lk, and he was
very very glad to go into the tent with Carstairs and Wharton. He
received two blankets, and, putting one under him and the other over
him, he lay near the open flap, where he could get a good view of much
that was going on outside.

He soon saw that it was to be no storm of thunder and lightning, but a
heavy soaking rain. The air too had turned colder, and he was grateful
for the blankets. He was becoming inured to hardship so fast that they
and the tent were as luxurious to him as a modern hotel would have
seemed two weeks before.

Carstairs and Wharton, after a short combat in words, fell sound asleep,
but John lingered a little. He saw the fires burning smokily, and French
soldiers passing before the blaze. From where he lay he could also see
far out upon the plain that lay before them. But everything there was
veiled in heavy mists and low clouds. Although an army of perhaps a
hundred thousand men was only a short distance away the night disclosed
no trace of it.

The rain began to fall soon, coming down as John had foreseen in a
strong, steady pour. The sound on the heavy canvas was so soothing that
his nerves relaxed and he slept. He was awakened at an unearthly hour by
the strong hand of Captain Colton pulling at his shoulder.

As soon as John realized that it was his commanding officer he sprang to
his feet and saluted, although his eyes were yet heavy with sleep. It
was still raining and the water poured from a heavy cape coat that
Captain Colton wore over his uniform. Carstairs and Wharton were already
on their feet.

"You three are chosen for a mission," said Captain Colton, "and I'll
tell it to you as briefly as I can. We've received news tonight that
another German force is coming from the northeast. If it gets upon our
flank we're lost, but there is a French army, and perhaps an English
force with it or near it to the west. If they can be brought up in time
they will protect our flank and save us--and also themselves. But we
must have trusty messengers. The flying machines can do little in the
storm. So we fall back on the ancient agencies. Can you ride, Mr.
Scott?"

"Yes sir."

"Then you three are to go at once. Other messengers will ride forth, but
I should feel very proud, if it were the Strangers who brought help."

The little appeal was not lost on the three. He rapidly gave them
instructions about the point, at which the second French force was
supposed to be, and told them