to his
own lines, or to Antwerp.

The boys first of all sought that shady spot where the bench mentioned
by Tubby offered an inviting seat. Here they sat down, and observed the
many stirring sights that were taking place all around them.

"I've seen two men taken to the barn," remarked Merritt, half an hour
later, "and so I reckon we'll have neighbors in our hay-mow to-night."

Tubby made a grimace, and then seemed to be ashamed of his selfishness.

"Well, if we do have to play nurse," he observed with the air of a
philosopher, "I suppose we can stand it. What are all our troubles, I'd
like to know, compared to those these poor people are suffering?"

"That's right, Tubby," said Merritt, "and we'll manage to pick up
plenty of sleep, I should think."

"It'll have to be in the early part of the night, then," Rob told them,
"because we want to get out of this a couple of hours before daylight."

"You mean to start then for Sempst, do you?" asked Tubby, with a sigh.

"Yes, because it might turn out to be dangerous work walking in broad
daylight, until we've managed to get around the Germans," Rob explained.
"I've already picked up considerable information about the country, and
the lay of the land. Between now and the time we turn in I hope to learn
still more, so that I can take you on a road by starlight that will make
a circuit around the German camps."

Apparently both his mates had the utmost confidence in Rob's ability to
do this, for there was no word of protest raised. Merritt asked a few
questions, and then they fell back upon their old occupation of watching
the movements of the villagers, mostly women, as they bustled to and
fro.

Pretty soon Rob sauntered over to the inn, and had a long talk with the
old man who ran the public house. They could see him doing considerable
pointing, and from this fact judged that Rob was keeping his word about
picking up all the information possible.

When he came back it was getting near sundown; and of course the first
thing Tubby asked was:

"Did he say we could have it, Rob?"

As both of the other scouts were so well acquainted with Tubby's weak
points they did not need a dictionary in order to understand what was on
his mind.

"I'm glad to tell you, Tubby," replied the other, "that the innkeeper
says we deserve the best supper he can get ready. It seems that they've
been talking about us here. Some of the nurses must have told how we
worked on the battlefield