ir escape;
and last, of their attendance at the meeting of the conspirators, where,
for the first time, they learned the true significance of the little
black peas.

As Chester proceeded with his story the general listened attentively.
When Chester spoke of being captured by Stubbs, the general smiled
quietly, and Hal, noting the smile, guessed rightly that General Petain
had had a hand in the capture himself--or rather, that he at least had
sanctioned it; and when Chester spoke of the meeting of the conspirators
and mentioned the name of General Pombrey, General Petain frowned.

"So," he said when Chester had concluded, "General Pombrey is mixed up in
this thing, eh?"

"He seems to be the leader of the movement, sir," replied Chester. "I
should say that he is without doubt the directing hand."

"And what do you hope to gain by telling me all this?" asked General
Petain, eyeing the lad shrewdly.

"I hope to see the conspiracy crushed, sir, before it gains further
momentum," was Chester's reply.

General Petain eyed the lad peculiarly.

"Can it be that I have been misinformed?" he muttered to himself.

Hal's keen ears caught the words.

"I can assure you that you have been misinformed, sir," he replied
firmly.

For several moments more the general eyed the lads sternly and they
returned his gaze without flinching. Suddenly the general clapped his
hands together. The French officer who had arrested the two lads entered
he tent and saluted.

"Captain," said General Petain. "my compliments to Mr. Anthony Stubbs and
say that I desire his presence here at once."

The French officer saluted and took his departure.

The hearts of the two lads beat high now. Apparently General Petain had
been convinced of the truth of their stories. They believed that when
Stubbs confronted them he would weaken.

"I don't know what to think about this matter," said General Petain as
they waited for Stubbs' arrival. "I am loath to believe you would be
mixed up in anything of this nature."

"How did Mr. Stubbs happen to mention us as being implicated in this
conspiracy, sir?" asked Chester.

"He said he wanted to see you get home safely and not be mixed up in
anything that might mean a firing squad," said General Petain, calmly. "I
promised him your safe return to America for his news of the conspiracy."

"I see," said Chester.

At this moment Stubbs was announced. General Petain looked at him
sharply.

"These officers,"