"Well," he said, "if these fellows don’t hurry they won’t get back to Marshal Foch’s rendezvous until too late." "Oh, I guess they’ll get there in time all right," replied Chester. "At least they will if they know what’s good for them." Meanwhile Hal, peering through the canvass door at one end of the tent, ascertained that the door of the second tent in some unaccountable manner had been left open. Also, the lad perceived that the tent was filled with uniformed figures. "Something going on," he said to Chester in a low voice. Chester stepped forward and peered over Hal’s shoulder. "There certainly is," he agreed. "Wonder if we will be able to hear what they say?" "I guess we can," said Hal. "I don’t like to eavesdrop, but we might learn something that will help." "I guess the end will justify the means," said Chester. They became silent. It was clear to both lads that the figures in the tent were awaiting the arrival of another person. And presently the latter came; and when he entered, the tent both lads stifled exclamations of surprise with difficulty. "Well, what do you think of that!" Chester ejaculated. "By Jove! I didn’t know he was in this part of the field," said Hal. For the man who had just entered the tent was none other than the German Emperor, Wilhelm II. Gazing more closely, the lads made out other familiar figures. There was, first, General Ludendorff, chief of the German staff; General Von Hindenburg, and newly created Chancellor Ebert. Also the tent was crowded with other notables, both military and civilian. It was the kaiser who spoke first. Straining their ears, the lads were able to catch every word that was uttered. "Well, gentlemen," said the kaiser, "I am here at your request. What is it you desire of me?" It was General Ludendorff who replied. "Your majesty, it is my painful duty to acquaint you with the terms laid down by the enemy commander-in-chief." "What are they?" demanded the kaiser briefly. In as few words as possible, General Von Ludendorff outlined the terms of an armistice as Marshal Foch had presented them to the German envoys. The kaiser fidgeted impatiently until his chief general had concluded. Then he burst out: "We shall accept no such terms." General Ludendorff bowed. "As I supposed you would answer, your majesty. Nevertheless, it again becomes my duty to acquaint you with other unpleasant facts." The German emperor appeared surprised. "Explain, sir," he said briefly. Again General Ludendorff bowed. "Well, your majesty," he said, "it must be plain to you that the war is lost to German arms." "Not at all," said the kaiser. "I still have millions of men in the field, and there are others who yet may take up arms." "Very true," said General Ludendorff, "they may be able to take up arms if they will. The trouble is, your majesty, that they probably will decline longer to wage a losing fight." The German emperor started back.