“Whatever the Doctor, Major Little, in command up there, tells you to do, do it,” was the order the boy received from the chief at the base hospital, “but your regular duty is to bring the wounded from the evacuation hospitals, or from the dressing stations to us, when so ordered. Of course, we don’t want to subject our men to the danger of going up to the lines any more than is absolutely necessary, and we surely do not want you to get hurt, my boy, but this war and the call of duty must be heeded first. Either the surgeons at the dressing stations or Major Little and his assistants at the cross-roads hospitals will tell you where to take the wounded. Critical cases are first operated on at the evacuation hospitals so as to save time, but shell shock, slight wounds, men not very seriously gassed, and merely sick men are brought here direct from the field. Hence it will be best for you, if there are no wounded to be brought away from the evacuation hospitals, to go to the dressing stations or into a battle area, to get the wounded in your car anyway you can. For the most part they will be brought to you by stretcher bearers; of course, some will come themselves. I see you have on your steel helmet. Wear it regularly. “You must prepare yourself for some horrible sights, my boy. Above all things, no matter how much you may be scared, and you will be, don’t lose your nerve. No one, especially at your age, can be blamed for being somewhat flabbergasted under fire, while seeing men killed, maimed, blown to bits by shells, and all that sort of thing, but you must try to overcome this. And be sure to have your gas-mask always handy. “Now then, have everything in tiptop shape according to our methods; you had better take a hot bath, wear clean under-clothing and brush your teeth. Get a good meal and be sure to take a lot of chocolate with you give out where needed. You should also have extra blankets in case you get hurt, or your car crippled and you have to sleep out. The weather is moderating now and I think it will continue so, but there will be cold rains. Now then, be off in an hour and good luck to you!” From such a general order, Don saw clearly enough that he would be his own boss a great deal of the time, and that much of his most important work must be carried on according to his own judgment. The boy of sixteen, who had never really engaged in anything more strenuous than mere sport, except the arresting of the German spy back home, was now brought face to face with the duties and responsibilities that were fully man-size. Don prepared himself quickly for any undertaking that might be before him. He made everything ready as the chief had suggested. He insisted also that the same be done by his helper, Billy Mearns, a city-bred young man who was just now getting familiar with handling and repairing a motor car.