"Then you say that the German envoys will be here this evening?" asked Marshal Foch.
"So I have been informed. They have sought safe conduct through our lines, and without asking your permission, sir, I have granted it."
"That is well. At a time like this we must not let a few formalities stand in the way."
"I thought you would say so, your excellency, therefore I have ordered that firing be suspended all along the line at 4 o’clock, the hour upon which I am informed, the German representatives will leave their own lines."
"You have done well, General. Now what is your idea as to their reception?"
"There should be no formal reception, sir. These men are coming to sue for peace. As defeated enemies, so they should be received. We must not lose sight of the fact, sir, that we are dealing almost with barbarians."
"True, General," said Marshal Foch, "and yet I wish it could be otherwise."
"You may be sure," said General Dupree, "that they will never be satisfied with any terms for an armistice which you may offer."
"That will be their misfortune," was the reply. "But as for my terms, they may take them or leave them. I shall stand firm."
"As you should, your excellency. The enemy is entitled to no consideration."
"I shall be no more harsh than necessary," said Marshal Foch. "All I am striving to bring about is peace—peace on such terms as will prevent a resumption of this murderous struggle."
Marshal Foch now turned and re-entered his car which still stood in the station.
"I shall receive them here when they arrive," he informed General Dupree, who accompanied him.
The day passed slowly for Hal and Chester.
Much as they would have liked to look about the city a bit they knew that their duty lay with the others who had come to Hirson, and they stuck close to the railroad station.
"Hope we don’t have to linger here long after the conference," said Chester. "This is not my idea of having a good time, at all."
"Nor mine," Hal agreed; "and yet, when we get back to America we will have something to talk about."
"Rather," Chester agreed dryly. "But I wish something would hurry up and happen."
"So do I; but wishing won’t do any good."
"Maybe not; but it gives a fellow something to talk about, and that helps pass away the time."