He pointed out the way, and Hal drove the car slowly along the streets. They drew up at last before an imposing building, which, the policeman informed them, was where the Chamber of Deputies sat. The lads alighted and ascended the steps.
At the entrance they were stopped by a soldier, who demanded their business.
"We bear a message from General Joffre to the Prime Minister," said Hal.
The soldier summoned an officer, to whom Hal repeated their errand. The latter motioned the lads to follow him, and showed them into a waiting-room and took his departure, ordering them to wait.
"The Prime Minister has concluded his address," he told them. "I shall take your message."
Half an hour later a man appeared in the doorway. He was slender and rather tall. "Lieutenants Paine and Crawford?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," replied the lads, getting to their feet.
"I," said the newcomer, "am the Prime Minister."