CHAPTER XXVIIITHE END DRAWS NEAR"WHEE-E-E-E-E-OU-O-O-O-O—BANG!"Chester raised himself to a sitting position in his funk hole and looked over at Hal."Gosh all fishhooks! Looks like this was all a fake about the war being over at 11 o'clock this morning," he said. "Those shells don't sound like the end of the war to me. Do they to you?"Hal admitted that they did not. The burst had almost covered both lads with earth and had been to close to allow either of them any peace of mind. "Down!" shouted Chester and again Hal rolled himself into a knot and wished that his funk hole was as many inches deeper. He had seen days when such a funk hole would have been sufficiently deep, but on that day of all days—half an hour before the end of the war—a forty-foot well wouldn't have been any too deep.Hal's calculation was a bit off. The shell came whistling in, like the weird cry of a hungry beast, and exploded in the hollow below the funk holes in which Hal and Chester found themselves, throwing up a geyser of earth and rocks that did no harm to anyone."That guy's as wild as a hawk," came a cry from a nearby hole. "I could do better than that myself, and I ain't no artilleryman, either.""You talk like you wanted him to shoot closer," Hal called back. "That was plenty close enough for me."The next shell broke on the brow of the hill. Then came a whole shower of them, each one singing its own little tune that struck terror to the hearts of the bravest.Chester squirmed down into his funk hole until he could see the dial of his wrist watch. It was 10.35. In twenty-five minutes more the war would be over.A moment later American batteries behind them began sending over reprisal fire. The 75's passing over their heads whined savagely, but not so savagely as those boche shells coming in.(It is a well-known fact that a shell going out has a different whine than a shell coming in, also a different effect on one's nerves.)Twenty-five minutes is a long time when a man is hiding from death. To know that in twenty-five minutes, providing you are alive at the end of that time, death's shadow will have ceased to follow in your footsteps, is a great inducement to live.Hal and Chester found it so.They were back with their own command again after the trying days they had spent with Marshal Foch and the German envoys whom they had accompanied to and from their own lines and back again.After leaving Stubbs in Soissons, following the little man's triumph in flashing first word of the signing of the armistice to his paper in America, they had reported to General Pershing in Rheims.The American commander-in-chief had, of course, been informed some time before that the armistice had been signed. So, in fact, had all other officers in the allied armies. This had been necessary in order that there would be no doubt as to the hour upon which the armistice would become effective.General Pershing expressed his pleasure at seeing the boys again, and his gladness that they had been so fortunate as to be present at the signing of the armistice."It is an honor that I would have been glad to have had myself," he declared.After a brief interview with the commander-in-chief, the lads were dispatched by him with a message to General Rhodes, their old commander, with the Forty-second division, still quartered at the front, just to the south and east of Sedan.Following the capture of Sedan, the American lines had been pushed forward in the face of determined resistance. Though the fighting was severe, the Germans did not have such a stiff front as they had formerly. It apparently was a well-known fact all through the German army that armistice proceedings were in progress, and consequently it appeared that the German officers were not willing to sacrifice their men needlessly.So the American positions had been advanced despite enemy efforts to halt them.After reporting to General Rhodes and delivering the communication they carried from the commander-in-chief, the lads repaired to the quarters of Colonel O'Neil."By George!" exclaimed the colonel, "I certainly am glad to see you fellows again. You have been gone so long that I feared you had come to grief. Where have you been?""Well, Colonel," said Hal briefly, "we saw the armistice signed.""You don't mean it," was the colonel's ejaculation. "You were certainly confounded lucky. It's an event I would like to have seen myself. You must feel pretty important, eh?""Not so important that we cannot do a little more before the war ends," Chester said quietly."There is still work to be done," returned Colonel O'Neil quietly. "Hear the firing?"The lads did not need to strain their ears to hear the distant rumble of big guns and the sharp crack of infantry firing, nearer at hand."Still at it, eh?" murmured Chester. "You would think that with the end of the war so close at hand, officers and men alike would be content to sit quiet.""On the contrary, though," laughed Colonel O'Neil, "it would appear that each side is determined to wreak what death and destruction it can before a few written words shall stop this business of wholesale killing and ruin.""So it would seem," Hal agreed. "But in the meantime, Colonel, is there nothing we can do? We would like to be in this war right up to the finish, you know, sir."The colonel considered briefly."Well, yes, there is a little work you may do," he said. He turned to his desk and scribbled briefly. Turning again, he passed a paper to Chester."Major Lawrence," he said, "has not yet been informed at what hour the armistice becomes effective. This message will enlighten him. Will you deliver it for me?""Yes, sir," said Chester briefly."And me, Colonel, what am I to do?" demanded Hal."Oh, you, Major," laughed the colonel, "you accompany Major Crawford and see that my instructions are carried out.""It shall be done, sir," said Hal.The two lads left their colonel and hurried towards Major Lawrence's detachment, at the extreme front."Well," said Chester as they hurried along, "looks like our fighting days are over.""It certainly does," Hal agreed, "but you never can tell, you know.""True enough. It's as likely as not that one of us may fall yet before the war ends.""I guess not," Hal said. "We've gone through four years of it now. I've begun to believe we bear charmed lives.""It does seem so, but it only takes one bullet, in the proper place, to settle that argument.""That's right enough," Hal admitted, "but I've a feeling that we shall both live to spend many pleasant days in the United States.""Oh, I'm not thinking of getting killed," Chester declared. "I'm just remarking on what is possible.""Anything is possible at this age of the world," said Hal sententiously.The lads now had come within sight of Major Lawrence's detachment. Bullets were flying thick and fast among the American troops, who had sought the shelter of long lines of funk holes, until recently in possession of the enemy. Chester delivered his message at once."Well," said Major Lawrence, "I guess we'll be about here when the war ends. Believe me, I am not going to order an advance when I know the war's about over, and I don't think the enemy will.""They seem bent on doing all the mischief they can while they have a chance, Major," said Hal."So it seems; but I've decided to squat here in these holes and let them fight to their heart's content. Of course, should they rush us, we'll give them more than they bargained for; but I'm not going to attack myself.""I don't blame you, Major," declared Chester. "But now I've a favor to ask.""Consider it granted, sir," replied Major Lawrence."We have been assigned to no particular duty," Chester continued, "and we should be glad if you would allow us to pass the remaining hours of the war with you, sir.""I shall be glad to have you with me," was the reply.This is the reason, then, that Hal and Chester found themselves again in the front lines, a scant hour before the armistice ending the greatest war of history went