As Chester proceeded with his story the general listened attentively.  When Chester spoke of being captured by Stubbs, the general smiled quietly, and Hal, noting the smile, guessed rightly that General Petain had had a hand in the capture himself—­or rather, that he at least had sanctioned it; and when Chester spoke of the meeting of the conspirators and mentioned the name of General Pombrey, General Petain frowned.

“So,” he said when Chester had concluded, “General Pombrey is mixed up in this thing, eh?”

“He seems to be the leader of the movement, sir,” replied Chester.  “I should say that he is without doubt the directing hand.”

“And what do you hope to gain by telling me all this?” asked General Petain, eyeing the lad shrewdly.

“I hope to see the conspiracy crushed, sir, before it gains further momentum,” was Chester’s reply.

General Petain eyed the lad peculiarly.

“Can it be that I have been misinformed?” he muttered to himself.

Hal’s keen ears caught the words.

“I can assure you that you have been misinformed, sir,” he replied firmly.

For several moments more the general eyed the lads sternly and they returned his gaze without flinching.  Suddenly the general clapped his hands together.  The French officer who had arrested the two lads entered he tent and saluted.

“Captain,” said General Petain. “my compliments to Mr. Anthony Stubbs and say that I desire his presence here at once.”

The French officer saluted and took his departure.

The hearts of the two lads beat high now.  Apparently General Petain had been convinced of the truth of their stories.  They believed that when Stubbs confronted them he would weaken.

“I don’t know what to think about this matter,” said General Petain as they waited for Stubbs’ arrival.  “I am loath to believe you would be mixed up in anything of this nature.”

“How did Mr. Stubbs happen to mention us as being implicated in this conspiracy, sir?” asked Chester.

“He said he wanted to see you get home safely and not be mixed up in anything that might mean a firing squad,” said General Petain, calmly.  “I promised him your safe return to America for his news of the conspiracy.”

“I see,” said Chester.

At this moment Stubbs was announced.  General Petain looked at him sharply.

“These officers,” he said, indicating Hal and Chester with a wave of his hand, “deny the charges you have made against them, sir.”

“Surely, you didn’t expect them to admit it, sir?” questioned Stubbs, shifting from one foot to another, as Hal and Chester bent their gaze on him.

“Well, no, I didn’t,” was General Petain’s reply, “but they tell such a straightforward story that I am of the opinion you must be mistaken as to their part in this conspiracy.”

“But the peas,” said Stubbs.  “They had them.”