CHAPTER XXIVIN TROUBLE AGAINHal and Chester, from their place of concealment, had been interested spectators of the abdication of the German emperor, and his son, the Crown Prince."By Jove!" said Hal, drawing back, "this is a sight we can brag about the rest of our natural lives.""I should say so," agreed Chester. "And so the kaiser has abdicated. Who would have thought it?""Certainly not the kaiser himself four years ago," was Hal's response. "But it just goes to show that right is bound to triumph in the end.""So it does. Now I suppose the signing of the armistice will be only a matter of form.""I should judge so. But who will sign the armistice for Germany?""Chancellor Ebert, I imagine," said Chester. "He should be the proper man to do so now.""Well, I guess we'll know soon enough," said Hal. "But see, the conference is breaking up. We'd better get back a bit. No need having them learn we have overheard what has happened."The lads drew back to the far end of the tent.Perhaps fifteen minutes later the man who had acted as spokesman for the German delegates at the conference with Marshal Foch entered the tent."I see you are still here," he said, smiling slightly. "We shall be ready to return to your lines soon.""Very well, sir," said Hal, "we await your pleasure."The man withdrew."Well," said Hal, "I guess the war's as good as over. Of course, it will be weeks and perhaps months after the armistice goes into effect before peace is signed, but I guess there will be no more fighting.""I hope not," said Chester. "It's true enough that we've had a good time in Europe, such as it is, but how much better it will be when men turn their energies to up-building instead of destroying.""True," agreed Hal, "and yet we know that until German militarism was destroyed, nothing was safe in this world. The war has been a benefit to mankind.""From that standpoint, you are right, of course; and still, it would seem that there must be better ways than by wholesale killing. It is a long ways from being pleasant.""It is indeed. I shall be glad when it is over. I don't believe there will ever be another war.""Oh, I wouldn't go as far as to say that," said Chester. "I suppose that as long as there are nations, and men think as they do now there will be war. Of course, some day nations will come to observe the Golden Rule, and then wars will cease.""I heard Colonel O'Neil say the other day," said Hal, "that wars will cease only when men quit thinking war.""A very apt remark, by Jove!" said Chester.Further conversation was prevented by the entrance of half a dozen figures, one of them the German delegate who had left the tent a few moments before."We will be moving any time you are ready, gentlemen," he said, addressing Hal."We are ready now, sir," was the lad's reply."Good! Then there is no need to delay. Let us go."Hal and Chester followed the Germans from the tent.Straight to the airplane in which Hal had piloted the Germans to their own lines from Hirson the Germans led the way. Beside the machine, they came to a stop."This trip," said the spokesman to Hal, "you shall carry a more distinguished personage.""Very well, sir," said Hal with a slight bow. "Who, sir?""Chancellor Ebert," was the reply. "However, it is not desired that his departure be known; besides which, he will go incognito, his identity to be revealed only to Marshal Foch, and to be kept secret after that.""I see," said Hal. "I shall never mention the matter, sir.""I was sure I could depend on you. And your brother officer?""I can answer for him, too, sir.""It is well. Then we may as well move."He stepped aside to allow the German chancellor, a man of slight stature but imposing countenance, to enter the craft. The latter climbed in nimbly.The others followed him.Hal was about to take his place in the pilot's seat when there was a sudden interruption.Came a body of infantry forward at the double and there was a shouted command to halt. Chancellor Ebert stood up in the airplane."One moment, sir," he said to Hal, and raised a hand.The leader of the advancing troops, catching sight of the chancellor, halted his men and came to attention."What can I do for you, sir?" demanded Chancellor Ebert."There is a rumor about the camp," said the other, "that the emperor has renounced the throne in favor of the Crown Prince, who also has signed papers of abdication."He stopped speaking and stood expectantly, awaiting a reply."Well?" asked Chancellor Ebert."We wish to know if the rumor is true, sir?""And what if it is true, General?""Nothing, sir, except that my men will obey none but his majesty.""You mean," asked the chancellor, sharply, "that you will dispute my authority?""I do, sir.""General Herwigs," said the chancellor, addressing one of his companions in the airplane, "will you kindly dispatch one of your men for assistance? It seems there is mutiny here."In response to a command from the general, a man who had been standing near the airplane started away. He was immediately halted by the officer who had accosted the party in the plane."One moment, my man," said the officer. "You cannot pass here until I have verified the rumor of the kaiser's abdication.""General Herwigs," said Chancellor Ebert quietly, "will you kindly place that officer under arrest.""With pleasure, sir."General Herwigs sprang from the machine with alacrity and approached the officer and addressed the latter's own men."You know me, men," he said. "I have ever been a stanch supporter of his majesty. But now General Derloff questions the authority of the imperial chancellor. I order you to arrest him."It was plain that the sentiment of the troops was about evenly divided. General Derloff immediately began to harangue his followers, and while the argument continued the man whom General Herwigs ordered away in search of reinforcements took the opportunity to disappear.He was out of sight before anyone noticed his absence. Ten minutes later, while the argument between the two generals still waxed hot, the troops meanwhile being undecided just what to do, a second force of infantry appeared in the distance, coming forward at the double.General Derloff was the first to see them."Quick, men, away!" he cried. "We have been tricked!"His men turned in confusion and ran.As they did so, the loyal troops opened fire on the mutineers. Immediately the latter, angered, turned to reply to the fire.Rifles cracked right and left.The allied airplane, caught thus between two fires, was in a dangerous predicament."Climb in here, sir," said Hal to General Herwigs, "and we will make our escape while we may."But Chancellor Ebert stayed the departure."A moment," he said. "I cannot fly while Germans, through a misunderstanding, are at each other's throats.""But we must go, sir," said General Herwigs. "Time is growing short. Marshal Foch said that if we had not returned in twenty-four hours negotiations would be considered suspended. We have little time now, sir. Haste is necessary."For answer Chancellor Ebert stepped from the plane."As I have said," he said quietly, "I cannot go now, under these conditions. But you may go, general, you and the other delegates. Before all these witnesses, I designate you to sign the armistice terms with Marshal Foch. But I cannot go. My place is here.""But, sir—" began General Herwigs.Chancellor Ebert stayed further words with upraised hand."Enough," he said quietly. "You heard me, sir. I am your superior, and as such will be obeyed. Report to me when the armistice has been signed, and not before."General Herwigs, it appeared, was about to protest further, but the chancellor stayed him with a gesture."Hurry now," he said. "You have not much time."Unmindful of the bullets that were flying overhead, he turned on his heel and walked toward the loyal troops, who, still firing at the mutineers, hurried forward to receive him.General Herwigs, realizing that to protest further to the chancellor was useless, climbed in the airplane again and took his seat."No use arguing with him," he muttered.Hal smiled slightly and made sure that his spark was set."All ready, sir?" he called back over his shoulder."All ready," was the reply; "and hurry."The huge plane slid gently over the ground. Gradually its momentum increased until it was traveling with the speed of an express train. Then Hal touched the elevating lever.The airplane leaped aloft.Almost at the same moment, a dozen or more of the mutineers, who were still facing the loyal troops firmly, at command from General Derloff, turned their rifles on the airplane and fired.Hal, catching their movements out of the corner of his eye, veered the course of the airplane sharply. Prompt though he was, he had not acted promptly enough.A hail of bullets sang above and on both sides of him. The plane fluttered like a big bird, wounded.Hal's heart sank within him."Something wrong," he told himself grimly. "We're hit."Chester also was alarmed. His fear grew as the airplane began to descend."What's the matter, Hal?" he called."Don't know," was Hal's reply. "I'm going to land and find out."CHAPTER XXVA BATTLEThe descending airplane became the target at which a hundred or more rifles were aimed. Nevertheless, it reached the ground