Now if there was one thing Hal did better than anything else it was to drive an automobile. He was a fast though careful driver and his hands and nerves both were like steel when he clutched a wheel.
He had been over the road before, and his excellent memory served him in good stead now.
It was after 3 o'clock on the afternoon of November 7 when the automobile flashed into the outskirts of Rheims. Hal stopped the car long enough to inquire the way to General Pershing's headquarters, then moved forward again.
"You are a good driver, Major," said General Rhodes, as he alighted and motioned both boys to follow him.
"Thank you, sir," returned Hal. "I've had experience enough, sir, I should be, at all events."
General Rhodes vouchsafed no reply, as he mounted the short flight of steps to General Pershing's offices, with Hal and Chester at his heels.
Apparently his arrival was expected, for an orderly saluted and told him that he was to proceed to the commander-in-chief immediately.
"You gentlemen stay here until I send for you, or return," he instructed the two lads.
Hal and Chester stood stiffly at attention as he walked away.
"We're in luck, if you ask me," said Chester after their commander had gone.