"What's the matter with you?" he demanded. "Can't you see where you're going? What were you doing in my tent, anyhow? Who are you? What's your business here?"
The questions, came so fast that Stubbs was confused.
"I—why—I—" he stuttered.
"Come inside here," said the general.
He stretched forth a hand, seized Stubbs by the collar and pushed him in the tent. Stubbs, caught off his balance, went stumbling and almost fell into Hal's arms. General Petain entered the tent immediately behind him.
When his eyes fell upon Hal and Chester he gave a start of surprise.
Evidently he had forgotten all about them. Then he remembered.
"So you're still here?" he said. "I had forgotten all about you."
"We are awaiting your orders, sir," said Hal.
"I don't know as I have any for you," was the reply. "I have taken what precautions I can. Had you arrived a day earlier it might have been different. I would have had more time."
"We came as fast as we could, sir," said Chester.