"I never was as hungry in my life," said Ralph.
"Do you know why?" answered Alfred.
"Come to think of it, we didn't get anything to eat at noon," was Ralph's answer.
After alighting from the cars, their first mission was to seek a restaurant, and from that point they soon reached the post office, only to be again disappointed. At the telegraph office they had the same bad luck.
"I wonder where father is?" said Alfred.
"I suppose we shall have to go, whether we want to or not," suggested Ralph. "Let us inquire at the transportation office."
At the main office they soon learned that the troops from England were occupying every coach, motor wagon and bus that was in sight, and that there was no encouragement in that direction. But an idea occurred to Alfred.
"We belong to the army, don't we?" he said.
"Suppose we apply as soldiers, and tell them we must get to Paris at once."
They reached the main office of the Army transportation service, and boldly made their way to the room indicated by an attendant. In a few moments they were ushered in, and saw at least a score or more soldiers and officers in the room, at one end of which sat a white-haired officer, and several other officers, issuing orders.