An hour later found them established in large and pretentious quarters—a handsomely appointed tent not far from the first-line troops, but still far enough back to be safe from the Italian artillery shells that ever and anon came hurtling across the open.
"Well," said Chester, in a low voice, "we were fortunate."
"We were, indeed," returned the colonel. "I can't imagine yet what possessed the general to let us have a look at that map."
"Nor I," said Hal.
"Well, I've got a picture of it in my mind that will keep for a week," said Chester. "I don't need to draw it."
"And it would be well not to," declared the colonel. "For if anything should happen and you had such a map, you would be shot without a moment's notice."
"There is one thing sure," said Hal. "We'll have to get out of here before the Kaiser arrives. He'll naturally want to have a look at his secret agents and then it would be good night."
"Rather," replied Chester dryly. "Besides, it seems to me that we know enough right now."
"Well, we'll look about another day, anyhow," said the colonel. "We may be able to gather a few more details."
"It won't hurt anything," said Hal. "That's sure."