Even as the French officer approached the entrance, the general himself
rushed from the tent, followed by members of his staff. The officer who
had conducted the lads there accosted him.

"Sir," he said, "despatch bearers from General Durand at Marseilles."

General Petain waved them aside.

"I've no time for them now," he said, and made as if to move on.

Hal stepped forward.

"Sir," he said, "the despatches we carry have to do with the
impending action."

General Petain stopped suddenly and eyed the lad keenly. Then he
said abruptly:

"Come with me."

He led the way into the tent, and Hal, Chester and Stubbs followed
him. The general seated himself at a desk at a far end of the tent
and demanded:

"The despatches."

Hal produced several documents, which he passed to the general. The
latter broke the seals quickly and read. Then suddenly he sprang to his
feet and dashed outside. The lads could hear him delivering sharp orders