be recognized for a German
plane, and we were afraid we'd be fired on before we could make our
identity known."

Led by the lieutenant and Jerry, the party tramped back to where,
shortly, mess was to be served.

"That air certainly does give a fellow an appetite," said Jerry, as he
splashed more of the clear cold water over his face.

An orderly stepped up to Lieutenant Mackinson and handed him a large,
officially stamped envelope. As he tore it open and read the brief note
within, a pleased smile spread over his face. From the same envelope he
extracted three smaller ones. He handed one to each of the lads who had
accompanied him over on the _Everett_, according to the way they were
addressed.

Opening them, the boys could hardly suppress their jubilation. Stripped
of their official verbiage, the letters informed the young men that each
of them was made a corporal, Joe for valorous service in saving the
lives of "three Americans entombed in a cave; Slim for heroism and
presence of mind in saving and bringing back to the lines an American
soldier," and Jerry "for coolness and courage, and for the information
gathered behind the enemy's lines."

CHAPTER XVI

A TIGHT PLACE

Major Jones was paying his compliments in a very brusque, business-like,
but kindly way. Before him, standing at attention, Lieutenant Mackinson
and Corporals Joe Harned, Jerry Macklin and Slim Goodwin were awaiting
important orders.

"The manner in which all of you have performed your duties in the past
has won you the esteem and confidence of your commanding officers,"
Major Jones said.

"Your striking services not only have led to promotion, but to another
important trust, upon which much may depend. Through the mountains to
the east of us a company of engineers is cutting a rough road. They work
under great handicaps and frequently are harassed by enemy detachments.
But they are making progress.

"This road is being cut for the purpose of permitting the passage of a
wireless tractor, of which you men are to be in charge. Through a part
of that section an old telegraph line still remains, but it does not
connect in a direction to meet our requirements.

"Reports received this morning indicate that by night the engineers will
have put the road through to a selected point where you will have the
least difficulty in concealing your tractor and its aerials. From your
position there you will keep constant vigil, for you will be abl