"And how long would it take you to prepare for such an attack?" asked Chester.
"I would not attempt it under three days," was the reply. "Besides, feeling sure of success as I do, I will wait for another reason. The Emperor of Germany will be here within the next day or two and I would have him see my troops in action. I trust you will stay here until he arrives. I shall take pleasure in commending you to his Majesty."
"We shall be glad to accept your hospitality until that time," said the colonel, "if you can provide us with suitable quarters."
"It shall be done," said the general and clapped his hands.
An orderly entered and to him the general gave the necessary instructions. As the three would have followed the orderly out, the general stayed them.
"One moment," he said. "I had forgotten you are not in uniform and would be annoyed without a paper giving you the freedom of our lines."
He turned and scribbled for a few moments, and gave each a paper.
"Make yourselves entirely at home," he said. "I shall always be ready to give you an interview providing the press of other work does not interfere."
Again the three gave the stiff German military salute and the general rose to his feet as he returned it.
Then the three friends followed the orderly from the tent.