"Climb in here, sir," said Hal to General Herwigs, "and we will make our escape while we may."
But Chancellor Ebert stayed the departure.
"A moment," he said. "I cannot fly while Germans, through a misunderstanding, are at each other's throats."
"But we must go, sir," said General Herwigs. "Time is growing short. Marshal Foch said that if we had not returned in twenty-four hours negotiations would be considered suspended. We have little time now, sir. Haste is necessary."
For answer Chancellor Ebert stepped from the plane.
"As I have said," he said quietly, "I cannot go now, under these conditions. But you may go, general, you and the other delegates. Before all these witnesses, I designate you to sign the armistice terms with Marshal Foch. But I cannot go. My place is here."
"But, sir—" began General Herwigs.
Chancellor Ebert stayed further words with upraised hand.
"Enough," he said quietly. "You heard me, sir. I am your superior, and as such will be obeyed. Report to me when the armistice has been signed, and not before."
General Herwigs, it appeared, was about to protest further, but the chancellor stayed him with a gesture.