It was broad daylight now and Hat felt the necessity of traveling at a slower speed than he had through the darkness of the night. Accordingly he reduced the speed of the big car to not more than thirty-five miles an hour.
Stubbs leaned forward and called to Hal.
"How far do you suppose we are from the Dutch border?"
"Don't know," was the reply, "but it's a long ways. We're not more than 70 miles from Berlin."
Several times during the next few hours they were halted, but were permitted to pass on, after showing their passports. Apparently the Berlin authorities had not wired ahead, and Hal was unable to account for this satisfactorily.
"Something peculiar about it," he muttered, as he bent over the wheel.
For the next few hours the automobile proceeded on its way without interruption, save for a single stop to replenish gasoline and air.
It was well along toward evening when Stubbs announced that the Dutch frontier was only a few miles distant. Once over the line they would be comparatively safe.
A foreboding of trouble swept over Hal.
Chester had slept during most of the trip thus far. McKenzie had examined the lad carefully and discovered that he was suffering from a flesh wound in the left side. The Canadian had bound this up as well as he could as the automobile jostled along.
His experienced eye told him there was nothing dangerous about the wound. It was painful, of course, and Chester would naturally be stiff in body for some time; but, providing the wound was kept clean, there was no danger of infection.
Now, at Hal's injunction, Stubbs aroused Chester. The lad opened his eyes slowly.
"How do you feel, old man?" asked McKenzie.
Chester sat up and passed a hand across his forehead.
"I don't feel any too playful," he said with a wry smile. "Where are we, anyhow?"
"Getting pretty close to the Dutch border," returned McKenzie.
"What'd you want to wake me for?" Chester demanded of Stubbs.
"Believe me," said Stubbs, "I didn't want to wake you up. It's usually safer for all concerned when you and Hal are both asleep. I woke you up because Hal told me to."
"That's all right, then," said Chester. "But don't you try to rub it into me, Stubbs, just because I've got a bullet hole in me is no sign I'm a cripple, you know."
"Maybe not," said Stubbs. "Here, take this gun."
He passed a revolver to Chester.
"What's the idea?" demanded Chester, taking the revolver; "going to fight me a duel or something?"
"Don't be a fool," said Stubbs. "We're still in Germany, remember.You may need that gun before we get out."
"All right, Stubbs," returned Chester. "Thanks."
Ahead, Hal suddenly made out a large body of men in such position as to block the road. He slowed down the car, and, leaning back, addressed the others.
"If I'm not mistaken," he said quietly, pointing, "just beyond lies the Dutch border. Once across we are comparatively safe. At least the Germans will not dare to follow us on to neutral ground. At the same time, if we are apprehended by Dutch military authorities our mission will be a failure, because we shall be interned. What is your advice?"
"Get into Holland first and let matters take their course later," saidChester quietly.
"I agree with you," said McKenzie.
"And I," said Hal.
"Well," said Stubbs, "I don't. Not that it will make any difference, of course, because you will do as you wish anyhow."
"If you have any better plan, Stubbs," said Chester, "let's hear it."
"I don't have any plan," declared Stubbs, "but seems to me you could think of a better one. To rush through those fellows ahead means a fight, a that's why you decided on that plan. I'm against a fight at all hazards."
"So I perceive," said McKenzie dryly.
"Well; you stick along anyhow, Stubbs," said Chester.
"Oh, I'll stick," said Stubbs, "but I'm going to tell you right now I don't think I'm going to do you any good."
"Well, if we are decided," said Hal, "we might as well go on. We'll show our passports again and it may be we'll get through without question. However, something tells me we are going to have trouble, so get your guns ready."
"If you think we're going to have trouble, I'm absolutely positive of it," Stubbs mumbled to himself.
However, each looked to his weapons and made sure that they were in working order.
"One of us has got to get through," said Chester in a low voice. "Who has the list, Stubbs?"
"Hal," was the response.
"Then Hal must get through no matter what happens to the rest of us," said Chester quietly.
"Good lord!" said Stubbs. "Why didn't I keep that list!"
As the large automobile approached, several of the Germans ahead stepped directly into the road and one threw up a hand in a signal demanding a halt. Hal made out that at this point there were perhaps a dozen men, though to each side he saw countless other forms. These latter, however, appeared no wise interested in the automobile and its occupants, but went about their several duties.
