"These will be invaluable to me," he said quietly.
Then Chester told the French commander of the conversation he had overheard in the quarters of the German Crown Prince.
"Now that I have escaped," the lad concluded, "it may be possible, of course, that the German plans will be altered."
"You have done well," said the general again, "and as I have said, your work shall be brought to the personal attention of the President." He turned to Stubbs. "You, sir," he said, "are not a soldier, yet I have to thank you for your part in this mission."
Stubbs blushed like a school boy.
"I didn't do anything deserving of credit, sir," he said. "My young friends here were the directing heads and performed all the dangerous work."
"Nevertheless," returned the general, "you are deserving of praise and if there is anything I can do for you, you have but to ask it."
Stubbs hesitated. There was something he wanted very much but he did not know whether to make the request or not. General Petain saw the little man's indecision, and said with a smile:
"You have something on your mind, sir. Come, out with it. Be sure it will be granted if it lies in my power."
Still Stubbs hesitated. Chester stepped forward, smiling.