ing and danger they were in, and they were in no mood to be
trifled with. And at such times trifles that otherwise would be
laughed at assumed large proportions.

However, there was no help for it. The three chums, as did their
comrades in the trenches, ate their supper cold, and then, cleaning
themselves as best they could from the wet, sticky mud, they prepared
to get what sleep they might until it was their turn to go on duty
again.

The dugout was as comfortable as any of its kind, but it was not like
home, of course, and its accommodations were far short of even the
worst camps the Motor Boys had put up at during their many journeys.
Still there was not a word of complaint. It was war--war for
freedom--and discomforts were laughed at.

"Name of a name, how it rains! as our friends the French say,"
exclaimed Jerry, as he came into the dugout prepared to turn in, for
he had been sent on a message by an officer after supper.

"Hard?" asked Ned, who, like Bob, was in a sort of bunk.

"Hard? I should say so. Look; my tin hat is dented from the drops!"
and Jerry took it off and pretended to point out indentations made by
the rain drops. He shook his slicker, and a spray of moisture flew
about.

"Here! Quit that!" called a tall, lanky soldier from the bunk across
from Jerry. "If you want to give a moving picture of a Newfoundland
dog go outside! I'm just getting dry."

"Beg your pardon, old man!" exclaimed Jerry. "I didn't realize how wet
I was."

He took off some of his garments, hanging them where they might
possibly get partly dry by morning, and then turned in. Whether he and
his chums would get a peaceful night's sleep or not, depended on the
Huns across No Man's Land. If an attack was started it meant that the
soldiers in the dugouts, as well as those on guard in the trenches,
would have to jump into the fight. With this end in view, every one on
turning in for the night had his weapons ready, and few did more than
make an apology for undressing. That was left until they went on rest
billet. Guns, grenades and gas masks were in readiness for instant
use.

But the night passed undisturbed.

"Oh, for some hot coffee!" exclaimed Bob, as he tumbled out the next
morning in answer to the call to duty.

"Dry up!" ordered Jerry. "You ought to be glad to get it cold!"

"Well, I'll try to be," assented Bob. "Where's Ned?"

"Said he was going to see if he could get a bit of wood for a fire.
But if he finds an