Hal put on the brakes and the automobile came to a stop a few feet from the nearest German, who, it appeared, was a colonel of infantry.
The German, followed by his men, approached the car and surrounded it.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"Dutch war correspondents," replied Hal quietly.
"Your passports," demanded the German.
The four friends produced their passports and extended them to the officer. The latter scanned them hastily, then cried:
"As I thought. You are the men we want. Seize them!" This last command to his soldiers.
Instantly the dozen soldiers swooped toward the automobile, their rifles leveled. At the same moment Hal sent the large automobile forward with a jump.
The German rifles spat fire. Revolvers appeared simultaneously in the hands of Chester and McKenzie. Both sprang to their feet, and, each holding to a side of the machine, they returned the fire, as Hal bent over the wheel.
"Crack! Crack!"
Chester and McKenzie fired together.
In spite of the movement of the car their aim was true, and two German soldiers fell in their tracks. Stubbs still kept his seat.
The automobile, with its first lurch forward, had mowed down several of the enemy, and now dashed forward with a clear path to the Dutch border.
Behind, at command from the German officer, the troopers, still upon their feet, fell to their knees, and, taking deliberate aim at the rapidly moving car, fired.
There was an explosion from the automobile. The car jumped crazily. Chester, still standing, revolver in hand, was flung violently into his seat, but McKenzie was not so fortunate. He toppled from the car head foremost.
One of the German bullets had punctured a rear tire. Hal brought the machine to a stop.
"Out and run for it!" cried Hal, and suited the action to the word.
Chester clambered out with more difficulty, for the wound in his side still pained him. McKenzie, strange as it may seem, had not been badly hurt by his fall. He got to his feet, still clutching his revolver. As the Germans hurried toward him, he raised the automatic and opened fire.
The first German pitched headlong to earth, as did the second.
McKenzie gave ground slowly.
With a swift look he saw that Hal had almost reached the Dutch border, which he perceived was guarded by a squad of Dutch soldiers. Chester also was limping in that direction. Stubbs, in spite of his opposition to fighting, was lending the lad a helping hand.
"They'll make it, if I can hold these fellows a minute," mutteredMcKenzie.
He faced the foe again, and from a pocket brought forth a second automatic.
"Not for nothing was I called the best shot in the northwest," he said quietly.
Hal's idea in not waiting to assist in the flight of the others, McKenzie knew on the instant. The list they had risked so much to get must be taken from German territory at all hazards. McKenzie knew, too, that Chester and Stubbs were simply following instructions when they also fled. It was every man for himself. A German bullet whistled close to the Canadian.
"Well," he said quietly, "I'll get a few of you before you drop me."
He faced his foes unflinchingly.
McKenzie's arms went up again—not shoulder high—just to his hips. For McKenzie, in his early days, had been reckoned in the Canadian northwest as the most deadly shot in the country. He fired from his hips and aimed by instinct and not by sight.
Each automatic flashed once and two more of the foe fell to the ground. McKenzie staggered a bit as a German bullet plowed into his shoulder. Then his revolvers spoke again.
As he fought, the Canadian gave ground slowly. He seemed to bear a charmed life. Two other bullets struck him—one in the arm and the other in the thigh, but no one reached a vital spot.
Hal, Chester and Stubbs, in the meantime, had reached and crossed the Dutch border. There they were immediately taken in charge by order of' the Dutch officer in command. Hal addressed the officer quickly.
"Can't you do something for my friend?" he demanded, pointing to whereMcKenzie was still battling against heavy odds.
The Dutch, officer shook his head.
"I would if I could," he said, his face flushed.
"He is a brave man, and it is a pity for him to die thus. But Holland is neutral. To interfere might embroil us."
"But if I can show you how?" asked Hal eagerly.
"If you can show me how, yes!" exclaimed the Dutchman. "Talk quickly."
"We carry Dutch passports," said Hal quietly. "That should suffice.However, cannot you send your men forward under the pretext that theDutch border at this point extends an additional one hundred yards?That will be enough."
"But—"
"Oh, I know it doesn't, but that will be up to others than you. It will be the subject of diplomatic negotiations. Will you?"
For a moment the Dutch officer hesitated. Then he commanded an officer who stood near him.
"Captain Hodden! You will move forward with your company and inform the foe that if he persists in firing on Dutch soil we shall be forced to return it!"
