The day drew toward a close at last.
Hal and Chester, along toward 4 o'clock, found themselves close to the telegraph operator in the station. Suddenly the clattering of the instrument became more nervous. The operator pricked up his ears. Then he leaped to his feet excitedly.
"They're coming!" he cried.
CHAPTER XX
THE GERMAN ENVOYS ARRIVE
A third train drew into the station. Two French officers alighted first. These were the men who had been directed to receive the German representatives and accompany them to Marshal Foch's headquarters.
The German delegates, who left the train immediately after them, presented a strange appearance. Garbed in German uniforms, their eyes were blindfolded. This precaution had been taken by direction of Marshal Foch in order that the delegates might not acquaint themselves with the allied strength and other military details as they passed through the lines.
The German delegates were worn and travel-stained. It had been a hard trip through No Man's Land in an automobile. There they rode in the drizzling rain, over shell holes and under the most trying conditions. Consequently, they were not in the best of humor.
Immediately upon alighting from the train that had brought them to Hirson, they were conducted to Marshal Foch's train.
In the rear car, Marshal Foch was busy at his desk. This car was fitted out with all material comforts. It was the marshal's private car. In it he often slept and worked. It had all the comforts of home and bore some resemblance to a large parlor.