"You may return to your own lines at your own risk," said Marshal Foch. "I shall order firing stopped for a brief space that you may leave the allied lines; also, a flag of truce will be honored again, if you care to return. But in the interval, I propose to renew the fighting." Again the German delegates debated. "If that is the best you can do, sir," said the spokesman at last, "we shall have to be content." "It is the best I can do," said Marshal Foch. "Now let me make a suggestion. It is perfectly plain that if the sentiments of the German high command are sincere, the sooner you return the better for all concerned. Do I make myself clear?" "Perfectly, sir." "Then my suggestion is this. I shall place a fast army plane at your disposal that you may return to your own lines the quicker." "But we have no pilot," protested the German. "I will furnish the pilot." A third time the Germans debated the matter. "We accept, sir," said the spokesman at last. Marshal Foch surveyed the group of French officers in the car. Then his eyes fell on Hal and Chester. "Major Paine!" he called. Hal stepped forward and saluted. "If memory serves," said Marshal Foch, "you are an experienced air pilot?" Hal bowed his assent. "Good," said the commander-in-chief, "then we need look no further for a pilot, gentlemen." "Major Crawford." Chester stepped forward and saluted. "You will place yourself at the disposal of Major Paine, sir." Chester saluted again and stepped back. "General Dupree!" The officer addressed stepped forward. "You will present my compliments to the burgess of the town, and ask him to place his largest aircraft at your disposal." General Dupree left the car. "I guess that is all, gentlemen," said Marshal Foch. "I shall remain here until to-morrow at this time, awaiting your return. If you are not back within that time I shall consider negotiations suspended!" "Major Paine." Again Hal stepped forward. "General Dupree, before you leave, will furnish you with a map showing where you may pass safely through our lines and at what hours fire will be remitted at certain points. It will be all the safeguard you need. I shall continue to advance in all other sectors. Good day, gentlemen." Marshal Foch saluted the Germans stiffly, and then signified that the interview was ended by turning again to his desk. Hal and Chester led the way from the car, closely followed by the German delegates. Outside, they encountered General Dupree, who announced that the large army plane would be ready within fifteen minutes. Hal then mentioned the map Marshal Foch had said General Dupree would provide, and the general hastened away to prepare it. He returned within a few minutes and placed the map in Hal’s hands. "I shall issue the necessary orders at once," he said. He, too, saluted the Germans again and then took his departure. Less than fifteen minutes later the mayor of the town himself hurried up.