Part 32 (1/2)
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.
”Sure,” Chester agreed. ”It's swifter, and if we have any luck at all, it's a pretty good contraption to get away in after we have gained our information. Now about clothes. Shall we keep on these uniforms?”
”What would you suggest?”
”Well, I don't know. Thought maybe we would take some German clothes along.”
”Might not be a bad idea, though we won't put them on unless we have to.
I don't want to be shot as a spy if I can help it.”
”Nor I. Don't suppose there would be any use in taking civilian costumes?”
”I don't know. Guess it wouldn't do any harm, though. The more clothes the better. We may need a change of costume most any time.”
”All right. We'll load up, if we can find what we want.”
”I guess there won't be any trouble about that.”
The lad was right. Soon they had a large army plane at their disposal and had stocked it with all they thought they would need in the way of clothing and food. Then they returned to their own quarters. Hal glanced at his watch.
”Only five o'clock,” he said. ”We've a good three hours yet. We don't want to go up until well after dark. Let's go out and have a look around.”
Chester was agreeable and they made their way from the tent. They had walked about for probably an hour, when suddenly Hal took Chester by the coat sleeve.
”Look there!” he exclaimed.
Chester looked; and there, perhaps fifty yards away, was Anthony Stubbs, slinking along, now and then casting an eye at Hal and Chester.
”He's seen us,” said Chester. ”Let's have a little talk with him. Maybe we can have some fun.”
It was the first time they had seen the little war correspondent since the talk in General Petain's tent more than two months before.
”Come on, then,” said Hal.
They increased their stride; but Stubbs, with a quick glance over his shoulder, observed this and also increased his pace.