The enemy, caught unprepared, will be crushed before
they can be sufficiently reenforced."
Exclamations of satisfaction escaped the group of staff officers, and Hal
and Chester were greatly impressed by the prompt action of the French
commander-in-chief.
"He allows no grass to grow under his feet," Hal whispered to Chester.
"I should say not," replied the latter.
General Joffre turned to Hal.
"It is your understanding, then," he said, "that the plot against the
President will not be tried until after the grand assault?"
"That is my understanding of the matter, sir," Hal replied.
"Good! In the meantime, then, we shall have time to take care of that."
He turned to another of his officers. "Colonel Devore," he said, "you
will see that these two lads are given suitable quarters."
The colonel saluted.
"I shall ask them to share mine, sir," he replied.
"_Bien_," returned General Joffre. "I shall probably have need of you
again, soon," he added, to Hal and Chester.
He sat down at his desk and turned to a mass of papers and maps, and the
lads realized that the interview was ended.
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