ree adventurous boys to wish to come once more
to the scene of battle and carnage? It is hardly a fit place for lads of
your age, I should think?"

"But American boys are full of the spirit of adventure, monsieur," urged
Rod; "and the opportunity would surely never come to us again. Still, it
was not merely curiosity that caused us to decide to make this trip. We
have come on an errand of mercy; to assist one of your countrywomen who
was in great trouble."

He thereupon hastily sketched the situation in which Jeanne D'Aubrey was
placed, with a chance of securing a competence could her husband be
communicated with, and allowed to sign the important paper within the
specified time limit.

A Frenchman is always filled with a love for anything that borders on
the dramatic. He also has the greatest respect for such heroism as these
three boys were now exhibiting in undertaking the dangerous mission for
the sake of the poor woman at whose humble home they had been temporary
guests.

Impulsively he stretched out his hand to Rod, and then to each of the
other two boys.

"I am proud to meet you, young messieurs," he announced; "and while
these magnificent mounts would be put to a glorious use in the grand
army that needs many such so badly, I could not have the heart to
deprive you of your property. On account of what you have already done
for the cause, and stand ready to aid any further attempt if the
occasion arises, here then we hand you back your beloved motorcycles."

While Josh and Hanky Panky could not understand much that was spoken,
still it was possible for them to read the signs aright. Josh grinned as
though greatly tickled over their good luck; and Hanky on his part
doubtless felt like offering thanks because the searching party had
turned out to be friends instead of foes.

When further conversation took place between Rod and the lieutenant the
boy was given to understand that the French had learned of the presence
of a German spy in that neighborhood, and several patrols were searching
every farmhouse and cottage within a radius of three miles, as well as
the patches of woods that lay between.

After considerable more talking the lieutenant explained that as there
was more country which he and his detail had been directed to search, he
must linger no longer.

When the Frenchmen had departed the boys once more sought their room in
the new wing of the farmhouse. They had hardly reached their quarters
th