He turned back to his desk, and Hal and Chester found seats in the far end of the room.
From time to time, French officers hurried in, reported to Marshal Foch and departed again as hurriedly.
Marshal Foch tapped a bell on his desk. An officer who answered the part of private secretary arose from a desk across the room and hurried to his commander's side.
"Any word from General Marcel?" asked Marshal Foch.
"None, your excellency."
"Strange. My information indicated that developments would begin before now. What day is this, Colonel?"
"The eighth of November, your excellency."
"So it is, I had forgotten. In times like these, it seems I cannot keep track of the days. If General Marcel has not reported in the next half hour, you will send a messenger to ascertain why."
"Very well, sir."
The officer resumed his seat and Marshal Foch again plunged into the mass of papers on his desk.