ll pronounced a "fine
feed."

They rested for several hours and then were again ordered to fall in.
The march was begun to the docks, where three steamers to be used as
transports were being loaded with provisions and ammunition.

Together with other American troops which had been awaiting their
arrival, they went aboard the transports, but it was not till long after
midnight that they were under way.

Not a light was permitted on board. Not even the officers were allowed
to strike a match or to smoke. No unnecessary noises were permitted, and
the whole proceeding spoke of the secrecy of war work and the danger of
revealing their plans or their whereabouts to any prowling enemy.

With the dawn, scores of the men were on deck, including Joe, Jerry and
Slim--and they were well within sight of land. Preparations already
were being made for their landing, and a great excitement prevailed on
each of the ships. Their long-held hopes were coming to fruition.

France at last!

CHAPTER XI

TAPPING THE ENEMY'S WIRE

The following morning all of those who had arrived on the transports
were established in a concentration camp, but it was merely for the
purpose of inspection of men and equipment, and was not to be for long.
It was that same day that the three boys from Brighton were for the
first time assigned to a regular unit of the Signal Corps.

Also, with a real thrill, they learned that they were almost immediately
to see war service, for American troops were already in the trenches.

It was a happy circumstance for the three lads that they had had such
close association with Lieutenant Mackinson, for, without question, he
already had gained an enviable reputation, and when he was ordered to
emergency service, and told he might choose the five men who were to be
under his direction, his three assistants on the trip across were the
first ones named.

The other two were Tom Rawle, a fellow proportioned like their first
friend in the service, Sergeant Martin, and a wiry, energetic,
quick-speaking youth named Frank Hoskins.

"We have a long trip before us," Lieutenant Mackinson informed them,
"and we leave here on a special train in two hours. In a short time we
will be in the thick of it."

It was joyous information for the five, and they set about their few
preparations with a zest only experienced by boys knowing they have
important work to do, and feeling capable of doing it well.

"How long have you