But, as it developed, there was a chance; not a chance for Stubbs, war correspondent, perhaps, but more than a chance for Hal and Chester.
It was pure accident that gave them this opportunity.
CHAPTER XIII
A PIECE OF LUCK
Eight o’clock Thursday morning found Hal and Chester, in a large army automobile, returning from the quarters of General Lawrence, where they had been sent by General Allen, who commanded the division in which the boys served.
As they rode along, Hal, turning a sharp curve, applied the emergency brakes and brought the car to a stop only a few feet from a second machine, which appeared to be stalled in the middle of the road.
There were only two figures in the second automobile, and as Hal looked quickly at the man in the tonneau he jumped to the ground and came to attention. Chester, with a quick look at one of the occupants of the car, did likewise.
Both lads had recognized General Pershing.
General Pershing returned the salutes and spoke sharply.
“You drive somewhat recklessly, sirs,” he said.
“Had you not been prompt in applying your brakes you would have run us down.”