d they have over twenty-five thousand men here now," said
Spouter.

Some bodies of soldiers at a distance were going through various
maneuvers, while other bodies still further away were hard at work at
bayonet practice, charging and stabbing some sacks of hay hung on long
wires. At still another point the soldiers were constructing trenches
and dugouts in real military fashion.

"They've got to learn a lot to be real soldiers," was Randy's comment.

By following the directions given to them, it did not take long for
the young folks to reach the vicinity of the regiment to which Dick
Rover and his brother Sam were attached. The captain and the
lieutenant were on the lookout for them, and hurried to meet them.

"We are very glad to see all of you," said Dick Rover, catching his
son by the hand and kissing his daughter affectionately. "You can't
imagine how much we have missed you."

"Nor how much we have missed you," returned Martha, her eyes growing
suddenly misty.

"How are you making it, Dad? Do you feel like a regular soldier yet?"
questioned Fred of his parent.

"Oh, we are working into it, Fred," replied Sam Rover.

"How soon do you expect to go to Europe?" questioned Mary quickly.

"There is a rumor that we shall leave in a week or two."

"Oh! as soon as that?" came from several of the others.

"Of course we can't tell positively," went on Fred's father. He turned
to Andy and Randy. "By the way, boys, I've got a surprise for you,"
he added. "Your father will be down here this morning. In fact, we are
expecting him any minute."

"Is he coming alone?" asked Andy.

"I don't think so. He spoke about bringing your mother with him, and
possibly he may bring your Aunt Dora and your Aunt Grace."

"Oh, that would be fine!" exclaimed Mary. She happened to glance
around. "Well, I declare! Here they come now!" And in a moment more
the folks from New York City leaped out of a newly-arrived automobile
and strode toward the others. There was a great amount of kissing and
handshaking, and Tom Rover's face showed his great excitement.

"I've got an announcement to make," said the father of the twins, when
he could command the attention of the others. "A very important
announcement. I am going to become a soldier and fight with the rest
of the fellows in France."

CHAPTER XXV

AT CAMP HUXWELL

For a moment after Tom Rover made the important announcement all of
the others stared at him, unable to speak