kept away while Bob and Jerry were fighting, but, as a matter of fact, his two chums received a rest period at this time, and so were out of the trenches the same time that Ned was.  
But the war was far from won, and every man possible was needed on the firing line, so that, in due season, the three chums found themselves back again. And under no very pleasant circumstances.  
For it rained and rained, and then rained some more, though Jerry insisted that where they got the water from was a mystery.  
It was a most desolate period, when the trenches were knee-deep in mud and when casualties mounted by reason of unusual activity on the part of the Huns. But the three friends and their comrades stuck grimly to the work. There were local attacks, and counter-attacks, and night raids, in all of which Ned, Bob and Jerry did their share.  
Then, one day, they were given a surprise. Some new recruits were brought up to the front-line trenches, to be initiated, and among them was Noddy Nixon.  
"I've come to show you fellows how to get a Hun!" he boasted in his usual style. "Give me a chance, and I'll show you how to fight, though I'd rather be in an aeroplane."  
"Truth to tell, I guess he'd rather be back home, but he doesn't dare go," declared Jerry.  
Not very much to their delight, the Motor Boys learned that Noddy was to be quartered near them, and he was on duty in the trenches in the post adjoining theirs.  
There came a period of fierce attacks on the part of the Huns, when they laid down such an artillery barrage that for three days it was impossible for any relief to come to the men in the trenches, and they had to live on what food they had when the firing began. They did not actually starve, but there was not any too much to eat, and there was a lack of hot things, which were much needed as it rained almost constantly.  
By hard work Ned, Bob and Jerry had managed to get together some wood which they kept dry in a niche in the trench, lined with pieces of tin. The wood they used to make a little fire to warm their coffee.  
Coming in from several hours of duty one rainy evening, the three chums were anticipating having something hot to drink made over their little fire of cached wood.  
But when Bob, who by virtue of his appetite considered himself the cook, went to get the fuel, it was not there.  
"Boys, the wood is gone!" he cried.  
"Who took it?" demanded Jerry.  
Ned inspected the place. He picked up a piece of damp paper, and in the light of his flash torch read the scrawled writing which said:  
"Borrowed your wood. Give it back to you some day. NODDY NIXON."  
For a moment there was silence, and then Jerry burst out with: "Well, if that isn't just like him--the dirty sneak!"  
CHAPTER XIV  
A DESPERATE CHANCE  
Disappointment 

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