"So they are," agreed Marshal Foch, "but under the circumstances I can do no better." "But surely, sir," said General Herwigs, "you realize that they are more harsh than have ever before been imposed upon an enemy by a civilized nation?" "Perfectly," said Marshal Foch. "At the same time, sir, never has a civilized nation wrought such ruin on the world at large as has Germany in the last four years. He who plays, must pay the fiddler, you know, sir." "Is there no hope, sir," asked General Herwigs, "that the terms may be modified?" "None," said Marshal Foch briefly. For the space of perhaps five minutes General Herwigs was silent. Then he said: "You will grant me a few moments’ private conversation with my associates, sir?" "As many as you choose," replied Marshal Foch. The German delegates retired to the far end of the car, where they conversed in low voices for perhaps ten minutes. Then they returned to their seats. "Since you insist upon these terms," said General Herwigs, "I want to record formal protest against their severity." "It shall be duly recorded, sir," said Marshal Foch gravely. "And," continued General Herwigs, "as you refuse to modify them, there is only one thing Germany can do." There was an air of expectancy in the car. Hal felt his breath coming quickly. Chester’s hands clenched and unclenched nervously. At General Herwigs’ last words, it seemed to both lads that he was about to defy Marshal Foch. Neither lad was able to place any other construction on his words. "And that is?" asked Marshal Foch, answering General Herwigs’ last statement. "That is to accept the terms, sir!" General Foch got to his feet and took a step forward. "I am glad," he said simply. "There can be no one more glad than I that peace shall rest again upon earth after four years of war." There was a subdued cheer from the allied officers in the car, but these were quickly suppressed. "There remains, then," said Marshal Foch, "nothing now except the formal signing of the terms, which accomplished, I shall order an armistice effective from 11 o’clock to-morrow morning." General Herwigs bowed. "I am ready to sign now." "You have the authority to speak for the German people?" asked Marshal Foch. "I have, sir. Since the formal abdication of the kaiser and the Crown Prince——" There were exclamations of surprise from all parts of the car. Even Marshal Foch seemed moved. "The emperor has abdicated?" he questioned. "Yes, sir, and the Crown Prince has declined to take the throne. Chancellor Ebert, now acting head of the government, has authorized me to sign the armistice terms in the name of the German people." "It is well," said Marshal Foch. The paper was spread out on the table. Once more General Herwigs read, as his associates grouped themselves about him. "It is hard thus to sign away virtually the freedom of a mighty nation," he said, "but there is no help for it." He signed.