Chapter IV: Part 4

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.

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."

He turned on his heel and was gone.

An hour later, after Stubbs had made ineffectual efforts to learn from Admiral W-- details of the signing of the armistice, he gave it up for the night.

"I know no more than I have told you," said the admiral. "I should have the details in the morning. Call me then."

Stubbs returned to his hotel. Again he was surrounded by the other correspondents who, after trying all their channels of news, had failed to learn anything of importance.

"Come across, Stubbs," said one.

"Not yet," said Stubbs. "But I'll tell you what. I'll give you my news one hour from now. That will assure The Gazette of a beat."

He remained deaf to all urging, and directly the other correspondents gave it up as a bad job.

Jennings, watch in hand, an hour later said.

"Come, Stubbs, time's up. What's your news?"

"Well," said Stubbs quietly and with an air of great importance, "the armistice has been signed."

"What?" yelled Jennings. "You're crazy, man! There has been no conference yet."

"Nevertheless, it's true," said Stubbs. "I have my information from unimpeachable sources."

"Who told you?" demanded Timothy, of The Mail.

"You've been in the game long enough to know a newspaperman doesn't divulge the source of information, Timothy," said Stubbs. "Nevertheless, I can say that it came from a very high source."

"Well," said Jennings, "I don't believe it. I'm not going to flash my paper on any such information. I'm standing pat."

"Same here," declared Timothy.

"And here," "and here," chimed in the others.

"Suit yourselves," said Stubbs with a shrug. "You'll probably get the word in the morning."

He returned to his room.

In spite of the fact that the other correspondents declined to take Stubbs' words as gospel, it was an uneasy group of men Stubbs left behind him.

All night long they tried in vain to confirm the signing of the armistice. It could not be done.

Stubbs came downstairs again at 7 o'clock. Once more he was surrounded by the correspondents.

"Boys," he said, "I shall call my source of information now. If I get the details, I will tell you where you can verify them."

He entered a telephone booth, where he remained for perhaps ten minutes. When he emerged again, his face was drawn and he walked with the air of a man who has lost his last friend.

"Well," demanded Jennings, "what have you to tell us?"

"Boys," said Stubbs slowly, "my days in the newspaper business are ended. I have just committed the cardinal sin. I have sent false information to my paper, though in good faith. The armistice has not been signed. Admiral W-- has just informed me his information was premature. What his message should have said is that the conference is in session. My resignation shall be cabled to The Gazette together with my retraction."

Sadly the little man walked away.

"By Jove! that is tough," commented Timothy. "Yet, with such information I should have done the same. Well, our jobs are saved, but I'll bet Stubbs' resignation will be unnecessary. He's fired right now, though he doesn't know it."

And so it was none other than Anthony Stubbs who was responsible for the premature flash that reached America that the armistice had been signed. Every city in the United States, almost, when the news was heard, had declared a holiday. Hours and days passed and still the news could not be confirmed. And then the state department issued a statement denying it. The feeling of happiness changed to disappointment.

But in the French city of Versailles Anthony Stubbs was, at the moment perhaps, the most disappointed man in the world.

*CHAPTER XXII*

*SPA*

The German envoys, returning to their own lines, were silent as the big airplane driven by Hal sped across the allied lines. Eyes below were strained as the craft dashed along, for news traveled swiftly among the soldiers and word that the preliminary meeting between the German delegates and Marshal Foch had not been entirely satisfactory had spread among the troops.

As General Dupree had told Hal, firing ceased in the zone that the airplane traversed. Guns snorted and bullets flew on all other sides, but Hal, laying his course by the map General Dupree had given him, avoided all danger.

From the spokesman of the German delegates Hal had learned that their destination was the little German village of Spa. It was there that the German emperor and the High Command was quartered. Hal laid the nose of the airplane in that direction.

