heir way. Now they reached the first line
of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.

Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.

"What is your business here?" he demanded.

Briefly Hal explained, and added:

"We are seeking General French. Can you direct us to him?"

The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he
indicated. It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to
the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host
of Britain.

For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted
them warmly.

"I had made sure that you two lads were lost," he said. "Come, give an
account of yourselves."

Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to
the lad's recital in unfeigned amazement.

"And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the
enemy," he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their
adventures. "I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine
had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that
you two were aboard it."

Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young
Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp,
of General Joffre's staff.

"What!" cried General French, springing to his feet. "Tromp a traitor!
Why, it is unbelievable. General Joffre has entire confidence in his
ability and integrity."

"Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that," said Hal
quietly. "Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly
was repentant at the end."

"Oh, I do not doubt your word," General French assured Hal, "but it
seems impossible. Something must be done at once."

"Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?" asked Hal respectfully.

"By all means," was the general's reply.

"Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp's treachery
to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field
wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and
make his escape."

"An excellent idea," said General French. "It shall be acted upon at
once." He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.

But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through
his fingers.

"If you please, general," he said. "Chester and I would like to carry
the message. You see, we are greatly interested in this matt