The mayor of the village was there to greet the German envoys when they stepped from the airplane. He announced that they would be conducted at once into the presence of Marshal Foch. He signified that Hal and Chester were to accompany the party.
The lads saw, as the mayor led the way, that the conference was to be resumed in Marshal Foch's private car, which still stood on a side track in the station yards.
Upon the platform of the car stood General Dupree. He greeted the German delegates stiffly.
"It is late," he said. "We had begun to fear perhaps you would not return. However, you are within the allotted time."
"We are later than we expected to be for unavoidable reasons, sir," said General Herwigs. "In fact, we came with difficulty."
He explained the trouble within his own lines, but for some reason he said nothing of the pursuit by the allied airplanes.
"I hope he forgets all about it," Hal murmured to himself. "It was gross carelessness on my part, and I should get a wigging. However, if he says nothing about the matter, it's a sure thing I won't."
General Dupree now showed the delegates into the car. As before, Marshal Foch sat at his desk, immersed in a pile of papers. He looked up as the delegates approached.
"Ah, gentlemen," he said, "pray, be seated."
He motioned the five men to seats at his table. Besides these, there were also seated there three or four members of the marshal's staff.