without any of its occupants being wounded.Out sprang Hal and Chester and behind them the German envoys. While Hal darted around to examine the nature of the machine's injuries, Chester and the Germans drew their revolvers.At the distance, however, as Chester well knew, revolvers were of no avail against the rifles in the hands of the mutinous Germans. But from behind, loyal troops were closing in on the latter. It appeared for the moment that the mutineers must yield in the face of this overwhelming force against them. Several threw down their rifles and raised their arms in token of surrender. The others, however, as they retreated before their erstwhile friends, drew even closer to the crippled airplanes.One of the German envoys gave a sudden cry as a rifle bullet grazed his left arm. The mutineers had now come within range of the revolvers of the little party gathered about the fallen airplane, and the latter opened fire.Confusion ensued in the ranks of the mutineers."Give 'em another," cried Chester, forgetful for the moment that his companions were Germans. Nevertheless, his words were understood, and a second volley of revolver bullets checked the approach of the enemies."How's the machine, Hal?" shouted Chester."I'll have her fixed in a jiffy," was Hal's reply, as he tinkered with the engine. "Nothing serious."From all sides of the German camp, troops, attracted by the sounds of firing, rushed toward the scene of conflict. The mutineers, heavily outnumbered, nevertheless fought on doggedly. They must have realized that death would be the penalty should they be captured, and it seemed to be their intention of bringing down as many of their former companions as possible before being killed themselves.The attack from the rear and either flank had become so severe that the mutineers were forced to abandon their efforts to shoot down the German envoys. Their ranks were sadly depleted now, but those who were left showed no signs of surrender.And at last there remained but half a dozen."Surrender!" cried a German officer, and ordered his men to withhold their fire.The mutineers' reply was a volley that laid the officer low.But the shot that struck the officer did not kill. With difficulty the man raised himself on his elbow and gave a command to his men."Kill them!" he said quietly.Three more volleys flared forth in rapid succession, and when the smoke had cleared away there was no mutineer left standing.Chester breathed a sigh of relief."Safe again," he muttered.This outbreak of German troops had an unpleasant effect on the German envoys."It is time we had peace, no matter at what price," mumbled one to himself. "Our people are on the verge of open revolt. Those men professed to be loyal servants of the emperor. It just goes to show the temper of the masses. Mutiny is in the hearts of the armies. Soon they would take matters in their own hands.""You are right," said another. "It is to be earnestly hoped that we may have peace and set up a stable government before rioting becomes rampant.""I am afraid it is too late even now," declared the first speaker.At this juncture Hal came from beneath the airplane with the announcement that the machine was fit to resume its voyage."Please get in at once, gentlemen," he said. "We have not much time."The German envoys stepped aside to permit Chancellor Ebert to return to them. This the chancellor did a few moments later, but what was the surprise of the others when the chancellor announced that he would not accompany them."My duty is here, it seems," he said quietly. "Events that have just transpired seem to prove that. No, gentlemen, I shall not go with you.""But, sir—" began General Herwigs.Chancellor Ebert stayed the protest with upraised hand."I have decided," he said quietly. "You, General Herwigs, I have designated as my representative. These gentlemen," and he included Hal and Chester with the others, "are witnesses to the fact."The other bowed, but made no reply."That is all, gentlemen," said the chancellor. "You would better be on your way."General Herwigs seemed to realize that further protest was useless. He drew himself up stiffly, as did the other envoys, and saluted the chancellor. Then, without another word, he re-entered the airplane.The others took their seats, and Hal climbed again into the pilot's seat."All ready?" he asked.Chester glanced around to make sure that all the passengers were ready for the trip."Let her go, Hal," he said a moment later.The airplane sped across the ground. Directly it began to ascend. Soon Hal turned it a trifle so that its nose pointed toward the distant village of Hirson, where Marshal Foch and staff were awaiting the return of the two lads and the German envoys."And I hope," Hal muttered to himself, "that there will be no other delays."But in this he was doomed to disappointment, and it was due to the lad's own carelessness that the trouble came about.Looking now for the map given him by General Dupree, which was to mark out for Hal the safety zones in the allied lines, the lad was unable to find it.Frantically he explored his pockets, the while keeping one hand on the wheel. He could not find the map."Now what do you think of that?" he muttered. "By Jove! I've just naturally got to have that map."He slowed down the speed of the craft to enable him to make a more careful search of his pockets. The search was futile. The map was not there.Hal turned the situation over in his mind as the craft sped on."I don't know how," he told himself, "but I've lost the map. That much is certain. What a dunderhead I must be, by Jove! Well, what shall I do now?"Again he considered the matter."Well," he said aloud at length, "there is no need alarming the others, but if I don't have a map to show the safety zones at certain hours, I'll just naturally have to get there without one. That's all there is about that."With Hal to decide was to act. He acted now, and without further thought of the danger that lay ahead.The speed of the plane increased, and it soared higher into the heavens."It's safer up here," the lad told himself.The airplane had now passed from over the German lines, so it was clear that the danger that Hal feared, whatever it was, was not from German aircraft. What worried the lad was the fact that he might be unable to run safely the gauntlet of allied machines that were patrolling the sky.Once sighted by allied pilots, Hal knew, and there would be trouble. Any plane approaching from the direction of the German lines, and not in that section of the field designated as a safety zone by General Dupree, Hal was perfectly well aware, would incur the suspicion of whatever allied airman sighted it."He might let me explain, and he might not," the lad told himself. "Best way, I guess, is to keep out of their reach."The lad made out the forms of several sky fighters several miles away. Of these he had no fear, however, for the distance was too great and they seemed, if anything, to be moving away from his machine. But soon the boy saw half a dozen craft, in close battle formation, bearing down on him."Here they come, ready for business," he muttered, "and they're Frenchmen, too, judging from here. Well, we'll have to go up a little higher and see if we can't dodge them."The airplane went higher in the air.But the craft bearing the German peace envoys had been sighted by the pilot of the air fleet, and the entire squadron now dashed toward Hal.Came a rifle shot from the distance and Hal heard the whine of a bullet not a great distance from his ear."Too close for comfort," the lad muttered. "Now here is a case where I'm sorry the French air fighters are such confounded good marksmen. I'll have to see what this craft can offer in the way of speed."The airplane seemed to leap forward as Hal touched the controls.The machine bearing the lads and the German envoys was now many feet above the allied battle squadron. And, before the commander of the air flotilla realized what was happening, his prey sped by him unharmed.Instantly he flashed a command to his other vessels to give pursuit, and the entire squadron turned and gave chase.Although Hal had not warned the others of their danger, they were now fully conversant with what was going on. Plainly the German envoys were worried, for they had come on a mission of peace and naturally supposed Hal would pilot them safely to Hirson without their being molested.But Chester had some glimmering of the truth."Hal's lost his map," he told himself. "Oh, well, I guess it won't make any difference. We'll get there safely enough. Hal is as full of tricks as a magician. Besides, we seem to be leaving those fellows in the lurch."It was true. The pursuing flotilla was falling behind.And directly Hal was so far in advance of his pursuers that he knew he was safe."Now for Hirson!" he muttered.The remainder of the journey was made without incident, and several hours later the airplane landed only a few yards from where it had started the day before.CHAPTER XXVITHE CONFERENCE RESUMEDThe mayor of the village was there to greet the German envoys when they stepped from the airplane. He announced that they would be conducted at once into the presence of Marshal Foch. He