"How did Mr. Stubbs happen to mention us as being implicated in this conspiracy, sir?" asked Chester.
"He said he wanted to see you get home safely and not be mixed up in anything that might mean a firing squad," said General Petain, calmly. "I promised him your safe return to America for his news of the conspiracy."
"I see," said Chester.
At this moment Stubbs was announced. General Petain looked at him sharply.
"These officers," he said, indicating Hal and Chester with a wave of his hand, "deny the charges you have made against them, sir."
"Surely, you didn't expect them to admit it, sir?" questioned Stubbs, shifting from one foot to another, as Hal and Chester bent their gaze on him.
"Well, no, I didn't," was General Petain's reply, "but they tell such a straightforward story that I am of the opinion you must be mistaken as to their part in this conspiracy."
"But the peas," said Stubbs. "They had them."
"Well, somebody might have slipped one into your pocket, as far as that goes," said General Petain; "and then you might be standing here under suspicion."
"Tha—that's so, too," Stubbs stammered. "I hadn't thought of that."