into effect.CHAPTER XXIXTHE LAST ZEROThe boche shells were now breaking in the hollow below the spot where Hal and Chester found themselves. Hal was congratulating himself on having a lucky spot in which to witness the closing minutes of the war, when, just on his right, a geyser of earth and rock was hurled up by a mighty explosion.His first thought was of Chester. But after he had successfully dodged several falling stones, he peered over the edge of his funk hole and there was Chester, grinning broadly."How are they coming, Chester?" he called out."Closer than I like," Chester answered. "But here is an old friend of yours and I am afraid he has got his.""Who is he?" demanded Hal."Sergeant Bowers.""What? Bowers here?""Yes, but he's rolling on the ground right now, and I can't get to him. He seems to be about all in.""Is he dead?" Hal asked.Chester listened for a moment to make sure that a shell wasn't headed his way, then he took another peep."No, I think he is still alive, but is badly wounded."Hal and Chester, braving the enemy fire, both crawled out of their funk holes and started for Sergeant Bowers, who had fallen just outside the funk hole in which he had sought refuge. But they were back quicker than a man could say "Jack Robinson."A shell can be heard coming when it is passing to one side or overhead, but when it is headed straight toward you its cry is heard usually after the explosion, or is drowned out by the explosion. Common mathematics will show why. Air conditions also help. If the wind is traveling with the shell, one stands a fair chance of hitting the earth before the shell explodes. But if the wind is traveling against the shell, one hasn't much salvation.In this case the wind was in the lads' favor. As they both heard the shell coming, they moved like lightning. It is surprising sometimes how fast one can move at a time like this.In taking their places in the funk holes, which had been dug by the Germans when they were in possession of that piece of ground, Hal and Chester had calculated on just one thing—having time to fit themselves into the holes before shells should find them. And now that both found it necessary to make a quick fit of it, they were disgusted with their laziness in not spending enough energy and taking the chances necessary to making them big enough in the first place."Why didn't I?"That was the question each lad asked himself a dozen times during the brief space of a moment they lay there half exposed and waiting for that which they feared.It broke at last. The earth boiled, up, a mass of clods and stones, only a few yards in front of Hal. A piece of shell fragment struck his helmet a glancing blow; another buried itself in the earth only a few inches from his nose.Hal crawled out of his funk hole and reinserted himself, making sure this time that he was below the surface. By his watch it lacked still five minutes of 11 o'clock. Almost time for all this business to stop.At intervals for several seconds, Boche shells came screaming in, exploding hither and yon."Gas! Gas!" came the startling cry down the line.Chester crawled deliberately into his gas mask, for the bursts, which he recognized on the moment as being gas shells, had been too far away to cause them any immediate alarm.There followed then a strange, unbelievable silence, as though the world had died. It lasted but a moment, for perhaps the space that a breath may be held. Again Hal glanced at his watch."Eleven o'clock!"He uttered the words aloud.Eleven o'clock. The armistice was now effective. Fighting should cease.Came suddenly such an uproar of relief and jubilance, such a shrieking of claxons—gas claxons that shrieked now with pure joy—and such a shout from both lines that only men possessed of sheer happiness can utter.Chester pulled off his gas mask and shouted with the rest. And even as he did so he caught a faint odor which he knew to be that of mustard gas. But nothing mattered now.Hal and Chester piled out of their funk holes with the rest, waving their helmets and shouting at the top of their voices. Then, like a covey of quail scurrying from a hawk's shadow, they piled back again."Whizz—bang!"Scarcely ten yards from Chester's hole a shell exploded."Wow!" exclaimed a voice. "Who said the war was over? Marshal Foch'll have to come out and tell me himself before I believe it."Another brief silence. A 75 barked behind Hal and Chester. Then the battle seemed to start anew, one of the American batteries firing and then another; the contest seemed to be between two batteries of 75's.Chester could never remember which battery fired last, but he heard, a few days later, that two second lieutenants of artillery were haled blushingly before a general and severely reprimanded for disregarding the rules of the armistice.After the two batteries had ceased firing and the roar of the last cannon died out across the valley, there came a silence that was even more appalling than the first. It was something like the lull that follows a terrific thunderstorm, only this storm had been raging for nearly fifty-two months.In the midst of this ghastly silence, a startling thing occurred. The sky line of the crest ahead of the American troops grew suddenly populous with dancing soldiers, and, down the slope, all the way to the barbed wire entanglements, straight for the Yankees, came the German troops.For a moment there was confusion in the American ranks. It seemed that the enemy was launching his troops forward in a desperate charge. Yankee officers shouted hoarse commands. Gunners sprang to their batteries, and these were trained on the advancing foes.But the excitement soon died out. No danger threatened.The Germans came with outstretched hands, grins and souvenirs to trade for cigarettes, so well did they know the weakness of their foes.But neither Hal nor Chester had time for the Germans. They were thinking of Sergeant Bowers, who still lay just beyond his funk hole, apparently badly wounded.Hal hurried to his side. His face was chalky white, but his eyes were wide open. Chester also hurried to Sergeant Bowers' side. The sergeant recognized them immediately and greeted them with a faint smile. The lads smiled back at him."Is the war over?" he asked."It's all over, sergeant," Chester said, "and the Germans are licked," Hal explained. "Look at them out there—" and Chester waved his arm in the direction of his erstwhile enemies."That's good," said Sergeant Bowers. "Great sight, isn't it? It's tough though, to be killed on the last day of the war, and almost at the last minute."But Sergeant Bowers did not die.Tenderly Hal and Chester helped him back of the lines where he could receive proper medical attention. His wounds were dressed and within two hours the sergeant of marines announced that he was feeling as fit as ever."Nevertheless, you'd better lie quiet for several days," said Hal."I guess not," declared Sergeant Bowers. "Why should a big healthy man like me be idle when there is so much work to do. Of course, I'll admit I'm naturally lazy and all that, but I don't like to stand around and see the other fellows do all the work.""All the same," said Chester, "I'll venture to say that when you get to bed you won't want to get up again in a hurry.""As for that," said Sergeant Bowers, "I never do want to get up."When night fell on the battlefield the clamor of the celebration waxed rather than waned. It seemed that there was no darkness. Rockets and a ceaseless fountain of star shells made the lines a streak of brilliancy across the face of France, while by the light of flares, the front with all its dancing, boasting, singing soldiers was as clearly visible as though the sun were still high in the heavens.When morning dawned again, peace and quietness—the quietness that was strange and unbelievable—had transformed the front from a roaring, seething strip of madness into a rest camp. Rather, it had that appearance until a bugler broke the spell.Hal