"It may be," General Rhodes continued, "that before our return we shall be present at a very momentous gathering."

"You mean, sir—" asked Hal.

General Rhodes nodded.

"Exactly," he replied. "I mean that the commander-in-chief is summoning me for some purpose other than because he wants to see me. It would seem that matters have reached a point where something is likely to break at any minute."

"By George! I hope so, sir," declared Chester.

"I shall expect you to be ready in an hour," said General Rhodes ending the interview suddenly. "I shall have a car here at that time."

Chester and Hal saluted and departed.

"Now, this is what I call a regular mission," declared Hal, as they hurried to their quarters.

"It is if it develops," replied Chester.

"Something tells me it will develop," said Hal.