"And that is the best any man can do," said General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the supposition that one of you will get through and I shall attack at that time whether I hear from you again or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it more prudent, remain with General Lejeune’s division until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen." Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure. "Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," was Chester’s comment as they made their way back to their own quarters. "Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder the job the more satisfaction when you have accomplished it successfully." "What would you suggest?" asked Chester. "Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we disguise ourselves as Germans?" "We’ll keep our own," said Hal. "There is no use risking being caught as a spy unless absolutely necessary. If we’re captured in American uniforms they’ll make us prisoners of war. In German clothes, we would probably be shot. I’m against the German uniform this trip." "I guess you’re right. Besides, according to General Rhodes, we shall have to pass through less than half a mile of German territory. Now I’ll make another suggestion." "What is it?" "My idea is that it will be better if we do not go together. I’ll start an hour ahead of you, or you can start an hour ahead of me. We’ll lay out our route in advance so the one who goes last will know about how far ahead the other should be. He might even be able to lend a helping hand should whoever goes first get into trouble." "Not a bad idea," Hal agreed. "Then I elect to go first." Chester shrugged. "Any way suits me," he said. "And when will you start?" Hal glanced at his watch. "Eight o’clock now," he said. "I’ll start at nine." "Then I shall start at ten," said Chester. "Right," said Hal. "Now, as we have nothing to do in the meantime, suppose we take a walk about the camp." "I’m agreeable," said Chester. "Come on." For perhaps an hour they strolled about, looking over the huge encampment with critical eyes. Men slept on their arms that night, had been sleeping on them for a week, for there was no telling at what hour might come the order to advance. Cavalry horses pawed the ground restlessly in that part of the field where they were picketed. The troopers slept or sprawled on the hard ground nearby. To the south were parked the American batteries, while on all sides infantrymen were to be seen by the thousands. Suddenly, from the direction of General Rhodes’ quarters, came a loud hurrah. It was taken up on all sides, and directly the camp became a pandemonium. "Wonder what’s going on?" said Hal. "Don’t know," replied Chester. "We’ll find out." The lads hurried toward the general’s quarters. Toward them came a crowd of shouting men, throwing their hats in the air and cheering wildly. Hal stopped one of them. "What’s all the excitement?" he asked. "Haven’t you heard the news, sir?" he asked.