Inside stood General Joffre, surrounded by members of his staff. He motioned for the lads to approach, which they did, and came to attention. The general greeted them warmly.
"I am glad to see you again," he said. "I have not forgotten the valuable service you rendered the French army recently. I am told you carry important information."
"Yes, sir" replied Hal.
"Let me have it, then," said General Joffre.
In a few brief and well-chosen words Hal repeated what they had overheard so recently in the German trench. The general listened to them apparently unmoved.
"So!" he exclaimed, when Hal had concluded his narrative, "they are planning to kidnap President Poincaré, eh? Well, we shall be ready for them. But first I must take steps to thwart the proposed German drive. It is to be delivered when, you say?"
"Two days after to-morrow, sir," replied Hal.
"And you say the Kaiser will return to the front the day after to-morrow?"
"Yes, sir."
"Good! We shall be ready for him."