Even as the French officer approached the entrance, the general himself rushed from the tent, followed by members of his staff. The officer who had conducted the lads there accosted him.
"Sir," he said, "despatch bearers from General Durand at Marseilles."
General Petain waved them aside.
"I've no time for them now," he said, and made as if to move on.
Hal stepped forward.
"Sir," he said, "the despatches we carry have to do with the impending action."
General Petain stopped suddenly and eyed the lad keenly. Then he said abruptly:
"Come with me."
He led the way into the tent, and Hal, Chester and Stubbs followed him. The general seated himself at a desk at a far end of the tent and demanded:
"The despatches."