"No," said Hal. "What is it?" "A truce has been signed with Austria," replied the soldier. "Hurrah!" "Hurrah indeed," said Hal fervently. "And have you heard the nature of the truce?" "Yes, sir. An armistice has been signed to become effective to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock. The armistice extends for thirty days in which time the allies will draw up terms of peace to be presented to Austria, sir." "That is good news indeed, my man," said Hal. "I am obliged to you." The soldier saluted and rejoined his companions. Together they continued their parade of the camp; spreading the glad tidings as they went from place to place. "So Stubbs was right after all," Hal mused. "It seems so," said Chester, "but I wonder where he got his information?" "It’s too deep for me," declared Hal, "but he got it all right. I hope he lands his scoop, as he calls it." "So do I. He deserves it." Hal glanced at his watch. "Well," he said, "you can stay here awhile and help the others celebrate. I’ve work to do and it’s time to be moving." "Wish I were going with you," said Chester, "but I am convinced we have agreed on the best plan." Hal nodded. "It seems best to me." "Then I shall follow the directions we agreed upon," said Chester. "I’ll start in exactly an hour." "And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must get through, no matter what happens." "Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into trouble, I’ll lend a helping hand should I come across you and find that it is possible without endangering my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, you will have to shift for yourself." "That’s the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you can without compromising yourself, but always remember that one of us must get through. Now I’m off." He held out his hand, which Chester grasped warmly. "I’m hoping nothing happens," said the latter quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye." "Good-bye," said Hal. He gave Chester’s hand a parting grip, turned on his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking after him for some moments. Then he moved on slowly. "By Jove! I hope nothing happens to Hal," he muttered. It seemed to Chester that the next hour would never pass, but at last the hands of his watch showed 10 o’clock. "Time to be moving," the lad told himself. He produced his pair of revolvers and examined them carefully. "All fine and dandy," he muttered. "Well, I guess there is no reason for waiting longer." He turned and strode off in the direction Hal had gone just a short hour before. *CHAPTER XII* *HAL MEETS AN OBSTACLE* Hal made rapid progress through the American lines. It was almost an hour after he left Chester that he reached the most advanced American outposts toward the north. He was challenged there, but after confiding to the officer in charge of operations there that he was on a mission for General Rhodes, he was allowed to pass.