“Oh, he’s just crazy,” said Tom carelessly. “He’s touched in the upper story.” “That might be just camouflage though, to make us think that we could talk freely without paying any attention to him,” objected Frank. “He may be as crazy as a fox.” “I don’t think so,” said Billy. “He’s pretty old and his mind is failing. I heard him half a dozen times muttering something about ‘the cellar, the cellar.’ It got on my nerves after a while.” “Well, don’t let’s trouble trouble till trouble troubles us,” counseled Frank. “There may be nothing in it at all. I wouldn’t hang a yellow dog on all the evidence we’ve got. In the meantime, that bed looks inviting and I’m going to tumble in early.” “I’m with you there,” said Tom. “It’s so long since I’ve slept between sheets that I’m anxious to see how it feels.” It was indeed a delightful contrast to their experiences for months past, and they slept soundly until they were called to breakfast the next morning. “What are we going to do with our leave today?” asked Frank, as they were hurriedly dressing. “Just loaf and invite our souls,” replied Tom, as he put down his military brushes and took a last look in the glass, with the fair Alice in mind. “Luxemburg’s a tidy little city,” put in Billy, “and there ought to be lots to see. Wouldn’t do, I suppose, to take the girls along.” “Not on your young life,” said Frank emphatically. “You’d get in the guardhouse so soon it would make your head swim. What’s the matter with you fellows, anyway? You’ve both been primping up like a couple of dudes. Are you so badly smitten?” “Not at all,” denied Tom stoutly, though a deeper flush on his bronzed face might have given rise to doubt. “They’re certainly nice girls though,” said Billy, feebly, “especially Helen.” “She hasn’t anything on Alice,” remarked Tom. “Lucky you haven’t picked out the same one,” laughed Frank, “or I’d have my hands full in keeping the peace. Come along now if you’re ready.” At the breakfast table they received the same pleasant greeting as on the night before, but there was a certain lack of freedom in the conversation that all felt. The little element of suspicion that had been aroused by Helen’s remark still persisted. The boys kept a guard on their lips as regarded all military matters, and as just at that time there was little to talk about except the war, the remarks made were few and far between and they felt relieved when the meal was finished. Perhaps Billy and Tom were exceptions, for although they did not say much with their lips, their eyes were eloquent in the glances they stole at the girls. It was necessary for the Army Boys to report at the quarters of the regiment, but after that formality was through with they had no difficulty in getting leave and started off in high feather to enjoy their unaccustomed freedom.