"Oh, is that so," said the colonel, though somewhat taken aback. "Well, I'm not sure the general will care to be disturbed. You may deliver your message, and then I shall consider whether your business is of such importance as to justify waking the general."
"We were not instructed to deliver our message to you, sir," said Hal simply. "I have to request again that we be given immediate audience of General Lejeune."
The colonel hesitated. Apparently he was on the point of refusing to arouse the general, but he thought better of it, shrugged his shoulders and turned away.
"One moment," he said brusquely.
He returned a moment later, however, followed by a second figure, attired in a suit of pajamas and rubbing sleepy eyes.
"General Lejeune?" asked Hal.
"Yes," was the sharp reply. "What is it?"
"We bear a message from General Rhodes, sir," said Hal.
"Well, let's have it, let's have it," exclaimed the general. "I've got to get back to bed and get some sleep."
"First, sir," said Hal, "I must explain that we came through the German lines where two or three other couriers lost their lives. General Rhodes wishes you to understand, sir, that the success of the campaign depends upon your acting in accordance with his message."