“Will you both report to me in my private office in fifteen minutes?”
“Yes, sir,” said Hal and Chester almost in one voice.
They, too, had alighted from the car and now stood at attention as General Pershing and Colonel Gibson ascended the few steps to the door of the old French villa.
“Wonder what he wants with us now?” said Hal, after the American commander had disappeared within.
“Maybe he wants us to drive him to Marshal Foch’s headquarters in time for the conference Stubbs mentioned,” replied Chester.
“By Jove! Maybe that is it,” exclaimed Hal. “But I’d like to go farther than that. I’d like to be present at the conference.”
“Guess that’s asking a little too much,” smiled Chester.
“Perhaps, but I’d give a whole lot to be there.”
The lads continued to speculate until Hal, after a glance at his watch, announced that it was time to report to General Pershing. They ascended the steps and gave their names to the orderly at the door. They were ushered immediately into their commander’s private office, thus indicating that the latter had given word to expect them.
General Pershing was seated at his desk in the far corner of the room when Hal and Chester entered. His back was to the door and he did not see them. The lads came to attention and waited.