"What kind of work?" asked Chester.
"Oh, just a little mission that would take us into the Austrian lines. General Ferrari wants a little information, and he has selected me to go after it. I've got to have a couple of companions."
"By Jove, Chester! Here's a chance for us," declared Hal. "We'll go along, and who knows, perhaps we may have a chance to help Uncle John, too."
"Good!" agreed Chester. "What do you say, colonel?"
"I am afraid the general would not hear of it," replied the colonel, with a slight smile. "For my part, if you are willing I should be glad to have you with me. I know you are to be depended upon and I have great confidence in your resourcefulness."
"Let's go and see the general," said Chester.
Colonel Anderson offered no protest to this and a few moments later
Chester put his request to General Ferrari.
"H-m-m," said the general, musing for a while. Then he gave his decision. "All right," he said; "but first, I want to impress one thing upon you. Your work of trying to release your Uncle John, as you call him, must be a secondary matter. The mission you are undertaking will permit of no delay. Do you agree to that?"
"Yes, sir," replied both lads, without an instant's hesitation.
"You say you hold commissions in the Belgian army?" asked the general.