The Dutch captain seemed only glad for this excuse. He dashed away, and a moment later Dutch troops advanced onto German soil.
McKenzie, meanwhile, found that he had but two shots left in his weapons. He glanced backward, and as he did so the Dutch troops advanced.
"If I can reach them," the man thought.
He whirled, emptied his automatics into the face of his enemies, dashed the now useless weapons after the bullets, and took to his heels, zigzagging as he ran.
The bullets in his body impeded his progress, but he reached theadvancing Dutch troops safety. There was a cry of anger from theGerman lines as McKenzie found shelter among the Dutch troops. TheGermans halted, and an officer advanced.
"I must ask you to deliver that man to me," he said to Captain Hodden.
"I am sorry, but what you ask is impossible," was the reply. "This isDutch territory, and you advance further at your peril."
"Dutch territory!" exclaimed the exasperated German. "You stand on German ground, and the man you are protecting is a spy. I demand his return."
"You won't get him," was the reply, "and I am instructed to inform you that the next German bullet that falls on Dutch ground will be considered a hostile act against a neutral nation. It will mean war!"
"I don't care what it means," shouted the German, now thoroughly aroused.
"Perhaps not," said Captain Hodden, "but your superiors may. I would advise you to order your men to fall back."
For a moment the German hesitated, and it appeared that he would risk a breach of neutrality to capture McKenzie. At last he turned away.
"Holland will rue this day!" he exclaimed, as he ordered his men to retire.
Captain Hodden now retreated to Dutch territory, where McKenzie was turned over to the Dutch colonel.
"Thanks for the reinforcements," he said quietly. "They would have done for me sure."
Hal, Chester and Stubbs crowded about and shook the Canadian by the hand. The colonel asked to see their passports, and the four friends produced their bogus documents.
"So you are Herr Block, eh?" he demanded, eyeing Hal closely.
Hal bowed, but did not reply.
"As it chances," said the Dutch officer sternly, "I happen to be the brother of Herr Block, so I know you are not he. You are under arrest, sir."
"For what?" demanded Hal.
"For traveling under false passports, sir. You friends are under arrest also. You shall be sent to Amsterdam under guard. And you told me you were Dutch subjects!"
"No I didn't," said Hal. "I told you we carried Dutch passports, and so we do."
"It amounts to the same thing. It seems I have broken Dutch neutrality to help a batch of spies. You are all under arrest."
He summoned Captain Hodden to take charge of the four friends.
"You will be responsible for them," Colonel Block said.
The captain saluted and marched his prisoners away. They were put in a tent some distance away and a guard stationed over them. They were not searched.
"Well," said Hal, "we're out of Germany, but, it seems to be a case of out of the frying-pan into the fire."
"They can't shoot us as spies," declared Stubbs. "Holland is not at war and we have not been active against her."
"No, but they can take this list away from me," said Hal, "and it has to go to Washington."
"Then we'll have to get out of here," said McKenzie.
"A nice job," declared Chester, "and two of us wounded. By the way, McKenzie, your wounds need attention. I'll call the Dutchman and have you fixed up."
He hailed the guard outside, who in turn passed the word for the captain. The latter appeared a short time later, and Chester explained what he wanted. The captain moved away and fifteen minutes later a Dutch physician entered the tent ad dressed McKenzie's wounds.
"Well, that feels some better," said McKenzie with a laugh, as the surgeon departed. "I feel as good as new now."
The four were kept in the tent all night, and early the next morning were informed that they would be taken to Amsterdam at noon. The trip was made under heavy guard, and that evening the four friends found themselves secure in a military prison in the Dutch capital.
"We're safe enough here, that's certain," declared Stubbs.
"We're safe enough, if you mean we can't out," Hal agreed. "But in some way or other this list must be delivered to General Pershing."
"Show the way, and we'll do it," declared Chester.
As the friends discussed possible plans, a visitor was ushered in.This proved to be Herr Block, the man who had assisted them to get intoGermany and who only a few moments before had learned of their arrest.
"It's too bad," he said. "So near and yet so far, as you Americans say, eh? Tell me, is there anything I can do for you.
"You might get us out of here," said Hal.
Herr Block smiled.
"Easily said, but not so easily done," he made answer. "However, I have no doubt it can be arranged."
"You do?" exclaimed the others. "How?"
