"No, I am afraid he is done for; he has an awful cut across the head," answered Alfred. "But come on; we can't wait to get information here."
Another machine appeared as the vans driven by Alfred and Ralph were getting under way.
"This way! this way!" shouted a voice on the fourth machine. "Down to the left; and don't waste a minute if you don't want to be blown from the face of the earth."
A cavalryman sped past, waving his carbine, and rounded up Alfred. "Go back quickly; turn to the left."
Ralph was caught in time; they rounded the crest of a little hill, and then, for the first time, the rear batteries came into view, and a mile beyond, rows of sheds appeared in sight.
"That is your place," shouted the man on horseback. "Follow the row of trees to the right, but don't cross the bridge."
The throttle was thrown on full speed, and, although the roads were fearfully cut up, and great holes appeared at every turn, which had to be avoided, they never stopped the maddening race until the first guard line was reached.
As they turned into the compound where a division was quartered, a speedy motor car dashed out, and, halting before Alfred's car, signaled for him to stop.
"Did you all get through?" shouted an officer.
"We left two behind," said Alfred.