One very dear mother, much too young in appearance to suggest the idea of having sent a son to the front, told me as she smiled through tears that he had _brought down two_ in a single action, but unfortunately was forced to land on enemy soil and was made a prisoner. “I hope they don’t starve him,” said she sweetly, “nor treat him cruelly. He is so gentle and kindly himself. I believe they will be good to him.” “Of course they will,” said I, joining my hope with her own and wishing with all my might that I could really share in her belief. Then her wistful look changed into one of confident expectancy. I had added to her _store of hopefulness_ and left her laughing heartily at my prophecy that her boy would probably “_kidnap his guard some night and ride him back to camp_.” No doubt about her keeping the home fires burning, nor of the strong heart within her--“_hoping, longing, calling for him_.” [Illustration] CHAPTER XVI SUPERIOR--SUPERIORITY--SUPER This word _super_ is getting its name in the papers every day in the week. The _super-human_ effort required to keep things moving along toward the _final triumph_ has needed just such expressive terms. It is a last word in inspiration--big, effective--_over and beyond_--and it fits the job we’re engaged in exactly from super-dreadnaught to super-abundance of will-power, mainstrength, and _get there_. When our boys went over and lined up alongside their war-worn Allies, the whole situation changed. The _pep_ and _snap_ they brought along completely banished the waning spirit which, nevertheless, still held in check a relentless and overpowering foe. No tonic is there so productive of renewed energy as the _entrance of a friend_ who quietly takes his place by one’s side. To merely say that the boys in khaki have won the hearts of their comrades over there is inadequate. They have _sealed a compact_ that is destined to shape the orderly course of the whole world for a century to come. Their induction was not of the “make way for the conquering heroes” kind. Nothing like that--more of the fashion of _those who are tardy_ and quietly take the places reserved for them. Once in the ranks, comradeship was a matter of course. No one could hold out against American good nature. No chance that these new soldiers ranging themselves alongside of veterans would resort to grandstand play. There would be no chasing after the medal. If it came, well and good, but the job in hand would be the first consideration--and in that respect the men of the Allied armies and navies _are well met_.