The girls, though of Swedish parentage, were citizens of the United States, as the fathers of both were naturalized; therefore, the diplomatic channels of Sweden were closed to them, as the money had been left in Professor Snodgrass’ care. The Red Cross might aid, as a last resort, and if that failed all that could be done was to wait until after the war and then seek them out, if the two nieces were still alive.
So, having dispatched several letters by different routes, Professor Snodgrass prepared to spend some time with the boys.
“I might as well study the effect here of noises on insects, as to go back where I was,” he said. “Here I shall be nearer those two young ladies, if I can ever find a chance to reach them. We are heading toward Metz, are we not?”
“Yes, and we’ll get there,” declared Jerry, for 182 by this time enough of General Pershing’s plans had developed to show that his armies had this town for one of its objectives. But there was still a long way to go.
True to his determination, Jerry went back to the front with his chums, and Professor Snodgrass, by virtue of special permission, accompanied them. The chums were welcomed by their comrades, and once more took up the life of the trenches.
It was one afternoon, just before time for them to be relieved, that Ned, Bob, and Jerry had their attention drawn to a stretch of No Man’s Land in front of them, by hearing some of their comrades say:
“Look at the bug-hunter! What in the name of Billie Bejinks is he doing out there? He’ll be bowled over by a German bullet just as sure as guns!”
The three lads looked, and, to their surprise and horror, saw Professor Snodgrass with something supported on his back and partly in his arms, walking across No Man’s Land in the direction of the German trenches as unconcernedly as though peace had been declared.
“Look at him!” yelled Ned.
“We’ve got to get him back!” cried Jerry.