e
dazed yourself."

"Well, I hope they'll all be that way," said Jacques. "It won't take
us long in here if they are."

"How big is this place anyway?" said Earl. "We must be careful going
around corners and places like that. We can't see what is waiting for
us."

The three boys were by themselves now. They were many yards
underground and it was difficult for them to see their way distinctly.
They had just emerged into an underground room which was furnished with
a bedstead, washstand, table and chairs. The light was dim and the
three young soldiers could not make out their surroundings clearly.
Suddenly they heard a hoarse cry and the sound of a heavy blow.
Jacques, who was in the lead, fell to the ground with a groan.

CHAPTER IV

UNDERGROUND

"Look out, Leon!" cried Earl sharply. "Look out for that fellow."

Leon whirled swiftly in time to see a big-helmeted German with the butt
end of his rifle upraised preparing to strike. He ducked almost
without thinking and the blow fell harmlessly on the back of one of the
chairs in the little room. Before the gun could be raised again Earl
sprang upon their foe and grappled with him.

[Illustration: Leon whirled swiftly in time to see a big-helmeted
German with the butt end of his rifle upraised preparing to strike.]

He had his bayonet in his hands but somehow it did not occur to him to
use it. Like most Americans he preferred to fight with his fists, and
unconsciously he had discarded his rifle. With one hand he seized the
German by the throat and with the other he rained blow after blow upon
his great broad face.

The German however was a powerful man. He outweighed the young
American by at least thirty pounds and far outmatched him in strength.
With an oath he turned upon the plucky boy and a moment later held him
by the throat with both hands. Earl's breath was shut off short and
everything began to turn black before his eyes. He felt himself being
shaken as a terrier shakes a rat and consciousness began to slip away
from him. He decided that it was all over.

Suddenly the terrible strangle hold on his throat relaxed and with a
supreme effort he wrenched himself free and rose to his feet. There
stood Leon gazing down at the German lying on the floor of the little
subterranean apartment. One glance was enough to show Earl what had
taken place.

"You saved my life, Leon," he muttered weakly.

"Huh," snorted Leon. "I hated to stab hi