Clair Hospital, the other to the chateau on the hill
behind the village. But it was an officer's car they used, and it
covered the distance less bumpily than had Charlie Bragg's ambulance.

"Mademoiselle," said Major Henri Marchand in his most punctilious way,
"it is in my heart to say much to you. I approve of you--I admire you.
Your courage is sublime--and your modesty and goodness equally so.

"Forgive the warm expressions of a Frenchman who appreciates your
attributes of character, as well as your graces of person. Believe me
your friend forever--your devoted and humble friend. And I trust your
future will be as bright as you deserve."

The day was just breaking as he thus bade her good-bye and Ruth
Fielding alighted from the machine at the gateway of the hospital.

She stood for a minute and watched the car disappear in the
semi-darkness with this faithful soldier of France sitting so upright
upon the rear seat. And she had once suspected him of disloyalty!

The sentinel presented arms as she went in. She climbed wearily to her
own little white cell that looked out toward the battle front. Already
the guns had begun--the big German guns, heralding an attack for which
the Americans were prepared, thanks to Tom Cameron!

The thundering echoes awoke Helen and Jennie. They scurried into
Ruth's little room to find her sitting on the side of her cot sipping
hot tea which she had made over her alcohol lamp.

"Where _have_ you been?" cried Helen. And Jennie chimed in with:

"Two whole nights and a day! It is disgraceful! Oh, Ruthie! Are you
really wedded?"

"I am wedded to my work," replied the girl of the Red Mill quietly.

"Dear, dear! How original!" drawled Jennie.

"What are those guns?" demanded Helen. "Aren't they going to stop
pretty soon?"

"They have merely begun. You are here in time to witness--from a
perfectly safe distance--a German drive. This sector will be plowed by
huge shells, and our brave boys in khaki will hold the German horde
back. It will be one of the hottest contested battles our boys have
experienced."

"Pooh! How do you know?" scoffed Helen.

"I warrant it will all be over in an hour," added Jennie. "What do you
know about it, Ruth Fielding? You haven't been over there to find out
what is in the mind of the Hun."

"_Haven't I_?"

Ruth Fielding hesitated. Should she tell them? What would these, her
two closest girl friends, say or think, if they knew what