Now, in flying, great distance can be covered in a very short period of time. The plane that Hal drove was capable of making almost 200 miles an hour under proper conditions. Hal, however, did not attempt to get that speed out of the machine. Flying well above the ground, the craft sped quietly along at something like 100 miles an hour.

It was dark when they passed across the brief expanse of No Man's Land. Looking down, Chester saw a few twinkling lights. These, he knew, came from the German positions. Some were signal lights for the enemy aircraft, others just the lights usually to be found in a great army encampment.

Chester leaned forward and touched Hal on the shoulder.

"Sure you have the right course?" he asked.

"Perfectly," was Hal's response, his voice raised almost to a shout to make himself heard above the humming of the motor and the purr of the giant wings of the aircraft.

Chester sat back, apparently satisfied.

The lights displayed among the German troops disappeared as the plane continued its journey toward the northeast. Soon, however, other lights came into view below.

"This," said Hal, "should be Spa, unless my geography and sense of direction are all wrong. I'll take a chance, at all events."

Almost above a score of the lights, Hal shut off the motor and the machine began to descend. A short time later it came quietly to earth just beyond the village. Hal scrambled out and spoke to the Germans.

"This should be Spa, according to my calculations," he said. "Correct me if I am wrong."

"You are right, sir," said one of the German delegates. "You have done well in bringing us here in such a short period of time."

The Germans alighted, and Chester also scrambled out.

"If you will come with us," said the spokesman of the enemy mission to the lads, "we will see that you are provided with quarters for the night. It is hardly possible that we will return before to-morrow at noon, if at all."

The lads followed the Germans into the town. Before a building somewhat larger than the rest, the men stopped and the one who appeared to be leader of the party said:

"You gentlemen wait here. I will go within and see that quarters are provided for the young Americans."

He motioned the lads to follow him, which they did. Inside a German officer barred their progress, but the German soon set the man's doubts at rest, and the latter stepped aside.

"Captain," said the German envoy, "these gentlemen have brought us back from the allied lines, and will conduct us there again to-morrow should it be necessary for us to go. You will kindly see that they have all necessary accommodations for the night."

"Yes, sir," said the captain.

"Then I shall leave them to you. I will return for them to-morrow some time."

"Very well, sir."

The German bade the lads good night and took his departure. The German captain addressed them.

"Kindly follow me, sirs," he said.

The lads did so. Along a long hall they were led. Then they turned into a large room at the far end of the hall. Inside were a dozen or more German officers. The captain led the way toward a door across the room. All eyes were turned on the lads as they stepped across the room.

Suddenly there came an exclamation from a man who sat near, as Hal and Chester passed. A chair scraped the floor and a man sprang up and confronted them. Hal and Chester looked into the eyes of General Knoff, the German general whose daughter Chester had befriended in Sedan some weeks before.

"So," said the general confronting the lads with a gleam of anger in his eyes, but his gaze resting particularly upon Hal, "so you made fools of me in Sedan, eh?"

Hal smiled. He was perfectly safe now and he knew it. Not a man there nor in the German lines any place for that matter would dare harm the officer who had piloted the German envoys back from their tryst with Marshal Foch.

"It had to be done, General," said Hal, still smiling.

"But," protested the general, "why was it necessary for you to pick me for your tool?"

"We wouldn't have done that, General," said Hal, "had you not been so insistent upon our having breakfast with you."

"Well," said General Knoff, "it would appear that the fates are just, after all. I have no doubt that it was information you gained from me that spoiled our plans."

"I have no doubt of it either, sir," Hal smiled.

"And such being the case," the general continued, "I shall see to it that you are tried as spies."

"But we are in American uniform now, sir," said Hal.

"You weren't then," was the reply, "as I stand willing to prove. No; I shall have you shot. No man can make a fool of me and live."

"You can't do that, sir," said Hal, quietly.

"I can't, eh?" exclaimed the general. "I would like to know what is to prevent me?"

Hal's smile seemed to infuriate the general.