“The more that come the more to fall,” muttered Frank, the light of battle coming into his eyes. It seemed indeed as though the Germans were staking all the day’s results on a single throw, for they were in much greater force than before and they fell on the American lines like an avalanche. It was a form of fighting in which they were especially proficient and against weaker fighters they might have prevailed. But the old Thirty-seventh and the regiments to the right and left of it had met these men before and beaten them, had beaten them that very day, had seen their backs, and in their hearts they knew that they were their masters. So that when the attack came it beat upon granite. A withering fire from machine guns tore through their ranks, and then from the rifles of the Americans, many of whom wore marksmen’s medals, leaped a sheet of flame that was the very blast of death. The thick enemy lines wavered, broke and retreated. But under the urging and revolvers of their officers they formed again and came on only once more to be driven back with tremendous losses. This time they broke utterly and fled. The American officers saw their opportunity and gave the order to charge. Over their log shelter with a cheer went the American boys, and pursued the beaten enemy, gathering up prisoners as they went along. The rout was complete, and only ended when the enemy reached and crossed a canal which was in their rear. They blew up the bridges after they had crossed and there for a time the American pursuit came to an end. “Gee, but this has been some day!” panted Frank happily, after it was all over and the regiment was resting after its well-earned victory. “This is the end of a perfect day,” hummed Billy. “The biggest day the old Thirty-seventh has had yet,” declared Tom. “There’s just one thing lacking,” said Frank, “and that is that Bart isn’t with us. I’m going to try to get leave the first thing in the morning and get over to the hospital.” Just then Corporal Wilson, whom they knew well, came up to them. “Been to mess yet?” he asked. “Sure thing,” grinned Billy, “and what we did to that chow was a sin and a shame.” The corporal smiled. “That’s good,” he said. “I’m looking for a few volunteers. And when I say volunteers you fellows know that the work I have in mind is dangerous, so dangerous in fact that I wouldn’t feel justified in ordering men to do it.” All three sprang to their feet. “Bring on your job,” cried Frank. “Trot it out,” said Billy. “Count me in,” added Tom. Warm approval shone in Wilson’s eyes. “I didn’t think I’d have to look much farther,” he said. “I’ve been on scouting trips with you fellows before and there’s nobody I’d rather have at my back if it came to a scrap. Go and get your black scouting suits and blacken your faces too. It’s going to be a black night but we can’t take too many precautions. When you’re ready, report to me and I’ll give you your instructions. Of course I’m going with you.”