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.
Came footsteps on the vestibule without. Instantly an air of excitement
pervaded the car. Staff officers, trying to look unconcerned, failed
miserably, and no wonder. Great events were impending. A man could
hardly help showing the strain under which he was laboring.
Marshal Foch was by all odds the coolest man in the car.
Directly the door opened. In stepped the German delegates--five of
them--and behind them came the French officers who had been their
pilots.
General Dupree arose to receive them. Marshal Foch was still busy at
his desk. He did not look up.
First the German envoys were allowed to remove the bandages from their
eyes. Then they were presented to General Dupree, who acknowledged the
introductions with a stiff salute.
"If it is your desire to speak with the commander-in-chief," he said to
the Germans, "his excellency will grant you a brief interview. But he
is very busy, so you must be brief."
He spoke to the commander-in-chief, who laid down a sheaf of papers and
rose to his feet.
Marshal Foch and the Germans saluted stiffly. Introductions followed.
"You must be brief, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "My time is
valuable."
One of the Germans advanced.
"We have come," he said quietly, "to learn on what terms we may accept
the armistice you have offered."
"Armistice?" repeated Marshal Foch, "I have made no offer of an
armistice."
The German officer bit his lip.
"But I understood--" he began.
"Enough of this subterfuge," said Marshal Foch sternly. "It is my
understanding that you come hither to request an armistice preliminary
to negotiations for peace. If I am mistaken, we are losing valuable
time."
Marshal Foch saw plainly through the Germans' plan. It was to make it
appear that the armistice had been offered by the allies, and not sought
by the German high command. The French commander-in-chief realized,
too, what effect this would have on the German people. It would bolster
their flagging courage and might possibly result in many more months of
war.
"But--" began the German again.
"It is idle to argue," said Marshal Foch. "As I say, I understood that
the German high command seeks an end of this war. If so, I shall be
glad to state my terms. If not, I shall order an advance along the
whole front within two hours."
The German delegate to whom had been assigned the role of spokesman
bowed.
"It is our misfortune, sir," he said, "to ask for an armistice, in order
that negotiations may be begun to put an end to further bloodshed."
"That is different," said Marshal Foch. "In that case, I shall be glad
to state my terms. Briefly, they are these: That Germany immediately
surrender to the allies quantities of arms and ammunition, the amounts
to be determined later; that a certain number of war vessels and other
ships, including submarines, be turned over as evidence of good faith;
that German troops, in a specified time, shall withdraw to the east
banks of the Rhine. In a word, I demand such sacrifices as will
preclude the possibility of Germany renewing the struggle."
The German delegates uttered exclamations of protest.
"But, sir," said the spokesman, "Germany cannot submit to those terms."
"Take them or leave them," said Marshal Foch, throwing wide his hands.
"Have I your permission to confer with my associates?" asked the
spokesman.
Marshal Foch produced his watch and laid it on his desk.
"I will allow you fifteen minutes," he replied.
The Germans withdrew to the far end of the car, where they began an
animated discussion. At last the spokesman again approached Marshal
Foch and saluted.
"I am afraid," he began, "that it is not in our power to accept such
conditions out of hand. It will be first necessary to obtain the
consent of higher authorities than we chance to be."
"Yes?" said Marshal Foch inquiringly.
He had expected something like this.
"In which case," went on the German, "we have to request a cessation of
hostilities while we return to our lines for further instructions."
Marshal Foch shook his head.
"It is impossible," he said quietly.
The German was surprised. Clearly he had expected nothing like this.
"But, sir," he protested, "it is utterly impossible for us to accept
these conditions. We have not the authority. We must secure it from
the high command."
"That is your misfortune," said Marshal Foch.
"Then what are we to do?"
"You may return to your own lines at your own risk," said Marshal Foch.
"I shall order firing stopped for a brief space that you may leave the
allied lines; also, a flag of truce will be honored again, if you care
to return. But in the interval, I propose to renew the fighting."
Again the German delegates debated.
"If that is the best you can do, sir," said the spokesman at last, "we
shall have to be content."
"It is the best I can do," said Marshal Foch. "Now let me make a
suggestion. It is perfectly plain that if the sentiments of the German
high command are sincere, the sooner you return the better for all
concerned. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, sir."
"Then my suggestion is this. I shall place a fast army plane at your
disposal that you may return to your own lines the quicker."
"But we have no pilot," protested the German.
"I will furnish the pilot."
A third time the Germans debated the matter.
"We accept, sir," said the spokesman at last.
Marshal Foch surveyed the group of French officers in the car. Then his
eyes fell on Hal and Chester.
"Major Paine!" he called.
Hal stepped forward and saluted.
"If memory serves," said Marshal Foch, "you are an experienced air
pilot?"
Hal bowed his assent.
"Good," said the commander-in-chief, "then we need look no further for a
pilot, gentlemen."
"Major Crawford."
Chester stepped forward and saluted.
"You will place yourself at the disposal of Major Paine, sir."
Chester saluted again and stepped back.
"General Dupree!"
The officer addressed stepped forward.
"You will present my compliments to the burgess of the town, and ask him
to place his largest aircraft at your disposal."
General Dupree left the car.
"I guess that is all, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "I shall remain
here until to-morrow at this time, awaiting your return. If you are not
back within that time I shall consider negotiations suspended!"
"Major Paine."
Again Hal stepped forward.
"General Dupree, before you leave, will furnish you with a map showing
where you may pass safely through our lines and at what hours fire will
be remitted at certain points. It will be all the safeguard you need.
I shall continue to advance in all other sectors. Good day, gentlemen."
Marshal Foch saluted the Germans stiffly, and then signified that the
interview was ended by turning again to his desk.