signified that Hal and Chester were to accompany the party.The lads saw, as the mayor led the way, that the conference was to be resumed in Marshal Foch's private car, which still stood on a side track in the station yards.Upon the platform of the car stood General Dupree. He greeted the German delegates stiffly."It is late," he said. "We had begun to fear perhaps you would not return. However, you are within the allotted time.""We are later than we expected to be for unavoidable reasons, sir," said General Herwigs. "In fact, we came with difficulty."He explained the trouble within his own lines, but for some reason he said nothing of the pursuit by the allied airplanes."I hope he forgets all about it," Hal murmured to himself. "It was gross carelessness on my part, and I should get a wigging. However, if he says nothing about the matter, it's a sure thing I won't."General Dupree now showed the delegates into the car. As before, Marshal Foch sat at his desk, immersed in a pile of papers. He looked up as the delegates approached."Ah, gentlemen," he said, "pray, be seated."He motioned the five men to seats at his table. Besides these, there were also seated there three or four members of the marshal's staff."I trust you had a pleasant trip, gentlemen?" said Marshal Foch politely."Not so very pleasant, sir," said one of the envoys, and explained what had befallen.Marshal Foch expressed his condolences, then added:"And now to business, gentlemen.""We are ready to discuss terms, sir," said General Herwigs."Ah," said Marshal Foch, "but there shall be no discussion. I have stated my terms. It is for you to say whether Germany will accept.""You have the terms in writing, Marshal?""I have, sir. They are here," and Marshal Foch extended a paper to General Herwigs.General Herwigs read the several sheets of foolscap carefully. Then, without a word, he passed them to his associates, who scanned them carefully in turn. The paper was passed back to General Herwigs."They are very severe, sir," said General Herwigs."So they are," agreed Marshal Foch, "but under the circumstances I can do no better.""But surely, sir," said General Herwigs, "you realize that they are more harsh than have ever before been imposed upon an enemy by a civilized nation?""Perfectly," said Marshal Foch. "At the same time, sir, never has a civilized nation wrought such ruin on the world at large as has Germany in the last four years. He who plays, must pay the fiddler, you know, sir.""Is there no hope, sir," asked General Herwigs, "that the terms may be modified?""None," said Marshal Foch briefly.For the space of perhaps five minutes General Herwigs was silent. Then he said:"You will grant me a few moments' private conversation with my associates, sir?""As many as you choose," replied Marshal Foch.The German delegates retired to the far end of the car, where they conversed in low voices for perhaps ten minutes. Then they returned to their seats."Since you insist upon these terms," said General Herwigs, "I want to record formal protest against their severity.""It shall be duly recorded, sir," said Marshal Foch gravely."And," continued General Herwigs, "as you refuse to modify them, there is only one thing Germany can do."There was an air of expectancy in the car. Hal felt his breath coming quickly. Chester's hands clenched and unclenched nervously.At General Herwigs' last words, it seemed to both lads that he was about to defy Marshal Foch. Neither lad was able to place any other construction on his words."And that is?" asked Marshal Foch, answering General Herwigs' last statement."That is to accept the terms, sir!"General Foch got to his feet and took a step forward."I am glad," he said simply. "There can be no one more glad than I that peace shall rest again upon earth after four years of war."There was a subdued cheer from the allied officers in the car, but these were quickly suppressed."There remains, then," said Marshal Foch, "nothing now except the formal signing of the terms, which accomplished, I shall order an armistice effective from 11 o'clock to-morrow morning."General Herwigs bowed."I am ready to sign now.""You have the authority to speak for the German people?" asked Marshal Foch."I have, sir. Since the formal abdication of the kaiser and the Crown Prince——"There were exclamations of surprise from all parts of the car. Even Marshal Foch seemed moved."The emperor has abdicated?" he questioned."Yes, sir, and the Crown Prince has declined to take the throne. Chancellor Ebert, now acting head of the government, has authorized me to sign the armistice terms in the name of the German people.""It is well," said Marshal Foch.The paper was spread out on the table. Once more General Herwigs read, as his associates grouped themselves about him."It is hard thus to sign away virtually the freedom of a mighty nation," he said, "but there is no help for it."He signed.Then the other German delegates affixed their signatures as witnesses, and Marshal Foch wrote his name.So the armistice was signed. While formal peace negotiations would not be begun for perhaps months, the war was over so far as actual fighting was concerned.In signing Marshal Foch's terms, Germany virtually had signed away her rights to be classed as one of the great powers. Besides agreeing to surrender the bulk of her arms and ammunitions, she had announced she would give up her most effective weapon of warfare—the submarine—the majority of her undersea craft to be turned over to the allied navies at a specified time.By the terms of the armistice, Germany agreed to withdraw her armies from occupied territories to the east bank of the Rhine. It was stipulated that mooted questions, such as the disposition of the captured German colonies and the amount of indemnity Germany would be required to pay, would be left to the formal peace council of the allies. But, to make it absolutely certain that Germany would have to accept the decisions of the peace council, Marshal Foch, in imposing his stringent armistice terms, had tied the hands of the foe. Germany, once the terms of the armistice had been carried out, would have practically nothing with which to fight should she desire to resume the struggle.Marshal Foch, having pocketed the document, indicated that the conference was adjourned."There is no other business before us, I believe, gentlemen," he said, "so I shall detain you no longer. I have much work to do in the next twenty-four hours and I must get about it."At the door to the car the German envoys saluted the French commander-in-chief before taking their departure. Marshal Foch returned the salute stiffly. Upon suggestion of General Dupree, Hal and Chester were to take the German envoys back to their own lines. Neither lad was greatly pleased with the task, but there was no use of protest. The trip was made in record time, but when Hal and Chester returned to Hirson in the airplane, they found that Marshal Foch and his staff had gone to Soissons."Did the commander-in-chief leave any instructions for us?" Hal asked of the mayor."None," was the reply."Then we must report to him in Soissons," declared Chester. "We may not return to our own command without his permission, Hal.""Right you are, Chester. Well, as long as we have this plane at our disposal, we shall continue to Soissons in it, if our good mayor here has no objections.""None, sir," said the burgess of Hirson. "I am proud to be honored, as is every one of my fellow citizens. This has been a great event for Hirson.""And for the world," said Hal briefly."Very true, sir," replied the burgess; "and for the world. But the plane is yours, if you will have it. After 11 o'clock to-morrow morning, we will have need of no such messenger of the air.""Not for warlike purposes, at all events, I trust. Many thanks, Mr. Mayor. With your permission, we will be on our way at once."The mayor bowed and insisted upon shaking hands with each. Then the lads repaired again to their machine and climbed in."Here's one trip we'll take without fear of danger," said Chester, as Hal touched the controls."Right," Hal agreed. "By the way, the mayor made us a present of this airplane. I've a good mind to keep it and take it back to America.""Guess the French government would have something to say about that," laughed Chester. "However, you can try it if you want to.""No," returned Hal, "guess I'd better leave it here. I've had trouble enough in the last few years and every German is my enemy. I don't want to make any more, particularly among our friends, the French."The plane was now speeding through the air."Step on her, Hal!" cried Chester. "I want to get back to Soissons and then to our own command. Remember, the armistice doesn't become effective until 11 o'clock to-morrow morning. The fighting is not over yet. We may have a chance for a little more fun before it's all over.""By Jove!" Hal ejaculated. "You're right. I hadn't thought of that."The plane dashed forward faster than before.CHAPTER XXVIISTUBBS REDEEMS HIMSELFNow, it is a fact that for some hours after the armistice between Germany and the allies was signed the matter was kept secret, for some reason or other. To this fact was due, in a large