Evidently the boys had already taken his measure and formulated their policy, for one answered,
"Peace has been declared and they're trying to decide whether we'd better take Berlin or have it sent C.O.D."
"A soldier I met a couple of miles back," said Tom, "told me to tell you to give 'em Hell."
It was characteristic of him that although he never used profanity he delivered the soldier's message exactly as it had been given him.
CHAPTER FIVE
GETTING READY
Tom wheeled his machine over to a long brick cottage which stood flush with the road and attended to it with the same care and affection as a man might show a favorite horse. Then he sat down with several others on a long stone bench and waited.
There was something in the very air which told him that important matters were impending and though he believed that they had not expected him to arrive just at this time he wondered whether he might not be utilized now that he was here. So he sat quietly where he was, observant of everything, but asking no questions.