aw him before. Was that really he?"

General Petain was the man made famous by his splendid defense of
Verdun and he was a popular hero with the soldiers.

"Who was the third man?" asked Earl.

"I don't know who he was."

The first faint streaks of dawn were just beginning to color the
eastern sky as the little party stopped in front of a vine-covered
cottage, just to one side of the aviation field.

"Here I leave you," announced their guide. "You are to report to Major
Villier." He immediately turned on his heel and walked away.

Jacques led the way inside. The young soldiers were evidently expected
for they were led without delay into the presence of an officer seated
under a lamp, intently studying a map. He looked up as the three boys
entered the room.

"Which one of you is Private Dineau?" he inquired.

"I am," announced Jacques stepping forward.

"Good," exclaimed the major. "Here are dispatches which you are to
deliver to Colonel Erhard. He is in command at the village of Flambeau
in the Vosges Mountains. The dispatches are important and should reach
him at the earliest possible moment." As he spoke he handed a small
packet to Jacques.

"Your aeroplane is waiting for you," he continued. "It will contain
everything you will have need of and I wish you a good trip and a safe
return, I would suggest that your two aides who look so very much alike
go and see that everything is in readiness. Meanwhile I will point out
Flambeau to you on the map and the best route for you to follow."

The major smiled at the two brothers who immediately departed, and
guided by a soldier hastened across the aviation field to the spot
where a big armored monoplane was just being trundled out of its
hangar. A machine-gun was mounted on board and several bombs were also
to be carried.

"Here are coats for you," said one of the men as the two brothers
approached the machine. "You will find it cold up among the clouds
today."

"How about food?" inquired Earl. He was always particular about that.

"Two days' rations for three men," said the soldier. "That is more
than you'll need if all goes well but it's a good plan to be prepared."

"I think so too," agreed Earl. "What horsepower is this machine?"

"One hundred."

"Whew!" whistled Earl. "She ought to be able to make time."

"She can," said the soldier confidently. "Just wait until young Dineau
gets hold of her. He'll make her sail; he's a wonder, tha