CHAPTER XXIV
ANTOINETTE "MAKES GOOD"
True to her word, Antoinette appeared with food and drink early the following morning. She was again disguised as an old woman, and Hal and Chester could scarcely believe that a wig and a few dabs of paint could possibly conceal the girlish face they had seen the night before.
"I have had word to prepare a big dinner for a dozen officers of the general, staff," the girl informed Major Derevaux, "so it may be that I shall have the necessary information by nightfall."
"Let us hope so," said the major devoutly.
"And let us hope that you are not risking your life in getting it," said Hal.
"Thank you," said Antoinette. "I assure you I shall be very careful. Now, you must all remain here quietly today. You may be able to leave soon after dark."
She left the hiding place and closed the secret door behind her.
"And after we leave the house, then what?" asked Hal of Major
Derevaux.
"Don't you worry," said the major with a smile. "All that has been taken care of. Ten minutes' walk from here is a large army airplane. It brought me here and it will take us all back again."