"I shall ask them to share mine, sir," he replied.
"Bien," returned General Joffre. "I shall probably have need of you again, soon," he added, to Hal and Chester.
He sat down at his desk and turned to a mass of papers and maps, and the lads realized that the interview was ended.
Colonel Devore motioned them to follow him, and, saluting the French commander, the lads filed out of the tent.
Colonel Devore introduced them to his own quarters and, waving his hand airily, exclaimed:
"You will make yourselves perfectly at home here as long as you may stay."
"Thank you, Colonel," said Chester. "We appreciate your hospitality."
The colonel waved aside the thanks with a gesture and strode from the tent.
The lads immediately composed themselves to rest, for it was a long time since they had closed their eyes in slumber.
Greatly refreshed by a short sleep they arose two hours later and took a walk about the camp. At a distant part of the trenches they saw a large number of troops gathered about, and the sounds of laughter rose on the air.