pfirst">The Closing of the Net

THE BOY ALLIES
WITH MARSHAL FOCH

CHAPTER I

GOOD NEWS

"Heard the news, Hal?" asked Chester excitedly as he dashed into the small but comfortable dugout where the two boys were quartered with the Thirty-second division of American troops a few miles to the east of Rheims.

"No," replied Hal Paine, "what news?"

"Austria has sued for peace; it's the beginning of the end."

"Rats!" said Frank. "I've heard that before. I guess you're a bit premature, Chester."

"Not a bit of it," declared Major Chester Crawford emphatically. "I had the news from Colonel O'Neil himself. He says Austria has made overtures for an armistice, looking toward a permanent peace."

"Oh, an armistice," said Major Paine. "That's a horse of another color."

"But it means peace soon," protested Chester.

"It might ordinarily," Hal agreed, "but you must remember that dealing with enemies such as we have now, there is no telling what may happen. I don't know so much about the Austrians, but the Germans are a treacherous lot, and I've no doubt that long association with men of that ilk has taught the Austrians a thing or two. No, Chester, take my word for it, there is nothing to your news. Even if the Austrians have made such overtures, you may be sure there is a trick in it some place."

"By Jove! You're an optimistic sort, aren't you?" said Chester.

"Well," said Hal. "I'm not quite as credulous as you seem to be. Besides, why should Austria sue for peace now? It's true that she is getting the worst of the argument, as is Germany; but to my mind she is a long way from being compelled to throw up the sponge. Then, too, she wouldn't have the nerve to leave Germany in the lurch."

"All the same, I'm taking the news for true," declared Chester.

Hal shrugged his shoulders.

"To whom were these overtures addressed?" he asked at length.

"To President Wilson."

"Is that so? Well, it would seem that the Austrians had looked to the proper place. It would seem they knew who, perhaps, would let them down the easiest."

"But they won't be let down easily," said Chester. "What's the matter with you anyhow? You know as well as I do that they must make full reparation for the ruin they have caused."

"Exactly," said Hal, "which is the reason I say that no such overtures have been made; or if they have, they were prompted by some hidden motive."

"Personally," said Chester, "I don't care what you think. You are so confounded wise it's a wonder General Pershing hasn't resigned in your favor."

"Come, now, Chester," replied Hal. "Don't get sore. Can't you take a little joke?"

"I don't call that much of a joke. I came with a piece of news I thought you would be anxious to hear, and all you've done is scoff."

"Never mind," said Hal. "Personally, as I have said, I am inclined to the belief that you are all wrong, but at the same time I hope you are right. However, time will tell."

Chester was about to reply, but the sound of hurried footsteps without restrained him. A moment later there was a knock at the door.

"Come in," called Hal.

A lieutenant, whom the lads recognized as attached to Colonel O'Neil's staff, entered and came to attention.

"What is it, lieutenant?" asked Chester.

"Colonel O'Neil desires your presence in his quarters at once, sir," replied the lieutenant; "and, Major Paine also."

"We shall follow you at once, lieutenant," said Hal, reaching for his helmet, which lay on his cot.

The lieutenant saluted again, turned on his heel and departed. Hal and Chester followed him a few moments later.

"I thought it was about time we had