"If we must go down in defeat," yawned Reade, "I believe we may at least look for the satisfaction of carrying a few Huns with us. I believe I have forgotten to mention the fact that I have my automatic pistol with me. It's hidden, but I could show it to you." "I'm glad you have it," murmured Dick, as he closed his eyes. "I never before felt the desire to slay human beings, but since I've struck the French front I've had a constant desire to kill Huns!" "To-night, then," said Reade drowsily, "we may find the chance both to kill Huns and get back to the French lines." CHAPTER XXIII THE DASH TO GET BACK TO PERSHING "After dark, by a whole hour!" whispered Reade, after waking, striking a match and looking at his wrist watch. "Hustle, Dick!" Tom's next act was to light a candle. "Want supper?" he asked. "I could eat it," Prescott replied. "But what's the use?" "What do you mean?" "Why waste time with eating when there's the slimmest chance to get away?" Dick continued. "It may be hours before we can really put our plan into execution." "Our plan?" repeated Dick. "What on earth did I have to do with making the plan? But, if you feel that we're not wasting time over a supper I'll admit that I am ready to eat." So Reade summoned their host, as before. "Is the night good and foggy?" Tom asked, when the aged peasant appeared. "There is not a trace of fog, monsieur," was the reply. "Still, the sky is cloudy, and the night is dark." "That's only second-best weather," grumbled Reade. "However, I'm impatient to have a try to-night. I think we will try for it. Can you help us?" "Undoubtedly I can find out how clear the coast is," replied the old man. "I would be glad to do far more than that for you." "If you can supply us with supper," Tom proposed, "and then find out the news, it will be a great service." Later, while the chums ate, the old peasant went abroad. Tom and Dick were waiting impatiently until he returned. "All is as well as it will be any night," the Frenchman reported, and added details. "We'll try it, then," Reade decided, after glancing at Prescott, who nodded. "And may you succeed!" cried the old peasant fervently. "And may you both come safely through the war, and have the good fortune to slay Huns and Huns and Huns!" "Promise me, my good old friend, to use your axe only for chopping wood," Dick urged, "And I will promise to think of you whenever I have the chance to destroy a Hun." "It is a bargain, then!" cried their host. "It will be kept, on my side," Dick rejoined gravely. "And on mine, too," agreed the old man. It was quiet abroad when the three stealthily left the house. The Americans had wished to leave a word of cheer with the peasant's wife, but she had fallen asleep and they would not disturb her. Through a wood and across fields their guide led the young Americans until they neared the spot they sought.