ar. It was a huge machine, and besides being fitted up luxuriously
was also furnished as an office, that the general might still be at
work while he hurried from one part of the field to another when
events demanded his immediate presence. Even now, with treachery
threatening, and whirling along at a terrific speed, General Joffre,
probably because of habit, fell to work sorting papers, studying maps
and other drawings.

For almost two hours the car whirled along at top speed, and at length
pulled up in the rear of an immense body of troops, who, even to Hal
and Chester, could be seen preparing for an advance.

General Joffre was out of the car before it came to a full stop, and
Hal and Chester were at his heels. An orderly approached.

"My respects to General Tromp, and tell him I desire his presence
immediately," ordered General Joffre.

The orderly saluted and dashed away. General Joffre paced up and down
nervously. Finally, at the approach of rapid footsteps, he raised his
head. A group of officers were approaching. One of them advanced right
up to the general and saluted, and even as he did so the sound of a
bugle rang out, ordering a general advance.

"Sir----" began the officer, whom the boys instantly knew to be
General Tromp.

General Joffre interrupted him with a wave of his hand.

"Why this sudden advance?" he demanded coldly.

General Tromp started back.

"Why, sir," he explained, "I have word that a large force of the enemy
is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him."

"Order a halt," said General Joffre abruptly.

"But, but----" began General Tromp in some confusion.

"Order a halt, sir!" commanded General Joffre sternly. "Or," as he saw
that General Tromp still hesitated, "shall I do it myself?"

General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who
immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great
army came to a pause.

"Now, sir," said General Joffre to General Tromp, "you will please
dismiss your staff."

Without a word General Tromp turned and gave the necessary order. A
moment later and the four, General Joffre, General Tromp, Hal and
Chester, were alone together.

"What is the meaning of this, sir?" demanded General Tromp, with some
dignity.

"The meaning, General Tromp," said General Joffre calmly, "is that you
are a traitor!"

General Tromp started back, and his hand went up before his face as if
to ward off a blow.

"What!"