"And it is 5 kilometers, 52 centimeters distant, and a little over, as the plus mark indicates," said the captain. "Now, if that is the distance to the place over there, we have the exact range also for the other point, 7 kilometers and 47 centimeters beyond. The question in my mind is," said the officer, "has it reference to a battery location?" "Have you figured out the distance of 5.52 kilometers in miles?" asked the captain. "Yes; it is a trifle over three and a half miles, or to be exact, 18,488 feet," said the officer. "You see that corresponds within a hundred feet or so of the triangulated measurement we made of the hill," said the captain. "One thing is sure, however, that if their big battery is on that hill, or near it, they have some way of protecting it, for they are doing as much damage with it as the first day we started in," said the officer addressed. CHAPTER XII FINDING THE ENEMY'S BATTERY "I think it is a very fortunate circumstance that we have found this range mark," said the captain, turning to the boys. "It is a remarkable evidence that your training has been in the right direction. This discovery entitles you to special mention in my report. Take the names of these young men," he said, addressing an officer, "and also the address, so that due credit may be given them." "Where are you staying?" asked the officer. "At the main camp north of Corbie," answered Ralph. "Colonel Winston knows us, and he has promised to get us in the artillery." "Then you really want to be put to work!" asked the commandant. "Yes; that is why we left the aviation service, after our friend was killed," said Alfred. "How would our battery suit you?" asked the commandant with a smile. "Oh, it would be just what we want," answered Ralph quickly. "We can do anything; if you'll only try us." "Then come along and help us tomorrow when we alter our range," said the commandant. "Here, Frisky! come on!" said Alfred, as the animal was still pawing and sniffing around. "I suppose he can go along, too, may he?" The group was immensely amused at the request. "We might make him the mascot of the battery," said one of them. As they were walking up the hill, one of the great guns resounded, soon followed by another crash. "How long do you keep it up at a time?" asked Alfred. "Usually an hour; but I presume there will be no more firing after we reach the battery. The revelations of that stone will necessitate some revision and calculation," was the answer. Arriving at the dug-outs, the first care of the commandant was to give orders for the housing of the boys, and Frisky was provided with a cozy place. "I suppose he'll go back to the cottage this evening or tomorrow. The old man said that he returned to the house every day," said Ralph.