They slowly approached the door. There was a little L in the passage at the end but no outlet, no doorway. The walls, heavily faced with ancient oak, had no opening.
"What was he doing?" said Porky.
"Listening, I should say," said his brother.
They looked the door over carefully, and listened with keen ears pressed against it. Not a murmur could be heard through its heavy surface. It was queer. Behind that door was the council room and private office of General Pershing. No one without proper credentials was ever allowed to enter the passageway leading to it. Yet both boys had seen the stooping figure, and both boys had seen it apparently vanish into space.
"Come on in," said Porky at last. "I have got to make my report."
"You go on," said Beany. "I don't have to report anything, and I want to look into this a little. It looks mighty queer to me. Where do you suppose that guy went?"
"Search me!" said Porky. "I know where this guy will go if I don't get on something dry and have a chance for a little sleep. Go ahead, prowl around and see what you can find."
He knocked, using a peculiar shuffling rap on the white panel. The door was instantly opened by a soldier and Porky stepped into the presence of the Commanding General.
CHAPTER II
THE PANEL IN THE WALL