was sleeping in the corner of what had once been a church. Chester was resting comfortably upon a pile of green camouflage a few feet away. Sergeant Bowers, despite his wounds, also slept near by."I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up—" said the bugler."You sure can't," said Chester. "Not me, anyway."Then he turned over and went to sleep.Hal did likewise, after one sleepy look at the sun.Sergeant Bowers merely rolled over.It was almost noon when the sergeant finally crawled out from under his blanket. Hal and Chester were standing nearby."What's the use of getting up?" Sergeant Bowers complained. "The war's over, ain't it?"When the sergeant and the two lads finally emerged from the shattered church, the former soon discovered that life on the front line had become suddenly complicated by the presence of a young lieutenant."Where have you been all day?" the lieutenant demanded of Sergeant Bowers the moment he saw him."Sleeping," replied Sergeant Bowers briefly."Well," said the lieutenant, "you're on guard. You go on duty right now."Sergeant Bowers bit of a chew of tobacco and strode off. But before he went he delivered this parting shot, addressed to Hal and Chester:"This old armistice," said he sadly, "isn't what it's cracked up to be, is it?"CHAPTER XXXCONCLUSIONThus ended the greatest war in the history of the world. True, no formal treaty of peace had been signed, and none was signed until months later. But fighting ceased on the western front and in virtually all quarters of the globe on the moment the armistice became effective.In the days that followed, Hal and Chester did their full parts with the American troops. They were with the American army of occupation that marched to the west bank of the river Rhine soon after the armistice. As usual, they saw considerable excitement, but of their adventures with the Yankee troops in the German interior we have not space to speak here.And yet there is one incident that is worthy of particular mention.The American army had crossed the Rhine and the Thirty-second division, with which the lads now found themselves, was stationed in the little city of Frankfort, only a few miles within German territory.What seemed strange in the minds of Hal and Chester, and other American officers as well, was the fact that the Americans were most cordially received in the German towns through which they passed. It is true that they were able to relieve the privation of some German families by distributing food to the needy, but it is probable they would have been welcomed anyhow.It was because the allied staff believed the Americans would be more welcome than British or French troops that the Yankees were selected to form the bulk of the army of occupation. The presence of an Anglo-French force on German soil, it was realized, would arouse the resentment of the Germans, and this the allies were anxious to avoid.Already rioting had broken out in Berlin and other German cities. The German emperor, following his abdication, had fled to Holland, where he sought refuge under the laws of neutrality. There was some talk in allied countries of demanding his surrender and bringing him to trial on a charge of murder, but this was still being debated when the American army of occupation was called home.The bolsheviki movement, which had originated in Russia, had spread to several of the German states and was particularly rampant in the capital. In fact, there was hardly a town in the German empire, or in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, either, for that matter, that was not struggling in the throes of riot and revolution.Several times American troops had been called upon to assist the German military authorities in preventing bloodshed in some of the border towns. So far, there had been little loss of life, but things were to change as the revolutionists gained power.The German Crown Prince also had fled to Holland, where he remained secure. The Empress, soon after the kaiser's flight, also crossed the frontier of The Netherlands and joined her husband.In the meantime, at Versailles, a peace council of the allies had been summoned. This council was to decide upon the amount of indemnity to be paid by Germany, what was to be done with the enemy country and other things that would go toward making a permanent peace. These matters, it was realized, however, would take time. In order to facilitate matters, President Wilson crossed the ocean to be present at the conferences. His presence helped a lot.Hal and Chester, walking through the streets of Frankfort on the Main one night, were attracted by the sounds of confusion in the river section."Another riot, I guess," said Hal. "We'd better steer clear of it. You know orders are not to mix in unless we are molested.""Right," Chester agreed. "Then we'll head the other way and let 'em fight it out."Accordingly they turned to retrace their steps. But at that moment Chester caught the sound of a cry in English."Help!" came the voice."Hear that, Hal?" he demanded."Yes; sounds like one of our own men in trouble.""Then orders or no orders," said Chester, "we've got to help him out.""Come on then," cried Hal.The lads turned quickly and dashed toward the river.Rounding a corner, they came upon a crowd of struggling figures. Apparently, three men in the center of the crowd were fighting for their lives against a mob of German soldiers, who were armed with clubs and knives. (Under the terms of the armistice, certain soldiers had been deprived of all but their side arms.)Against the weapons of their assailants, the lads saw that the figures in the center offered two revolvers each. With these they were attempting to stand off their assailants without firing."Why don't they shoot?" demanded Chester, as he dashed forward, Hal at his side.Hal did not reply, but the reason was clear. The three Americans, for such the figures proved to be, did not fire for fear of arousing greater resentment among the Germans. They were perfectly cool, and it was plain they would shoot if it became necessary.As Chester came closer he realized what stayed the fingers of the American officers. Nevertheless, he produced his own revolvers before dashing into the crowd. Hal followed suit."Don't shoot unless you have to, Chester," the latter warned.The crowd gave ground as Hal and Chester, bringing football tactics into play, bore down on them; and soon the lads were beside the officers in the center of the circle."Well, there are five of us now," said one of the officers, "but you would have shown better judgment, Major, had you gone for reinforcements rather than coming to our aid.""I didn't stop to think of that," Hal confessed. "But you are right, sir.""Never mind," said another. "We can fight our way out of here if it becomes necessary.""But we don't want to use force," said the first speaker. "It would be much more wise to overawe them with a show of force.""It's no time to talk about that now," said the other. "But come, I'm in favor of getting out of here.""And I," agreed the third man. "See, the crowd is increasing.""I'll tell you," said Hal. "Five of us should be able to fight our way through that crowd without shooting. We'll club our revolvers, and make a break for it, keeping as close together as possible.""As good a way as any," agreed the first officer, a colonel of infantry. "As I am the senior of this party, I suppose it is up to me to take command. All ready, gentlemen?""All ready, sir," came the reply from each of the other four."Then let's go. Forward!"With revolvers upraised, but without a sound, the five Americans stepped forward. They did not seem to hurry; they were perfectly cool. But it was apparent to every German in the crowd that they were in deadly earnest.For a moment the crowd gave way; then closed in again.Knives flashed in German hands; clubs were raised.Hal, walking close to Chester's side, caught a slashing knife arm with his left hand, still