Almost due west of Rheims approximately 150 miles as the crow flies, less than two hundred miles northeast of Soissons, is the village of Hirson. Through all the war, this little village, on the edge of the Franco-Belgian border, had retained its quiet seclusion. It had been the scene of much severe fighting during the four years of the war, but otherwise laid no claim to prominence.
But now Hirson was to become historic. In it was to be written one of the most important chapters in the history of all nations.
Into Hirson on the morning of November 9, steamed a special train. The Tricolor streamed from the engine pilot, from the rear car, and fluttered from each and every window as the train drew into the little station.
At the depot awaiting the arrival of the train stood a group of men. Included in this group was the burgess, the mayor of the city, and other officials of the city government.
As the train came to a stop a uniformed man dropped from the steps of the rear car, removed his hat and stood at attention. Directly other uniformed figures alighted. These also drew themselves up to attention. Following these there stepped from the car an elderly man, smooth shaven except for a flowing white mustache. Tall he was and erect. His uniform, though plain, nevertheless proved him of high rank and it was apparent to the casual observer that here was the man to whom the others now paid homage. In fact, a glance showed that the man who now stepped from the car was of the highest military rank in France. He was, as his stars and bars proclaimed him, a marshal of France—the commander-in-chief of all the allied armies opposed to the Germans—Marshal Foch.
Following him from the car came his retinue of officers—members of his staff, and a few others who had been invited to accompany him to the coming conference with representatives of the German empire.
As Marshal Foch left the car, the mayor of the town hurried forward, and welcomed him to the city with a series of deferential bows and words. It is doubtful, so excited was the mayor at the unexpected honor paid his little town, if the man really knew what he said; but his intentions were all of the best, and Marshal Foch accepted them as such—and smiled.
"I am very glad to be here, Mr. Taylor," he said quietly, "particularly on such a mission. I know that the people of your little city will be proud to be hosts upon such an historic occasion."
"Yes, ye-s-yes, your excellency," stammered the burgess.
"Will you kindly see if you can prepare food for my officers and myself?" requested Marshal Foch.
"It shall be done immediately, your excellency," said the mayor, and bustled away.
Marshal Foch turned to the members of his staff and the others who composed the party.
"There is nothing for us to do at the moment, gentlemen," he said, "except to prepare ourselves for the feast. By the way, Colonel," turning to his secretary, "at what hour did I bid General Dupree report to me here?"
"Two o'clock this afternoon, sir," was the reply.
Marshal Foch glanced at his watch.
"And it is not quite noon yet," he said. "Well, we have plenty of time ahead of us."
Directly the burgess returned to report that luncheon was served in the depot, and to this Marshal Foch and members of his staff repaired at once.
The meal disposed of, it was after 12 o'clock. The next hour the French commander-in-chief spent in animated discussion with members of his staff.
Now Hal and Chester, in response to the commands of Marshal Foch, had reported to him at the hour appointed and thus found themselves members of the group that proceeded to Hirson. The heart of each lad beat high, for both were smart enough to know that they were on the eve of historic events.
"I'm willing to bet, though," said Hal, "that the Germans will go back on their promises."
"I don't think so," declared Chester. "They are aiming to get the easiest terms possible, and they must be smart enough to realize that the longer they postpone their cry for peace, the harder will be the terms imposed by the allies."
"Maybe so," Hal admitted; "but after four years' experience with the Germans, I believe nothing until I see it."
"You talk like Stubbs," said Chester.
"Perhaps; and yet I'm telling you just how I feel."
"For my part," said Chester, "I believe the enemy has at last come to the conclusion that they are licked and want to get out of the mess the easiest way they can."
"You may be right. It would be just like the Germans to have wreaked destruction on all other nations and then to try and crawl out without paying the cost."
"Don't fool yourself about that," said Chester. "They'll have to pay."
"I'm sure I hope so. Personally, I am in favor of dismembering the German empire."
"I believe that is what will be done. Certainly, with victory in their grasp, the allies cannot afford to allow Germany to prepare a second time for a conflagration that will consume the world."
"You wouldn't think so, that's certain."
The lads became silent as Marshal Foch, followed by members of his staff, approached them.
"Well, gentlemen," said the marshal, "are you glad to be here, or would you rather be on the firing line with your American forces?"
"For the moment," replied Hal, "we would much prefer to be here, sir. I want to say that we are indeed fortunate to be on the spot where history is about to be written, your excellency."
"Right you are, young sir," declared Marshal Foch, "and if I am not greatly mistaken, history will be written here—and that very soon."
"The sooner the better for all concerned, sir," said Chester.
Marshal Foch bowed slightly in acknowledging this remark, the lads saluted and the commander-in-chief walked away.
"Well," said Chester half an hour later, "I'm getting tired of sitting around here. I wish something would happen."
"I heard Marshal Foch say that General Dupree was to report here at 2 o'clock," said Hal "It's almost that now. Something may happen soon after that."
"Let's hope so. This is tiresome business."
Shortly before 2 o'clock, the sound of an approaching train raised the lads' hopes again. Others in the party also showed keen interest. A few moments later a train drew into the station. Marshal Foch and his staff were on the platform.
Presently there alighted a figure in the uniform of a divisional commander.
"General Dupree," said Chester to Hal.
The lad was right.
General Dupree hurried at once to Marshal Foch and the two engaged in conversation when the formalities of greeting had been exchanged.
"Then you say that the German envoys will be here this evening?" asked Marshal Foch.
"So I have been informed. They have sought safe conduct through our lines, and without asking your permission, sir, I have granted it."
"That is well. At a time like this we must not let a few formalities stand in the way."
"I thought you would say so, your excellency, therefore I have ordered that firing be suspended all along the line at 4 o'clock, the hour upon which I am informed, the German representatives will leave their own lines."
"You have done well, General. Now what is your idea as to their reception?"
"There should be no formal reception, sir. These men are coming to sue for peace. As defeated enemies, so they should be received. We must not lose sight of the fact, sir, that we are dealing almost with barbarians."
"True, General," said Marshal Foch, "and yet I wish it could be otherwise."
"You may be sure," said General Dupree, "that they will never be satisfied with any terms for an armistice which you may offer."
"That will be their misfortune," was the reply. "But as for my terms, they may take them or leave them. I shall stand firm."
"As you should, your excellency. The enemy is entitled to no consideration."
"I shall be no more harsh than necessary," said Marshal Foch. "All I am striving to bring about is peace—peace on such terms as will prevent a resumption of this murderous struggle."
Marshal Foch now turned and re-entered his car which still stood in the station.
"I shall receive them here when they arrive," he informed General Dupree, who accompanied him.
The day passed slowly for Hal and Chester.
Much as they would have liked to look about the city a bit they knew that their duty lay with the others who had come to Hirson, and they stuck close to the railroad station.
"Hope we don't have to linger here long after the conference," said Chester. "This is not my idea of having a good time, at all."
"Nor mine," Hal agreed; "and yet, when we get back to America we will have something to talk about."
"Rather," Chester agreed dryly. "But I wish something would hurry up and happen."
"So do I; but wishing won't do any good."
"Maybe not; but it gives a fellow something to talk about, and that helps pass away the time."
The day drew toward a close at last.
Hal and Chester, along toward 4 o'clock, found themselves close to the telegraph operator in the station. Suddenly the clattering of the instrument became more nervous. The operator pricked up his ears. Then he leaped to his feet excitedly.
"They're coming!" he cried.