To Hal and Chester
it meant but one thing. General Pombrey was a fanatic; and the men who
had come under his spell were fanatics. In that instant Hal and Chester
both realized that this matter must be brought to General Petain
immediately.
After some few other words, General Pombrey signified that the meeting
was over, and the men filed from the tent singly and in pairs, discussing
the matter in low tones.
Outside Hal and Chester were accosted again by Jules Clemenceau.
"And what do you think of General Pombrey?" asked the young Frenchman,
his face shining.
For a moment Hal considered what was best to say. Should he try and
convince Jules that his present course was wrong; that there was to be
considered the honor of his country rather than the opinion of General
Pombrey? The lad decided on the side of caution.
"A good man," he replied quietly. "A man who will face a firing squad
without a tremor, secure in the belief he is dying for a good cause."
"And do you not think the cause good, and just?" demanded Jules,
anxiously.
"If not, why should I be the bearer of a pocket-full of black peas?" was
Hal's reply.
Jules, apparently, was satisfied.
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