from the last trench halted to partake of breakfast.

The march was directly south, and at noon they reached a town of some importance, called Chauny. They went through without halting, crossed the river Oise, and at four o'clock halted on the eastern banks of a stream, which flowed northwardly. Here they waited for orders. A picturesque bridge spanned the stream, and the boys wandered across. West of the river was a broad expanse of country, perfectly level, and thousands of people from the nearby villages lined the road, all crossing to the west.

All were excited, and seemed to be going toward the narrow road, which led to the left, and, naturally, the boys followed the movement of the crowd. Their curiosity was soon satisfied, for[Pg 67] beyond was a sight which caused their hearts to beat with joy. Fully a dozen airplanes were drawn up in line, and the boys started forward on a run that seemed to instill the same activity in many others present.

[Pg 67]

"There's a Morane," said Ralph.

"Yes; and that's Tom getting out of the machine," shouted Alfred, as they rushed up and greeted Tom, who looked at them in astonishment.

"And how did you get here?" he inquired.

"Came over with the troops," explained Alfred.

"With what troops?" he was asked.

"Don't know," answered Ralph, "but they are from Essex."

"Well, we've been on duty for a day directly over the lines east of St. Quentin," said Tom.

"Did you have a fight?" asked Alfred.

"I should say we did," answered Tom. "Brought down two, at any rate, and it was pretty hot for about an hour. So you are on your way to Paris; sorry you didn't get back before we started," he added.

"We got to the grounds several hours after you left," said Alfred.

"Glad you came; we can put you up, if you are willing," remarked Tom.

"Thank you for the invitation; we helped them on the trenches and have done considerable marching, so it's better than going back to 

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