"Well," said Herr Block, "you would be surprised if you realized the extent to which Holland's sympathies are with the Allies. Of course, it must not appear on the surface for it would mean war with Germany—and we are not ready for war now. However, I shall see that the door to your cell is left open tonight. When your jailer comes with your meal he will drop his keys. You will rap him over the head with something, that it may not look as though he were implicated. Then walk out of the jail and come to my quarters. No one will molest you."
"By Jove," said Hal. "That's simple enough."
"Your meal will be brought in half an hour," he said. "I shall be waiting for you at eight. You know the way to my quarters?"
"You'd better give me the necessary directions," said Hal.
Herr Block did so and took his departure.
"It all sounds simple enough," said Stubbs, "but it doesn't sound good to me."
"Don't croak, Stubbs," said Chester; "you ought to be glad to get out of here."
"Oh, I'll be glad enough to get out, but it doesn't sound plausible."
"Truth is stranger than fiction, Stubbs," said Hal.
"It'll have to be this time to convince me," declared the war correspondent.
The four became silent, awaiting the arrival of the jailer.
It was half-past seven when the jailer entered the cell in which the four friends were imprisoned. He carried a large tray, on which was loaded food. As he entered the cell, he dropped his heavy key ring. Hal pounced upon it.
The man's back was toward him. The lad raised the heavy ring, but he did not strike.
"Here, jailer," he said; "you've dropped your keys."
The jailer looked around. Hal hoped he would spring forward, that he might have an excuse for striking, but the man only said simply:
"You know what to do with them."
He turned his back again. For a moment Hal hesitated.
"Well," he said finally, "if it has to be done, the sooner the better."
He raised the heavy bunch of keys aloft again, and brought it down on the jailer's head. The man dropped to the floor and lay still. Hal threw the keys down beside him.
"Hope I didn't hurt him too much," he muttered. He turned to the others. "Now," he said, "shall we eat of this food or shall we leave at once?"
"Let's get out of here," said Stubbs. "We can eat any time. Something may turn up to defeat our plan."
But nothing did.
Hal led the way from the cell and along a long corridor. At the end were steps, which the friends mounted quietly. At the top they found it necessary to pass through what appeared to be the office of the superintendent, or whoever was in charge. Inside a man sat at a desk.
Hal hesitated a moment. He knew there was little prospect of all passing through without attracting the man's attention, and he had no means of knowing whether this man was a party to the plot or not.
However, the lad moved forward again, and the others followed without question.
The man at the desk shifted his position, and Hal stepped quickly toward him, his fist ready to strike. He caught low words:
"Hurry up and get out of here."
The lad's hand dropped to his side, and he made haste toward the door on the far side of the room. Through this all passed safely, and Hal stood before a door he felt sure led to the street. The door opened easily, and Hal, Chester, McKenzie and Stubbs passed out into the darkness.
Stubbs heaved a sigh of pure relief.
"Well, we did do it," he muttered. "I didn't believe it possible.Wish I had some of that grub now."
"Wouldn't be surprised if Herr Block could rustle us up something to eat," said McKenzie. "He seems to be a right resourceful sort of a customer."
Hal found Herr Block's quarters without difficulty. It appeared that Herr Block had anticipated that they would be hungry, for he had a tempting repast already spread when they arrived. To this the four friends did full justice, for they were, indeed, hungry.
"Now," said Herr Block when they had finished, "if you will tell me what success you had on your mission and how you managed I will appreciate it. After that, I will see you safely into your own lines. I have a large automobile waiting, and you may depart at any time; but I am greatly interested in your adventures."
Hal was nothing loath, and recounted the manner in which he andMcKenzie had secured the list of coveted names.
"Now, Chester," he said when he had concluded, "it's your turn. You haven't told us yet how you left the house and how you chanced to be discovered."
"My adventures don't amount to much," replied Chester. "I left the ball with Mrs. Schweiring. We were somewhat alarmed at Gladys' disappearance, but there was nothing we could do but wait."
When Gladys came rushing into the room, she thrust the list into my hand, and told me what had happened, and that I must fly. I commandeered the Schweiring automobile, and took to the road. I don't know how the Germans got wind of my departure, but soon after I left the city I knew I was being followed.
"There was nothing I could do but try and outrun my pursuers, whoever they were. It soon became apparent, however, that this was impossible, because the pursuing machine was too high-powered. Nevertheless, I determined to go as far as possible and leave something to chance.