Hal and Chester led the way from the car, closely followed by the German
delegates. Outside, they encountered General Dupree, who announced that
the large army plane would be ready within fifteen minutes.
Hal then mentioned the map Marshal Foch had said General Dupree would
provide, and the general hastened away to prepare it. He returned
within a few minutes and placed the map in Hal's hands.
"I shall issue the necessary orders at once," he said.
He, too, saluted the Germans again and then took his departure.
Less than fifteen minutes later the mayor of the town himself hurried
up.
"Follow me, gentlemen," he said with great dignity. "Your craft is
ready."
At the far side of the little town, Hal, Chester and the Germans came to
the machine. No time was wasted in words. The Germans climbed in and
Hal and Chester took their places.
"Let her go!" shouted Chester, to the men on the ground.
The huge airplane began to move.
*CHAPTER XXI*
*STUBBS' SCOOP*
To keep in proper touch with all the characters in this story, it will
be necessary for a few moments to go back several days and give an
account of the activities of Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of the
New York Gazette.
Now when Stubbs left Hal and Chester in Soissons he had, as he had told
the lads, laid what he considered all necessary plans to make sure that
he would be apprised of the signing of the armistice between Germany and
the allies ahead of any other of the war correspondents in Europe.
Reaching Versailles, Stubbs took quarters in one of the largest hotels.
Now it is a fact, that in many quarters, even in Europe, it was thought
that General Foch and the German delegates had come together several
days before they really met. Stubbs, in constant touch with his source
of information, from time to time received so-called details of progress
of the proceedings supposed to be in progress.
The little man was greatly elated. There were a score or more other war
correspondents in Versailles and Stubbs managed to worm from them the
fact that they were without information regarding the armistice.
Believing his own information absolutely true, he naturally felt that he
was a step or so ahead of his rivals.
On the night of November 9, Stubbs retired early. The little man slept
literally with one eye open. He didn't intend to miss anything.
He came to himself with a start. The telephone bell in his room was
jingling.
"Wonder who wants me at this hour?" he muttered sleepily, and turned
over, for the moment losing sight of the fact that this might be the
particular call he was so anxious to get.
The bell continued to jingle.
"May as well answer it, I guess," said Stubbs. "It won't stop till I
do."
He climbed out of bed, switched on the lights and put the receiver to
his ear.
"Hello," he said.
"Stubbs?" came a voice over the wire.
"Yes."
"Admiral W-- talking. The armistice was signed this morning at 11
o'clock."
"What's that?" Stubbs yelled into the 'phone, jumping up and down
excitedly. "Hello! Hello!"
But the voice on the other end of the wire was gone.
In vain Stubbs rattled the hook. He could not recall the voice.
"May be somebody trying to have some fun with me," muttered Stubbs. "I
can't take a chance on any such message as that. I must verify it.
I'll call the admiral and see if it were really he on the wire."
It took him a good five minutes to get the connection, but at the end of
that time a "hello" was wafted over the wire.
"Admiral W--?" demanded Stubbs.
"Yes."
"This is Stubbs. Did you call me a moment ago?"
"Yes."
"Then it is a fact that the armistice has been signed."
"It is. I had my information not more than fifteen minutes ago."
"I just wanted to make sure it was really you who called," Stubbs
explained hurriedly. "Good-bye."
He slapped the receiver back on the hook and literally flew into his
clothes.
"No time for an elevator now," he muttered as he dashed out the door,
through the hall and down the steps.
In the lobby downstairs half a dozen war correspondents had gathered in
a little knot. They came to their feet as Stubbs dashed down the steps.
"What's the matter, Stubbs?" one called.
But Stubbs did not stop to reply. Out the door he dashed, his coat
trailing behind him.
It was perhaps half a dozen blocks to the cable office. Stubbs covered
the distance in jig time, formulating his message in his mind as he
went.
"No time for details now," he muttered. "Just the flash. I'll get the
details later."
Into the cable office he dashed.
Behind him the little knot of correspondents became alarmed.
"The little man knows something," said one of them. "Don't suppose the
armistice could have been signed, do you?"
"Not a chance," said another. "We'd have the word."
"Well, Stubbs was in a terrible hurry about something," said a third.
"We'd better get busy and find out what it's all about."
They sprang to action.
"I'll go after him," said Jennings of The World. "The rest of you
fellows get busy on the 'phone. Call every man in authority in the city.
Some of them will know something. Doesn't matter whether they kick
about being called at this hour or not. Get busy."
He dashed out the door after Stubbs.
In the cable office Stubbs grabbed a blank and wrote, in code:
"Armistice signed this a.m. at eleven o'clock at Hirson. Stubbs."
The message he handed to the clerk with instructions to rush it.
"That'll be enough," said Stubbs. "They'll know at the office what to
do with it. They'll probably write columns at that end describing the
scenes at Hirson between Marshal Foch and the German delegates.
There'll be pictures and everything. Now I'll go and learn a few of the
details."
He encountered Jennings of The World as he moved toward the door.
"Look here, Stubbs," said Jennings, "why all this rush. You're not
going to leave the rest of us out in the cold, are you?"
Stubbs smiled.
"I'm not working for you fellows," he replied. "The New York Gazette is
paying me my weekly stipend, but I don't mind saying I've landed a big
piece of news."
Jennings attempted to minimize the matter.
"Oh, I guess it's not so terribly big," he said.
Again Stubbs smiled.
"Guess again," he said.
"But I say, Stubbs, give me a hint."
"Not a hint," declared Stubbs.
"Well, all right," said Jennings, "but you'll be sorry."
"Not half as sorry as the rest of you'll be when you hear from home
after The Gazette is on the street," declared Stubbs.
Jennings looked at Stubbs closely. The latter was clearly excited.
"By Jove! He must know something," Jennings decided. "I can't waste
time here."