The car sped on.

Through Dammartin they dashed with slightly diminished speed, and,
bearing off a trifle to the north, passed through St. Gonesse. Ten
minutes later they came within sight of Paris and Hal slowed down.

"Well, I guess we won't have any more trouble before we get to Paris," he
said. "I judge that we are on the outskirts now."

The car continued at a more moderate gait. Passing vehicles became more
frequent now, and the lad was forced to go very slowly in some places to
avoid dense crowds of pedestrians and troops.

"Where are we going to find the Prime Minister, Hal?" asked Chester.

"By Jove! I hadn't thought of that!" exclaimed Hal. "We'll have to
find out."

They were in the very heart of the city now. Hal brought the car to a
stand, near one of the city's police officers and accosted the latter
in French.

"We bear a communication from General Joffre to the Prime Minister," he
said. "Can you tell us where to find him? We are strangers in the city."

The policeman was very polite. He signaled another officer, who was
passing, and repeated Hal's request. The latter immediately climbed into
the car beside Hal.

"I happen to know," he said, "that the Prime Minister at the present
moment is at the Chamber of Deputies, where he is making an address. If
your business is important, no doubt you will be permitted to see him as
soon as he has concluded."

He pointed out the way, and Hal drove the car slowly along the streets.
They drew up at last before an imposing building, which, the policeman
informed them, was where the Chamber of Deputies sat. The lads alighted
and ascended the steps.

At the entrance they were stopped by a soldier, who demanded their
business.

"We bear a message from General Joffre to the Prime Minister," said Hal.

The soldier summoned an officer, to whom Hal repeated their errand. The
latter motioned the lads to follow him, and showed them into a
waiting-room and took his departure, ordering them to wait.

"The Prime Minister has concluded his address," he told them. "I shall
take your message."

Half an hour later a man appeared in the doorway. He was slender and
rather tall. "Lieutenants Paine and Crawford?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," replied the lads, getting to their feet.

"I," said the newcomer, "am the Prime Minister."

CHAPTER XX.

AN UNEXPECTED MEETING.

Hal and Chester made a profound bow.

"I have been informed," continued the Prime Ministe