"Good," said Marshal Foch. "I'll keep the wire open. Inform me at once of what the messenger says."
For perhaps five minutes Marshal Foch held the 'phone himself. From time to time his eyes wandered to the mass of papers that littered his desk. He called suddenly:
"Major Crawford!"
Chester sprang to his feet with alacrity and advanced to the marshal's side.
"Take this 'phone and inform me the moment General Dupree is on the wire again."
Chester did as commanded, and sat motionless before the telephone. Marshal Foch, meanwhile, bent over his desk and buried himself in maps and papers.
Not for a moment, it seemed, could this active man rest. He could not even content himself the few moments necessary to await further word from General Dupree. His mind was never idle. He was busy and active every minute he was awake. This, perhaps, was what made him the great and successful military genius he was.
A voice came over the wire to Chester's ear.
"Your excellency?"
"One moment," said Chester.