“Have word sent to General Pershing that Lieutenants Paine and Crawford are here to report,” said Hal.
The man passed the word to a second sentinel, who entered the building. He was back in a few moments.
“The general directs that you come to him immediately,” he said.
Hal and Chester mounted the steps rapidly, passed through the long hall and entered General Pershing’s private office.
General Pershing stood close to the door as the lads entered, and there was an expression of eagerness on his face. The lads saluted.
“What luck?” demanded the American commander-in-chief.
“The best, sir,” replied Hal quietly.
“Good!” thundered the American commander. “I knew you would do it. Now tell me what you have learned.”
Hal related the incidents leading up to the seizure of the German officer’s dispatches as briefly as possible and Chester passed over the papers.
General Pershing hurried to his desk and beneath the glow of his desk light ran through the papers quickly. A smile stole over his features.