at his jaw
had been shot away.

But at last Ruth saw his unmarred face so clearly that she could no
longer doubt his identity. It was Major Marchand. And yet, it was
Nicko!

"Pardon, Mademoiselle," said the officer softly. "It is necessary that
I go disguised at times. My poor friend, Nicko (perhaps you saw him at
the field hospital to which you were assigned for a week?), allows me
to dress like him and did, indeed, allow me to live in his house at
times. Now he has been removed from his home and fields with the rest."

"I think I understand, Major Marchand," she answered.

"I was much interested in a wounded Uhlan captain who was in that
hospital. He began by trying to bribe our poor Nicko, thinking the
chocolate peddler too weak-minded to be patriotic. He was mistaken,"
and the major nodded. "Had the Uhlan not died of his wounds I believe
I should have got something of moment from him."

Ruth shook her head and asked: "Where are you taking me? Oh! I
thought Charlie would have us over then!"

The major smiled. "Our friend, Monsieur Bragg, is faithful and wise;
but he drives like Jehu. I have engaged him to transport us a part of
the way."

"Part of the way to where?"

"To where we are going," Major Marchand replied dryly enough.

"But I was not exactly prepared, Major Marchand," Ruth said. "I am not
properly clothed. I wear slippers and I have no hat."

"Trouble not regarding that," he told her. "It would be impossible for
you to take a wardrobe across No Man's Land. An outfit of proper
clothing must be secured for you upon the other side."

"Will that be possible?"

"German women still dress in the mode, Mademoiselle. And the garments
you wear at Merz must bear the labels of Berlin tradesmen."

"Goodness! I never thought of that," admitted Ruth.

"Somebody must think of all the details," he said gently. "My brother
will attend to it all."

"Count Allaire?"

"Yes. He is a master of detail," and the major smiled and nodded.

"You speak as though I were sure of getting across," Ruth whispered.

"Have no doubt, Mademoiselle. We _must_ get over. Doubt never won in
a contest yet. Have courage."

After another minute of jouncing about in the furiously driven
ambulance, the girl continued her questioning:

"What am I to do first?"

"Do as you are told," he smiled.

"We are going toward the front now? Yes? And at what part of the line
can we cross?"

"There is but one pl