measure, Anthony Stubbs' ability to redeem himself for the false information he had sent his paper some days before.Much disgusted with himself over the false "scoop," Stubbs had left Versailles, more to escape the jibes of his fellow war correspondents than for any other reason.The afternoon of November 11 found him again in Soissons, where he had parted from Hal and Chester several days before. The little man was very morose, and not without reason. So far he had received no reply from his cablegram to The Gazette, announcing that the previous information was untrue; but he was expecting an answer momentarily.And at last it came. It read like this."Your error made us ridiculous. Sending man to relieve you. In meantime, depend upon you to keep us posted.""Oh, I'll keep them posted, all right," said Stubbs, "but it won't do me any good now."It was late in the afternoon when Stubbs ran into Hal and Chester, who had recently left Marshal Foch after reporting to the latter on their return from Hirson, where the armistice had been signed."Why, hello, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in Versailles.""I was," said Stubbs, "but I didn't stay very long.""What's the reason for your return here?" demanded Hal. "I thought you wanted to be where you could save time when you got word of the signing of the armistice.""I did," said Stubbs, "and that's the trouble. I got word two days ago that the armistice had been signed.""But it hadn't," said Chester."Oh, I know that now," said Stubbs sorrowfully, "but it would have saved me a lot of worry had I known it then.""You don't mean to tell me that you filed that dispatch to your paper, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal."I did," replied Stubbs briefly."Great Scott! Then it's a wonder you haven't been fired by this time.""I have," said Stubbs, briefly again."What?" exclaimed Chester. "Fired from The Gazette, Mr. Stubbs?""Exactly; and I don't blame The Gazette, either.""But how on earth did you come to file such a report?""Because I had it from a source that should have been authentic.""From whom, may I ask?""Admiral W——""But the admiral should have known better," said Hal."Maybe he should have," said Stubbs; "trouble is he didn't.""Now that's too bad, Stubbs," declared Chester sympathetically. "I'm certainly sorry.""So am I," declared Stubbs grimly. "But that's the trouble with the newspaper game. You never get any credit for what you do, but you are always due for a wigging any time something goes wrong.""And I suppose The Gazette put out an extra," remarked Hal."I'm dead sure of it," replied Stubbs grimly. "Here, look at this cable I just received."Hal read the cablegram and then passed it to Chester."Pretty tough, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, after scanning it hastily. "Now, isn't there anything you can do to redeem yourself?""Nothing that I can think of," was the reply, "unless I could be fortunate enough to get first word of the real signing of the armistice."Hal and Chester both expressed their surprise."Great Scott, Mr. Stubbs!" said Chester, "didn't you know the armistice had been signed?""No, I didn't know it," declared Stubbs, "have you heard anything about it?""Have we?" exclaimed Hal. "Why, man, we were there when it was signed.""Now listen here, Hal," said Stubbs, "I've been in hot water once. I don't want to get back there again.""But I'm telling you facts, Mr. Stubbs," declared Hal. "The armistice has been signed. Chester and I were there when General Herwigs and four other German delegates affixed their signatures.""Are you telling me the truth?" demanded Stubbs excitedly."The absolute truth, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester.Stubbs looked at them closely."By Jove! I believe you are," he ejaculated at last. "And has this fact become generally known?""I don't see why it hasn't," replied Hal. "The armistice becomes effective at 11 o'clock to-morrow.""Funny some of the other correspondents haven't heard of it," mumbled Stubbs to himself. "Some of them returned to Soissons with me.""Well, you'd better get busy, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal, "or they will beat you to it.""Then upon your advice," said Stubbs, "I'll get busy. Come with me, boys, and tell me what you can on the way. Hurry now."Stubbs set out at a rapid pace for the nearest cable office, Hal and Chester at his heels.Now, as it chanced, there was but one place in Soissons where, due to war conditions, a cable dispatch could be filed. The wire from there led direct to Versailles, where messages were relayed. It was the only possible means of communication with the outside world outside of military lines.At the door of the cable office, Stubbs encountered Jennings, correspondent of The New York World, who had returned to Soissons at the same time Stubbs had."Hello, Stubbs," he grinned. "Armistice signed again? I see you're headed for the cable office.""Never mind, Jennings," said Stubbs. "You think the laugh's on your side now. Maybe it won't be later.""Perhaps not," Jennings admitted, "but if I were you, I'd be almighty careful of the next dispatch I sent The Gazette. Chances are your people will not relish being fooled a second time."Now Stubbs was well aware of the fact that it would be possible for only one message to be sent out of Soissons at a time. So he said:"Jennings, you have been pretty decent to me, so if you'll come along I'll do you a favor."Jennings looked at Stubbs peculiarly."Something up?" he demanded."Considerable," returned Stubbs."Then I'll go along," said Jennings. "I haven't anything else to do."He accompanied Stubbs and the two lads into the cable office."Now, Jennings," said Stubbs, "I'm not going to tell you what's up until I have filed my dispatch. But you'll have the next chance at the wire.""Fair enough," said Jennings smiling. "I guess your stuff is not so awfully hot.""Maybe not," said Stubbs. "Wait."Briefly he scribbled on a cable blank, and passed the message to the operator. What he wrote was this:"Armistice signed this P.M. at Hirson by General Foch, General Herwigs, representing Chancellor Ebert, and four other delegates. Information absolutely authentic. Trust me this time.""Now," he said, turning to Jennings, "I'll tell you my news.""Let's have it," said Jennings, somewhat indifferently."The armistice has been signed."Jennings started, then recovered himself."That's what you said before," he declared with a grin. "Guess I'd better wait and get my information first-handed.""That's what I've done this trip," replied Stubbs calmly."What do you mean?""Why," said Stubbs, "my friends here, Majors Paine and Crawford, were at Hirson when the armistice was signed this afternoon."Jennings wheeled on the two lads, his face flushed with excitement."Is that true?" he demanded."Absolutely," said Hal.Without further words, Jennings rushed toward the operator. But Stubbs was ahead of him."Hold on, now," said the little man. "I'm first at this wire, and I haven't finished my message yet.""Hurry then," said Jennings, "and give me a chance.""You stick close," said Stubbs, "and you shall have the second chance at the wire. But I haven't half finished yet.""Great Scott, man! You've sent your flash, haven't you?""Yes; but I want to add a few details.""Well, let me get in a few words ahead and I'll gladly relinquish the wire again.""Not much," said Stubbs. "I have the wire now and I intend to keep it for the next hour if I have to file the first chapter of Genesis.""Stubbs," pleaded Jennings, "don't be a hog. I've got to get word to The World. You know that.""Then you should have got your own information," declared Stubbs.Meantime, the little war correspondent had been scribbling busily, from time to time passing sheets of paper to the operator, who sat with his hand on the key.Suddenly there was the sound of confusion without. A moment later half a dozen men rushed into the room. Stubbs smiled, as he recognized other war correspondents."I'm a little ahead of you, fellows," he said good-naturedly. "Now, I intend to keep this wire for the next hour. Then I shall release it to Jennings here. He'll probably do his best for you."The other correspondents smiled sickly smiles. They were beaten and they knew it. True to his words, Stubbs ceased writing an hour later and Jennings captured the wire. Stubbs turned to Hal and Chester."Come," he said, "let's be moving. I think I have redeemed myself."And he had, as later events were to prove; for The New York Gazette was the first paper in America to announce the fact that the armistice had been signed.
CHAPTER XXIV
IN TROUBLE AGAIN
Hal and Chester, from their place of concealment, had been interested spectators of the abdication of the German emperor, and his son, the Crown Prince.
"By Jove!" said Hal, drawing back, "this is a sight we can brag about the rest of our natural lives."
"I should say so," agreed Chester. "And so the kaiser has abdicated. Who would have thought it?"
"Certainly not the kaiser himself four years ago," was Hal's response. "But it just goes to show that right is bound to triumph in the end."
"So it does. Now I suppose the signing of the armistice will be only a matter of form."
