nd, and Hanky Panky, wabbling a bit to
be sure, but keeping a firm grip on his speeding machine had now managed
to accomplish the deal.

Rod saw something suddenly explode on the road exactly where the forks
came. He knew full well it must be that second shrapnel shell, and only
for their sudden change of base, which the gunner had not calculated on,
it must have burst so near Hanky Panky that he might have suffered
seriously.

The outlook was better, though it seemed as yet too early to count on
security. Rod kept a keen watch on what lay before him. He would not
have been greatly surprised to discover more of the invading hosts
appear in view at any second; for they were undoubtedly in the midst of
a turning movement that had to do with the great battle opening up. When
an army of between two and three hundred thousand men, like that of Von
Kluck, the German commander, attempts a gigantic movement, it covers
many miles of territory, Rod understood.

After proceeding in this manner for several miles his hopes grew
stronger, and he actually felt as though there was a good chance for
them to elude the enemy. Josh was growling to himself, keenly
disappointed because they seemed to be running away from where momentous
things were taking place.

The night was not far distant, and Rod had to bear this fact in mind.
Where were they to secure anything to eat in the midst of all this
turmoil and confusion? So far as a bed went they could do without, nor
would it be the first time such a thing had happened in their eventful
career.

"Looks as if we might have outrun the Boches, Rod," called Josh, using a
term he had heard some of the Frenchmen apply toward the Germans, though
no one seemed able to explain where it had originated, or just what it
meant, save that it was intended as a term of derision, the same as
"Yanks" and "Johnny Rebs" passed current during the Civil War between
the States.

"Yes, that's all very well," replied Rod, "but it doesn't cut any figure
when we try to run across a house where we're going to get our suppers,
and find a place to sleep."

"Oh! we're sure to come to some sort of French farmer's place sooner or
later!" declared the confident Josh; "and if they're anything like the
little woman who took care of us this noon it'll be a picnic."

Ten minutes later, as they were negotiating a bad section of the road,
Rod made an announcement that sent a wave of thanksgiving through the
hearts of hi