“General,” he said, “I should like to have your permission to pick twenty-five men, and permission to use one of the highest power automobiles in the army.”
The general looked at him in silence for a while before speaking, but finally said:
“You have my permission. Here,” turning to his desk and writing a few words, “is a written order. I shall not ask the nature of your plan. Good luck to you.”
“I shall let you pick the men,” said Hal to Lieutenant Anderson, when he was again back in the latter’s quarters, “and, so far as they know, you are in command.”
“Very well,” was the reply; “but remember that it is not so. On this expedition I waive my rank, and will act under your orders.”
Half an hour later Chester and Hal inspected the men selected by Lieutenant Anderson, to whom the boys were introduced as scouts. A likely body of men they were, strong and sturdy, and not a man of them under six feet in height.
“Look like they could give a good account of themselves,” muttered Chester to himself.
At length all were piled in a great motor truck, and a second later, in response to Hal’s directions were speeding southward.