"Then we'll make our dash for the Italian lines to-morrow night," said Chester.
"Agreed," said Colonel Anderson and Hal.
There was a call from without and a moment later a pleasant, dapper little officer stuck his head in the tent.
"General Brentz has told me to put myself at your service," he said.
"Perhaps you would like me to conduct you through the camp?"
The three friends were glad of this chance and followed him.
CHAPTER XXIV.
UNCLE JOHN "BUTTS IN."
"Well," said Chester to the young Austrian officer, as they were returning to their quarters an hour later, "you hold a remarkably strong position here. And still, if you are forced to fall back, then what?"
The Austrian smiled.
"We have considered all possibilities," he replied. "Back there," sweeping his arm about in a comprehensive gesture, "lies Gorizia, the key to Trieste, which naturally is the Italian goal in this section. Gorizia is exceptionally well fortified, as you well know. We could defend ourselves there indefinitely in the face of overwhelming numbers."