to join this march and go with us to the Rhine. Having done so I shall make it my business to see to it that a crazy woman and a misinformed officer do not interfere with my plans. I will discuss this matter with you further later on. Captain, do you mind ordering some men to place this car back in the road?” 55 CHAPTER V GRACE WINS AND IS SORRY THE general saluted and stepped away, and in a moment or so a squad of soldiers ran to the car. T “All hands out, please,” called Grace. “No need to have them lift us with the car.” Up to this time J. Elfreda had not dared permit herself to catch Grace’s eye, knowing very well that were she to do so she would laugh. Perhaps “Captain” Grace was of the same opinion regarding her own emotions, so she avoided Elfreda’s eyes. The men quickly boosted the car back into the road. “Take the wheel and make a fresh start, Elfreda,” directed Grace, after thanking the doughboys. “I beg most respectfully to be excused. Mrs. Smythe, I ask to be relieved from driving. An empty road and a wide one is the only safe place for me to experiment. May I turn the wheel over to Mrs. Gray?” The supervisor half nodded. She was dazed, at least she appeared to be so, and had not a56 word to say. At least two of her companions in the car found themselves wondering what her thoughts were at that moment. After a little Elfreda ventured to speak. 56 “How wide and expansive the morning is,” she observed. “Very,” agreed Grace. “I don’t know what you are talking about, but I agree with you.” A great silence hovered over the army automobile, so far as the rear seat was concerned, though eventually Grace and Elfreda fell to discussing army matters of a general nature. At noon they halted for mess, then proceeded on at slow speed, for they were close up to the engineers, who were following the advance column to examine roads for mines and repair them where necessary. Thus far not a gun had been fired, though at any moment a blast was looked for by every one in the Third Army. Airplanes were constantly buzzing overhead, observation balloons were continuously on watch in
Prev.
Back
Top