*CHAPTER XIX*
*HIRSON*
Almost due west of Rheims approximately 150 miles as the crow flies,less than two hundred miles northeast of Soissons, is the village ofHirson. Through all the war, this little village, on the edge of theFranco-Belgian border, had retained its quiet seclusion. It had beenthe scene of much severe fighting during the four years of the war, butotherwise laid no claim to prominence.
But now Hirson was to become historic. In it was to be written one ofthe most important chapters in the history of all nations.
Into Hirson on the morning of November 9, steamed a special train. TheTricolor streamed from the engine pilot, from the rear car, andfluttered from each and every window as the train drew into the littlestation.
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 otherofficials of the city government.
As the train came to a stop a uniformed man dropped from the steps ofthe rear car, removed his hat and stood at attention. Directly otheruniformed figures alighted. These also drew themselves up to attention.Following these there stepped from the car an elderly man, smooth shavenexcept for a flowing white mustache. Tall he was and erect. Hisuniform, though plain, nevertheless proved him of high rank and it wasapparent to the casual observer that here was the man to whom the othersnow paid homage. In fact, a glance showed that the man who now steppedfrom the car was of the highest military rank in France. He was, as hisstars and bars proclaimed him, a marshal of France--thecommander-in-chief of all the allied armies opposed to theGermans--Marshal Foch.
Following him from the car came his retinue of officers--members of hisstaff, and a few others who had been invited to accompany him to thecoming conference with representatives of the German empire.
As Marshal Foch left the car, the mayor of the town hurried forward, andwelcomed him to the city with a series of deferential bows and words. Itis doubtful, so excited was the mayor at the unexpected honor paid hislittle town, if the man really knew what he said; but his intentionswere all of the best, and Marshal Foch accepted them as such--andsmiled.
"I am very glad to be here, Mr. Taylor," he said quietly, "particularlyon such a mission. I know that the people of your little city will beproud 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 andmyself?" requested Marshal Foch.
"It shall be done immediately, your excellency," said the mayor, andbustled away.
Marshal Foch turned to the members of his staff and the others whocomposed 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 reportto 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 timeahead of us."
Directly the burgess returned to report that luncheon was served in thedepot, and to this Marshal Foch and members of his staff repaired atonce.
The meal disposed of, it was after 12 o'clock. The next hour the Frenchcommander-in-chief spent in animated discussion with members of hisstaff.
Now Hal and Chester, in response to the commands of Marshal Foch, hadreported to him at the hour appointed and thus found themselves membersof 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 historicevents.
"I'm willing to bet, though," said Hal, "that the Germans will go backon their promises."
"I don't think so," declared Chester. "They are aiming to get theeasiest terms possible, and they must be smart enough to realize thatthe longer they postpone their cry for peace, the harder will be theterms imposed by the allies."
"Maybe so," Hal admitted; "but after four years' experience with theGermans, 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 tothe conclusion that they are licked and want to get out of the mess theeasiest way they can."
"You may be right. It would be just like the Germans to have wreakeddestruction on all other nations and then to try and crawl out withoutpaying 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 theGerman empire."
"I believe that is what will be done. Certainly, with victory in theirgrasp, the allies cannot afford to allow Germany to prepare a secondtime 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 hisstaff, approached them.
"Well, gentlemen," said the marshal, "are you glad to be here, or wouldyou rather be on the firing line with your American forces?"
"For the moment," replied Hal, "we would much prefer to be here, sir. Iwant to say that we are indeed fortunate to be on the spot where historyis about to be written, your excellency."
"Right you are, young sir," declared Marshal Foch, "and if I am notgreatly 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 ladssaluted and the commander-in-chief walked away.
"Well," said Chester half an hour later, "I'm getting tired of sittingaround here. I wish something would happen."
"I heard Marshal Foch say that General Dupree was to report here at 2o'clock," said Hal "It's almost that now. Something may happen soonafter that."
"Let's hope so. This is tiresome business."
Shortly before 2 o'clock, the sound of an approaching train raised thelads' hopes again. Others in the party also showed keen interest. Afew moments later a train drew into the station. Marshal Foch and hisstaff were on the platform.
Presently there alighted a figure in the uniform of a divisionalcommander.
"General Dupree," said Chester to Hal.
The lad was right.
General Dupree hurried at once to Marshal Foch and the two engaged inconversation when the formalities of greeting had been exchanged.
"Then you say that the German envoys will be here this evening?" askedMarshal Foch.
"So I have been informed. They have sought safe conduct through ourlines, and without asking your permission, sir, I have granted it."
"That is well. At a time like this we must not let a few formalitiesstand in the way."
"I thought you would say so, your excellency, therefore I have orderedthat firing be suspended all along the line at 4 o'clock, the hour uponwhich I am informed, the German representatives will leave their ownlines."
"You have done well, General. Now what is your idea as to theirreception?"
"There should be no formal reception, sir. These men are coming to suefor peace. As defeated enemies, so they should be received. We mustnot lose sight of the fact, sir, that we are dealing almost withbarbarians."
"True, General," said Marshal Foch, "and yet I wish it could beotherwise."
"You may be sure," said General Dupree, "that they will never besatisfied 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 noconsideration."
"I shall be no more harsh than necessary," said Marshal Foch. "All I amstriving to bring about is peace--peace on such terms as will pr
event aresumption of this murderous struggle."
Marshal Foch now turned and re-entered his car which still stood in thestation.
"I shall receive them here when they arrive," he informed GeneralDupree, 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 knewthat their duty lay with the others who had come to Hirson, and theystuck close to the railroad station.
"Hope we don't have to linger here long after the conference," saidChester. "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 willhave something to talk about."
"Rather," Chester agreed dryly. "But I wish something would hurry upand happen."
"So do I; but wishing won't do any good."
"Maybe not; but it gives a fellow something to talk about, and thathelps pass away the time."
The day drew toward a close at last.
Hal and Chester, along toward 4 o'clock, found themselves close to thetelegraph operator in the station. Suddenly the clattering of theinstrument became more nervous. The operator pricked up his ears. Thenhe leaped to his feet excitedly.
"They're coming!" he cried.