“Well,” said Hal, “I’ve had about enough excitement for one day. I vote we report to General Lawrence, who I see has moved his quarters close to the front. After that, unless there is work in store for us, I am in favor of finding a place to take a little nap.”
“Suits me,” agreed Chester. “Come on.”
But, as it developed, there was to be no sleep for either Hal or Chester for hours to come.
General Lawrence received the reports of the two lads in silence and for some moments seemed wrapped in thought. At last he said:
“You have done very well, young men. You will not think I am imposing upon you when I ask whether you are willing to take despatches for me to General Pershing?”
“Not at all, sir,” said Hal. “We shall be very glad.”
General Lawrence took a sheaf of papers from his pocket and passed them to Hal.
“These must be delivered to General Pershing with all possible haste,” he said. “In a high-powered automobile, you should be able to reach his quarters soon after dark. It is probable that you will be ordered back here at once.”
He indicated that the interview was at an end. Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.
Ten minutes later they were speeding westward in a big army automobile, Hal himself at the wheel.