was the cause
of his own anxieties and probable losses.

Vast were the preparations that went on for the advance against the
enemy. Never was there such a collection of cannon, large and small.
Never was there such a store of powder and shell. The back lines were
like a hundred arsenals turned into one. Food, too, there was in great
quantities, for it has been well said that an army fights on its
stomach, and there must be no lack of nourishment when the troops went
forward, as they were destined to do.

All these war-like preparations the three chums noted with every
manifestation of delight. They wanted to whip the Hun, and whip him
well, and all this argued for success. The soldiers knew they would be
well backed-up as they went forward, and forward they were going.

Orders were given that every man must look well to himself
personally--to his uniform, his belongings, and his weapons. All gas
masks were tested, and those in use for some time, or which showed the
least defect, were thrown away and new ones issued. There must be no
holding up of the advance once it had begun, because of poison gas.
And it could not be doubted but what the Germans would use it
lavishly.

Rifles and hand grenades, likewise, were looked to. Everything must be
in readiness so there would not be an instant of unnecessary delay.
But it was the store of cannon and ammunition back of the firing lines
that was most amazing.

The three chums, being sent on duty to the rear one day, had a chance
to observe some of the measures being taken there to insure the defeat
of the Kaiser's troops. The ground was fairly covered with ammunition
boxes and shells--well concealed from hostile airmen, of course, even
had they been able to pass that far to the rear. And the guns, large
and small, lined up ready for the forward movement, were wheel to
wheel for miles and miles in extent. The greatest artillery firing in
the history of the world was about to take place.

"If the professor wants to see the effect of a rattle-te-bang on his
bugs he'll soon get his chance," said Jerry, and his chums could only
agree with him.

"I only wish one thing," remarked Bob, as they prepared to go back to
the front, after having accomplished their mission.

"What?" asked Ned.

"I'd like to have it out with Noddy Nixon before the big show. I just
want to get one whack at him for taking our wood and those doughnuts
and cakes of chocolate. Just one whack!"

But thi