In a few words Hal recounted the adventure he and Chester had gone through. "Well," said the marine, "I guess I don't want that bed after all. You need it worse than I do. Help yourself. I'll bunk on the floor here." "Oh, no," was Hal's reply. "The floor is plenty good enough for me. It's your bed, you know." "True enough," said Smith, "but at the same time, I've been out on a little frolic and don't need it half as bad as you do. So you're a lieutenant in the regulars, eh?" "Right," said Hal. "Haven't much to do yet, eh?" "Oh, yes," was Hal's rejoinder. "You see, I put in almost three years in this war before Uncle Sam decided to get in." The marine officer looked his astonishment. "Yes," Hal continued, "my friend and I"--he indicated Chester, who continued to sleep through the conversation--"have seen active service with most of the Allied forces." Smith held out a hand. "I'm a veteran myself," he said. "I've campaigned in the Philippines and in some of the South American troubles. Of course, I've never been mixed up in a scrap like this and I've a lot to learn. I'll appreciate anything you can tell me." "It's a little early in the morning for a talkfest," said Hal with a smile, "but I've no doubt that when the sun comes up and we've had sleep a plenty and some good grub that I can entertain you a bit." "I'll be all ears, as my friend Jenkins would say," replied Smith. "Jenkins," he explained, "is my bunkie--Lieutenant Jenkins, by the way." "Guess he'll be back hunting his bed before long," said Hal. "Shouldn't be surprised. Guess that's him now," he added, as footsteps approached without. A moment later a second officer in Uncle Sam's marine corps uniform entered the dugout. "Meet my friend Lieutenant Paine, Jenkins," said Smith. "He dropped in rather suddenly, Fritz having put his own bunk house out of business. I've invited him and his friend to spend the night with us. It won't be the first time we have slept two in a bunk." "Guess it won't be the last, either," was Jenkins' reply; "at least, not if this war lasts as long as I figure it will. You're a lieutenant in the regulars, I see," he added. "I'm afraid you'll get a chance sooner than we will." "Oh, you'll be in it, too," said Hal, smiling. "Uncle Sam is going to need every man he has over here, and all he can send, to finish this job." "Well, we'll finish it, all right," declared Jenkins. "I'd be willing to cut ten years off my life to get a chance at these Huns." "You'll get it, never fear," replied Hal. "If I don't," said Jenkins, "I'll start a little war of my own." "Don't pay any attention to him, Paine," laughed Smith. "He's not half as bloodthirsty as he would have you believe. But come, let's turn in. Tomorrow is another day." "Right," said Jenkins. "I'm with you." Ten minutes later the dugout was in darkness and only the heavy breathing of the four sleepers proclaimed that it was inhabited. CHAPTER IV