"Yes?" said Marshal Foch inquiringly.
He had expected something like this.
"In which case," went on the German, "we have to request a cessation of hostilities while we return to our lines for further instructions."
Marshal Foch shook his head.
"It is impossible," he said quietly.
The German was surprised. Clearly he had expected nothing like this.
"But, sir," he protested, "it is utterly impossible for us to accept these conditions. We have not the authority. We must secure it from the high command."
"That is your misfortune," said Marshal Foch.
"Then what are we to do?"
"You may return to your own lines at your own risk," said Marshal Foch. "I shall order firing stopped for a brief space that you may leave the allied lines; also, a flag of truce will be honored again, if you care to return. But in the interval, I propose to renew the fighting."