g was the start of the Big Show!

All the pilots were present at this meal save Siddons, who had taken off
alone, in a two-seater, a few minutes before sundown. He had let it be
known that he was reporting to Observation for special duty, and no one
seemed sorry to see him go.

The evening meal was scarcely finished when McGee and Larkin were forced
to withdraw from the good-natured kidding match by a summons to report
to Major Cowan. They obeyed, grumbling, and with heated, spirited
contention that they were beyond doubt the most command-ridden
lieutenants in the entire A.E.F.

"He wants to spend half the night with those maps all of us have been
getting goggle-eyed over for the last two days," Larkin complained as
they approached Cowan's hut. "He's a map hound, if there ever was one! I
think that bird knows every trench line, strong point, pill box and
artillery P.C., between here and Sedan. And so do I! He's pounded it
into my head."

"I wish I knew as much," McGee quickly resigned himself. "This drive is
all so sudden and unexpected, to me, that I hardly know where I am right
now. I've an idea the Old Man is going to tell me I can't go along."

"Don't worry, fellow," Larkin told him, pausing at the Major's door.
"Every guy with two arms, two legs and two eyes will be along on this
little fracas. Believe me, this is to be some show!"

As they entered they noticed that Cowan stood with his back to the door,
bending over a large map spread out on the table.

"What did I tell you?" Larkin whispered to McGee. "We're in for a
session of night map flying."

McGee did not hear him. His interest was upon a sergeant and four
privates who were seated on a bench against the wall just to the right
of the door. He noted that they wore side arms only, and that on their
sleeves were the blue and white brassards of the Military Police. M.P.,
eh? Then something was up!

Cowan turned from his map. "Ah, you are here. Sergeant," he addressed
the non-com in charge of the detail, "post your detail just outside the
door and wait. If anyone approaches with a--ah--prisoner, admit them."

"Yes, sir." The detail filed out.

Cowan saw the look of question on the faces of the two pilots.

"You are wondering why they are here, eh? Well, they have been sent down
from Corps Headquarters to take charge of a prisoner. We hope to hold a
little reception here within a short time--possibly any minute now."

"Who is to be honored, Major?"