"Sir!" exclaimed both lads in a single breath.
They stepped from the tent.
"You are under arrest!" were the French officer's next words.
Hal and Chester stepped back in complete bewilderment.
"Wha—what's that, sir?" asked Hal, believing that he could not have heard aright.
"You are under arrest," was the sharp reply. "I am ordered to conduct you before General Petain at once."
Both lads had recovered themselves by this time; they stepped forward coolly enough, in spite of the fact that their hearts were fluttering strangely.
"The general might have spared himself the trouble of sending for us," said Hal, quietly. "Even now we were about to report to him."
The French officer said nothing. He motioned to the file of soldiers whom he commanded and Hal and Chester stepped in between the men.
"One moment," said the French soldier.