"To see the commanding officer. I must deliver my orders," said Ralph.
"That is right," he answered. "Go to the north for a half kilometer, and cross to the west at the large stone house. I know these parts well."
Ralph did not mind the falling shots or the screaming shells so much now as he had at first. The message must be delivered, so he struggled across the field and met the men who were slowly moving back on the road.
"Where is the officer in command?" asked Ralph as he reached the first of the troops.
"Beyond a short distance," was the only answer.
He fairly flew down the road, and had the satisfaction of handing the message to the officer, who glanced at Ralph.
"How did you get across?" he asked.
"On my machine; but it was wrecked by a shell in the field below the stone house," said Ralph.
"Weren't you hurt?" he inquired.
"No, but it stunned me for a time," remarked Ralph.