"I believe I can tell you what it is, sir," he said.
"Speak," said the general.
"Why, sir," said Chester, "Mr. Stubbs would have your permission to send an account of the great explosion to his newspaper uncensored. He would have the people of the United States know, through his paper, of the severe blow the enemy has suffered."
"H-m-m-m," muttered the general. "The United States will hear of the disaster, of course. Mr. Stubbs, with the other correspondents, will be allowed to file his despatches after the official report has been made."
"But that's the point, sir," said Stubbs, stepping forward. "I would like to have my paper get the news first."
"Oho! I see," exclaimed General Petain. "You want for your paper what you
Americans' call a—a—a—"
"Scoop."
Chester supplied the word.
"Exactly," said Stubbs.
The general considered the matter for a moment. Then he threw wide his arms in a gesture of consent.