“Thank you, sir,” said Hal.
Half an hour later they were attired in regulation British uniforms and stood talking to Harding just before they made ready to climb into the automobile to continue their journey.
“I am certainly glad we ran across you, Harding,” said Hal as the two shook hands.
“No more than I am to have been with you both, sir,” said Harding. “I wish you luck in the matter you told me of and I feel that the offensive now will not be long coming. In the meantime, however, in accord with your wishes, I shall say nothing.”
“I am sure it will be better that way,” said Hal. “Well, we’ll see you again some time. Good-bye.”
Chester also bade the Englishman farewell and the two boys climbed into the machine. The car sped forward.
It was a long distance to General Pershing’s headquarters in Soissons from the point where Hal and Chester had re-entered the Allied lines, and Hal knew that he could not hope to cover the distance before dark. Nevertheless, he kept the car going at a fair speed all during the day.
The lads made only two stops, both times to replenish their gasoline tank, but it was well after eight o’clock that evening when they came to the outskirts of Soissons.
Hal slowed down the car.
“Well, we’ll soon be there,” he said.