the enemy for the second time. There is a house in that
direction, and it is occupied by the Prince of Auersperg, one of the
German generals."

He pointed where the chateau lay, and Bougainville uttered a shout:

"Ah!"

"He holds there a prisoner, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of the
great Philip Lannes, the aviator; and other Frenchwomen."

"Ah!" said Bougainville again.

"You will help rescue them, will you not?"

Bougainville smiled slightly.

"An army can't turn aside for the rescue of women," he replied, "but it
happens that this brigade, under General Vaugirard is marching forward
now to find, if possible, an opening between the German armies, and
you're the very man to lead it."

John's heart bounded with joy. He would be again with the general whom
he admired and trusted, and he would certainly guide the brigade
straight to the chateau.

"Is General Vaugirard near?" he asked.

"Just over the brow of this hill, down there where the dim light is
visible among the trees."

"Then take me to him at once."

CHAPTER XV

THE RESCUE

Escorted by Bougainville, John went down a little slope to a point where
several officers stood talking earnestly. The central figure was that of
a huge man who puffed out his cheeks as he spoke, and whose words and
movements were alive with energy. Even had he seen but a dim outline,
John would have recognized him with no difficulty as General Vaugirard,
and beside him stood de Rougemont.

Bougainville saluted and said;

"The American, John Scott, sir. He has just escaped from the enemy and
he brings important information."

Vaugirard puffed out his great cheeks and whistled with satisfaction.

"Ah, my young Yankee!" he said. "They cannot hold you!"

"No, my general," replied John, "I've come back again to fight for
France."

General Vaugirard looked at him keenly.

"You're exhausted," he said. "You've been under tremendous pressure."

"But I can guide you. I want neither sleep nor rest."

"You need both, as I can see with these two old eyes of mine. Sleep you
can't have now, but rest is yours. You go with me in my automobile,
which this war has trained to climb mountains, jump rivers, and crash
through forests. The motor has become a wonderful weapon of battle."

"May I ask one question, General?" said John.

"A dozen."

"Do you know where the aviator, Philip Lannes, is? His sister is held a
prisoner by a German general in a chateau toward