have come back here to consult with Von Berthold
about how to hold the Americans tight," chuckled Jack, as if according
to his way of thinking they would have all their trouble for their
pains, as there was nothing that the Hun army could attempt capable of
effecting that end.

"Just as like as not," his chum assented. "And as it's a serious
subject, they're staying late to-night."

"Good reason," chortled the other; "because in three more days old Von
will have to be vacating his comfy quarters here, and moving back in the
direction of Sedan. Pershing wants this ridge, and means to take it in
double-quick time, once we're out of the Argonne Forest. But do you
think the fact that there's company around will upset our plans, Tom?"

"I'd rather believe it will help us in one way," replied his chum.

"How?"

"In the first place, it's apt to keep the general busy, and we'll know
just where he is. That'll be worth something to us. Then again, we've
got to consider how these generals got over here from the fighting
front."

"Oh, they happen to have motor cars they can use," said Jack quickly.
Any shortage of gasoline doesn't stop German officers from speeding
across country, especially when on war business.

"Exactly," Tom said drily. "And it's some of their precious petrol that
we're wanting so badly right now, and to get which you're carrying that
little bucket."

At that the other chuckled as if highly amused.

"Well, what a gump I was not to think of that myself," he observed.
"Why of course we may find a chance to borrow a gallon or two from the
reservoir of their car, if only the soldier chauffeur happens to stray
away to get a cold snack in the kitchen of the general's headquarters,
or something like that. Tom, it's a peach of a scheme, and so simple!"

"All right, well go ahead then. And close up again, please, unless you
hit on another important discovery, when I give you leave to whisper it
in my ear."

The advance was resumed. The air service boys now started to climb quite
an incline, proving that the road which they had been following latterly
must pass close to the chateau.

Now and then they caught fresh glimpses of the building that stood out
in bold relief against the heavens. They also noted that the lights
still continued to shine in the right wing of the building. This must be
the uninjured part, Jack imagined, if indeed the chateau had been partly
wrecked by the Germans before the general