gripping his revolver, and twisted sharply. There was a screech from the German, followed by a snap that announced the man would not use the arm for some time to come.The Germans sprang forward, and despite the unbroken front presented by the five Americans, they were borne back by the force of numbers. It appeared that the Yankee officers had underestimated the temper of their foes.They retreated fighting, until their backs were against a house."We can defend ourselves here, using our revolvers if necessary," said the colonel."I've a better plan, sir," said Chester."What is it?""We'll back up the steps just to our left, sir, and take possession of the house.""And then what?""Then I'll run the gauntlet of the crowd and bring reinforcements, sir.""Not a bad idea," said the colonel. "We'll try it."The little party moved to the left and mounted the steps, still presenting an unbroken front to their foes. Chester tried the door. It was unlocked. The lad opened it and the Americans stepped inside."Bolt the door!" cried the colonel."One moment," said Chester. "Let me out first.""I'm going along, Chester," said Hal quietly."All right," said Chester. "Come on. The rest of you cover us with your revolvers. Tell you what. Fire a couple of shots over their heads. That will give us time to make a break. Then bar the door behind us."He waited for no reply, but darted directly toward the crowd of Germans, both revolvers levelled directly into their midst. Hal, keeping close beside his chum, did likewise."Crack! Crack! Crack!"The three American officers left behind had followed out Chester's injunction and fired over the heads of the crowd. Instantly confusion swept the mob.It was the moment for which Chester had hoped. Into the crowd he dashed, reversing his revolver and striking right and left. Hal was right beside him, his own arms flying about like flails.And almost before they knew it, so sudden had been their actions, they burst clear of the crowd."Now run!" shouted Hal.Chester needed no urging. The lads sped over the ground, while from behind came cries of anger. Balked of their prey, about half of the Germans nevertheless gave chase. The other half, as though by prearrangement, remained to guard the Americans who had sought shelter in the house.But Hal and Chester were too fleet of foot for their pursuers. They outdistanced them easily. The rest was simple.Fifteen minutes later a company of American soldiers marched to the house where the officers were hiding and cleared the streets of Germans.As Hal walked through the dispersing crowd, a hand caught him by the arm."Aha!" said a voice, "Major Paine, eh?"Hal glanced into the countenance of General Knoff, whom he had seen first at Sedan."And," continued the general, "Major Crawford, too, eh?""The same, general," said Chester, smiling."It is good," said General Knoff. "You may remember recently, at Spa, I invited you to see me when you come to Berlin?""Yes, sir," said Chester, "and so we shall, when we get there.""But," protested the general, "my daughter and Frau Knoff are in Frankfort. Even now, looking from the window, my daughter saw you, which is the reason I am here. I came to aid, but I was too late.""But we do not like to impose—" began Chester."Impose?" exclaimed the general. "Did you not once render me a service I shall never forget? Come, now."Laughingly, Hal and Chester accompanied the general to a house nearby."It is my wish," said General Knoff, "that my family shall be better acquainted with the Americans. They are a brave race."The lads bowed their thanks.Both the general's wife and daughter expressed pleasure at meeting the lads again. Hal nudged Chester slyly."A real pretty girl, even if she is German," he said.Chester flushed angrily, then smiled as he added:"All we need now to complete the party is Stubbs."At the same moment General Knoff, glancing from the window, uttered an exclamation, jumped to his feet and left the room hurriedly. Five minutes later he returned, accompanied by another figure. It was Stubbs."Well," said Chester, "if this isn't a miracle there never was one.""I saw him passing," General Knoff explained."What are you doing here, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Hal. "I thought you were fired. You might as well return home.""No," said Stubbs. "It's true I was fired, but I've been hired again. You see, The New York Gazette scooped every paper in the United States on the signing of the armistice.""Scooped 'em twice, in fact, you might say, Mr. Stubbs," Chester put in slyly.Stubbs frowned."Never mind that," he said. "The war's over and we are all glad. And I'm glad to be with you here at this minute. I am assigned to stay with the American army of occupation, and I suppose I shall see considerable of you. And it is my hope that we may all return to America together."The general's daughter now placed tea and cakes on the table, and the general invited all to pitch in."Now," he said, "we all are friends once more, eh?"Neither Hal nor Chester replied; they looked back over four years of war, and in memory they saw the ruin and destruction wrought in many lands; and Chester expressed the sentiment of the American nation when he said to himself in answer to General Knoff's query:"No, we are not all friends once more—not yet."As there was an end to the great world war, so there must be an end to all things—even to Hal Paine and Chester Crawford. So, seated comfortably about a table in the temporary home of General Knoff, once a general of the kaiser, we shall take our leave of them, knowing that, in due course of time, they will return to their homes in America, where they will live the lives of useful citizens.There is no need telling of the voyage home, of the honors showered upon them. Suffice to say that when they reached the shores of America, each wore the United States distinguished service cross—for bravery and valor in action; and when their friends address them now, it is not as major.For out of four years of war emerged Colonel Hal Paine and Colonel Chester Crawford.THE END.* * * * * * * *The Boy Allies(Registered in the United States Patent Office)With the NavyBy ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKEHandsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per VolumeFrank Chadwick and Jack Templeton, young American lads, meet each other in an unusual way soon after the declaration of war. Circumstances place them on board the British cruiser "The Sylph" and from there on, they share adventures with the sailors of the Allies. Ensign Robert L. Drake, the author, is an experienced naval officer, and he describes admirably the many exciting adventures of the two boys.THE BOY ALLIES ON THE NORTH SEA PATROL; or, Striking the First Blow at the German Fleet.THE BOY ALLIES UNDER TWO FLAGS; or, Sweeping the Enemy from the Seas.THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON; or, The Naval Raiders of the Great War.THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEA; or, The Last Shot of Submarine D-16.THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA; or, The Vanishing Submarine.THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar.THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND; or, The Greatest Naval Battle of History.THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS; or, Convoying the American Army Across the Atlantic.THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE SUBMARINE D-32; or, The Fall of the Russian Empire.THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEETS; or, The Fall of the German Navy.
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE END DRAWS NEAR
"WHEE-E-E-E-E-OU-O-O-O-O—BANG!"
Chester raised himself to a sitting position in his funk hole and looked over at Hal.
"Gosh all fishhooks! Looks like this was all a fake about the war being over at 11 o'clock this morning," he said. "Those shells don't sound like the end of the war to me. Do they to you?"