"I should judge so. But who will sign the armistice for Germany?"
"Chancellor Ebert, I imagine," said Chester. "He should be the proper man to do so now."
"Well, I guess we'll know soon enough," said Hal. "But see, the conference is breaking up. We'd better get back a bit. No need having them learn we have overheard what has happened."
The lads drew back to the far end of the tent.
Perhaps fifteen minutes later the man who had acted as spokesman for the German delegates at the conference with Marshal Foch entered the tent.
"I see you are still here," he said, smiling slightly. "We shall be ready to return to your lines soon."
"Very well, sir," said Hal, "we await your pleasure."
The man withdrew.
"Well," said Hal, "I guess the war's as good as over. Of course, it will be weeks and perhaps months after the armistice goes into effect before peace is signed, but I guess there will be no more fighting."
"I hope not," said Chester. "It's true enough that we've had a good time in Europe, such as it is, but how much better it will be when men turn their energies to up-building instead of destroying."
"True," agreed Hal, "and yet we know that until German militarism was destroyed, nothing was safe in this world. The war has been a benefit to mankind."
"From that standpoint, you are right, of course; and still, it would seem that there must be better ways than by wholesale killing. It is a long ways from being pleasant."
"It is indeed. I shall be glad when it is over. I don't believe there will ever be another war."
"Oh, I wouldn't go as far as to say that," said Chester. "I suppose that as long as there are nations, and men think as they do now there will be war. Of course, some day nations will come to observe the Golden Rule, and then wars will cease."
"I heard Colonel O'Neil say the other day," said Hal, "that wars will cease only when men quit thinking war."
"A very apt remark, by Jove!" said Chester.
Further conversation was prevented by the entrance of half a dozen figures, one of them the German delegate who had left the tent a few moments before.
"We will be moving any time you are ready, gentlemen," he said, addressing Hal.
"We are ready now, sir," was the lad's reply.
"Good! Then there is no need to delay. Let us go."
Hal and Chester followed the Germans from the tent.
Straight to the airplane in which Hal had piloted the Germans to their own lines from Hirson the Germans led the way. Beside the machine, they came to a stop.
"This trip," said the spokesman to Hal, "you shall carry a more distinguished personage."
"Very well, sir," said Hal with a slight bow. "Who, sir?"
"Chancellor Ebert," was the reply. "However, it is not desired that his departure be known; besides which, he will go incognito, his identity to be revealed only to Marshal Foch, and to be kept secret after that."
"I see," said Hal. "I shall never mention the matter, sir."
"I was sure I could depend on you. And your brother officer?"
"I can answer for him, too, sir."
"It is well. Then we may as well move."
He stepped aside to allow the German chancellor, a man of slight stature but imposing countenance, to enter the craft. The latter climbed in nimbly.
The others followed him.
Hal was about to take his place in the pilot's seat when there was a sudden interruption.
Came a body of infantry forward at the double and there was a shouted command to halt. Chancellor Ebert stood up in the airplane.
"One moment, sir," he said to Hal, and raised a hand.
The leader of the advancing troops, catching sight of the chancellor, halted his men and came to attention.
"What can I do for you, sir?" demanded Chancellor Ebert.
"There is a rumor about the camp," said the other, "that the emperor has renounced the throne in favor of the Crown Prince, who also has signed papers of abdication."
He stopped speaking and stood expectantly, awaiting a reply.
"Well?" asked Chancellor Ebert.
"We wish to know if the rumor is true, sir?"
"And what if it is true, General?"
"Nothing, sir, except that my men will obey none but his majesty."
"You mean," asked the chancellor, sharply, "that you will dispute my authority?"
"I do, sir."
"General Herwigs," said the chancellor, addressing one of his companions in the airplane, "will you kindly dispatch one of your men for assistance? It seems there is mutiny here."
In response to a command from the general, a man who had been standing near the airplane started away. He was immediately halted by the officer who had accosted the party in the plane.
"One moment, my man," said the officer. "You cannot pass here until I have verified the rumor of the kaiser's abdication."
"General Herwigs," said Chancellor Ebert quietly, "will you kindly place that officer under arrest."
"With pleasure, sir."
General Herwigs sprang from the machine with alacrity and approached the officer and addressed the latter's own men.
"You know me, men," he said. "I have ever been a stanch supporter of his majesty. But now General Derloff questions the authority of the imperial chancellor. I order you to arrest him."
It was plain that the sentiment of the troops was about evenly divided. General Derloff immediately began to harangue his followers, and while the argument continued the man whom General Herwigs ordered away in search of reinforcements took the opportunity to disappear.
He was out of sight before anyone noticed his absence. Ten minutes later, while the argument between the two generals still waxed hot, the troops meanwhile being undecided just what to do, a second force of infantry appeared in the distance, coming forward at the double.
General Derloff was the first to see them.
"Quick, men, away!" he cried. "We have been tricked!"
His men turned in confusion and ran.
As they did so, the loyal troops opened fire on the mutineers. Immediately the latter, angered, turned to reply to the fire.
Rifles cracked right and left.
The allied airplane, caught thus between two fires, was in a dangerous predicament.
"Climb in here, sir," said Hal to General Herwigs, "and we will make our escape while we may."
But Chancellor Ebert stayed the departure.
"A moment," he said. "I cannot fly while Germans, through a misunderstanding, are at each other's throats."
"But we must go, sir," said General Herwigs. "Time is growing short. Marshal Foch said that if we had not returned in twenty-four hours negotiations would be considered suspended. We have little time now, sir. Haste is necessary."
For answer Chancellor Ebert stepped from the plane.
"As I have said," he said quietly, "I cannot go now, under these conditions. But you may go, general, you and the other delegates. Before all these witnesses, I designate you to sign the armistice terms with Marshal Foch. But I cannot go. My place is here."
"But, sir—" began General Herwigs.
Chancellor Ebert stayed further words with upraised hand.
"Enough," he said quietly. "You heard me, sir. I am your superior, and as such will be obeyed. Report to me when the armistice has been signed, and not before."
General Herwigs, it appeared, was about to protest further, but the chancellor stayed him with a gesture.
"Hurry now," he said. "You have not much time."
Unmindful of the bullets that were flying overhead, he turned on his heel and walked toward the loyal troops, who, still firing at the mutineers, hurried forward to receive him.
General Herwigs, realizing that to protest further to the chancellor was useless, climbed in the airplane again and took his seat.
"No use arguing with him," he muttered.
Hal smiled slightly and made sure that his spark was set.
"All ready, sir?" he called back over his shoulder.
"All ready," was the reply; "and hurry."
The huge plane slid gently over the ground. Gradually its momentum increased until it was traveling with the speed of an express train. Then Hal touched the elevating lever.
The airplane leaped aloft.
Almost at the same moment, a dozen or more of the mutineers, who were still facing the loyal troops firmly, at command from General Derloff, turned their rifles on the airplane and fired.
Hal, catching their movements out of the corner of his eye, veered the course of the airplane sharply. Prompt though he was, he had not acted promptly enough.
A hail of bullets sang above and on both sides of him. The plane fluttered like a big bird, wounded.
Hal's heart sank within him.
"Something wrong," he told himself grimly. "We're hit."
Chester also was alarmed. His fear grew as the airplane began to descend.
"What's the matter, Hal?" he called.
"Don't know," was Hal's reply. "I'm going to land and find out."
CHAPTER XXV
A BATTLE
The descending airplane became the target at which a hundred or more rifles were aimed. Nevertheless, it reached the ground without any of its occupants being wounded.
Out sprang Hal and Chester and behind them the German envoys. While Hal darted around to examine the nature of the machine's injuries, Chester and the Germans drew their revolvers.