"My pursuers fired at me several times, but they didn't hit anything so far as I could discover. All of a sudden, however, my engine went dead. I yanked out my automatic, determined to give battle. I fired at a man who alighted from the pursuing car when it stopped, but I must have missed him. Before I could fire again a bullet hit me, and that's all I remember until I woke and learned that Hal, McKenzie and Stubbs had saved me."
"Well, you have all had an exciting time," declared Herr Block. "I wish that I could have been with you. However, this war is not over yet, and, personally, I do not believe that Holland will maintain her neutrality to the end. In that case, I still may have opportunity of lending a hand."
"You have already lent a hand," declared Hal, "and you must know that when you lend a hand to the Allies you are also helping your own country, and, ultimately, the cause of the whole world."
"I believe that to be true," replied Herr Block quietly; "otherwise, I would not have raised a hand to help you. Germany must be crushed. There is no room for doubt on that score. If Germany wins, what nation in the whole world is safe?"
"True," said McKenzie. "It's too bad the world could not have realized that a long time ago. The war might have been over by this time."
"As it is," Herr Block agreed, "the war will not be over for years. But come, I am keeping you here idle when I know you are all anxious to be about your work."
He led the way to the street, where a large touring car awaited them.
"I'll drive you as far as the border myself," said the Dutchman.
The four friends climbed in, and the car dashed away in the darkness.
For perhaps four or five hours they rode along at a fair speed and soon, Hal knew, they would once more be within their own lines.
It was half-past four o'clock in the morning when Herr Block stopped the car and said:
"I'll leave you here. You must make the rest of the trip alone."
"Great Scott! You can't get out here in the middle of the wilderness," said Hal.
"Don't worry," laughed Herr Block. "I haven't far to go. If you'll look to the right there you will see the lights of a little town. I shall be able to get a conveyance there for my homeward journey. I brought you this way because it will save time and trouble."
He stepped from the car, then reached back and extended a hand to Hal, who had taken his place at the wheel.
"I'm awfully glad to have met you," he said quietly, "and I am glad to have been of assistance to you. I trust that we shall see more of each other at some future time."
"Thanks," said Hal, gripping the other's hands. "If it hadn't been for you our mission would have failed. We shall never forget it."
Herr Block shook hands with the others, and then disappeared in the darkness.
"A fine fellow," said Hal, as he sent the car forward.
"You bet," Chester agreed. "I hope we shall see him again."
Stubbs and McKenzie also had words of praise for the assistance given them by Herr Block.
Dawn had streaked the eastern sky when the four friends made out the distant British lines. Chester gave a cheer, which was echoed by the others.
"At the journey's end," said Hal quietly.
As the automobile approached the British line, an officer, with several men, advanced with a command "Halt." Hal obeyed, and leaped lightly from the car.
He identified himself to the satisfaction of the British officer, and Hal swung the car sharply south, heading for the distant American sector of the battle front.
They were forced to go more slowly now, as the ground came to life with soldiers, so it was almost noon when they came in sight of that section of the field where the American troops were quartered.
Leaving McKenzie and Stubbs in the car, Hal and Chester made their way to the headquarters of General Pershing. They were admitted immediately.
"Back so soon?" exclaimed General Pershing, getting to his feet. "I was afraid—"
From his pocket Hal produced the list of German spies in America.
"Here, sir," he said quietly, "is the list."
General Pershing snatched it away from him and scanned it hastily.Then, turning to the lads, he said very quietly:
"You have done well, sirs. Your work shall be remembered. You will both kindly make me written reports of your mission."
He signified that the interview was at an end. Hal and Chester saluted, and left their commander's quarters.
The apparent deadlock on the western front from the North Sea, through that narrow strip that remained of Belgium, Flanders and France almost to the borders of Alsace-Lorraine, had been maintained for so long now that the world was momentarily expecting word that would indicate the opening of what, it was expected, would be the greatest battle of the war since Verdun.
It was known that Germany, confident because of the disruption of the Russian armies, had drawn heavily upon her forces on the eastern front. The world waited for some announcement of where the Kaiser would strike next.
The blow was delivered in Italy. Field Marshal von Hindenburg, the greatest military genius the war had yet produced, left his command on the west front and hurried into Italy, succeeding General von Mackensen, who had been in command originally.
