ral should tell them
what was required.

"Boys," said the general, "it is absolutely essential to the success of
this campaign that I have a more accurate knowledge of the enemy's lines
and strength. My aviators have been sent in search of such information,
but they have met with little success. The only man who got close enough
to learn what I am after, according to others who followed him, was shot
down. He failed to return. What he learned, of course, I do not know.
But it is that which I must know. Do you think you can gain this
information for me?"

"We can at least have a try at it," said Chester, with a smile.

"We'll get it if it is humanly possible," agreed Hal.

"I am more confident of success than I would be if the mission were in
other hands," said General Petain, quietly.

"And when do you wish us to start, sir?" asked Hal.

"Immediately," was the reply, "though I believe it would be better to
wait until dark."

"And you would suggest an aeroplane?" asked Hal.

"I leave the means to you," returned the general. "I'll give you a
written order that will put anything in the French lines at your
disposal, aeroplane, automobile or horses. You may take your choice."

The general turned to his desk and scribbled on a piece of paper. To what
he had written he affixed his signature and then passed the paper to Hal.

"I have no further instructions," he said. "But, be as quick as you can,
and be careful."

He arose and extended a hand to each lad. He had come to be very fond of
them, and he patted each on the back affectionately.

"May good fortune attend you," he said quietly.

The lads drew themselves up, saluted and left the tent. The general
stepped to the door and gazed after them.

"Good boys, those," he said quietly to himself. "May they return safely!"

CHAPTER XXII

THE PARTY IS INCREASED

"I guess an aeroplane is the best way after all," said Hal, when they
were back in their own quarters.

"Sure," Chester agreed. "It's swifter, and if we have any luck at all,
it's a pretty good contraption to get away in after we have gained our
information. Now about clothes. Shall we keep on these uniforms?"

"What would you suggest?"

"Well, I don't know. Thought maybe we would take some German
clothes along."

"Might not be a bad idea, though we won't put them on unless we have to.
I don't want to be shot as a spy if I can help it."

"Nor I. Don't suppose there would be any use in tak