Hal produced several documents, which he passed to the general. The latter broke the seals quickly and read. Then suddenly he sprang to his feet and dashed outside. The lads could hear him delivering sharp orders to members of his staff. A moment later his voice became inaudible.
After fifteen minutes' waiting, Chester grew fidgety.
"Wonder where he went?" he said.
"Don't know," returned Hal with a shrug.
"Let's go out and see what's going on," said Stubbs, and moved toward the exit.
"Hold on," said Hal. "We're under General Petain's orders now. We had better remain here until he returns."
"You and Chester may be," said Stubbs, "but I'm not. I'm going out and have a look around."
"Better stick around, Stubbs," said Chester grimly. "If they find you wandering about you're liable to be put under arrest. You can't go snooping around without permission, you know."
"Snooping!" repeated Stubbs. "Snooping! Who's going snooping? I want to find out what's going on."
"Same thing," said Chester.