midday
After a short interval , the two generalissimos reappeared . This time both entered the car that had brought Marshal Foch to the scene , and the big automobile rolled off in a cloud of dust . `` Guess inspection is over now , and pretty near time , too , '' whispered Tom . His surmise turned out to be correct , for shortly afterward the regiment was dismissed and returned to the barracks , where shortly afterward the midday mess was served . But the visit of the two commanders marked the beginning of an era of extreme bustle and activity . Numbers of tanks , both small and large , began to make their appearance in the camp , likewise heavily loaded ammunition wagons and lorries , big field pieces , and all the other equipment that modern warfare has made a necessity . Of course all this was of the greatest interest to the four Army Boys , as to their comrades , and many were the speculations as to its meaning .