ter of the motorcycles behind them,
drew to one side of the road so as to allow the trio of boys to pass.
Instead of doing this the chums dismounted and saluted.

"We're three Americans boys who got caught in the whirl of the war on
the border of the Rhine country," Rod hastened to explain. "We've had a
pretty warm experience getting through Belgium with our machines, but by
great good luck managed to do so. Now we want to get to the front where
the fighting is going on. We've a good reason for wishing to do that,
you see. Where is your camp, may I ask, fellows?"

The two young Britishers exchanged surprised looks. Evidently they
hardly knew whether to believe Rod or not, his story seemed so
remarkable. Still they must have been favorably impressed with his
looks, as nearly every person was, for presently they smiled broadly,
and insisted on shaking hands with each of the motorcycle boys.

"Our camp is about a mile ahead, and alongside the road," one of them
hastened to explain; "you will be held up there, unless you sheer off on
a little side road that lies just beyond that batch of squatty trees."

Evidently this was intended as a gentle hint. Rod, however, only
laughed.

"Thanks for the tip, my friend," he said gaily; "but we mean to spend
the night in Calais, and will be only too glad to meet your commanding
officer. We have papers he will be pleased to see; and there isn't a
general on French soil but who would gladly let us pass on the
recommendations we carry."

"When do you expect to start for the front?" asked Josh just then, as
with his companions he prepared to move on.

"We have received notice that a train will be ready for us an hour after
sundown; and let me tell you we are highly pleased to know it," came the
reply, accompanied with a good-natured smile.

"What is the news from the front?" continued Josh eagerly.

"A tremendous battle is on before Paris," replied the Britisher. "Von
Kluck has swung around from the northwest, and is trying to envelope the
city with his forces, while two other armies are bearing down from the
north and northeast. It will be all the French can do to hold them back.
Most of us expect that Paris will fall inside of a few days. But we're
fair wild to get in the ruck, and strike a blow at the Kaiser's
soldiers. He's called the British a contemptible little army, you must
know."

"Here's hoping that you do have that pleasure!" called Josh as he turned
and looked ba