“There are,” said Ned. “But we aren’t the only ones who will be out of school. Lots of the boys are volunteering. And some have already gone to France to drive ambulances or fly aeroplanes. Fully a score of the fellows we know, and some we aren’t intimate with, won’t come back to Boxwood Hall.” “Are you sure about this?” asked his father. “I had it from Professor Snodgrass,” was the answer, for by the time of this family council the scientist had returned to Boxwood Hall. “And, what’s more, a lot of the members of the faculty are going to volunteer, also. Boxwood Hall won’t be the same place it was before the war.” “Well, in that case,” said Mr. Baker, “probably some rules will be made about those who drop out on account of volunteering. They may be given certain credits, and allowed to make up the lost time by degrees. I don’t see, Mrs. Hopkins and Mr. Slade, but what the boys have won their point.” “Then are we to consent to their enlisting?” asked Jerry’s mother, and she was not ashamed of the tears in her eyes nor the catch in her voice, for Jerry was an only son and his mother was a widow. When Jerry went there would be only his sister Susie left. “I shall consent to Ned’s going,” said Mr. Slade. “And Bob has my permission,” added Mr. Baker. “He’s getting too stout, anyhow. It may do him good.” “You may go, Jerry,” said Mrs. Hopkins. “Fine, Mother! I knew you’d say I might! And now, boys, let’s go and see Colonel Wentworth and find out what the next step is.” They hurried to their automobile and were soon speeding toward the office of the former soldier. He received them with delight, and gave them a letter of introduction to the recruiting officer at Richfield. “Let’s go right over and sign up!” proposed Ned eagerly. “Might as well,” added Ned. “How about it, Chunky?” “Well, I s’pose if we’re going to enlist we’ve got to sign, or do something, but I was thinking we might wait a few days and----” “Wait?” cried Jerry. “What for?” demanded Ned. Bob did not answer at once, but on his face there was a troubled look. His chums wondered what it meant. CHAPTER VIII A PRO-GERMAN MEETING “Look here, Chunky!” exclaimed Jerry, after a quick glance at Ned, “I may as well say what’s on my mind, and get it out of my system. Both Ned and I have been wondering about you, lately.” “Wondering about me?” “Yes, about the way you’re acting on this enlistment business. You want to volunteer and join the army, don’t you?” “Why, yes, sure I do.” “Well, you don’t act very happy over it,” put in Ned. “You were enthusiastic at the start, and then you simmered out. Are you getting cold feet? You’re not----” “I’m not _afraid_, if that’s what you mean!” blurted out Bob.