Both lads saluted their commander and left the room. "By Jove!" said Hal, as he sprang into the car, "there is no use talking, important developments are pending. It begins to look like peace to me." "And to me," Chester agreed. "Well, the sooner the better. Four years of war is enough to satisfy Mars himself." Soon the car was speeding westward. It was a long drive to Soissons and it was after nightfall when Hal saw the lights of the city in the distance. A few moments later they entered the town. Hal had no difficulty ascertaining where Marshal Foch made his headquarters and he drove there at once. A few words to a guard before the building brought forth a member of Marshal Foch’s staff and the lads explained their mission to him briefly. "You are expected," said the French officer. "Follow me." He led the way into the house and through a long hall. At the far end he tapped on a door. "Who’s there?" came a voice, that Hal at once recognized as belonging to the French commander-in-chief. "Colonel Murrat," said the lads’ guide. "The messengers from General Pershing have arrived." "Show them in at once," said Marshal Foch. A moment later Hal and Chester were in the presence of the generalissimo of all the allied forces. They saluted him respectfully. "I may be mistaken," said Marshal Foch, eyeing them searchingly, "but I’ll wager you are Majors Paine and Crawford. Am I right?" "Yes, your excellency," said Hal. "We are honored that you remember us." "I never forget a face," replied Marshal Foch; "and seldom a name. Then you bring me a communication from General Pershing?" For answer Hal produced the document given him by the American commander-in-chief earlier in the day. He passed it to Marshal Foch without a word. The French commander took it and laid it carefully on his desk. "That will be all for to-night, gentlemen," he said. "I shall be pleased if you will avail yourself of our hospitality. Colonel Murrat will find quarters for you. Will you report to me in the morning at 8 o’clock? I may have a reply for your commander-in-chief." The lads saluted again and withdrew. Colonel Murrat showed them to excellent quarters in a house next to the one in which the French commander had his headquarters and left them. "Well," said Chester, after he had gone, "looks like we are right in among things, doesn’t it?" "It certainly does," Hal agreed. "But say, I’m hungry. Let’s step out and round up something to eat." "Suits me," declared Chester, "I’m half starved myself." At a little restaurant only three or four blocks away they were soon comfortably filled. Hal was on the point of suggesting that they turn in for the night when a figure entering the door caught his eye. "By all that’s wonderful," he exclaimed, "here comes Anthony Stubbs." Hal was right. The little war correspondent espied the lads at the same moment and hurried toward them with outstretched hand.