had long been in evidence. More than one American had been killed or wounded either by this sharpshooter or by one who had adopted the same tactics, and Ned, Bob and Jerry had well earned the thanks of their comrades.

Following the ending of the career of the German sniper, the three Motor Boys, after several strenuous days in the trenches, went back again to a rest billet. There they recuperated, and really enjoyed themselves. There were letters from home to cheer them, and also a communication from Professor Snodgrass.

The little scientist said he had tried in vain to get some trace of the two missing girls, and expressed the hope of seeing the boys soon, to get the benefit of any advice they could give him. He also stated that he was progressing well with his scientific work of noting the effect of terrific noises on insects. But, somehow or other, the Motor Boys did not take as much interest in the pursuit of the scientist as they had formerly."The war has changed everything," declared Jerry. "But, of course, we'll help him find the girls if we can," suggested Ned. "Oh, of course," agreed his tall chum. Their stay in the rest camp was made pleasant by the ministrations of the Y. M. C. A. and the Knights of Columbus representatives. The chums and their comrades spent much time in the different huts, where they were entertained and could get hot chocolate, candy or chewing gum--rations not then issued by the army commissary. "If it wasn't for these organizations war would be a whole lot worse than it is," declared Jerry, as they came from a Y. M. C. A. meeting and moving-picture show one evening. "And don't forget the Salvation Army!" chimed in Bob. "The fried holes those lassies turn out are the best I ever ate--not excepting those mother used to make." "Yes, those doughnuts fill a big void, even if they have a hole in the middle," agreed Ned. But all good things--even Salvation Army doughnuts--come to an end some time, and so did the rest period of the three friends. Back to the trenches they went, to find out that what Ned had predicted was about to happen. An attack of considerable magnitude was in preparation, and it was to be as much of a surprise to the Germans as possible. "It's going to be over the top all right," declared Jerry, when, one evening, they received their final instructions. The attack, preceded by a brief artillery preparation, was to take place at dawn, the "zero hour" selected. It was believed, and was proved true as after events showed, that by considerably shortening the artillery fire, the Germans would be unprepared. They were used to the big guns bombarding them for a day or more at a stretch before the infantry came over. 

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