American commander hesitated a moment before continuing; "and yet the
piece of work I have in sight will entail, perhaps, more danger, more
finesse, and more resourcefulness than any mission you have ever
undertaken."

"You will find that we shall not be found wanting, sir," said Chester
respectfully.

"I am sure of that," was General Pershing's response. "It isn't that I
question your courage or your resourcefulness; but, because of your
youth, in this particular business, I question your wisdom. It is a
task for older and wiser heads, but --"

General Pershing broke off and became silent. Hal and Chester did not
interrupt his meditations. At length the general continued:

"I wish to say before going any further that this mission, if you
undertake it, in all probabilities, will mean death for one of you. It
is for this reason that the task in hand requires the services of at
least two men. One to go and come back, and the other to go -- and
come back if he can. It may be that neither will return, and yet one
must return if the safety of his country is to be maintained."

"We shall do our best, sir, if we are entrusted with the mission," said
Chester quietly.

Again General Pershing hesitated. Then he took his decision.

"Draw up stools here," he said, and made room at his desk.