Ned, Bob and Jerry on the Firing Line; Or, The Motor Boys Fighting for Uncle Sam
and Ned nodded in the direction of France--or where he thought it was. Somewhere a band was playing. Thousands of soldiers were crowding on board, and there would be more thousands after them--a stream that would not end until Prussianism had been dealt its death-blow. There was a period of seeming chaos while the troops were getting settled and disposing of their baggage. Then the three chums had a chance to look about them, and proceeding to the stern of the vessel they glanced across the Hudson to New York, where the towering buildings showed dimly through a harbor haze. "Wonder when we'll see them again," remarked Jerry, in a low voice. Neither of his chums answered. They were thinking, though. Late that afternoon the preparation and bustle seemed redoubled. More soldiers and a number of officers came aboard, and then, suddenly, after bugles had blared and bells had clanged, there was a tremor through the big transport. "We're off!" cried Bob. "For France!" added Ned. "And I'm glad to be with you!" said a voice behind Jerry, who, turning, beheld Professor Snodgrass. CHAPTER VIII THE TRAINING CAMP My readers may well guess that Ned, Bob and Jerry were glad to see the scientist. He was like part of their "own folks," and though they had many friends among their army chums, and though they liked, and were liked, by their officers, our three heroes felt that with Professor Snodgrass along it was like taking part of Cresville aboard with them. "So you got here all right, did you?" asked Ned with a smile, as he and the others shook hands with the scientist. "Yes, I'm here; and I wish we were across. I dread the voyage." "Submarines?" asked Jerry. "Oh, no, I wasn't thinking of them," answered the professor. "But I am anxious to get across, not only to begin my study of the effect of war noises on European insects, but to search for those two young ladies. I have been reading considerable about war conditions in France and Germany since Professor Petersen made me his part heir, and I fear the young ladies may have a hard time." "Yes, they are very likely to," assented Ned. "But until we get there we can't do anything to help them. However, we'll do our best for you and them when we do get there--if we have a chance--after getting a Hun or two," he added. "That's right," said Mr. Snodgrass. "The winning of the war is the first consideration. I wish I were young enough to fight. But I have contributed to the Red Cross, to the Salvation Army, the Knights of Columbus and the Y. M. C. A. and the Y. W. C. A.; and I've mailed every magazine I finished reading and sent over all the books I could spare." The boys winked at one another. They gave full credit to Professor Snodgrass for his contributions to the five organizations, which, with the Jewish 
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