"Why, that the German high command may refuse to accept Marshal Foch's terms, and refuse to negotiate farther."
"Hardly likely," said Hal. "My view is that the Germans are so anxious for peace that they will accept almost any terms."
"I hope I'm wrong, of course," said Chester. "but I am simply judging by what one of the envoys said about 'if' they returned to-morrow."
"I heard him," said Hal, "but at the same time I don't take much stock in any such statement. In the first place, these envoys don't have any more to say about what terms they shall accept than I do."
"Oh, they don't, eh?"
"Of course not. It is the German high command, that will make that decision. The delegates will do whatever they are instructed to do. They are merely the representatives of the powers that be."
"Nevertheless," said Chester, "if they sign terms, the terms will be binding."
"Of course; unless it should be that the Germans consider the agreement simply another 'scrap of paper,' as they did the Belgian treaty."
"I think the Germans have learned a thing or two," said Chester. "I don't believe they'll ever try such tactics again. They have at least learned that the majority of nations are honorable, and that they are in honor bound to respect treaties."
"Let us hope so," said Hal. "Now we've talked enough. I vote we turn in. We may have a hard day to-morrow."