General Brentz took the hint. He motioned the subordinate to withdraw.
Colonel Anderson leaned down and unloosened his boot. He took it off, and drawing a knife from his pocket, slit the sole. Then he withdrew several sheets of dirty, crumpled paper, which he extended to General Brentz. The latter took them eagerly, and turned quickly to his desk.
For almost an hour he poured over the papers and at last a slow smile spread itself over his face. He turned to the others.
"This," he said, "will prove the very link for which I have been wishing.
I may need more information from you, sirs."
The three friends were afraid to look at each other for fear they would betray themselves, so all stood silent.
"I take it you know something of my position here," said General Brentz to Colonel Anderson.
"Very little, sir," was the reply.
"I'll show you," said the general. "Draw up chairs, gentlemen; you may be able to help me."
The three did as requested and then the Austrian commander spread a big map on the desk.
"Here," he said, "are the positions of my troops. Now, having in mind the lay of the enemy forces, can you not see that a feint on the enemy left wing, followed by an attack in force on the center, is the key to the whole situation?"