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.