Perceiving the forms of what appeared to be two French officers dashing from the enemy’s trenches, the French commander immediately ordered a detachment of infantry to protect their flight.  These climbed rapidly from the trenches and dashed forward.

A moment later the Germans also threw out a detachment to drive them back.

The French column fired a volley over the heads of the approaching lads, and the latter once more dropped to the ground to avoid the return fire of the Germans.

Two minutes later Hal and Chester were behind the French detachment and were making hurriedly for the trenches.  Immediately the small force of French which had advanced to their support commenced to retire slowly, and soon also were safe from the enemy’s fire.

This little skirmish had resulted in severe losses to both sides, although the French casualties were slightly heavier than those of the enemy.  Ten Frenchmen were left on the field, while but eight German bodies strewed the ground.

Hal and Chester quickly sought out the French commander.  Upon telling him that they had important information for General Joffre, they soon had a large automobile at their disposal and were dashing toward Soissons, where the French commander-in-chief had established temporary headquarters.

The distance was not great, and, as they now had no enemies to bar their progress, the lads soon pulled up near General Joffre’s quarters.  An aide accosted them, and carried the lads’ names to the French commander.  He returned a few moments later and announced that General Joffre would receive them immediately.

Hal and Chester followed the aide to the general’s tent, where he stood back and motioned for them to enter.

Inside stood General Joffre, surrounded by members of his staff.  He motioned for the lads to approach, which they did, and came to attention.  The general greeted them warmly.

“I am glad to see you again,” he said.  “I have not forgotten the valuable service you rendered the French army recently.  I am told you carry important information.”

“Yes, sir” replied Hal.

“Let me have it, then,” said General Joffre.

In a few brief and well-chosen words Hal repeated what they had overheard so recently in the German trench.  The general listened to them apparently unmoved.

“So!” he exclaimed, when Hal had concluded his narrative, “they are planning to kidnap President Poincare, eh?  Well, we shall be ready for them.  But first I must take steps to thwart the proposed German drive.  It is to be delivered when, you say?”

“Two days after to-morrow, sir,” replied Hal.

“And you say the Kaiser will return to the front the day after to-morrow?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good!  We shall be ready for him.”

He turned to a member of his staff.  “Colonel Mercer,” he said, “my compliments to General Rochelle, and repeat to him what you have just heard.  You will order him to fall back slowly when the German offensive begins.”