to know what my father is going to do, too," said Gif.
"I don't believe he cares much for military matters, but just the
same, he is intensely patriotic, and I know he would like to get a
chance at those Boches."

"I suppose we'll get more news in a day or two," said Jack. "This
telegram was sent more to break the ice than anything else. It puts it
up to us to let Mary and Martha know," and he looked at Fred as he
spoke.

"We'll go over to-morrow and see them," was Fred's reply. "I don't
think I care to telephone news like this. No, we'll take them off by
themselves and let them know."

A little later Spouter and Gif retired. The four Rover boys sat up for
fully an hour longer, discussing the subject from every possible point
of view. To Jack and Fred the entrance of their fathers into the army
of the United States meant a great deal. The great war was on in all
its fury, and they knew that sooner or later their fathers would be
sent to France to face the enemy.

"It's all well enough to talk about going to the front and covering
oneself with glory," was the way Fred expressed himself. "But some of
those who go to the front never come back."

"That is true, Fred," answered Jack soberly. "But a good citizen has
got to be ready to do his duty, no matter what the cost."

"Oh, I know that! Just the same, this going to the front is a serious
business. Even if a person isn't killed, he may come back minus an arm
or a leg, or something like that."

"Well, don't you go to talking like that to Mary and Martha."

"I don't intend to. Just the same, what I said is true."

"I know it."

CHAPTER X

ON THE WAY HOME

"Oh, Jack, you don't mean it! Father and Uncle Sam have really
volunteered for the war!"

It was Martha Rover who spoke. She and her brother were seated in a
small summerhouse attached to Clearwater Hall. Not far away sat Mary
and Fred.

"It's the truth, Martha," answered Jack; "and here is the telegram
that was sent. We at once went to Colonel Colby and got some
particulars."

"But he may be shot down and killed!" and Martha's face grew white as
she spoke.

"That's a chance every soldier takes when he goes to the front,
Martha. But let us hope that dad will escape--and let us hope that
Uncle Sam will escape, too."

Jack and Fred had come over early in the morning and had asked
permission of Miss Garwood to see the girls on an important errand.
They had left the school building under the c