"Very good, Stubbles. We'll come at once." Stubbles was Captain Freeman's "dog-robber," or field cook, one of the privates of C Company. The steps of the departing officers soon quieted down and ceased. "Oh, Noll, we've got to get out of here now," breathed Private Overton in an agitated tone in his bunkie's ear. "Of course," retorted Private Terry. "We'll get out by airship, I suppose?" "No joking, old fellow. We've simply got to get out, and then we've got to run all the way to the blasted twin oaks. You remember the place?" "Perfectly," nodded Noll, though his bunkie could not see his head in the deep darkness of the interior of the cave. "We've got to get there on the jump," Hal whispered. "Not a minute to lose!" "Regardless of the fact that C Company is in camp all around us?" quizzed Noll. "Noll, I tell you, we've got to get through the lines at once!" "Make a break and run for it, trusting to luck and our ability to knock a lot of men down?" queried Terry. "No, sir! We've got to get out, and away from here, without letting a soul from C Company know that we've been within miles of here to-night!" "What nice, new problems you do put up!" murmured Noll ironically. "What earthly show, bunkie, have we to get out of here without being seen?" "Oh, we may be seen," admitted Hal, a new and desperate scheme flashing through his brain. "Then----" began Noll. "But not recognized, bunkie. See here, Noll, I'm going softly down to the mouth of the cave. From here you can see me, against what light there is in the sky. Watch me. If I wave my hand, come to me. Bring your rifle, too, but unfix the bayonet and return it to your belt." "But what----" "Noll, the company is at supper now. The men have something especial to think of while they're eating. If we just lounge through the camp together, with our hats well forward over our faces, and keep from going too close to the groups, I don't believe any one will give us any thought, or recognize us in the dark. Understand, we'll just saunter until we get outside the lines. Then we'll vanish and duck as softly and swiftly as we can." "By Jove, it's worth trying!" glowed Noll. "Yes; because it's the only single chance there is of our getting back to B Company in time with the news. Wait--and watch!" First Hal carefully took his own bayonet from the muzzle of his rifle, returning it to place at his belt. Then, on hands and knees, he crept forward to the mouth of the cave, cautiously peering beyond. At last he signaled back. In another moment Noll was by his side. "Now, step out, old fellow," whispered Hal, rising. "Don't betray any sign of trying to escape attention. But, if you're spoken to, make believe you don't hear. Keep up your nerve, bunkie! This is real work for good old B Company and victory!" In another instant the two soldier boys stepped carelessly out into plain sight, their sombreros drawn well down over their eyes.