There was nothing for the Germans to do but retreat. This they did, slowly, contesting every inch of the ground. Gradually, however, their retreat became faster, and at some places it developed into utter rout. Late in July of 1918 the enemy had been cleared from the greater part of France and Belgium. In fact, in Alsace-Lorraine, American troops were on German soil and threatening the strong fortresses of Metz and Strassburg. Germans had been cleared from the Argonne forest, which, in the enemy’s possession, had proved one of the greatest menaces to the allied advance. It appeared that the time was drawing near for a decisive blow by Marshal Foch. The time was to come sooner than either Hal or Chester could possibly have conceived, and both boys were to bear a full burden of the fighting. At the quarters of Colonel O’Neil, Hal and Chester waited a few moments before being ushered into the former’s presence. But their time came eventually, and they hurried into Colonel O’Neil’s office and stood at attention. Colonel O’Neil looked up. "Well, how do you feel, Major?" he asked of Hal. "Pretty well, sir." "Good. And you, Major Crawford?" "Very well, sir." "Good," said Colonel O’Neil again. "I’m glad to hear it, for I’ve an important piece of work that must be done at once and I wouldn’t feel like calling upon you unless you are perfectly fit." "We’re perfectly fit, sir," declared Chester eagerly. "Draw up chairs here, then," said the colonel. The boys obeyed. *CHAPTER II* *THROUGH THE LINES* "I suppose," said Colonel O’Neil, "you have both heard the rumor that Austria has sued for peace?" "Yes, sir," replied Chester, "and I have tried to convince Hal of it, but he is inclined to be skeptical." "And with good reason," declared Colonel O’Neil. "I don’t place much confidence in the report myself. Nor, it seems, do my superiors. In fact, it is in regard to that report that I have summoned you here." Hal smiled slightly. "To me it seems the report is too good to be true," he volunteered. "My sentiments exactly, Major," said Colonel O’Neil. "Nevertheless, it is, of course, possible that the report is true, and if it is true, it is the beginning of the end. However, before the general staff can take advantage of the report, it must be verified absolutely. With Austria suing for peace, and Bulgaria and Turkey virtually out of the war, we can strike such a blow at the Germans on the west front as will mean the end of the war before Christmas." "I see," said Chester, "and it is to obtain confirmation of the report that you have summoned us?"