The Boy Allies with Haig in Flanders Part 20

"Sounds good," said Chester, greatly interested. "Let's hear more about it."

"I don't know much more about it. I was summoned to General Pers.h.i.+ng's tent, and he gave me a message to carry to General Haig. Told me to have you report to General Haig also if your wound had healed sufficiently."

"It's healed sufficiently for that," Chester interrupted.

"That's what I thought you'd say, no matter how badly it might pain you. Anyhow, General Pers.h.i.+ng said we might be in time to see some action."

"Did he indicate the nature of it?"

"No, but I drew my own conclusions. I'll tell you why. Remember those tanks we had here experimenting with?"

"You mean the armored tractors--those things that climb fences, trenches, and things like that?"

"Yes."

"Sure I remember them. Why?"

"Well, they're all gone--been ordered back to the British lines.

Therefore, something is going on."

"Oh, pshaw!" said Chester. "That may mean only a local attack some place. I thought you knew something."

"Wait a minute now. I know more than you think."

"Well, let's hear it then."

"Infantry and cavalry are being ma.s.sed in the sector that would lead to Cambrai, if a drive were successful."

"You're sure of that?"

"Perfectly. I have it from Captain O'Neill, who knows what he's talking about."

"That may mean something," Chester agreed, nodding his head.

"May mean something? Of course it means something. Besides, our aeroplanes are more active than usual, probably to keep the enemy back so they can't antic.i.p.ate the attack."

"The Germans will suspect something then," declared Chester.

"Maybe. But there is something in the air. You can bank on that."

"Well, I hope so," declared Chester. "We haven't had any real fighting for a long while now."

"Don't forget you've a bullet hole in you still," smiled Hal. "You're not as good as new, you know."

"I can still answer for a couple of Germans," replied Chester with a smile.

"I guess you're right. But come, we must be moving."

The two lads left their quarters and sought their horses. As they mounted Stubbs approached.

"Where to?" he demanded.

"We've a mission to General Haig," said Hal. "Why?"

"Wait till I get a horse and I'll go along," said Stubbs.

He hurried away.

"I don't know whether he should go with us or not," muttered Hal.

"If you think that, let's don't wait for him," returned Chester.

"Good idea," Hal agreed, and put spurs to his horse.

Chester followed suit.

For ten minutes they rode rapidly, and then Hal slowed down.

"Guess we've lost him, all right," he said.

But they hadn't. A short time later Hal, glancing over his shoulder, made out the form of a solitary horseman hurrying after them. The rider made gestures as Hal looked, and the lad perceived that the man, whoever he might be, desired them to wait. Therefore, having forgotten all about Stubbs, the lad reined in. Chester did likewise.

"h.e.l.lo," said Chester, as the rider drew closer. "It's Stubbs."

"Tough," Hal commented. "I had forgotten about him. However, we don't want to hurt his feelings. He's seen us now, so there is no use running."

They sat quietly until Stubbs drew up alongside.

"What's the idea of running away from me?" the little man wanted to know.

"Running away, Mr. Stubbs?" questioned Chester. "Surely you must be mistaken. Why should we run away from you?"

"That's what I would like to know," declared Stubbs. "Didn't I tell you to wait for me?"

"Did you, Stubbs?" This from Hal.

"Did I? You know deuced well I did. You're not deaf, are you?"

"Well, no," said Hal, "but your memory, Mr. Stubbs, how is that?"

Stubbs glared at the lad angrily.

"There is nothing the matter with my memory," he said, "as you'll find, if you ever have occasion to need me."

"Come now, Stubbs," said Chester. "You do us both an injustice. You must explain yourself."

"Great Scott!" Stubbs burst out. "Explain, must I? What do you mean, I must explain?"