hus been ordered. They were sure of
decent treatment, they were in no more danger of being killed and,
more than anything else, they would be better fed than in their own
trenches.

So it is no wonder they gave valuable information under the skilful
questioning of the American officers. Still this information had to be
carefully checked up before being acted on, as it would not do to run
into danger as a result of what some Hun captive told.

"We are going out to try our luck," explained the lieutenant who was
to lead Ned, Bob, Jerry, and their comrades, numbering half a score,
out on a night raid. "There's a German dugout not far from here, and
near by a machine-gun nest, and if we can get close enough to rush it,
and capture those we don't kill, we may make it possible for a big
forward movement--if the information we get is of the right sort. So
get ready. Gas masks, hand grenades--rifles will be in the
way--automatic pistols, of course, and don't forget to blacken your
faces."

This precaution was always taken by night raiding parties. The Germans
adopted the habit of sending up illuminating devices, known as "star
shells," at frequent intervals over No Man's Land. This was to guard
against a party of the enemy advancing on the trenches. The shells
gave a very bright light, and nothing stands out more conspicuously in
such a glare than a white face. So it was the custom to blacken
countenances and hands when a night-raiding party went over the top.

It was not without a little feeling of nervousness and apprehension
that the three friends and their chums made their preparations. But it
was an apprehension of failure rather than fear. They wanted to
succeed, to get results, and they were afraid they might fail. They
were not afraid, personally. Still they were taking big chances, and
they all knew it.

"Ought we to leave some word for Professor Snodgrass?" asked Ned, as
he and his friends were making ready about midnight.

"Word about what?" Jerry inquired.

"Well, in case we don't come back we can't help him in his search, as
we promised."

"If we don't come back our friends will know it, and they can tell the
professor if he inquires for us," said Jerry grimly. "Let it go at
that. If we get back we'll be here ourselves in case the professor
ever gets this far to the front. If we don't get back--well, he'll
have to get some one else to help him. Come on!"

The last word was given, the final preparations