The German delegates, who left the train immediately after them, presented a strange appearance. Garbed in German uniforms, their eyes were blindfolded. This precaution had been taken by direction of Marshal Foch in order that the delegates might not acquaint themselves with the allied strength and other military details as they passed through the lines. The German delegates were worn and travel-stained. It had been a hard trip through No Man’s Land in an automobile. There they rode in the drizzling rain, over shell holes and under the most trying conditions. Consequently, they were not in the best of humor. Immediately upon alighting from the train that had brought them to Hirson, they were conducted to Marshal Foch’s train. In the rear car, Marshal Foch was busy at his desk. This car was fitted out with all material comforts. It was the marshal’s private car. In it he often slept and worked. It had all the comforts of home and bore some resemblance to a large parlor. His staff stood respectfully some distance away, while his guests, including Hal and Chester, were even farther back in the car. Came footsteps on the vestibule without. Instantly an air of excitement pervaded the car. Staff officers, trying to look unconcerned, failed miserably, and no wonder. Great events were impending. A man could hardly help showing the strain under which he was laboring. Marshal Foch was by all odds the coolest man in the car. Directly the door opened. In stepped the German delegates—five of them—and behind them came the French officers who had been their pilots. General Dupree arose to receive them. Marshal Foch was still busy at his desk. He did not look up. First the German envoys were allowed to remove the bandages from their eyes. Then they were presented to General Dupree, who acknowledged the introductions with a stiff salute. "If it is your desire to speak with the commander-in-chief," he said to the Germans, "his excellency will grant you a brief interview. But he is very busy, so you must be brief." He spoke to the commander-in-chief, who laid down a sheaf of papers and rose to his feet. Marshal Foch and the Germans saluted stiffly. Introductions followed. "You must be brief, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "My time is valuable." One of the Germans advanced. "We have come," he said quietly, "to learn on what terms we may accept the armistice you have offered." "Armistice?" repeated Marshal Foch, "I have made no offer of an armistice." The German officer bit his lip. "But I understood—" he began. "Enough of this subterfuge," said Marshal Foch sternly. "It is my understanding that you come hither to request an armistice preliminary to negotiations for peace. If I am mistaken, we are losing valuable time."