Three regiments of the First brigade of General Lejeune’s division had been hurried forward to cut off a movement, and the Germans, when they found flight blocked, became disheartened. In spite of the fact that they outnumbered the little force between them and the bulk of their army, thousands of men threw down their arms and surrendered. This forced the others to follow suit or be annihilated. Less than two hours later, with German shells still falling among them, American troops entered Sedan. And the French population, virtual prisoners for many months, received them with wild acclaim. It was a joyous day for the citizens, indeed. *CHAPTER XVI* *AN UNEXPECTED HONOR* "Sedan at last! This settles the war." It was Chester who spoke. "Right you are," replied Hal. "The poor old kaiser’s goose is cooked. Even the most sanguine German can no longer hope for victory." "I think the kaiser gave up hope a long while ago," said Chester. "He—Hello, what’s up now, I wonder?" He broke off suddenly and pointed to a horseman who came galloping into the town from the east, gesticulating excitedly as he rode along. Words that he shouted as he dashed forward seemed to create great excitement among the villagers, who, all day, had been parading the streets in celebration of the American occupation of the city. "Don’t know," said Hal. "We’ll try and get close enough to hear what he says." As the man drew close, the lads saw that he was a German cavalryman. It appeared strange to both boys that he was thus permitted to ride free, as the feelings of the villagers were very strong against the Germans. But it soon became apparent that the message he brought secured him immunity. "What’s that he said?" asked Chester, with hand to his ear. "I didn’t catch it," said Hal. "Here, get in front of him. We’ll stop his wild ride." Chester needed no urging. The lads stepped directly in front of the galloping horse. Hal produced his revolvers. The rider checked his steed. Hal approached him. "Dismount," said the lad in German. The rider did so. "Now," said Hal, "what’s all the excitement? You seem to have something on your mind. What is it?" "Haven’t you heard the news?" demanded the rider. "I wouldn’t be asking you if I had," said Hal. "What is it?" "The kaiser has abdicated!" Hal and Chester started back in pure amazement. "What!" they exclaimed in a single voice. "So I am informed," declared the German. "It is true that my information has not been substantiated, but I know enough of conditions in Germany to credit the report." "Well, you come with me," said Hal. "We’ll take this matter to General Lejeune." The German accompanied them without objection. General Lejeune received the report with skepticism.