At the distance, however, as Chester well knew, revolvers were of no avail against the rifles in the hands of the mutinous Germans. But from behind, loyal troops were closing in on the latter. It appeared for the moment that the mutineers must yield in the face of this overwhelming force against them. Several threw down their rifles and raised their arms in token of surrender. The others, however, as they retreated before their erstwhile friends, drew even closer to the crippled airplanes.
One of the German envoys gave a sudden cry as a rifle bullet grazed his left arm. The mutineers had now come within range of the revolvers of the little party gathered about the fallen airplane, and the latter opened fire.
Confusion ensued in the ranks of the mutineers.
"Give 'em another," cried Chester, forgetful for the moment that his companions were Germans. Nevertheless, his words were understood, and a second volley of revolver bullets checked the approach of the enemies.
"How's the machine, Hal?" shouted Chester.
"I'll have her fixed in a jiffy," was Hal's reply, as he tinkered with the engine. "Nothing serious."
From all sides of the German camp, troops, attracted by the sounds of firing, rushed toward the scene of conflict. The mutineers, heavily outnumbered, nevertheless fought on doggedly. They must have realized that death would be the penalty should they be captured, and it seemed to be their intention of bringing down as many of their former companions as possible before being killed themselves.
The attack from the rear and either flank had become so severe that the mutineers were forced to abandon their efforts to shoot down the German envoys. Their ranks were sadly depleted now, but those who were left showed no signs of surrender.
And at last there remained but half a dozen.
"Surrender!" cried a German officer, and ordered his men to withhold their fire.
The mutineers' reply was a volley that laid the officer low.
But the shot that struck the officer did not kill. With difficulty the man raised himself on his elbow and gave a command to his men.
"Kill them!" he said quietly.
Three more volleys flared forth in rapid succession, and when the smoke had cleared away there was no mutineer left standing.
Chester breathed a sigh of relief.
"Safe again," he muttered.
This outbreak of German troops had an unpleasant effect on the German envoys.
"It is time we had peace, no matter at what price," mumbled one to himself. "Our people are on the verge of open revolt. Those men professed to be loyal servants of the emperor. It just goes to show the temper of the masses. Mutiny is in the hearts of the armies. Soon they would take matters in their own hands."
"You are right," said another. "It is to be earnestly hoped that we may have peace and set up a stable government before rioting becomes rampant."
"I am afraid it is too late even now," declared the first speaker.
At this juncture Hal came from beneath the airplane with the announcement that the machine was fit to resume its voyage.
"Please get in at once, gentlemen," he said. "We have not much time."
The German envoys stepped aside to permit Chancellor Ebert to return to them. This the chancellor did a few moments later, but what was the surprise of the others when the chancellor announced that he would not accompany them.
"My duty is here, it seems," he said quietly. "Events that have just transpired seem to prove that. No, gentlemen, I shall not go with you."
"But, sir—" began General Herwigs.
Chancellor Ebert stayed the protest with upraised hand.
"I have decided," he said quietly. "You, General Herwigs, I have designated as my representative. These gentlemen," and he included Hal and Chester with the others, "are witnesses to the fact."
The other bowed, but made no reply.
"That is all, gentlemen," said the chancellor. "You would better be on your way."
General Herwigs seemed to realize that further protest was useless. He drew himself up stiffly, as did the other envoys, and saluted the chancellor. Then, without another word, he re-entered the airplane.
The others took their seats, and Hal climbed again into the pilot's seat.
"All ready?" he asked.
Chester glanced around to make sure that all the passengers were ready for the trip.
"Let her go, Hal," he said a moment later.
The airplane sped across the ground. Directly it began to ascend. Soon Hal turned it a trifle so that its nose pointed toward the distant village of Hirson, where Marshal Foch and staff were awaiting the return of the two lads and the German envoys.
"And I hope," Hal muttered to himself, "that there will be no other delays."
But in this he was doomed to disappointment, and it was due to the lad's own carelessness that the trouble came about.
Looking now for the map given him by General Dupree, which was to mark out for Hal the safety zones in the allied lines, the lad was unable to find it.
Frantically he explored his pockets, the while keeping one hand on the wheel. He could not find the map.
"Now what do you think of that?" he muttered. "By Jove! I've just naturally got to have that map."
He slowed down the speed of the craft to enable him to make a more careful search of his pockets. The search was futile. The map was not there.
Hal turned the situation over in his mind as the craft sped on.
"I don't know how," he told himself, "but I've lost the map. That much is certain. What a dunderhead I must be, by Jove! Well, what shall I do now?"
Again he considered the matter.
"Well," he said aloud at length, "there is no need alarming the others, but if I don't have a map to show the safety zones at certain hours, I'll just naturally have to get there without one. That's all there is about that."
With Hal to decide was to act. He acted now, and without further thought of the danger that lay ahead.
The speed of the plane increased, and it soared higher into the heavens.
"It's safer up here," the lad told himself.
The airplane had now passed from over the German lines, so it was clear that the danger that Hal feared, whatever it was, was not from German aircraft. What worried the lad was the fact that he might be unable to run safely the gauntlet of allied machines that were patrolling the sky.
Once sighted by allied pilots, Hal knew, and there would be trouble. Any plane approaching from the direction of the German lines, and not in that section of the field designated as a safety zone by General Dupree, Hal was perfectly well aware, would incur the suspicion of whatever allied airman sighted it.
"He might let me explain, and he might not," the lad told himself. "Best way, I guess, is to keep out of their reach."
The lad made out the forms of several sky fighters several miles away. Of these he had no fear, however, for the distance was too great and they seemed, if anything, to be moving away from his machine. But soon the boy saw half a dozen craft, in close battle formation, bearing down on him.
"Here they come, ready for business," he muttered, "and they're Frenchmen, too, judging from here. Well, we'll have to go up a little higher and see if we can't dodge them."
The airplane went higher in the air.
But the craft bearing the German peace envoys had been sighted by the pilot of the air fleet, and the entire squadron now dashed toward Hal.
Came a rifle shot from the distance and Hal heard the whine of a bullet not a great distance from his ear.
"Too close for comfort," the lad muttered. "Now here is a case where I'm sorry the French air fighters are such confounded good marksmen. I'll have to see what this craft can offer in the way of speed."
The airplane seemed to leap forward as Hal touched the controls.
The machine bearing the lads and the German envoys was now many feet above the allied battle squadron. And, before the commander of the air flotilla realized what was happening, his prey sped by him unharmed.
Instantly he flashed a command to his other vessels to give pursuit, and the entire squadron turned and gave chase.
Although Hal had not warned the others of their danger, they were now fully conversant with what was going on. Plainly the German envoys were worried, for they had come on a mission of peace and naturally supposed Hal would pilot them safely to Hirson without their being molested.
But Chester had some glimmering of the truth.
"Hal's lost his map," he told himself. "Oh, well, I guess it won't make any difference. We'll get there safely enough. Hal is as full of tricks as a magician. Besides, we seem to be leaving those fellows in the lurch."
It was true. The pursuing flotilla was falling behind.
And directly Hal was so far in advance of his pursuers that he knew he was safe.
"Now for Hirson!" he muttered.
The remainder of the journey was made without incident, and several hours later the airplane landed only a few yards from where it had started the day before.
CHAPTER XXVI
THE CONFERENCE RESUMED
The mayor of the village was there to greet the German envoys when they stepped from the airplane. He announced that they would be conducted at once into the presence of Marshal Foch. He signified that Hal and Chester were to accompany the party.
The lads saw, as the mayor led the way, that the conference was to be resumed in Marshal Foch's private car, which still stood on a side track in the station yards.
Upon the platform of the car stood General Dupree. He greeted the German delegates stiffly.
