CHAPTER XII
STUBBS EXPLAINS
“Come along, Stubbs,” said Chester. “Time is growing short. Fritz is likely to open fire most any minute.”
“And the first shot is sure to hit me,” said Stubbs. “Well, I can run if I have to.”
He sprang out of the shell crater as he spoke and made for the American lines at full speed.
“Guess we might as well do a little sprint ourselves,” said Hal.
The two lads dashed after Stubbs.
Stubbs was surrounded by a crowd of soldiers when Hal and Chester clambered into the trenches. There was amazement on the faces of most of the men at the fact that a man should appear from No Man’s Land and not be attired in uniform; for Stubbs wore only a plain khaki suit, cut after the fashion of military garments, it is true, but still plainly not a uniform.
“Glad to see you boys again,” said Stubbs, as Hal and Chester walked up to him. “Where’ve you been all these days?”
“Fighting,” said Chester, “which is more than you can say, Mr. Stubbs.”
“That so?” said Stubbs in a huff. “Maybe you think I was out in No Man’s Land there for my health, eh?”