His staff stood respectfully some distance away, while his guests, including Hal and Chester, were even farther back in the car.
Came footsteps on the vestibule without. Instantly an air of excitement pervaded the car. Staff officers, trying to look unconcerned, failed miserably, and no wonder. Great events were impending. A man could hardly help showing the strain under which he was laboring.
Marshal Foch was by all odds the coolest man in the car.
Directly the door opened. In stepped the German delegates—five of them—and behind them came the French officers who had been their pilots.
General Dupree arose to receive them. Marshal Foch was still busy at his desk. He did not look up.
First the German envoys were allowed to remove the bandages from their eyes. Then they were presented to General Dupree, who acknowledged the introductions with a stiff salute.
"If it is your desire to speak with the commander-in-chief," he said to the Germans, "his excellency will grant you a brief interview. But he is very busy, so you must be brief."
He spoke to the commander-in-chief, who laid down a sheaf of papers and rose to his feet.
Marshal Foch and the Germans saluted stiffly. Introductions followed.
"You must be brief, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "My time is valuable."