"It is late," he said. "We had begun to fear perhaps you would not return. However, you are within the allotted time."
"We are later than we expected to be for unavoidable reasons, sir," said General Herwigs. "In fact, we came with difficulty."
He explained the trouble within his own lines, but for some reason he said nothing of the pursuit by the allied airplanes.
"I hope he forgets all about it," Hal murmured to himself. "It was gross carelessness on my part, and I should get a wigging. However, if he says nothing about the matter, it's a sure thing I won't."
General Dupree now showed the delegates into the car. As before, Marshal Foch sat at his desk, immersed in a pile of papers. He looked up as the delegates approached.
"Ah, gentlemen," he said, "pray, be seated."
He motioned the five men to seats at his table. Besides these, there were also seated there three or four members of the marshal's staff.
"I trust you had a pleasant trip, gentlemen?" said Marshal Foch politely.
"Not so very pleasant, sir," said one of the envoys, and explained what had befallen.
Marshal Foch expressed his condolences, then added:
"And now to business, gentlemen."
"We are ready to discuss terms, sir," said General Herwigs.
"Ah," said Marshal Foch, "but there shall be no discussion. I have stated my terms. It is for you to say whether Germany will accept."
"You have the terms in writing, Marshal?"
"I have, sir. They are here," and Marshal Foch extended a paper to General Herwigs.
General Herwigs read the several sheets of foolscap carefully. Then, without a word, he passed them to his associates, who scanned them carefully in turn. The paper was passed back to General Herwigs.
"They are very severe, sir," said General Herwigs.
"So they are," agreed Marshal Foch, "but under the circumstances I can do no better."
"But surely, sir," said General Herwigs, "you realize that they are more harsh than have ever before been imposed upon an enemy by a civilized nation?"
"Perfectly," said Marshal Foch. "At the same time, sir, never has a civilized nation wrought such ruin on the world at large as has Germany in the last four years. He who plays, must pay the fiddler, you know, sir."
"Is there no hope, sir," asked General Herwigs, "that the terms may be modified?"
"None," said Marshal Foch briefly.
For the space of perhaps five minutes General Herwigs was silent. Then he said:
"You will grant me a few moments' private conversation with my associates, sir?"
"As many as you choose," replied Marshal Foch.
The German delegates retired to the far end of the car, where they conversed in low voices for perhaps ten minutes. Then they returned to their seats.
"Since you insist upon these terms," said General Herwigs, "I want to record formal protest against their severity."
"It shall be duly recorded, sir," said Marshal Foch gravely.
"And," continued General Herwigs, "as you refuse to modify them, there is only one thing Germany can do."
There was an air of expectancy in the car. Hal felt his breath coming quickly. Chester's hands clenched and unclenched nervously.
At General Herwigs' last words, it seemed to both lads that he was about to defy Marshal Foch. Neither lad was able to place any other construction on his words.
"And that is?" asked Marshal Foch, answering General Herwigs' last statement.
"That is to accept the terms, sir!"
General Foch got to his feet and took a step forward.
"I am glad," he said simply. "There can be no one more glad than I that peace shall rest again upon earth after four years of war."
There was a subdued cheer from the allied officers in the car, but these were quickly suppressed.
"There remains, then," said Marshal Foch, "nothing now except the formal signing of the terms, which accomplished, I shall order an armistice effective from 11 o'clock to-morrow morning."
General Herwigs bowed.
"I am ready to sign now."
"You have the authority to speak for the German people?" asked Marshal Foch.
"I have, sir. Since the formal abdication of the kaiser and the Crown Prince——"
There were exclamations of surprise from all parts of the car. Even Marshal Foch seemed moved.
"The emperor has abdicated?" he questioned.
"Yes, sir, and the Crown Prince has declined to take the throne. Chancellor Ebert, now acting head of the government, has authorized me to sign the armistice terms in the name of the German people."
"It is well," said Marshal Foch.
The paper was spread out on the table. Once more General Herwigs read, as his associates grouped themselves about him.
"It is hard thus to sign away virtually the freedom of a mighty nation," he said, "but there is no help for it."
He signed.
Then the other German delegates affixed their signatures as witnesses, and Marshal Foch wrote his name.
So the armistice was signed. While formal peace negotiations would not be begun for perhaps months, the war was over so far as actual fighting was concerned.
In signing Marshal Foch's terms, Germany virtually had signed away her rights to be classed as one of the great powers. Besides agreeing to surrender the bulk of her arms and ammunitions, she had announced she would give up her most effective weapon of warfare—the submarine—the majority of her undersea craft to be turned over to the allied navies at a specified time.
By the terms of the armistice, Germany agreed to withdraw her armies from occupied territories to the east bank of the Rhine. It was stipulated that mooted questions, such as the disposition of the captured German colonies and the amount of indemnity Germany would be required to pay, would be left to the formal peace council of the allies. But, to make it absolutely certain that Germany would have to accept the decisions of the peace council, Marshal Foch, in imposing his stringent armistice terms, had tied the hands of the foe. Germany, once the terms of the armistice had been carried out, would have practically nothing with which to fight should she desire to resume the struggle.
Marshal Foch, having pocketed the document, indicated that the conference was adjourned.
"There is no other business before us, I believe, gentlemen," he said, "so I shall detain you no longer. I have much work to do in the next twenty-four hours and I must get about it."
At the door to the car the German envoys saluted the French commander-in-chief before taking their departure. Marshal Foch returned the salute stiffly. Upon suggestion of General Dupree, Hal and Chester were to take the German envoys back to their own lines. Neither lad was greatly pleased with the task, but there was no use of protest. The trip was made in record time, but when Hal and Chester returned to Hirson in the airplane, they found that Marshal Foch and his staff had gone to Soissons.
"Did the commander-in-chief leave any instructions for us?" Hal asked of the mayor.
"None," was the reply.
"Then we must report to him in Soissons," declared Chester. "We may not return to our own command without his permission, Hal."
"Right you are, Chester. Well, as long as we have this plane at our disposal, we shall continue to Soissons in it, if our good mayor here has no objections."
"None, sir," said the burgess of Hirson. "I am proud to be honored, as is every one of my fellow citizens. This has been a great event for Hirson."
"And for the world," said Hal briefly.
"Very true, sir," replied the burgess; "and for the world. But the plane is yours, if you will have it. After 11 o'clock to-morrow morning, we will have need of no such messenger of the air."
"Not for warlike purposes, at all events, I trust. Many thanks, Mr. Mayor. With your permission, we will be on our way at once."
The mayor bowed and insisted upon shaking hands with each. Then the lads repaired again to their machine and climbed in.
"Here's one trip we'll take without fear of danger," said Chester, as Hal touched the controls.
"Right," Hal agreed. "By the way, the mayor made us a present of this airplane. I've a good mind to keep it and take it back to America."
"Guess the French government would have something to say about that," laughed Chester. "However, you can try it if you want to."
"No," returned Hal, "guess I'd better leave it here. I've had trouble enough in the last few years and every German is my enemy. I don't want to make any more, particularly among our friends, the French."
The plane was now speeding through the air.
"Step on her, Hal!" cried Chester. "I want to get back to Soissons and then to our own command. Remember, the armistice doesn't become effective until 11 o'clock to-morrow morning. The fighting is not over yet. We may have a chance for a little more fun before it's all over."
"By Jove!" Hal ejaculated. "You're right. I hadn't thought of that."
The plane dashed forward faster than before.
CHAPTER XXVII
STUBBS REDEEMS HIMSELF
Now, it is a fact that for some hours after the armistice between Germany and the allies was signed the matter was kept secret, for some reason or other. To this fact was due, in a large measure, Anthony Stubbs' ability to redeem himself for the false information he had sent his paper some days before.
