Alfred had barely time to turn the machine to avoid the wreckage made by the shot. It was not such a time as to enable the men on one machine to aid those who were so unfortunate as to be hit by the missiles. The last series of explosions, unfortunately, struck the driver of the first van to pass them, as well as demolished the second. Ralph saw the driver fall and the machine turn. It described a circle. Alfred looked back and put on the brake hard. Ralph understood. He leaped from the truck, and rushed across the intervening space, being fortunate enough to seize a stanchion at the side of the wild van as it dashed by. It was but a moment's work to reach the chauffeur's seat. He waved his cap to Alfred, whose car was now again on the main road. They had now gone more than half the distance across the Cut, and, looking back, Ralph saw four machines intact and following them. One was completely demolished and the load scattered; and another, evidently, had the motive power out of commission. But they were not yet out of the danger zone. Alfred was now in the lead, and he had no idea where to go or what roads to take, as they approached several divergent roads. With shrapnel flying all about, he halted and as Ralph came up he drove alongside. "What is the matter?" asked Ralph. "Nothing," answered Alfred. "Wait until the other fellows come up. Some one must take the lead." The third machine drew alongside. "Go on," said Ralph. "We don't know the way." "Nor do I," replied the driver. "Has your driver recovered?" asked Ralph. "No, I am afraid he is done for; he has an awful cut across the head," answered Alfred. "But come on; we can't wait to get information here." Another machine appeared as the vans driven by Alfred and Ralph were getting under way. "This way! this way!" shouted a voice on the fourth machine. "Down to the left; and don't waste a minute if you don't want to be blown from the face of the earth." A cavalryman sped past, waving his carbine, and rounded up Alfred. "Go back quickly; turn to the left." Ralph was caught in time; they rounded the crest of a little hill, and then, for the first time, the rear batteries came into view, and a mile beyond, rows of sheds appeared in sight. "That is your place," shouted the man on horseback. "Follow the row of trees to the right, but don't cross the bridge." The throttle was thrown on full speed, and, although the roads were fearfully cut up, and great holes appeared at every turn, which had to be avoided, they never stopped the maddening race until the first guard line was reached. As they turned into the compound where a division was quartered, a speedy motor car dashed out, and, halting before Alfred's car, signaled for him to stop. "Did you all get through?" shouted an officer. "We left two behind," said Alfred.