Hal admitted that they did not. The burst had almost covered both lads with earth and had been to close to allow either of them any peace of mind. "Down!" shouted Chester and again Hal rolled himself into a knot and wished that his funk hole was as many inches deeper. He had seen days when such a funk hole would have been sufficiently deep, but on that day of all days—half an hour before the end of the war—a forty-foot well wouldn't have been any too deep.
Hal's calculation was a bit off. The shell came whistling in, like the weird cry of a hungry beast, and exploded in the hollow below the funk holes in which Hal and Chester found themselves, throwing up a geyser of earth and rocks that did no harm to anyone.
"That guy's as wild as a hawk," came a cry from a nearby hole. "I could do better than that myself, and I ain't no artilleryman, either."
"You talk like you wanted him to shoot closer," Hal called back. "That was plenty close enough for me."
The next shell broke on the brow of the hill. Then came a whole shower of them, each one singing its own little tune that struck terror to the hearts of the bravest.
Chester squirmed down into his funk hole until he could see the dial of his wrist watch. It was 10.35. In twenty-five minutes more the war would be over.
A moment later American batteries behind them began sending over reprisal fire. The 75's passing over their heads whined savagely, but not so savagely as those boche shells coming in.
(It is a well-known fact that a shell going out has a different whine than a shell coming in, also a different effect on one's nerves.)
Twenty-five minutes is a long time when a man is hiding from death. To know that in twenty-five minutes, providing you are alive at the end of that time, death's shadow will have ceased to follow in your footsteps, is a great inducement to live.
Hal and Chester found it so.
They were back with their own command again after the trying days they had spent with Marshal Foch and the German envoys whom they had accompanied to and from their own lines and back again.
After leaving Stubbs in Soissons, following the little man's triumph in flashing first word of the signing of the armistice to his paper in America, they had reported to General Pershing in Rheims.
The American commander-in-chief had, of course, been informed some time before that the armistice had been signed. So, in fact, had all other officers in the allied armies. This had been necessary in order that there would be no doubt as to the hour upon which the armistice would become effective.
General Pershing expressed his pleasure at seeing the boys again, and his gladness that they had been so fortunate as to be present at the signing of the armistice.
"It is an honor that I would have been glad to have had myself," he declared.
After a brief interview with the commander-in-chief, the lads were dispatched by him with a message to General Rhodes, their old commander, with the Forty-second division, still quartered at the front, just to the south and east of Sedan.
Following the capture of Sedan, the American lines had been pushed forward in the face of determined resistance. Though the fighting was severe, the Germans did not have such a stiff front as they had formerly. It apparently was a well-known fact all through the German army that armistice proceedings were in progress, and consequently it appeared that the German officers were not willing to sacrifice their men needlessly.
So the American positions had been advanced despite enemy efforts to halt them.
After reporting to General Rhodes and delivering the communication they carried from the commander-in-chief, the lads repaired to the quarters of Colonel O'Neil.
"By George!" exclaimed the colonel, "I certainly am glad to see you fellows again. You have been gone so long that I feared you had come to grief. Where have you been?"
"Well, Colonel," said Hal briefly, "we saw the armistice signed."
"You don't mean it," was the colonel's ejaculation. "You were certainly confounded lucky. It's an event I would like to have seen myself. You must feel pretty important, eh?"
"Not so important that we cannot do a little more before the war ends," Chester said quietly.
"There is still work to be done," returned Colonel O'Neil quietly. "Hear the firing?"
The lads did not need to strain their ears to hear the distant rumble of big guns and the sharp crack of infantry firing, nearer at hand.
"Still at it, eh?" murmured Chester. "You would think that with the end of the war so close at hand, officers and men alike would be content to sit quiet."
"On the contrary, though," laughed Colonel O'Neil, "it would appear that each side is determined to wreak what death and destruction it can before a few written words shall stop this business of wholesale killing and ruin."
"So it would seem," Hal agreed. "But in the meantime, Colonel, is there nothing we can do? We would like to be in this war right up to the finish, you know, sir."
The colonel considered briefly.
"Well, yes, there is a little work you may do," he said. He turned to his desk and scribbled briefly. Turning again, he passed a paper to Chester.
"Major Lawrence," he said, "has not yet been informed at what hour the armistice becomes effective. This message will enlighten him. Will you deliver it for me?"
"Yes, sir," said Chester briefly.
"And me, Colonel, what am I to do?" demanded Hal.
"Oh, you, Major," laughed the colonel, "you accompany Major Crawford and see that my instructions are carried out."
"It shall be done, sir," said Hal.
The two lads left their colonel and hurried towards Major Lawrence's detachment, at the extreme front.
"Well," said Chester as they hurried along, "looks like our fighting days are over."
"It certainly does," Hal agreed, "but you never can tell, you know."
"True enough. It's as likely as not that one of us may fall yet before the war ends."
"I guess not," Hal said. "We've gone through four years of it now. I've begun to believe we bear charmed lives."
"It does seem so, but it only takes one bullet, in the proper place, to settle that argument."
"That's right enough," Hal admitted, "but I've a feeling that we shall both live to spend many pleasant days in the United States."
"Oh, I'm not thinking of getting killed," Chester declared. "I'm just remarking on what is possible."
"Anything is possible at this age of the world," said Hal sententiously.
The lads now had come within sight of Major Lawrence's detachment. Bullets were flying thick and fast among the American troops, who had sought the shelter of long lines of funk holes, until recently in possession of the enemy. Chester delivered his message at once.
"Well," said Major Lawrence, "I guess we'll be about here when the war ends. Believe me, I am not going to order an advance when I know the war's about over, and I don't think the enemy will."
"They seem bent on doing all the mischief they can while they have a chance, Major," said Hal.
"So it seems; but I've decided to squat here in these holes and let them fight to their heart's content. Of course, should they rush us, we'll give them more than they bargained for; but I'm not going to attack myself."
"I don't blame you, Major," declared Chester. "But now I've a favor to ask."
"Consider it granted, sir," replied Major Lawrence.
"We have been assigned to no particular duty," Chester continued, "and we should be glad if you would allow us to pass the remaining hours of the war with you, sir."
"I shall be glad to have you with me," was the reply.
This is the reason, then, that Hal and Chester found themselves again in the front lines, a scant hour before the armistice ending the greatest war of history went into effect.
