tent singly and in pairs, discussing
the matter in low tones.

Outside Hal and Chester were accosted again by Jules Clemenceau.

"And what do you think of General Pombrey?" asked the young Frenchman,
his face shining.

For a moment Hal considered what was best to say. Should he try and
convince Jules that his present course was wrong; that there was to be
considered the honor of his country rather than the opinion of General
Pombrey? The lad decided on the side of caution.

"A good man," he replied quietly. "A man who will face a firing squad
without a tremor, secure in the belief he is dying for a good cause."

"And do you not think the cause good, and just?" demanded Jules,
anxiously.

"If not, why should I be the bearer of a pocket-full of black peas?" was
Hal's reply.

Jules, apparently, was satisfied.

Alone in their own quarters later Hal and Chester discussed the situation
seriously.

"To tell the truth," said Chester, "I am half inclined to agree with
General Pombrey. But if for no other reason, there is one thing that
would make me reveal this plot to General Petain."

"And that?" asked Hal.

"That," said Chester, "is the fact that General Pombrey and the others
engaged in this conspiracy are lacking upon the German troops to throw
down their arms and refuse to fight at the same moment the French and
British do."

"Well?" asked Hal, but he was beginning to catch Chester's drift.

"Well," said Chester, "you and I know the Germans won't do that. It's a
ten to one bet that the German general staff knows all about this
conspiracy. The peace talk has been carried from one army to the other by
the prisoners. The Germans will take advantage of it. Should the French
really follow General Pombrey's plan, they would be slaughtered by the
thousands. The Germans could not keep faith. You know that."

"Yes, I know it," said Hal with a nod of his head. "They have never
kept faith in this war, save in individual cases. It doesn't seem to
be in them."

"Exactly," agreed Chester. "Then, if for no other reason than to save
these deluded French and British soldiers, the matter must be brought to
the attention of General Petain, that he may act promptly and not only
save them, but the whole army of France; and the cause of the Allies."

"Good!" Hal agreed. "Then we shall see that it's brought to his
attention."

"The first thing in the morning," said Chester.

"Right you are, Chester. The first thing in the