Chester did so as briefly as possible, and General French listened to the lad’s recital in unfeigned amazement.

“And so you are the two who created such havoc in the ranks of the enemy,” he exclaimed when Chester had concluded his account of their adventures.  “I learned through some of my scouts that a wild engine had dealt a heavy blow to the Germans, but I had never thought that you two were aboard it.”

Then it was that Hal told his commander of his encounter with young Dersi, and of what the latter had told him concerning General Tromp, of General Joffre’s staff.

“What!” cried General French, springing to his feet.  “Tromp a traitor!  Why, it is unbelievable.  General Joffre has entire confidence in his ability and integrity.”

“Nevertheless it is true, there can be no doubt of that,” said Hal quietly.  “Dersi told us with almost his dying breath, and he certainly was repentant at the end.”

“Oh, I do not doubt your word,” General French assured Hal, “but it seems impossible.  Something must be done at once.”

“Will you allow me to make a suggestion, sir?” asked Hal respectfully.

“By all means,” was the general’s reply.

“Then I would suggest that you send word of General Tromp’s treachery to General Joffre by special messenger, and not trust to the field wireless, for in that way Tromp might learn that he was suspected and make his escape.”

“An excellent idea,” said General French.  “It shall be acted upon at once.”  He turned away, signifying that the interview was at an end.

But Hal had no intention of letting such a piece of work slip through his fingers.

“If you please, general,” he said.  “Chester and I would like to carry the message.  You see, we are greatly interested in this matter.”

The general glanced at the two lads, and a faint smile lighted up his face.

“And so you shall,” he said at length.  “Refresh yourselves with food and drink first, and then report to me.”

Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.  Having done as the general ordered, they lost no time in returning to him.  General French had already prepared his dispatch and this he placed in Hal’s hand.

“General Joffre no doubt will be amazed at the contents of this message,” the general told the lads, “and he probably will demand all details from you.  Tell them to him as you have to me and I am sure he will be convinced.  That is all, except that you return as soon as possible, for I may have other work for you.”

The two lads saluted and started forth on their journey.  Both had been furnished with good horses at the command of the general, for they had asked for these in preference to being carried in an army automobile.

“Those things are likely to break down any time,” Hal had confided to Chester, “and you can always depend upon a good horse.”

Chester had agreed with him, so now we find the two lads mounted and riding rapidly toward the southwest, in which direction they knew they should reach the French commander-in-chief.