“No, no. He can’t do that. Marshal Foch is commander-in-chief of the Allied forces and it’s up to him to decide. What I mean is that General Pershing is not altogether pleased with the progress of events. I am informed that he believes a grand offensive on all fronts would do more toward ending the war right now than any other one thing.”
“Well, why doesn’t he tell Marshal Foch so?” demanded Chester.
“That,” said Stubbs quietly, “is what I am informed he intends to do.”
“Hurray!” shouted Hal.
“Quiet,” said Stubbs sharply. “Not a word of what I have told you must be repeated. It doesn’t make any difference how I know all this. It’s sufficient that I do know it. However, things may not work out as I expect. It is possible that General Pershing’s advice may not prevail. He may be overruled by Marshal Foch and General Haig at their conference Thursday.”
“So there is going to be a conference, eh?” said Hal.
“Yes. As I say, the conference is to be held Thursday, day after to-morrow. It will be held in Marshal Foch’s headquarters. It may result in developments and it may not. At all events, I am quite certain that General Pershing will go to the conference prepared to urge an immediate advance.”
“By Jove! That sounds awfully good to me!” declared Chester.
“And to me,” agreed Hal. “I’d like to be present at that conference.”
“We’d all like to be there,” said Stubbs dryly. “But there’s not a chance. Not a chance.”