As the corner was turned they quickly observed the barrels, and men busily engaged with ropes and heavy poles. A gun was run on its wheels close to the river's edge, and five of the barrels were secured to two poles, and lashed forward of the wheels, the poles running transversely. A like number of guns were then secured behind the wheels, also held by cross poles. All of the barrels were hung higher than the tread of the wheels, so that after the equipment, as thus explained, was fully attached, the horses were driven into the river and hitched to the floating gun, while others mounted the float thus constructed, and, with poles, assisted in floating the piece across. There was not a single mishap, and the six guns were taken over in a brief space of time. The ammunition wagons were taken across by way of the pontoon bridge, crowded as it was, and the entire outfit assembled on the other side within an hour of the time the stream was reached. CHAPTER X A DIFFICULT TRIP TO THE MAIN TRENCHES The great camp at which the boys were located was south of Albert, a town of about 7,000 inhabitants, at the opening of the war. It was less than ten miles west of the first line trenches at that time. About fifteen miles northeast was Bapaume, and southeast of Albert, the same direction, was Peronne, towns of 3,000 and 5,000 respectively, both within the German lines, and important distributing centers for the armies in that region. "I do not know how true it is, but the information I have is that the immense preparation going on here, and farther to the north, means a drive on Bapaume and Peronne. If such is the case we may expect lively times during the next three months," said the lieutenant, as they were conversing about the probabilities of taking part. "What branch of the service were you in?" asked Ralph. "The artillery; that is the most important by all means, especially in this war," was the answer. "How is it that you are not attached?" asked Alfred. "Immediately after the Boer war I resigned, went to America, and engaged in business there. As soon as I could do so I disposed of my interests and came back two months ago. I was sent to this point two weeks ago, where, undoubtedly, I will be called upon to take a part," was the lieutenant's reply. That evening in their rooms, Ralph remarked: "I think we ought to stick pretty close to the lieutenant; there might be a chance for us there." "But suppose the colonel fixes it for us?" said Alfred. "Then we'll go," answered Ralph. "While we are waiting, suppose we make a trip to the trenches," suggested Ralph. "When? Tomorrow?" asked Alfred. "Why not?" replied Ralph. "Suppose we start early in the morning, as soon as we have breakfast," suggested Alfred. As they walked across the ground, preparatory to the start, in the morning they were accosted by the captain. "Which way?" he asked. "Going to take a look at the boys in the trenches," said Alfred.