The doubts were soon dispelled. "Make a requisition for two motorcycles, to be placed in charge of Alfred and Ralph," the Captain said.
They danced about in a delirium of joy. "When can we have the machines?" asked Alfred, as he turned to the orderly.
"We have plenty of them in the warehouse."
The boys looked at the Captain. "Yes, go at once. Get used to them as quickly as possible. The General may want you any time," he ordered.
They saluted the officer, then started out with the orderly.
"I have a new pattern. It is a machine that is light and strong, and it is also made with two seats," he said. "That is the kind you ought to have. They are made so that scouts who use them can bring in a comrade or a wounded soldier."
One of the temporary sheds, erected less than a week before, was the warehouse for the cycle brigade, and here the orderly halted. After selecting two of the crates he had the attendants open them, to the delight of the eager boys.
Within an hour the machines were ready. Alfred was the first to take his lesson, and, with the instructor, they were soon away, taking their course toward Tirlemont, to the north.
Ralph was not yet well enough to be able to risk a trip, as his arm was not yet out of the sling, but when Alfred returned he saw Ralph examining his own machine.
He was delighted to see Alfred on the front seat, and at once met him with a volley of questions.