"It's all right, sergeant," said Hal. "He only did as ordered. We have come from General Rhodes with an important message for General Lejeune. Will you direct us to his quarters?"
The sergeant saluted stiffly.
"Follow me, sirs," he said briefly.
Five minutes walk brought the three to the headquarters of the commander of the Second American division. There the lads were accosted by a member of the general's staff, Colonel O'Shea.
"We desire to see the general at once on a very urgent matter," said Hal.
Colonel O'Shea scowled.
"The general left orders that he was not to be disturbed unless upon a very important matter," he replied.
"But this is urgent," said Chester. "We are instructed by General Rhodes to deliver the message at once."
"But how am I to know the matter is so urgent?" asked the colonel.
"Because I say so, sir," said Hal quietly. "I am not in the habit of lying, nor of having my word doubted."