thing 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.

A BIT OF UNWRITTEN HISTORY.

So this is how it transpired that Hal and Chester, two American boys,
happened to be present at an interview between the commander-in-chief
of the French army and General Emil Tromp, an incident that has never
been told, and never will find its way into history; an interview
between a gallant French officer and another who, were his actions
known, would be likened to the greatest of American traitors--Benedict
Arnold.

Hal and Chester followed General Joffre from his tent without a word
and entered his car behind him.

"To General Tromp's command," said General Joffre briefly. "Hurry!"

The chauffeur needed no second urging, and a moment later the huge car
was literally flying over the ground, passing large bodies of troops
moving rapidly forward as though they were stationary.

Hal and Chester found ample time to take an inventory of the general's
c