Then at one time the boys had to get out of the way when a squadron of hard-riding cavalry swept past. Jack again believed many of these men must have come from the Canadian Northwest, for they sat their saddles after the free and easy fashion of cowboys. He was almost tempted to give vent to a whoop just to see if some of them would answer; but discretion or second thought caused him to forego this, as it could do them no good, and might get them into trouble.
“Here comes a van heading our way,” called out Amos, about half an hour after they had left Ypres, “and it seems to be nearly empty for a change. Most of them are chock full of Tommies being rushed forward. Jack, will you make the try with that paper the general gave us?”
“Surely,” returned the other, “if we can get them to stop. Here’s a bad spot in the road, and they’ll have to go slow in passing. Now to see what luck we have.”
When Jack made motions indicating that he wanted the driver of the motor van to stop, possibly that worthy, seeing the bad spot in the road, feared he might become mired. At any rate he pulled up. Jack had his paper ready, and stepping up shoved it up at the chauffeur, who was undoubtedly a Britisher, perhaps one who had up to recently been driving some business van or motor ’bus in the congested streets of London.
“Please read this communication given to us by the general in command,” was what the boy said, without any show of bluster.
When the chauffeur glanced over the brief but pointed order that every one in authority should render assistance to the bearer and his companion, he knew instinctively what was wanted, for he at once made room on the seat.
“If you want to go along, get aboard, young fellows!” he said, and without waiting for further invitation they both clambered up alongside, after which the big van started on again, bent on taking another load of wounded to the hospitals in the rear, perhaps at Dunkirk.
Amos noticed that the bottom of the van was covered with fresh hay, and he was glad to discover no signs of previous occupancy.
The driver was curious to know why two boys were roaming around close to where tens of thousands of soldiers were engaged in the gruesome task of killing each other; it was only natural he should feel this way, for that document he had examined, signed by the general, told him Jack and Amos were no ordinary strollers bent on seeing the sights.
Jack thought it best to tell him just a little so that he might understand how they stood in with the commander-in-chief at Ypres Headquarters. It was as small a compensation as they could make in return for being given such a splendid lift on their way.