ght from the depths of his generous heart; "that is, if you think you
could hold on, and do the grand balance act."

The man who claimed to be an American took him at his word so eagerly
that there was no chance for Josh to change his mind, even had he wanted
to do so.

"I'll accept that offer, my young friend, and with thanks," he
announced. "Yes, I have been on a motorcycle before now, so I trust you
will not think I am endangering your safety. And it will be a great help
to me if I can stay with you for a short time."

The boys each took turns in securing the needed drink, while Oscar
curiously examined their machines. Josh, once more a little suspicious,
kept an eye on the other while this was going on. It may have suddenly
occurred to him that since the man admitted a knowledge of riding on one
of the machines possibly he might be seized with a sudden mad impulse to
jump into the saddle and try to get away with a mount.

Nothing of the kind happened, however, and Josh was doubtless a little
ashamed of his suspicions. At any rate he went to some pains to let the
other get seated behind him, as though to make amends for his secret
thoughts.

Rod led the way again. So far as he could see there was nothing strange
about the plight of the said Oscar. Hundreds of American tourists must
have been caught stranded in strange lands when the war broke so
suddenly; and when they finally reached home they would have all sorts
of remarkable stories to tell concerning their experiences and
sufferings. Not all of them could have the great luck, like the
motorcycle boys, to carry magical documents signed by the king of the
heroic Belgians, and calling on all the Allies to favor the bearers as
far as was possible.

They covered several miles of the road. The thunder of the guns grew
louder all the while, and Rod fully expected to come upon marching
regiments at any time, although the thoroughfare they were following
seemed to be singularly free from troops heading toward the scene of the
battle.

There was no railway line in sight as yet, though they had covered much
more than the distance mentioned by Oscar Tell. But then he may have
been misinformed as to distances, which was always possible.

In this fashion they came to a little rise which Rod chose, as
customary, to ride up slowly and carefully, not knowing what sort of a
surprise might await them at the top.

It was while they were proceeding toward the crown of the