CHAPTER XXIX
THE LAST ZERO
The boche shells were now breaking in the hollow below the spot where Hal and Chester found themselves. Hal was congratulating himself on having a lucky spot in which to witness the closing minutes of the war, when, just on his right, a geyser of earth and rock was hurled up by a mighty explosion.
His first thought was of Chester. But after he had successfully dodged several falling stones, he peered over the edge of his funk hole and there was Chester, grinning broadly.
"How are they coming, Chester?" he called out.
"Closer than I like," Chester answered. "But here is an old friend of yours and I am afraid he has got his."
"Who is he?" demanded Hal.
"Sergeant Bowers."
"What? Bowers here?"
"Yes, but he's rolling on the ground right now, and I can't get to him. He seems to be about all in."
"Is he dead?" Hal asked.
Chester listened for a moment to make sure that a shell wasn't headed his way, then he took another peep.
"No, I think he is still alive, but is badly wounded."
Hal and Chester, braving the enemy fire, both crawled out of their funk holes and started for Sergeant Bowers, who had fallen just outside the funk hole in which he had sought refuge. But they were back quicker than a man could say "Jack Robinson."
A shell can be heard coming when it is passing to one side or overhead, but when it is headed straight toward you its cry is heard usually after the explosion, or is drowned out by the explosion. Common mathematics will show why. Air conditions also help. If the wind is traveling with the shell, one stands a fair chance of hitting the earth before the shell explodes. But if the wind is traveling against the shell, one hasn't much salvation.
In this case the wind was in the lads' favor. As they both heard the shell coming, they moved like lightning. It is surprising sometimes how fast one can move at a time like this.
In taking their places in the funk holes, which had been dug by the Germans when they were in possession of that piece of ground, Hal and Chester had calculated on just one thing—having time to fit themselves into the holes before shells should find them. And now that both found it necessary to make a quick fit of it, they were disgusted with their laziness in not spending enough energy and taking the chances necessary to making them big enough in the first place.
"Why didn't I?"
That was the question each lad asked himself a dozen times during the brief space of a moment they lay there half exposed and waiting for that which they feared.
It broke at last. The earth boiled, up, a mass of clods and stones, only a few yards in front of Hal. A piece of shell fragment struck his helmet a glancing blow; another buried itself in the earth only a few inches from his nose.
Hal crawled out of his funk hole and reinserted himself, making sure this time that he was below the surface. By his watch it lacked still five minutes of 11 o'clock. Almost time for all this business to stop.
At intervals for several seconds, Boche shells came screaming in, exploding hither and yon.
"Gas! Gas!" came the startling cry down the line.
Chester crawled deliberately into his gas mask, for the bursts, which he recognized on the moment as being gas shells, had been too far away to cause them any immediate alarm.
There followed then a strange, unbelievable silence, as though the world had died. It lasted but a moment, for perhaps the space that a breath may be held. Again Hal glanced at his watch.
"Eleven o'clock!"
He uttered the words aloud.
Eleven o'clock. The armistice was now effective. Fighting should cease.
Came suddenly such an uproar of relief and jubilance, such a shrieking of claxons—gas claxons that shrieked now with pure joy—and such a shout from both lines that only men possessed of sheer happiness can utter.
Chester pulled off his gas mask and shouted with the rest. And even as he did so he caught a faint odor which he knew to be that of mustard gas. But nothing mattered now.
Hal and Chester piled out of their funk holes with the rest, waving their helmets and shouting at the top of their voices. Then, like a covey of quail scurrying from a hawk's shadow, they piled back again.
"Whizz—bang!"
Scarcely ten yards from Chester's hole a shell exploded.
"Wow!" exclaimed a voice. "Who said the war was over? Marshal Foch'll have to come out and tell me himself before I believe it."
Another brief silence. A 75 barked behind Hal and Chester. Then the battle seemed to start anew, one of the American batteries firing and then another; the contest seemed to be between two batteries of 75's.
Chester could never remember which battery fired last, but he heard, a few days later, that two second lieutenants of artillery were haled blushingly before a general and severely reprimanded for disregarding the rules of the armistice.
After the two batteries had ceased firing and the roar of the last cannon died out across the valley, there came a silence that was even more appalling than the first. It was something like the lull that follows a terrific thunderstorm, only this storm had been raging for nearly fifty-two months.
In the midst of this ghastly silence, a startling thing occurred. The sky line of the crest ahead of the American troops grew suddenly populous with dancing soldiers, and, down the slope, all the way to the barbed wire entanglements, straight for the Yankees, came the German troops.
For a moment there was confusion in the American ranks. It seemed that the enemy was launching his troops forward in a desperate charge. Yankee officers shouted hoarse commands. Gunners sprang to their batteries, and these were trained on the advancing foes.
But the excitement soon died out. No danger threatened.
The Germans came with outstretched hands, grins and souvenirs to trade for cigarettes, so well did they know the weakness of their foes.
But neither Hal nor Chester had time for the Germans. They were thinking of Sergeant Bowers, who still lay just beyond his funk hole, apparently badly wounded.
Hal hurried to his side. His face was chalky white, but his eyes were wide open. Chester also hurried to Sergeant Bowers' side. The sergeant recognized them immediately and greeted them with a faint smile. The lads smiled back at him.
"Is the war over?" he asked.
"It's all over, sergeant," Chester said, "and the Germans are licked," Hal explained. "Look at them out there—" and Chester waved his arm in the direction of his erstwhile enemies.
"That's good," said Sergeant Bowers. "Great sight, isn't it? It's tough though, to be killed on the last day of the war, and almost at the last minute."
But Sergeant Bowers did not die.
Tenderly Hal and Chester helped him back of the lines where he could receive proper medical attention. His wounds were dressed and within two hours the sergeant of marines announced that he was feeling as fit as ever.
"Nevertheless, you'd better lie quiet for several days," said Hal.
"I guess not," declared Sergeant Bowers. "Why should a big healthy man like me be idle when there is so much work to do. Of course, I'll admit I'm naturally lazy and all that, but I don't like to stand around and see the other fellows do all the work."
"All the same," said Chester, "I'll venture to say that when you get to bed you won't want to get up again in a hurry."
"As for that," said Sergeant Bowers, "I never do want to get up."
When night fell on the battlefield the clamor of the celebration waxed rather than waned. It seemed that there was no darkness. Rockets and a ceaseless fountain of star shells made the lines a streak of brilliancy across the face of France, while by the light of flares, the front with all its dancing, boasting, singing soldiers was as clearly visible as though the sun were still high in the heavens.
