Ralph rushed across the intervening space, and presented the paper to a Red Cross nurse, who smiled sweetly as she glanced at the paper, and looked inquiringly at Ralph. She then turned, seized three packages, and handed them to Ralph, while he thanked her and quickly rushed away. The packages were stored in the van, water was supplied to the containers in the vehicle, and the moment the last article was on board, the van started.
The boys were both within, as well as three men and a surgeon. They had heard no orders, but knew they were bound for the battlefield. There was no talking indulged in. The men were too intently engaged in listening to the din of the conflict, and watching the soldiers moving to and fro.
"Has there been much of a fight?" asked Ralph.
"They have been at it all morning," said one of the men. Then, glancing at the boys, he continued: "But this is a bad place for you youngsters."
"I am afraid you will regret it before you return. The scenes are awful," continued the man.
"We know what it is," said Alfred. "We saw the worst kind of fighting in Belgium."
"We were with the English in the battle east of Soissons, and had some experience there," said Ralph.
"Aren't you English?" asked the surgeon.
"Oh, no; we're Americans," replied Alfred.