"Didn’t think I had forgotten it, did you?" demanded Hal.
"Well, I didn’t know. Your memory isn’t as good as it used to be."
"Well, I don’t know why," said Chester, "but it’s a fact."
Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that moment they came to the entrance to General Rhodes’ quarters.
"Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has something worth while for us to do."
"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I’ll be ready for you in a moment."
For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while their commander gave dozens of orders to others of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.
At last the room was cleared with the exception of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general’s private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads to approach.
"Before I ask if you are willing to undertake rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must explain a few points to you."
The lads stood at attention, but said nothing.
"As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is our immediate objective. To the north, General Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same distance of the town. When the time comes for the deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second division upon the city from the north and west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the east of the town and will strike from that direction. Do you follow me?"
"Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge between General Lejeune’s division and my own. Telephone communication has been cut. For more than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative if the final attack is to be successful that I communicate with General Lejeune."
"I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish us to make an effort to get through."
"That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he should be able to carry word to General Lejeune and return within six hours. Yet I have already dispatched three messengers and none has returned."