"We'll get it if it is humanly possible," agreed Hal.
"I am more confident of success than I would be if the mission were in
other hands," said General Petain, quietly.
"And when do you wish us to start, sir?" asked Hal.
"Immediately," was the reply, "though I believe it would be better to
wait until dark."
"And you would suggest an aeroplane?" asked Hal.
"I leave the means to you," returned the general. "I'll give you a
written order that will put anything in the French lines at your
disposal, aeroplane, automobile or horses. You may take your choice."
The general turned to his desk and scribbled on a piece of paper. To what
he had written he affixed his signature and then passed the paper to Hal.
"I have no further instructions," he said. "But, be as quick as you can,
and be careful."
He arose and extended a hand to each lad. He had come to be very fond of
them, and he patted each on the back affectionately.
"May good fortune attend you," he said quietly.
The lads drew themselves up, saluted and left the tent. The general
stepped to the door and gazed after them.
"Good boys, those," he said quietly to himself. "May they return safely!"
CHAPTER XXII
THE PARTY IS INCREASED
"I guess an aeroplane is the best way after all," said Hal, when they
were back in their own quarters.
Pages:
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178