The two lads hurried up to the officer in command of the English troops.

“You arrived just in time,” cried Hal, grasping the hand the officer extended.

“I should say you did,” declared Chester, also shaking the officer’s hand.  “A few moments later and we would have been goners, sure.”

“Well, I am glad we arrived so opportunely,” said the officer, laughing a little.  “We heard shooting in this direction last night, but we did not get an order to advance until this morning.  As you may perhaps have surmised, we are part of the advance guard of the army.”

“Do you mean the French and English have both assumed the offensive in force?” demanded Hal.

“Exactly,” replied the British officer.  “We are not far in front, and are pushing slowly along, that we may take the Germans by surprise, if possible.  Perhaps you may have gathered some information as to the German position and strength?”

This last was in the form of a question, and the lads made haste to answer in the affirmative.

“We have not learned a whole lot,” Chester continued, “but we have a little information that may be of value.”

“Then you had better hasten back to General French and report,” said the officer.  “I am sure he will be glad to have any information you may be able to give him.”

The lads thanked the officer, and soon the little troop was on the advance again.  Hal and Chester resumed their journey in the opposite direction.  For an hour they hurried along, occasionally meeting a detachment of mounted troops going forward, but they had traversed at least five miles before they made out in the distance the first long line of the British advance.

It was indeed an imposing sight, this long line of khaki-clad men, marching rapidly toward them, and Hal and Chester were not unmindful of it, and their hearts swelled with pride at the thought that they themselves were a part of this great fighting machine.

They hurried on toward the advancing army.  Already the lads had been challenged several times, but upon explaining their predicament had been allowed to continue on their way.  Now they reached the first line of the advancing host, and an officer hastily rode toward them.

Upon a glance at their uniforms, now unkempt and dirty, he saluted.

“What is your business here?” he demanded.

Briefly Hal explained, and added: 

“We are seeking General French.  Can you direct us to him?”

The officer did as requested and the lads made off in the direction he indicated.  It was fully two hours later before they were admitted to the presence of the commander-in-chief of the small though mighty host of Britain.

For once the English field marshal lost his habitual calm and greeted them warmly.

“I had made sure that you two lads were lost,” he said.  “Come, give an account of yourselves.”