The Italian troops fought hard to maintain the ground they had won from the Austrians the spring and summer before; but in two days the Austrians, reinforced by German troops, and commanded by, German officers, had won back all they lost in two years of war and penetrated to the heart of Italy itself.
The world stood aghast at the mighty Teutonic offensive, before which the Italian troops, seasoned veterans that they were, were like chaff before the wind.
The Allies became alarmed.
Von Hindenburg's blow in Italy, if successful threatened to dispose of one country entirely, and would endanger the French and British troops from the rear. It was decided to reinforce the Italians with French and British troops.
At the same time, it became a part of the plan of the general staff to strike hard in Flanders and in the Cambrai sector, while the Germans were busily engaged elsewhere. It would, indeed, be an auspicious moment to strike.
Since the days when the Germans had been beaten back by the French at Verdun, Teuton offensives had been few and far between. It had been the Allies who had advanced after that, with the one exception of the Austro-German offensive being made in Italy. The ground that the British and French had won, now they held. From time to time they pushed their lines farther to the east, consolidated their positions and made ready to move forward again.
It was plainly apparent that success was crowning the efforts of the British and French on the western front. The Germans now and then launched heavy local attacks, but these apparently were more for the purpose of feeling out the strength of their opponents than with any idea of concerted advance.
British troops in Egypt were pushing on toward Jerusalem and it seemed that it was only the question of time until the Holy City would fall. Once Turkish rule there had been broken, it was a foregone conclusion that the Ottomans would never regain a foothold.
The thing of chief concern to the Allies was the internal conditions in Russia. Revolt had succeeded revolt in the land of the Muscovite, and, as rulers replaced rulers, it was hard to tell what the next day would bring forth.
Conditions had not reached such a pass, however, that the German general staff felt safe in releasing the bulk of its great army on the eastern front. Therefore, although it appeared that Russia was about to give up the fight, a million and a half of the Kaiser's best troops were held on the Russian front.
It was known to the Allied governments that German efforts were at the bottom of the Russian troubles, and the diplomatic corps had been hard at work trying to offset this. As time passed, however, it was realized that Russia's aid could no, longer be counted upon.
With the entrance of the United States into the war, with the American nation's unlimited resources in men and money, the cause of the Allies took on a more roseate hue. True, it would require time to put the American fighting machine into shape to take the field, but once its energies had been turned to making war, even Germany knew that America would put her best foot foremost.
The latest British successes had been in the vicinity of Vimy Ridge, which position, believed by the Germans to be impregnable, had been carried by Canadian troops in a single attack. German counter-assaults in this sector had failed to dislodge them, and there they remained secure.
The Canadians had launched this attack in April soon after the United States had declared war on Germany. Now, in November, their lines still held despite the pounding of big German guns and infantry and cavalry assaults.
As the Germans continued to push forward in Italy, threatening the city of Venice—called the most beautiful in the world—General Sir Douglas Haig, the British commander-in-chief, prepared himself for a blow in Flanders, and also for a drive at Cambrai, one of the most important German military centers.
Preparations for this attack were made quietly, and without knowledge of the enemy; so, when the attack came, the Germans were taken absolutely by surprise, and only escaped annihilation by the masterful direction of Field Marshal von Hindenburg, who hurried from the Italian front in time to stem the tide.
American troops in France at this time numbered not more than 125,000 men—these in addition to several detachments of engineers who had been sent in advance to take over French railroad operations in order to release the French for service on the fighting line. Many of the Americans who had fought with the Allies in the early days of the struggle, before Uncle Sam cast in his lot with them had returned to America and joined their own countrymen in the expectation that they would soon return to the front.
The American Army was being put in readiness as fast as possible, but it was known that months of intensive training would be necessary to fit it for its share of fighting at the front. Preparations were being rushed, however, to send the national guard units across. These would form the second contingent of Americans to reach France—the first having been composed only of regulars.
American troops in France so far had seen little actual fighting. Their activities had been confined mostly to beating off trench raids and launching an occasional bomb attack on the German dugouts so close to them. Several Americans had been killed in one of these attacks—forming the first United States casualty list. Others had been wounded, and some were missing, believed to be prisoners in the German lines.
