their machines.
It aroused the greatest enthusiasm all along the road. In every town
they passed through they were taken for some new type of native soldiers
mounted on motorcycles. That they did not carry any guns may have
occasioned more or less surprise; but then doubtless they had other
methods for destroying the rash invaders when the time came; small but
powerful bombs would take up little space in a knapsack, every one knew.

In the country sections where the neat French market gardens
predominated they had found the women working amidst the crops, and few
men in evidence. Of course those of a military age were already called
to the colors, and at that moment might be laying their lives down
cheerfully in defence of their beloved land; for their old hatred of
everything German had once more leaped to the surface as soon as war was
declared.

Rod was trying to figure out what his course should be under the
circumstances. He knew how difficult it must prove for them to reach a
place where they could observe any of the desperate fighting. The best
they might expect would be to see some detached action, and possibly
learn where the French regiment might be found to which Andre belonged.

As they proceeded slowly along the road, after watching the procession
of motor lorries loaded with wounded wind past, all of them were using
their eyes to the best advantage.

The country was hilly to the north of Paris, Rod knew, with many roads
crossing in every direction. At any time they might expect to discover
some movement of troops belonging to one of the armies engaged.

This came to pass shortly afterwards, and when they found that it was a
British regiment that was crossing a field on the double-quick, with
guns ready for business, the boys sent up a real American cheer.

"There, they've come to a halt, somehow or other!" said Josh, "and
listen to the fellows send back an answering cheer, will you? Guess they
must take us for some of their boys from over the Channel. Here comes an
officer on horseback to interview us, Rod."

Great was the surprise of the British colonel to find that they were not
English boys at all, but cousins from the great republic across the
ocean. He asked many questions while his men rested before continuing
their movement, which was undoubtedly meant to carry out some purpose or
other.

One startling piece of information he gave the three motorcycle boys.

"The Germans have shot their bo