The car sped on.
Through Dammartin they dashed with slightly diminished speed, and, bearing off a trifle to the north, passed through St. Gonesse. Ten minutes later they came within sight of Paris and Hal slowed down.
"Well, I guess we won't have any more trouble before we get to Paris," he said. "I judge that we are on the outskirts now."
The car continued at a more moderate gait. Passing vehicles became more frequent now, and the lad was forced to go very slowly in some places to avoid dense crowds of pedestrians and troops.
"Where are we going to find the Prime Minister, Hal?" asked Chester.
"By Jove! I hadn't thought of that!" exclaimed Hal. "We'll have to find out."
They were in the very heart of the city now. Hal brought the car to a stand, near one of the city's police officers and accosted the latter in French.
"We bear a communication from General Joffre to the Prime Minister," he said. "Can you tell us where to find him? We are strangers in the city."
The policeman was very polite. He signaled another officer, who was passing, and repeated Hal's request. The latter immediately climbed into the car beside Hal.
"I happen to know," he said, "that the Prime Minister at the present moment is at the Chamber of Deputies, where he is making an address. If your business is important, no doubt you will be permitted to see him as soon as he has concluded."