Part 3 (1/2)
”We are awaiting your orders, sir,” said Hal.
”I don't know as I have any for you,” was the reply. ”I have taken what precautions I can. Had you arrived a day earlier it might have been different. I would have had more time.”
”We came as fast as we could, sir,” said Chester.
”I've no doubt of that,” said the general. ”Your information is of great value, of course. I suppose you will return to Ma.r.s.eilles?”
”We had rather remain here a while, sir,” said Hal.
”So,” said the general. ”It's fighting you want, eh? Well, I guess I can accommodate you. I probably shall need every man I can get hold of. I shall attach you to my staff temporarily. But tell me, who is this man here?” He pointed to Stubbs.
”War correspondent,” replied Hal briefly.
”What?” roared the general, ”and in my tent! I'll have him court martialed!”
Stubbs quailed visibly.
”A war correspondent, eh,” continued the general, ”and walking about within my lines as free as air. He may be a spy. I'll have him shot.”
”Look here, general,” said Stubbs, ”I--”
”Silence!” thundered General Petain. He turned to Hal. ”Your name, sir?”
”Paine, sir.”
”A lieutenant, I see.”
”Yes, sir.”
General Petain turned to Chester.
”And your name?”
”Lieutenant Crawford, sir.”
”Good. I'll turn this man over to you. You may do as you please with him.
I see he is a friend of yours.”
”Yes, sir,” returned Hal. ”He's a good friend of ours, sir. He's rendered us several valuable services. Also, sir, he is to be trusted. He will seek to send out no information which you desire suppressed.”
”I never heard of one like that,” said the general.
”He's the only one in captivity, sir. His name is Stubbs, sir, of the New York _Gazette_”
”His name will be Mudd, sir, if he doesn't conduct himself properly while within my lines,” declared General Petain. ”Take him with you. Find Lieutenant Maussapant and tell him to find quarters for you. Report to me at midnight. I probably shall have work for you.”
The lads saluted and made their way from the tent. Stubbs followed them.
Chester glanced at his watch.