business here?"

The questions, came so fast that Stubbs was confused.

"I--why--I--" he stuttered.

"Come inside here," said the general.

He stretched forth a hand, seized Stubbs by the collar and pushed him in
the tent. Stubbs, caught off his balance, went stumbling and almost fell
into Hal's arms. General Petain entered the tent immediately behind him.

When his eyes fell upon Hal and Chester he gave a start of surprise.
Evidently he had forgotten all about them. Then he remembered.

"So you're still here?" he said. "I had forgotten all about you."

"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 Marseilles?"

"We had rather remain here a while, sir," said Hal.