switzerland. It was a move
that meant that the German people would do away with masters and would
set up a government of their own--a government which was to be patterned
after that of the United States of America--a "government of the people,
for the people and by the people."
In this last great mission, Hal and Chester were to perform their full
duties, and they were to have greater fortune than ever before, for they
were to be "in at the death," as Hal put it, with Marshal Foch when the
great French military leader gave to the enemy terms that resulted in
the ending of the war.
In the meantime, all unconscious of what was in store for them, the two
lads, after returning from their mission within the German lines, were
taking a well deserved rest in their temporary quarters in the French
city of Rheims.
*CHAPTER VIII*
*TOWARD SEDAN*
The American army was moving toward Sedan. Already the Yankee forces
advancing from the south and west had occupied St. Aigan and invested
Maisoncelle, Stonne and Sommauthe. The enemy had contested every inch
of the ground, but the Americans were not to be denied. The
Forty-second division, better known as the Rainbow Division, under
command of Major-General Charles D. Rhodes, and the Second division,
regular army troops, commanded by Major-General John A. Lejeune, were
showing the way.
On either side of these forces were the Seventy-seventh and the
Eighty-second divisions, commanded respectively by Major-General Robert
Alexander and Major-General George P. Duncan.
In these American units advancing upon Sedan were represented fighting
men from all sections of the United States.
The Forty-second was composed of former National Guardsmen from the
various states, the Seventy-seventh recruited chiefly from New York
City, and the Eighty-second, composed of Georgians, Tennesseeans and
Alabamans. The Second division, as has been said, was a regular army
unit.
It was with the Forty-second division that Hal and Chester found
themselves when the advance began. Attached to the staff of Colonel
O'Neil of the third regiment, Thirty-second division, commanded by
Major-General William C. Haan, they had been sent to General Rhodes with
dispatches just before the advance began.
It was the night of the second of November, 1918, and the Americans were
forging ahead in spite of the lateness of the hour--midnight. This was
one feature of Yankee fighting that the Germans were never able to
understand. The German is a methodical man. Even in the art of war he
is governed to no small degree by habit. Ordinarily the Germans did not
fight at night. With the coming of darkness, as a rule, it had been
their custom to postpone further actions till the morrow.
Now, however, they were forced to give up some of these customs. When
American forces advanced they continued their work whether it was night
or day. Consequently, the Germans had found themselves forced either to
fight or run.
The Germans were fighting tonight. All day they had been retreating,
but now, less than a dozen miles from the city of Sedan, they were
making a desperate stand.
The voices of the great guns shattered the night; huge rockets and other
signal flares lighted up the darkness. Dimly could be heard the crash
of machine gun fire and the rattle of the rifles at points where the
fighting was close.
All day Hal and Chester had been kept on the jump, carrying dispatches
to the various regimental commanders. At midnight, there appeared
little likelihood they would gain a much needed rest before morning.
General Rhodes, realizing the advantage won earlier in the day, was
determined to press it to the utmost. Over his field telephone he kept
in touch with developments in other parts of the field. There, he
learned, the Germans also were giving ground.
The advance guard of the Forty-second was now a few miles to the north
of Maisoncelle, which had been captured late in the evening. General
Rhodes determined upon a bold stroke.
He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside Chester, in the general's
quarters.