Hal and Chester had been in the midst of the Canadian advance and capture of Vimy Ridge. Immediately after the battle they had left the fighting front and returned to America, where they spent several months training reserve officers at Fort Niagara. Because of excellent service there, they had been honored by being numbered among officers who went with the first expeditionary force under General Pershing.
Both lads had been among the American troops who beat off the German trench raid which accounted for the first United States casualties, and they had performed other services for General Pershing, as have already been recounted.
Americans though they were, each felt that he would rather be where action were swifter than lying idle in the trenches with their countrymen. It was hard telling how long it would be before the British and French general staffs would consider the American troops sufficiently seasoned to take over a complete sector of the battle line, and for that reason, the "Sammies," as they were affectionately called at home, were unlikely to see any real fighting for some time.
In fact, it developed that when General Haig finally launched his drive, only British, Irish, Welsh and Scots were used. The Americans had no hand in the fighting.
Hal and Chester, after reporting to General Pershing following their return from the German lines, returned to the automobile where they had left McKenzie and Stubbs.
"There are no orders for us," said Hal, "so we may as well hunt our quarters and get a little rest."
Upon inquiry they learned that their own company, in the trenches when they left, had been moved back to make place for another contingent. This was in line with the policy of seasoning the American troops. Their own company, therefore, they found somewhat removed from the danger zone.
"Of course, it's better to be in the trenches, where there is a chance of action," Chester said, "but when a fellow needs sleep, as I do, I guess it's just as well that we're back here."
"Right you are, Chester," said Stubbs, "and if you have no objectionsI'll bunk along with you boys."
"Help yourself, Stubbs," laughed Chester. "Guess we can make room for you."
"It's daylight yet," said Stubbs, "but I'm going to bed just the same.Lead the way, Chester."
Chester needed no urging, for he could scarcely keep his eyes open.McKenzie hunted his own quarters, and soon was fast asleep.
Hal and Chester also soon were in slumberland, and Stubbs' loud snoring proclaimed that the little man's troubles were over for the moment at least.
"Good news, Chester."
"That so? What is it?"
Hal glanced about him. There was no one near. "Little work for us to do," he said quietly.
"What kind of work?"
Hal did not reply directly to this question.
"How's your side?" he demanded.
"All right. Why?"
"Wound hurt you much?"
"No. Hardly know it's there. But what's all this about, anyhow?"
"Well," said Hal, "there is about to be a battle."
"That so? Good. How do you know?"
"General Pershing just told me. That's why I want to know how your side is. We've orders to report to General Haig in person."
"Oh," said Chester, somewhat disappointed, "I thought you meant theAmerican troops were going to get into action."
"Well, they may get into action, too. I don't know. But this, to my mind, is the biggest undertaking since the Somme."
"Sounds good," said Chester, greatly interested. "Let's hear more about it."
"I don't know much more about it. I was summoned to General Pershing's tent, and he gave me a message to carry to General Haig. Told me to have you report to General Haig also if your wound had healed sufficiently."
"It's healed sufficiently for that," Chester interrupted.
"That's what I thought you'd say, no matter how badly it might pain you. Anyhow, General Pershing said we might be in time to see some action."
"Did he indicate the nature of it?"
"No, but I drew my own conclusions. I'll tell you why. Remember those tanks we had here experimenting with?"
"You mean the armored tractors—those things that climb fences, trenches, and things like that?"
"Yes."
"Sure I remember them. Why?"
"Well, they're all gone—been ordered back to the British lines.Therefore, something is going on."
"Oh, pshaw!" said Chester. "That may mean only a local attack some place. I thought you knew something."
"Wait a minute now. I know more than you think."
"Well, let's hear it then."
"Infantry and cavalry are being massed in the sector that would lead toCambrai, if a drive were successful."
"You're sure of that?"
"Perfectly. I have it from Captain O'Neill, who knows what he's talking about."
"That may mean something," Chester agreed, nodding his head.
"May mean something? Of course it means something. Besides, our aeroplanes are more active than usual, probably to keep the enemy back so they can't anticipate the attack."
"The Germans will suspect something then," declared Chester.
"Maybe. But there is something in the air. You can bank on that."
"Well, I hope so," declared Chester. "We haven't had any real fighting for a long while now."
"Don't forget you've a bullet hole in you still," smiled Hal. "You're not as good as new, you know."
"I can still answer for a couple of Germans," replied Chester with a smile.
"I guess you're right. But come, we must be moving."