Much disgusted with himself over the false "scoop," Stubbs had left Versailles, more to escape the jibes of his fellow war correspondents than for any other reason.
The afternoon of November 11 found him again in Soissons, where he had parted from Hal and Chester several days before. The little man was very morose, and not without reason. So far he had received no reply from his cablegram to The Gazette, announcing that the previous information was untrue; but he was expecting an answer momentarily.
And at last it came. It read like this.
"Your error made us ridiculous. Sending man to relieve you. In meantime, depend upon you to keep us posted."
"Oh, I'll keep them posted, all right," said Stubbs, "but it won't do me any good now."
It was late in the afternoon when Stubbs ran into Hal and Chester, who had recently left Marshal Foch after reporting to the latter on their return from Hirson, where the armistice had been signed.
"Why, hello, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "What are you doing here? I thought you were in Versailles."
"I was," said Stubbs, "but I didn't stay very long."
"What's the reason for your return here?" demanded Hal. "I thought you wanted to be where you could save time when you got word of the signing of the armistice."
"I did," said Stubbs, "and that's the trouble. I got word two days ago that the armistice had been signed."
"But it hadn't," said Chester.
"Oh, I know that now," said Stubbs sorrowfully, "but it would have saved me a lot of worry had I known it then."
"You don't mean to tell me that you filed that dispatch to your paper, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal.
"I did," replied Stubbs briefly.
"Great Scott! Then it's a wonder you haven't been fired by this time."
"I have," said Stubbs, briefly again.
"What?" exclaimed Chester. "Fired from The Gazette, Mr. Stubbs?"
"Exactly; and I don't blame The Gazette, either."
"But how on earth did you come to file such a report?"
"Because I had it from a source that should have been authentic."
"From whom, may I ask?"
"Admiral W——"
"But the admiral should have known better," said Hal.
"Maybe he should have," said Stubbs; "trouble is he didn't."
"Now that's too bad, Stubbs," declared Chester sympathetically. "I'm certainly sorry."
"So am I," declared Stubbs grimly. "But that's the trouble with the newspaper game. You never get any credit for what you do, but you are always due for a wigging any time something goes wrong."
"And I suppose The Gazette put out an extra," remarked Hal.
"I'm dead sure of it," replied Stubbs grimly. "Here, look at this cable I just received."
Hal read the cablegram and then passed it to Chester.
"Pretty tough, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, after scanning it hastily. "Now, isn't there anything you can do to redeem yourself?"
"Nothing that I can think of," was the reply, "unless I could be fortunate enough to get first word of the real signing of the armistice."
Hal and Chester both expressed their surprise.
"Great Scott, Mr. Stubbs!" said Chester, "didn't you know the armistice had been signed?"
"No, I didn't know it," declared Stubbs, "have you heard anything about it?"
"Have we?" exclaimed Hal. "Why, man, we were there when it was signed."
"Now listen here, Hal," said Stubbs, "I've been in hot water once. I don't want to get back there again."
"But I'm telling you facts, Mr. Stubbs," declared Hal. "The armistice has been signed. Chester and I were there when General Herwigs and four other German delegates affixed their signatures."
"Are you telling me the truth?" demanded Stubbs excitedly.
"The absolute truth, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester.
Stubbs looked at them closely.
"By Jove! I believe you are," he ejaculated at last. "And has this fact become generally known?"
"I don't see why it hasn't," replied Hal. "The armistice becomes effective at 11 o'clock to-morrow."
"Funny some of the other correspondents haven't heard of it," mumbled Stubbs to himself. "Some of them returned to Soissons with me."
"Well, you'd better get busy, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal, "or they will beat you to it."
"Then upon your advice," said Stubbs, "I'll get busy. Come with me, boys, and tell me what you can on the way. Hurry now."
Stubbs set out at a rapid pace for the nearest cable office, Hal and Chester at his heels.
Now, as it chanced, there was but one place in Soissons where, due to war conditions, a cable dispatch could be filed. The wire from there led direct to Versailles, where messages were relayed. It was the only possible means of communication with the outside world outside of military lines.
At the door of the cable office, Stubbs encountered Jennings, correspondent of The New York World, who had returned to Soissons at the same time Stubbs had.
"Hello, Stubbs," he grinned. "Armistice signed again? I see you're headed for the cable office."
"Never mind, Jennings," said Stubbs. "You think the laugh's on your side now. Maybe it won't be later."
"Perhaps not," Jennings admitted, "but if I were you, I'd be almighty careful of the next dispatch I sent The Gazette. Chances are your people will not relish being fooled a second time."
Now Stubbs was well aware of the fact that it would be possible for only one message to be sent out of Soissons at a time. So he said:
"Jennings, you have been pretty decent to me, so if you'll come along I'll do you a favor."
Jennings looked at Stubbs peculiarly.
"Something up?" he demanded.
"Considerable," returned Stubbs.
"Then I'll go along," said Jennings. "I haven't anything else to do."
He accompanied Stubbs and the two lads into the cable office.
"Now, Jennings," said Stubbs, "I'm not going to tell you what's up until I have filed my dispatch. But you'll have the next chance at the wire."
"Fair enough," said Jennings smiling. "I guess your stuff is not so awfully hot."
"Maybe not," said Stubbs. "Wait."
Briefly he scribbled on a cable blank, and passed the message to the operator. What he wrote was this:
"Armistice signed this P.M. at Hirson by General Foch, General Herwigs, representing Chancellor Ebert, and four other delegates. Information absolutely authentic. Trust me this time."
"Now," he said, turning to Jennings, "I'll tell you my news."
"Let's have it," said Jennings, somewhat indifferently.
"The armistice has been signed."
Jennings started, then recovered himself.
"That's what you said before," he declared with a grin. "Guess I'd better wait and get my information first-handed."
"That's what I've done this trip," replied Stubbs calmly.
"What do you mean?"
"Why," said Stubbs, "my friends here, Majors Paine and Crawford, were at Hirson when the armistice was signed this afternoon."
Jennings wheeled on the two lads, his face flushed with excitement.
"Is that true?" he demanded.
"Absolutely," said Hal.
Without further words, Jennings rushed toward the operator. But Stubbs was ahead of him.
"Hold on, now," said the little man. "I'm first at this wire, and I haven't finished my message yet."
"Hurry then," said Jennings, "and give me a chance."
"You stick close," said Stubbs, "and you shall have the second chance at the wire. But I haven't half finished yet."
"Great Scott, man! You've sent your flash, haven't you?"
"Yes; but I want to add a few details."
"Well, let me get in a few words ahead and I'll gladly relinquish the wire again."
"Not much," said Stubbs. "I have the wire now and I intend to keep it for the next hour if I have to file the first chapter of Genesis."
"Stubbs," pleaded Jennings, "don't be a hog. I've got to get word to The World. You know that."
"Then you should have got your own information," declared Stubbs.
Meantime, the little war correspondent had been scribbling busily, from time to time passing sheets of paper to the operator, who sat with his hand on the key.
Suddenly there was the sound of confusion without. A moment later half a dozen men rushed into the room. Stubbs smiled, as he recognized other war correspondents.
"I'm a little ahead of you, fellows," he said good-naturedly. "Now, I intend to keep this wire for the next hour. Then I shall release it to Jennings here. He'll probably do his best for you."
The other correspondents smiled sickly smiles. They were beaten and they knew it. True to his words, Stubbs ceased writing an hour later and Jennings captured the wire. Stubbs turned to Hal and Chester.
"Come," he said, "let's be moving. I think I have redeemed myself."
And he had, as later events were to prove; for The New York Gazette was the first paper in America to announce the fact that the armistice had been signed.