The lieutenant won the cross for the exploit, and the boys received honorable mention from the government. CHAPTER XIII A DARING BOMB RAID TO THE RHINE The exploits of the lieutenant and the boys soon became the talk of the camp. From enemy sources more was learned later about the results of the destruction of the oil station, which fully confirmed the earlier reports of the great damage which had been done. Although up to this time there had been some objection raised against the flights of the boys it must be said that after that event there was no one to criticise them. During the winter months not much was done excepting scout work, as the weather was too severe for the men in the trenches to attempt any advances, but as the spring months came on everything became more active, thus imposing greater duty on the air fleet. Not much of personal interest to the boys took place until May, when the great raid was planned to attack the munition factories and chemical works at and near Ludwigshafen, on the Rhine. "Ralph, did you hear that there is going to be a big expedition this week right into Germany?" said Alfred, who had been with the lieutenant at headquarters early one morning. "No, although the boys are always talking about something of that kind," replied Ralph. "But this is a sure go; the lieutenant told me so a few minutes ago," responded Alfred. "Is the lieutenant going, do you know?" asked Ralph. "Yes, I suppose that is why he told me about it," answered Alfred. "I wonder whether they will let us go with him?" asked Ralph. "Well, I didn't ask him, but I looked at him pretty hard, and I guess he knows how we feel about it," answered Alfred. The rumor turned out to be true, for the following day orders were formally received to prepare eighteen machines for a raid to the Rhine. The lieutenant announced the news to the boys, and added: "I suppose, of course, you wouldn't like to go on such a venturesome mission?" "Go!" exclaimed both boys in unison. The lieutenant laughed. "Well, if you insist on it I shall have to take you with me. The Seraph (which was the name of their airplane, although it was officially known as No. 47) will be fixed to carry a dozen bombs for the occasion." "But how about the quick firer?" asked Ralph. "We must dispense with that on this trip. Bombs are more valuable," answered the lieutenant. "Well, aren't we going to take any guard ships along?" inquired Alfred. "Oh yes; six of the machines will be armed, but we must use every ounce we can carry on the Seraph. Before starting we must go over the route, as similar instructions will have to be issued to all of the flyers," remarked the lieutenant. "Do you know where we are to go?" asked Ralph.