At the post office they had their first disappointment, and there was nothing at the telegraph office. They were perplexed at the absence of news, but consoled themselves with the thought that transportation from the Swiss frontier might be in the same condition as at the Western front, so they decided they would not remain long in the city. The city, containing a population of about 40,000, is located on the sand dunes. It takes its name from the old church of St. Eloi, and means _church on the dunes_. It has been in existence for over a thousand years, and was owned by the Dutch, the Spaniards, and the English, before it became permanent French territory. Passing through the principal square, on their way to the terminus of the tram cars, they saw crowds of people moving toward the main landing place of vessels. They followed, and witnessed the debarkation of the first vessel load of Red Cross supplies, accompanied by a large corps of physicians and Red Cross nurses. Fully fifty vans were taken from the ship and lined up, with their equipments, ready for a prompt start. A number of lorries (large motor trucks), carrying beds, bedding and like material, followed, and were placed behind the vans. "Do you know where they are going?" asked Ralph, addressing a young man in uniform. "To the general hospital, where they will be assigned to stations near the front," he replied. "Do you mean the general hospital near the aviation ground?" inquired Alfred. "Yes," was the answer. "Probably we can get a chance to ride there," said Ralph, addressing Alfred. The man overheard the remark, and quickly turned to the boys. "Are you attached to the flying squadron?" he asked. "Yes," replied Alfred. "Then they wouldn't object, I am sure," answered the officer, and he strode forward. After speaking a few words to one who seemed to be in charge, he motioned to them. "Get in, boys," he said. They were quick to respond, and, after thanking the officer, mounted one of the vans. Inside were three nurses and two physicians, who smiled at the boys. "So you are going to war, too?" said one of the nurses, as she made room for them. "Yes," said Alfred, rather shyly; "we are going back." "Going back?" remarked one of the doctors. "Did you say 'going back?'" he inquired. "Well, we were with the Belgian army from Liege to Antwerp, and came across the northern part of Belgium with them," said Alfred. "Then you must have seen some fighting?" asked one of the others, much interested. "Yes, indeed; we were in the first battles of the war," said Ralph. The information was certainly an interesting bit of news. From that time on the boys were the center of interest, and many questions were plied and answered. "But where are you bound now?" asked one of the doctors. "If I understand correctly, you are attached to the aviation corps, is that so?" "Yes, we are being put up by them, and we may do some flying in a few days," said Alfred.