The two lads left their quarters and sought their horses. As they mounted Stubbs approached.
"Where to?" he demanded.
"We've a mission to General Haig," said Hal. "Why?"
"Wait till I get a horse and I'll go along," said Stubbs.
He hurried away.
"I don't know whether he should go with us or not," muttered Hal.
"If you think that, let's don't wait for him," returned Chester.
"Good idea," Hal agreed, and put spurs to his horse.
Chester followed suit.
For ten minutes they rode rapidly, and then Hal slowed down.
"Guess we've lost him, all right," he said.
But they hadn't. A short time later Hal, glancing over his shoulder, made out the form of a solitary horseman hurrying after them. The rider made gestures as Hal looked, and the lad perceived that the man, whoever he might be, desired them to wait. Therefore, having forgotten all about Stubbs, the lad reined in. Chester did likewise.
"Hello," said Chester, as the rider drew closer. "It's Stubbs."
"Tough," Hal commented. "I had forgotten about him. However, we don't want to hurt his feelings. He's seen us now, so there is no use running."
They sat quietly until Stubbs drew up alongside.
"What's the idea of running away from me?" the little man wanted to know.
"Running away, Mr. Stubbs?" questioned Chester. "Surely you must be mistaken. Why should we run away from you?"
"That's what I would like to know," declared Stubbs. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me?"
"Did you, Stubbs?" This from Hal.
"Did I? You know deuced well I did. You're not deaf, are you?"
"Well, no," said Hal, "but your memory, Mr. Stubbs, how is that?"
Stubbs glared at the lad angrily.
"There is nothing the matter with my memory," he said, "as you'll find, if you ever have occasion to need me."
"Come now, Stubbs," said Chester. "You do us both an injustice. You must explain yourself."
"Great Scott!" Stubbs burst out. "Explain, must I? What do you mean,I must explain?"
"Hold up a minute, now, Stubbs," said Hal. "You're all tangled up here. You've forgotten what you are talking about."
"Tangled? Forgot?" sputtered Stubbs. "What do you think I am, a fool?"
"Well, I didn't say so, did I Mr. Stubbs?" Hal wanted to know.
"That means you do, eh?" grumbled Stubbs.
"Well, all right, think what you please. What I asked you was this:Why did you run away from me?"
"What makes you think we ran away, Stubbs?" asked Chester.
"What makes me think it? Why shouldn't I think it, I ask you? Why shouldn't I think it? I ask you to wait till I get a horse, and when I come back, you're gone."
"Maybe we didn't hear you, Mr. Stubbs," put in Hal.
"And maybe you did," exploded Stubbs. "Now, if you don't want my company, all you've got to do is to say so."
"Stubbs," said Chester, "you know we'd rather have your company than that of—of—of, well, say three wildcats."
"Ha! Ha! Ha!" laughed Hal.
"Think you're funny, don't you?" said Stubbs, gazing at Chester with a scowl.
"Not so funny as you and the wildcats, Stubbs." laughed Chester.
Stubbs wheeled his horse about.
"I can see I'm not wanted here," he said with dignity. "Therefore, I shall not bother you."
He rode back the way he had come.
"It's too bad," said Hal. "We've offended him and he's awfully angry."He raised his voice and shouted: "Hey, Stubbs! Come back here."
Stubbs did not deign to turn his head.
"He's mad all right," Chester agreed. "But hell get over it. Besides, it's just as well. We should not take him with us."
"You're right, Chester. Come, we have no time to waste."
The lads again put spurs to their horses and galloped rapidly along.
It was late afternoon when they rode up to General Haig's tent, and announced their errand. They were admitted to the general's quarters immediately, and Hal presented his message.
"General Pershing informs me," said General Haig at length, "that if I have need of you, I may use you."
The lads bowed.
"As it happens," said General Haig, "I do have need of you at this moment. You have, perhaps, surmised that we are about to strike?"
Again the lads bowed.
"Good. This attack will be made with the third army, under command of Sir Julian Byng. I have dispatches for you to carry to him. Also, you will attach yourselves to his staff during the engagement. I will write him to that effect."
General Haig scribbled hastily, and then passed several documents toHal.
"Deliver these immediately," said the British commander.
Hal and Chester saluted, left the tent, mounted their horses, and dashed rapidly away.
They reported to General Sir Julian Byng at 6 o'clock.