e will carry two as swiftly
as it will one. Then, too, if one of us were hurt or shot the other
one could still go on with the message."

"An excellent idea," said the captain after pondering a moment. "Get
him, but make haste."

Frank rushed back to his chums.

"Which one of you wants to go with me?" he asked breathlessly.

"I do," they yelled in chorus.

"Sorry," laughed Frank, "but there's only room for one. Toss a coin."

The luck favored Bart, much to Billy's disappointment. In a jiffy
Frank and Bart had bidden Billy good-by, jumped to their places, and
with a leap the powerful machine darted off.

The night was clear, and as soon as they were away from the camp Frank
had no trouble in finding the road that he had been ordered to take.
It was a good one in ordinary times, but now it had been torn by shells
from the German guns in many places and care had to be taken to avoid a
spill. The shaded light threw its rays a considerable distance ahead,
but they were going at a speed that did not leave them much time to
avoid obstacles even after they were detected.

The road swung around in a wide semi-circle and led through a number of
French villages. These the Army Boys found in great confusion. The
approach of the Huns was a terrible threat to the towns that might fall
into German hands. What the enemy had done in the occupied parts of
France and Belgium had given warning of what any other places they
might capture would have to expect.

Wagons were being hastily piled with household belongings, men were
shouting, children were crying, and the whole scene was desolate and
pitiful beyond description.

The roads were so congested at these places that rapid progress was
impossible. They had to thread their way among the crowd of vehicles,
and in some cases were compelled to resort to the fields. But they
made up for this on other stretches, and were congratulating themselves
that on the whole they were making pretty good time when suddenly they
were startled by a number of rifle shots and bullets whizzed by
uncomfortably close.

"It's the Huns!" cried Frank.

"I didn't know they'd got as close as this!" exclaimed Bart. "More
gas, Frank! Quick!"

There were hoarse commands to halt, and another volley followed the
first. At the same time a number of dark figures threw themselves in
the road, shouting and waving their hands.

Frank leaned forward, threw on all speed, and the machine responded