General Herwigs bowed.
"I am ready to sign now."
"You have the authority to speak for the German people?" asked Marshal Foch.
"I have, sir. Since the formal abdication of the kaiser and the Crown Prince——"
There were exclamations of surprise from all parts of the car. Even Marshal Foch seemed moved.
"The emperor has abdicated?" he questioned.
"Yes, sir, and the Crown Prince has declined to take the throne. Chancellor Ebert, now acting head of the government, has authorized me to sign the armistice terms in the name of the German people."
"It is well," said Marshal Foch.
The paper was spread out on the table. Once more General Herwigs read, as his associates grouped themselves about him.
"It is hard thus to sign away virtually the freedom of a mighty nation," he said, "but there is no help for it."