When morning dawned again, peace and quietness—the quietness that was strange and unbelievable—had transformed the front from a roaring, seething strip of madness into a rest camp. Rather, it had that appearance until a bugler broke the spell.
Hal was sleeping in the corner of what had once been a church. Chester was resting comfortably upon a pile of green camouflage a few feet away. Sergeant Bowers, despite his wounds, also slept near by.
"I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up—" said the bugler.
"You sure can't," said Chester. "Not me, anyway."
Then he turned over and went to sleep.
Hal did likewise, after one sleepy look at the sun.
Sergeant Bowers merely rolled over.
It was almost noon when the sergeant finally crawled out from under his blanket. Hal and Chester were standing nearby.
"What's the use of getting up?" Sergeant Bowers complained. "The war's over, ain't it?"
When the sergeant and the two lads finally emerged from the shattered church, the former soon discovered that life on the front line had become suddenly complicated by the presence of a young lieutenant.
"Where have you been all day?" the lieutenant demanded of Sergeant Bowers the moment he saw him.
"Sleeping," replied Sergeant Bowers briefly.
"Well," said the lieutenant, "you're on guard. You go on duty right now."
Sergeant Bowers bit of a chew of tobacco and strode off. But before he went he delivered this parting shot, addressed to Hal and Chester:
"This old armistice," said he sadly, "isn't what it's cracked up to be, is it?"
CHAPTER XXX
CONCLUSION
Thus ended the greatest war in the history of the world. True, no formal treaty of peace had been signed, and none was signed until months later. But fighting ceased on the western front and in virtually all quarters of the globe on the moment the armistice became effective.
In the days that followed, Hal and Chester did their full parts with the American troops. They were with the American army of occupation that marched to the west bank of the river Rhine soon after the armistice. As usual, they saw considerable excitement, but of their adventures with the Yankee troops in the German interior we have not space to speak here.
And yet there is one incident that is worthy of particular mention.
The American army had crossed the Rhine and the Thirty-second division, with which the lads now found themselves, was stationed in the little city of Frankfort, only a few miles within German territory.
What seemed strange in the minds of Hal and Chester, and other American officers as well, was the fact that the Americans were most cordially received in the German towns through which they passed. It is true that they were able to relieve the privation of some German families by distributing food to the needy, but it is probable they would have been welcomed anyhow.
It was because the allied staff believed the Americans would be more welcome than British or French troops that the Yankees were selected to form the bulk of the army of occupation. The presence of an Anglo-French force on German soil, it was realized, would arouse the resentment of the Germans, and this the allies were anxious to avoid.
Already rioting had broken out in Berlin and other German cities. The German emperor, following his abdication, had fled to Holland, where he sought refuge under the laws of neutrality. There was some talk in allied countries of demanding his surrender and bringing him to trial on a charge of murder, but this was still being debated when the American army of occupation was called home.
The bolsheviki movement, which had originated in Russia, had spread to several of the German states and was particularly rampant in the capital. In fact, there was hardly a town in the German empire, or in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, either, for that matter, that was not struggling in the throes of riot and revolution.
Several times American troops had been called upon to assist the German military authorities in preventing bloodshed in some of the border towns. So far, there had been little loss of life, but things were to change as the revolutionists gained power.
The German Crown Prince also had fled to Holland, where he remained secure. The Empress, soon after the kaiser's flight, also crossed the frontier of The Netherlands and joined her husband.
In the meantime, at Versailles, a peace council of the allies had been summoned. This council was to decide upon the amount of indemnity to be paid by Germany, what was to be done with the enemy country and other things that would go toward making a permanent peace. These matters, it was realized, however, would take time. In order to facilitate matters, President Wilson crossed the ocean to be present at the conferences. His presence helped a lot.
Hal and Chester, walking through the streets of Frankfort on the Main one night, were attracted by the sounds of confusion in the river section.
"Another riot, I guess," said Hal. "We'd better steer clear of it. You know orders are not to mix in unless we are molested."
"Right," Chester agreed. "Then we'll head the other way and let 'em fight it out."
Accordingly they turned to retrace their steps. But at that moment Chester caught the sound of a cry in English.
"Help!" came the voice.
"Hear that, Hal?" he demanded.
"Yes; sounds like one of our own men in trouble."
"Then orders or no orders," said Chester, "we've got to help him out."
"Come on then," cried Hal.
The lads turned quickly and dashed toward the river.
Rounding a corner, they came upon a crowd of struggling figures. Apparently, three men in the center of the crowd were fighting for their lives against a mob of German soldiers, who were armed with clubs and knives. (Under the terms of the armistice, certain soldiers had been deprived of all but their side arms.)
Against the weapons of their assailants, the lads saw that the figures in the center offered two revolvers each. With these they were attempting to stand off their assailants without firing.
"Why don't they shoot?" demanded Chester, as he dashed forward, Hal at his side.
Hal did not reply, but the reason was clear. The three Americans, for such the figures proved to be, did not fire for fear of arousing greater resentment among the Germans. They were perfectly cool, and it was plain they would shoot if it became necessary.
As Chester came closer he realized what stayed the fingers of the American officers. Nevertheless, he produced his own revolvers before dashing into the crowd. Hal followed suit.
"Don't shoot unless you have to, Chester," the latter warned.
The crowd gave ground as Hal and Chester, bringing football tactics into play, bore down on them; and soon the lads were beside the officers in the center of the circle.
"Well, there are five of us now," said one of the officers, "but you would have shown better judgment, Major, had you gone for reinforcements rather than coming to our aid."
"I didn't stop to think of that," Hal confessed. "But you are right, sir."
"Never mind," said another. "We can fight our way out of here if it becomes necessary."
"But we don't want to use force," said the first speaker. "It would be much more wise to overawe them with a show of force."
"It's no time to talk about that now," said the other. "But come, I'm in favor of getting out of here."
"And I," agreed the third man. "See, the crowd is increasing."
"I'll tell you," said Hal. "Five of us should be able to fight our way through that crowd without shooting. We'll club our revolvers, and make a break for it, keeping as close together as possible."
"As good a way as any," agreed the first officer, a colonel of infantry. "As I am the senior of this party, I suppose it is up to me to take command. All ready, gentlemen?"
"All ready, sir," came the reply from each of the other four.
"Then let's go. Forward!"
With revolvers upraised, but without a sound, the five Americans stepped forward. They did not seem to hurry; they were perfectly cool. But it was apparent to every German in the crowd that they were in deadly earnest.
