Frank and Henri studied the map a moment. They traced their own course from Amiens; soon they found the spot. The map was on a very large scale, and it showed the hills and a great deal of detail. It was easy to explain just where they had seen the Germans.
"They went into the woods, you say," said the general. "But why did you think they stayed there? Why shouldn't they have gone on?"
"I went along the road to a spot where I could see beyond the woods, sir," said Frank. "And there was no sign of them."
"You did? That was excellent—regular scouting. Oh, I fancy I understand! Boy Scouts, are you?"
"Yes, sir," they echoed together.
"Well, if your information is exact—and I have no reason to doubt it, of course—you did a very fine piece of scouting, and I shall be glad to see that you get the proper amount of credit for it, when the time comes. Now your information is most valuable. But before I can act on it, I must be absolutely certain that it is accurate. Will one of you help one of my scouts to determine this?"
"Let me go, sir," said Frank, quickly. "I was the one who saw the other side of the woods—"
"But I know the country best," protested Henri. "And—"
"I think you'd better go," said the general to Frank. Perhaps he thought Frank was English; in any case he selected him. "I don't think it will be dangerous at all, or I shouldn't let you go. We haven't started using boys in this war yet. Major, you will see to it that a start is made as soon as possible!" turning to that officer.
The major saluted.