“Something that may turn out to be worth while,” came the reply.
“Meaning you’ve struck a clue about the regiment to which Andre belongs–is that what it is?” continued Josh.
“Yes, and of course it’ll be our object to run across the same as soon as we can,” he was told; “because it’s beginning to strike me that we ought to get away from this war-stricken country. We’ve seen things that few boys ever could run across–things that’ll haunt us for a long time, I’m afraid.”
“I’m glad to hear you say that, Rod,” remarked Hanky Panky, white of face after his recent experiences; indeed, it was mostly on account of this comrade that Rod had made up his mind not to linger in that region an hour after their mission had been accomplished.
“There’s another thing I want to tell you, fellows, which is a bit more cheerful, I’m glad to say,” continued Rod. “Our supply of petrol is nearly exhausted, you must know, and getting another lot at a time like this might prove a pretty tough proposition.”
“I was just thinking about that!” declared Josh, “and had it on the tip of my tongue to ask you what we ought to do about it.”
“Well, fortunately it’s been made easy,” Rod informed him; “our good friend, the army surgeon, has given me a paper that will allow us to replenish our tanks at the general supply station which I’ve already located. He said it was little enough in recognition of the work we’ve been doing.”
Both the other boys declared that it was a splendid thing, and congratulated Rod on his forethought in looking out for the necessary supplies. Without liquid fuel with which to drive their speedy motorcycles they would find themselves in a “serious pickle,” as Josh said; for every gallon in the whole country had undoubtedly been seized by the military authorities–that is, what little the Germans had not discovered and confiscated while passing through.
Accordingly their first labor was to proceed to the tank, present the order given by the surgeon, who actually ruled the field hospital, and the man in charge readily allowed them to refill their reservoirs with the precious liquid.
It was with a thankful heart that Hanky Panky finally turned his back on the field hospital. He had passed through so many painful experiences since striking that place he felt as though his nerves had been badly rattled.