"I heard Colonel O’Neil say the other day," said Hal, "that wars will cease only when men quit thinking war."
"A very apt remark, by Jove!" said Chester.
Further conversation was prevented by the entrance of half a dozen figures, one of them the German delegate who had left the tent a few moments before.
"We will be moving any time you are ready, gentlemen," he said, addressing Hal.
"We are ready now, sir," was the lad’s reply.
"Good! Then there is no need to delay. Let us go."
Hal and Chester followed the Germans from the tent.
Straight to the airplane in which Hal had piloted the Germans to their own lines from Hirson the Germans led the way. Beside the machine, they came to a stop.
"This trip," said the spokesman to Hal, "you shall carry a more distinguished personage."
"Very well, sir," said Hal with a slight bow. "Who, sir?"
"Chancellor Ebert," was the reply. "However, it is not desired that his departure be known; besides which, he will go incognito, his identity to be revealed only to Marshal Foch, and to be kept secret after that."
"I see," said Hal. "I shall never mention the matter, sir."
"I was sure I could depend on you. And your brother officer?"
He stepped aside to allow the German chancellor, a man of slight stature but imposing countenance, to enter the craft. The latter climbed in nimbly.
Hal was about to take his place in the pilot’s seat when there was a sudden interruption.
Came a body of infantry forward at the double and there was a shouted command to halt. Chancellor Ebert stood up in the airplane.
"One moment, sir," he said to Hal, and raised a hand.
The leader of the advancing troops, catching sight of the chancellor, halted his men and came to attention.
"What can I do for you, sir?" demanded Chancellor Ebert.
"There is a rumor about the camp," said the other, "that the emperor has renounced the throne in favor of the Crown Prince, who also has signed papers of abdication."
He stopped speaking and stood expectantly, awaiting a reply.
"We wish to know if the rumor is true, sir?"
"Nothing, sir, except that my men will obey none but his majesty."
"You mean," asked the chancellor, sharply, "that you will dispute my authority?"
"General Herwigs," said the chancellor, addressing one of his companions in the airplane, "will you kindly dispatch one of your men for assistance? It seems there is mutiny here."