“Chad spoke the truth for once,” chuckled Miss Briggs. “I wonder if she realizes what she said? That is too good to keep. I shall have to tell the girls about that. Do you really think she will do something to you?” “I would not be at all surprised.” “In that event remember that I am a lawyer, and that I invite myself to defend you,” declared Elfreda eloquently. “This going is the toughest experience I have ever had.” Two hours before dark they reached their destination, which proved to be the little city of Etain, a deserted city, not a living thing being in sight there when the advance guard reached the place. The city was pretty well pounded to pieces. For a long time before the armistice was signed those of the inhabitants who had clung to their homes lived in holes in the ground. It was a cheerless place, and the cellar where the welfare workers were berthed was more than dismal. The belongings of Grace and her party were brought in by a Chinaman, who grinned as he put the first bundle down, and was rewarded by a smile from Grace. He did not speak when he entered the first time, but upon the second trip he straightened up and saluted, which Grace returned snappily. “Missie plenty fine dliver, a-la,” observed the Chinaman. “Not very, I fear. You mean my running into the bridge?” “Les.” “What is your name?” “Won Lue.” “Belong to the labor battalion?” “Les. Plenty blad men b’long labor blattalion,” observed Won. “So I have heard, but surely you are not a bad man, Won?” He shook his head with emphasis. “Me good Chinaman, a-la.” “I am glad to hear that.” “Well, I never,” declared Elfreda Briggs. “One would think you and Won were very old friends. Better look out for those oily Orientals. They are not to be trusted.” “So I have been told,” replied Grace absently. “I wonder where Mrs. Smythe has taken herself. Ah, here comes one of her aides.” The young woman said she had come for the supervisor’s bags, having been directed there by the officer who had come to their assistance on the river bank. “I trust Mrs. Smythe is feeling better,” said Grace with a voice full of sympathy. “You are Miss Cahill, I believe?” “Yes. Madame is in high temper because they have put her in a cellar. The lieutenant told her she was in luck that she didn’t have to wrap herself up in a blanket and sleep on the ground, which did not serve to improve her temper. I wish we might stay here with you two ladies.” “Why not come with us, then?” urged Grace. “The supervisor wouldn’t let me. However, I am going to request that we be relieved some way.” “Better go through with it until we get to the Rhine,” advised Grace. “Something may develop that will make a change possible. If I can assist you to that end you may depend upon me to do so.” “Thank you. May--may I tell you something, Mrs. Gray?” Grace nodded smilingly. “Mrs. Smythe, I fear, is going to make you a lot of trouble. She is making all sorts of threats of what she is going to do and--”