"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."