"My word!" he said, when he saw how young they were. "What are you youngsters doing here?"
"We're looking for headquarters, sir," said Frank. "We are carrying despatches from Amiens."
"All right! Give them to me, and I'll see that they're forwarded, my lads," said the officer, with a grin.
"We can't do that, sir," said Frank. "Our orders are to carry them to headquarters—and to give the word Mezieres."
"Ah, that's different, now," said the officer. "Corporal, give me two men to take these despatch-bearers through the lines," came the order.
The giving of the word had made a great change in his attitude. It was plain that before that he had not taken them seriously, but had supposed them to be playing some prank. Now, however, he looked at them curiously.
"Boy Scouts?" he suggested.
"Yes, sir," said Frank. "Detailed to special duty, without uniforms."
"I see! Jolly plucky of you, I call it. I say, you're not French, my lad, are you? How did you get here? Well, never mind! Here's your escort. Be off with you, now."
Their troubles were over now. Within five minutes they were at headquarters. There a weary staff officer received them. They saluted.