General Pershing stepped lightly from his car. Before moving away, surrounded by his staff, he motioned Hal and Chester to follow him.
The lads followed their commander up the short flight of steps and presently he and his staff were ushered into a large room in the rear on the first floor. At the door General Pershing was greeted by Marshal Foch and Marshal Haig in person, for the French and British commanders were not standing upon ceremony.
Inside, the three commanders took seats at a table in the center of the room, the members of their various staffs standing behind them. Besides the formal salutes when the three commanders met, there had been a hearty handshake all around. Now they were ready for business.
Marshal Foch arose and spoke to General Pershing.
“I have called this conference at your request, General,” he said, “so it would seem to me that we should hear from you first.”
Marshal Foch sat down and General Pershing rose to his feet.
“First, sir,” he said, “I must explain the presence here of so many of my aides. Besides several members of my regular staff, I am accompanied by two young lieutenants whom, if I am not mistaken, Sir Douglas Haig knows well. I refer to Lieutenants Paine and Crawford.”
Marshal Haig nodded to General Pershing and then to Hal and Chester.
“I know them well,” he said, and then to Hal and Chester: “Glad to see you again, sirs.”
Hal and Chester saluted stiffly.