but now their
progress frequently was impeded, and occasionally a shell broke so close
to them as to jar the machine from its course.

None of the men in the rear seats of that car were cowards, but, aside
from Hoskins, it was their first experience under actual fire, and they
marveled at the coolness of the driver, who seemed not to mind at all
the dangerous quarters they were in.

When they climbed out of the machine, half an hour later, Joe remarked
upon it in tones of open admiration.

"It's nothing," the youthful chauffeur replied. "You'll get used to it,
too."

As he turned the automobile and started backward, Slim suddenly
remembered that they hadn't even heard his name.

"Don't know it," said Hoskins, "but he was wounded twice in the
trenches, I heard while we were waiting for the lieutenant. That's why
he's driving a car now. He has seen enough service to know that
nervousness doesn't help."

They had been directed to the quarters of Major Jones, in charge of the
Signal Corps men in that section, and it was with considerable surprise
that the boys learned, upon arriving there, that they were to accompany
the lieutenant into the superior officer's presence for instructions.

He was a man, they found, about forty years old, already grizzled and
hardened by his field experience. And he knew how to convey orders and
transact business without a moment's delay.

"You are to follow the red-ink lines on this map," he told Lieutenant
Mackinson, as they all leaned over his desk to follow the tracing of his
pencil, with which he showed them the course they were to take.

"When you have reached this point"--indicating a heavy spot about midway
of the map--"you will seek a suitable location from which to establish
communications. You will determine whether it can be done by wireless.
As soon as you can do so, report what progress you have made. Use every
caution, for you will be in the country occupied by the enemy. You
should leave here about seven o'clock this evening. It is now six."

Fifteen minutes later they had examined their arms and equipped
themselves with a full supply of small-arms ammunition, portable
wireless instrument and antennae, and three rations each of eating
chocolate.

The latter article is dispensed to every soldier in the American armies
just prior to an engagement in which he may become separated from his
unit or companions, and, if wounded, might otherwise starve to death.

The rema