General Pershing bowed.
“Very well, sir,” he replied.
“In that event,” continued Marshal Foch, “I declare this conference adjourned.”
There was a scuffling of feet as the commanders and their staffs moved toward the door. Almost before they had all departed, Marshal Foch had turned again to his desk and was immersed in a mass of documents and maps.
General Pershing led the way directly toward his automobile, and motioned Hal again to the driver’s seat. Chester climbed in beside his chum.
“Back to my headquarters,” General Pershing instructed Hal.
The return trip was made in silence and in record time.
As General Pershing alighted before his own quarters, he motioned Hal and Chester to accompany him to his office. Once there, he dismissed all members of his staff, and spoke to the two lads.
“You know, of course,” he said, “what I wish you to ascertain for me, and you know also why I desire this information. If you are not prepared to undertake this mission, I wish you to understand that you may say so without fear of censure.”
“We shall be very glad to do what we can, sir,” said Chester.