It was a long, tedious ride, for the French general, that he might have perfect quiet in which to make his plans and direct the movement of the French forces, had made it his custom to remain well in the rear of his army.  And here, the following day, the lads found him, and upon informing his orderly that they bore important communications from General French, were admitted to his presence at once.

The French commander-in-chief sat at a small desk, surrounded by members of his staff.  Hal and Chester drew themselves up and saluted; then the former advanced and placed the document in Gen. Joffre’s hand.

Quickly the French commander ran his eyes over the paper; then leaned back in his chair.  For perhaps five minutes he retained this position, uttering no word, apparently deep in thought.

Then he arose, and with a wave of his hand dismissed all his staff, motioning for Hal and Chester to remain.  The tent cleared, the general spoke: 

“Now tell me your story,” he said briefly.

Hal did so, and the general listened attentively, without asking a single question until Hal had concluded his story.

“It must be true,” he said at length, half to himself.  “I remember well that there was something mysterious in the traitor Dersi’s escape.  It was never explained satisfactorily.  Yes, it must be true.”

He was silent again for some moments, then finally spoke again: 

“And I would have staked anything I possess on Tromp’s honor.  He has uncommon ability.  Still, there has always been something queer about him.  Yes, it must be true.”

Suddenly the general sprang to his feet with agility that Hal and Chester had not believed him capable of, and struck a small bell upon his desk a sharp tap.  Immediately an orderly entered.

“Have my car brought here instantly,” commanded the general briefly.

The orderly saluted and withdrew.

Chester and Hal stared at each other in some surprise.  What could the general be about to do?  They were soon enlightened.

“I must act at once,” said the general, again half to himself.  “Never would Tromp have a better chance to work treachery to our cause than at this time.  I must stop him, and I must do it personally and without publicity, for should this become noised abroad throughout France, nothing could prove more detrimental to our cause.”

He turned suddenly to Hal and Chester.

“And you two shall come with me,” he said.  “You shall confront Tromp.  If he is guilty, we shall find it out some way.”

At that instant the orderly entered again and saluted.

“Your car is ready, sir,” he said.

The general moved toward the door, motioning for the lads to follow him.

“Come,” he said.  “We shall go to the front, where even now Tromp is in command and meditating mischief.”

CHAPTER XIX.