"Maybe so," Hal admitted; "but after four years’ experience with the Germans, I believe nothing until I see it."
"Perhaps; and yet I’m telling you just how I feel."
"For my part," said Chester, "I believe the enemy has at last come to the conclusion that they are licked and want to get out of the mess the easiest way they can."
"You may be right. It would be just like the Germans to have wreaked destruction on all other nations and then to try and crawl out without paying the cost."
"Don’t fool yourself about that," said Chester. "They’ll have to pay."
"I’m sure I hope so. Personally, I am in favor of dismembering the German empire."
"I believe that is what will be done. Certainly, with victory in their grasp, the allies cannot afford to allow Germany to prepare a second time for a conflagration that will consume the world."
The lads became silent as Marshal Foch, followed by members of his staff, approached them.
"Well, gentlemen," said the marshal, "are you glad to be here, or would you rather be on the firing line with your American forces?"
"For the moment," replied Hal, "we would much prefer to be here, sir. I want to say that we are indeed fortunate to be on the spot where history is about to be written, your excellency."
"Right you are, young sir," declared Marshal Foch, "and if I am not greatly mistaken, history will be written here—and that very soon."
"The sooner the better for all concerned, sir," said Chester.
Marshal Foch bowed slightly in acknowledging this remark, the lads saluted and the commander-in-chief walked away.
"Well," said Chester half an hour later, "I’m getting tired of sitting around here. I wish something would happen."
"I heard Marshal Foch say that General Dupree was to report here at 2 o’clock," said Hal "It’s almost that now. Something may happen soon after that."
"Let’s hope so. This is tiresome business."
Shortly before 2 o’clock, the sound of an approaching train raised the lads’ hopes again. Others in the party also showed keen interest. A few moments later a train drew into the station. Marshal Foch and his staff were on the platform.
Presently there alighted a figure in the uniform of a divisional commander.
General Dupree hurried at once to Marshal Foch and the two engaged in conversation when the formalities of greeting had been exchanged.