"Let's go over there at once," said Ralph.
It was a long tramp to the top, made doubly tedious and difficult owing to the torn-up condition of the earth. This entire section had been shelled by the French for more than two weeks, and now, in turn, the Germans were bombarding the same region. It would be impossible to give an adequate idea of the nature of the fields over which they traveled. At every convenient spot the light field batteries were stationed, and after numerous inquiries the place selected for the famous battery was located.
Before noon the great field pieces were being transported in a long train through the narrow valley south of the river, while airplanes were circling around continually, a sure indication that something unusual was happening in that particular part of the front.
Below the hill to the west, and entirely out of sight of the German observation posts, was a deep ravine through which an emergency railroad had been operated, and a great tractor was drawing the guns headed for the depression.
"That's where they are going to land those guns," said Ralph in excitement. "Look at the men filing up along the ditch."
"Come on," shouted Alfred.
They rushed down the hill, and impatiently awaited the arrival of the first section. The great tractor paid no attention to the soft earth and the shell holes in its path. It rolled along serenely like a thing of life.
"Just in time, boys!" called out a voice from the ammunition van behind the gun.
"It's the sergeant," said Alfred.
"So it is," replied Ralph. "Do you want any help!" he asked, as he rushed over and walked alongside the heavy truck.