For a moment the crowd gave way; then closed in again.
Knives flashed in German hands; clubs were raised.
Hal, walking close to Chester's side, caught a slashing knife arm with his left hand, still gripping his revolver, and twisted sharply. There was a screech from the German, followed by a snap that announced the man would not use the arm for some time to come.
The Germans sprang forward, and despite the unbroken front presented by the five Americans, they were borne back by the force of numbers. It appeared that the Yankee officers had underestimated the temper of their foes.
They retreated fighting, until their backs were against a house.
"We can defend ourselves here, using our revolvers if necessary," said the colonel.
"I've a better plan, sir," said Chester.
"What is it?"
"We'll back up the steps just to our left, sir, and take possession of the house."
"And then what?"
"Then I'll run the gauntlet of the crowd and bring reinforcements, sir."
"Not a bad idea," said the colonel. "We'll try it."
The little party moved to the left and mounted the steps, still presenting an unbroken front to their foes. Chester tried the door. It was unlocked. The lad opened it and the Americans stepped inside.
"Bolt the door!" cried the colonel.
"One moment," said Chester. "Let me out first."
"I'm going along, Chester," said Hal quietly.
"All right," said Chester. "Come on. The rest of you cover us with your revolvers. Tell you what. Fire a couple of shots over their heads. That will give us time to make a break. Then bar the door behind us."
He waited for no reply, but darted directly toward the crowd of Germans, both revolvers levelled directly into their midst. Hal, keeping close beside his chum, did likewise.
"Crack! Crack! Crack!"
The three American officers left behind had followed out Chester's injunction and fired over the heads of the crowd. Instantly confusion swept the mob.
It was the moment for which Chester had hoped. Into the crowd he dashed, reversing his revolver and striking right and left. Hal was right beside him, his own arms flying about like flails.
And almost before they knew it, so sudden had been their actions, they burst clear of the crowd.
"Now run!" shouted Hal.
Chester needed no urging. The lads sped over the ground, while from behind came cries of anger. Balked of their prey, about half of the Germans nevertheless gave chase. The other half, as though by prearrangement, remained to guard the Americans who had sought shelter in the house.
But Hal and Chester were too fleet of foot for their pursuers. They outdistanced them easily. The rest was simple.
Fifteen minutes later a company of American soldiers marched to the house where the officers were hiding and cleared the streets of Germans.
As Hal walked through the dispersing crowd, a hand caught him by the arm.
"Aha!" said a voice, "Major Paine, eh?"
Hal glanced into the countenance of General Knoff, whom he had seen first at Sedan.
"And," continued the general, "Major Crawford, too, eh?"
"The same, general," said Chester, smiling.
"It is good," said General Knoff. "You may remember recently, at Spa, I invited you to see me when you come to Berlin?"
"Yes, sir," said Chester, "and so we shall, when we get there."
"But," protested the general, "my daughter and Frau Knoff are in Frankfort. Even now, looking from the window, my daughter saw you, which is the reason I am here. I came to aid, but I was too late."
"But we do not like to impose—" began Chester.
"Impose?" exclaimed the general. "Did you not once render me a service I shall never forget? Come, now."
Laughingly, Hal and Chester accompanied the general to a house nearby.
"It is my wish," said General Knoff, "that my family shall be better acquainted with the Americans. They are a brave race."
The lads bowed their thanks.
Both the general's wife and daughter expressed pleasure at meeting the lads again. Hal nudged Chester slyly.
"A real pretty girl, even if she is German," he said.
Chester flushed angrily, then smiled as he added:
"All we need now to complete the party is Stubbs."
At the same moment General Knoff, glancing from the window, uttered an exclamation, jumped to his feet and left the room hurriedly. Five minutes later he returned, accompanied by another figure. It was Stubbs.
"Well," said Chester, "if this isn't a miracle there never was one."
"I saw him passing," General Knoff explained.
"What are you doing here, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Hal. "I thought you were fired. You might as well return home."
"No," said Stubbs. "It's true I was fired, but I've been hired again. You see, The New York Gazette scooped every paper in the United States on the signing of the armistice."
"Scooped 'em twice, in fact, you might say, Mr. Stubbs," Chester put in slyly.
Stubbs frowned.
"Never mind that," he said. "The war's over and we are all glad. And I'm glad to be with you here at this minute. I am assigned to stay with the American army of occupation, and I suppose I shall see considerable of you. And it is my hope that we may all return to America together."
The general's daughter now placed tea and cakes on the table, and the general invited all to pitch in.
"Now," he said, "we all are friends once more, eh?"
Neither Hal nor Chester replied; they looked back over four years of war, and in memory they saw the ruin and destruction wrought in many lands; and Chester expressed the sentiment of the American nation when he said to himself in answer to General Knoff's query:
"No, we are not all friends once more—not yet."
As there was an end to the great world war, so there must be an end to all things—even to Hal Paine and Chester Crawford. So, seated comfortably about a table in the temporary home of General Knoff, once a general of the kaiser, we shall take our leave of them, knowing that, in due course of time, they will return to their homes in America, where they will live the lives of useful citizens.
There is no need telling of the voyage home, of the honors showered upon them. Suffice to say that when they reached the shores of America, each wore the United States distinguished service cross—for bravery and valor in action; and when their friends address them now, it is not as major.
For out of four years of war emerged Colonel Hal Paine and Colonel Chester Crawford.
THE END.
* * * * * * * *
The Boy Allies
(Registered in the United States Patent Office)
With the Navy
By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE
Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume
Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton, young American lads, meet each other in an unusual way soon after the declaration of war. Circumstances place them on board the British cruiser "The Sylph" and from there on, they share adventures with the sailors of the Allies. Ensign Robert L. Drake, the author, is an experienced naval officer, and he describes admirably the many exciting adventures of the two boys.
THE BOY ALLIES ON THE NORTH SEA PATROL; or, Striking the First Blow at the German Fleet.
THE BOY ALLIES UNDER TWO FLAGS; or, Sweeping the Enemy from the Seas.
THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON; or, The Naval Raiders of the Great War.
THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEA; or, The Last Shot of Submarine D-16.
THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA; or, The Vanishing Submarine.
THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through Fields of Ice to Aid the Czar.
THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND; or, The Greatest Naval Battle of History.
THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS; or, Convoying the American Army Across the Atlantic.
THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE SUBMARINE D-32; or, The Fall of the Russian Empire.
THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEETS; or, The Fall of the German Navy.