same division we are, and we'll see him when
we get settled again."

But they did not see Noddy Nixon again for some time, though they
heard of him, and under tragic circumstances.

The guess the boys had made about a great offensive was a correct one.
The time had come for the turning point in the war, and the backward
movement of the British and French was about to stop. The American
forces were increasing, and now General Foch was able to put into
practice the strategy he had so long waited for. He could attack, and
with great hope of succeeding. The turning point had been reached.

There were rumors and all sorts of stories floating around the camp.
Ned, Bob and Jerry had been moved to the north and farther toward the
great Hindenburg line which was so soon to be pierced, impregnable
though the Germans boasted it.

Professor Snodgrass, too, managed, by means of some influence he
possessed, to be allowed to accompany that part of the army to which
his young friends were attached. He had not ceased his efforts to
locate the two girls, but he realized, as did Jerry and his chums,
that it was an almost hopeless proceeding now. However, there was
still the study of explosive noises on insects to which the professor
could devote himself, and he did.

The boys noted, however, that the strain of his uncertain financial
situation was telling on the little man. Cheerful as always, and
seemingly oblivious to practical affairs, yet there was at times a
strained look about his eyes.

"Yes," he said one day in answer to a question Jerry put, "I have
enough for my immediate needs. If I do not get back what I lent to my
old friend--and I may even lose more, as I endorsed a note for him to
cover a loan from another--and if I cannot use what Professor Petersen
left me, I shall have before long to give up my work here, however.
And, of course, the trip to the Amazon and the investigations there
must be given up."

"I am sorry, Professor. Can't we----" began Jerry.

"Tut, tut!" interrupted Professor Snodgrass, with a kindly smile.
"We'll no doubt find the girls--I hope so for their sake as well as my
own--and perhaps my friend may be able to adjust his affairs, though I
fear----Poor man, poor Albert! It will be a dreadful thing for him to
lose all he has and be compelled to start the world over again at his
age." And Professor Snodgrass walked away, his personal trouble
forgotten in sympathy with his friend, the very man who