The officer sat down, gave a quick order, and speeded away to go back into that scorching streak of road called the Devil's Cut, to rescue those who had fallen. This was a mere incident repeated day by day, until two batteries of 75-millimeter guns were placed in position, a week thereafter, when that section of the road was made as safe as any in France. CHAPTER III THE 75-MILLIMETER GUNS The Director of the Commissary Department, with his staff, was on hand to inspect the six van loads, which drove into the space between the store sheds. He stopped in front of the van occupied by Ralph. The latter stood up and saluted. "We had a hot time of it," said Ralph. Without replying for a moment the officer quickly glanced at Alfred in the following car, in astonishment. "How does it happen that you are in charge of these vans?" he asked. "We were aboard on the trip, and when the drivers were hit we took their places," said Alfred. "Did you know what chances you were taking?" he asked. "Well, no," replied Ralph, "but that didn't make any difference. We are used to taking chances." "You deserve great credit for the work. Orderly, take the names of these young men, and assign them quarters. Be at my office in an hour," he said. "Thank you; we will be there," said Alfred. "Where shall we take these vans?" "The officer in charge of transportation will direct you," was the reply. After the loads had been disposed of and they were walking toward the commandant's quarters, Ralph said: "We seem to get into the service by the back-door route right along." "Why, do you think they will give us a job running those vans?" asked Alfred. "Possibly so; but I don't want any of it in mine. I'd like to join the artillery and smash the life out of those fellows who are shelling Devil's Cut," replied Ralph. At the appointed time the boys entered the commandant's office. The drivers of the different vans were present, and all greeted the two boys with considerable show of appreciation. "How did it happen that you were on the goods vans?" asked the officer. "We were trying to get to the front, so we took the opportunity to help them load up, and just came along after we got through," said Alfred. "Where did you get your uniforms?" he asked. "We wore these while we were in the service," replied Ralph, and, as the latter said this, he drew out the discharge paper, and Alfred took pleasure in doing likewise. The officer glanced at the papers, nodded his head approvingly, and said: "Those credentials are certainly creditable to you. We admire Americans, and assure you we have the utmost respect for the American boy. Do you wish to enter the service? We can use brave fellows like yourselves." "We are trying to join the artillery," said Ralph, "but we haven't succeeded so far in getting a position."