Ned, Bob and Jerry on the Firing Line Part 27

Their orders were to remain quiet, and not to attack, but if the Americans came out of their trenches in force the German sentries were to fire their rifles, as many hand grenades and machine-gun rounds as possible, and then retreat, if they could, to the next line of trenches.

But when Professor Snodgra.s.s approached the lines alone, the Germans, instead of firing, thought they would capture him, and so the trio advanced stealthily on the scientist. The result has been seen.

"Well, it was a great piece of work," declared the lieutenant. "Not only the capture, but because we learned that the Germans are falling back. This may change our plans somewhat. I must report to headquarters. And you, Professor Snodgra.s.s, had better come with me."

"But what about my insects?"

"They will have to wait, I'm afraid. Besides, there will be no heavy firing now. Later--well, I'm afraid I can't tell you of that now. It's a secret. But I think you'll soon have a chance to hear all the heavy firing you want."

"I wonder what he meant?" asked Ned, of his chums, as the professor, returning his "infernal" insect moving-picture machine to his quarters went away with the officer.

"Maybe we're going to make a big attack," suggested Bob.

"Perhaps," a.s.sented Jerry. "I heard some rumors of it. Well, we'll have to wait and see."

They did not have to wait long, for that day began preparations which, to those who understood, indicated that a great attack was imminent.

Great stores of sh.e.l.l and ammunition were brought up under cover of darkness to the firing line. Big guns were shifted in position and well camouflaged. And there also arrived at the front where the Motor Boys were stationed several batteries of those wonderful French seventy-fives, those guns which did so much to win the war, the secret of which the Germans tried in vain to learn.

It was after several days of hard work, during which they saw little of Professor Snodgra.s.s, that Bob, seeking out his chums one afternoon, said:

"Guess what's up!"

"Can't," Ned replied.

"Go on! Tell us!" cried Jerry.

"We're going to have a lot of doughnuts and chocolate candy!" cried Bob.

"Doughnuts!" shouted Jerry.

"Chocolate!" echoed Ned. "Where is it?"

"Safe," laughed Chunky. "I struck a Salvation Army man with an extra supply and I took all he'd give me. They're hidden in the trench, near where we go on duty, and to-night we'll have a feast!"

"Good for you, Chunky!" cried Jerry. "I always said you were all right!"

"Same here!" added Ned.

And that night, when the three chums were about to go on duty in the dismal trenches, Bob led them to a little place he had hollowed out under a rock, and lined with boards. It was a hiding place known to all three.

"We can stick the stuff in our pockets," he said, "and eat it when we get hungry. Things are so upset, getting ready for a big offensive, I guess, that maybe the rations won't come up on time. But we'll be fixed, anyhow."

He opened the secret place, and then, as he reached his hand in and drew it out empty, a queer look came over his face.

"What's the matter?" asked Jerry.

"It's gone!" faltered Bob.

Consternation showed on the faces of all three. Ned and Jerry made a careful examination of the hiding place after Bob. There was no doubt of it--the treasure was gone! And sweets were really a treasure to the men in the trenches.

"Who took 'em?" faltered Bob.

Jerry looked about, flashed his electric pocket lamp, for the trenches were in the shadow now. Suddenly he picked up a knife, and, as he held it in his hand, he exclaimed:

"Noddy Nixon's! He's been up to his rotten tricks again!"

CHAPTER XXIV

"S. I. W."

There seemed no doubt on the subject, at least in the minds of the three Motor Boys. Bob knew full well that he had left the treat of sweet things in the hole in the wall of his trench. Now the hole was empty, and a knife with Noddy Nixon's name on it was picked up at the very spot. It surely indicated that Noddy had been there, and it needed no very discerning mind, after one was acquainted with the character of Nixon, to say that he was the guilty one.

"What'll we do?" gasped Bob.

"Let's go and accuse him and get the stuff away!" suggested Ned.

"Maybe he hasn't eaten it all yet."

"Not much chance but what he has," commented Jerry. "It wouldn't last long with him and his crowd. Still I'm in favor of letting him know we're on to his game. Let's go and have it out with him."

But this was not to be. Just as the three chums were about to go from their part of the trench to that where Noddy Nixon was stationed, the signal sounded for Ned, Bob, and Jerry to take their places on official duty.

"Too late!" exclaimed Bob. "We can't reach him now, and he'll eat it all up."

"The pig!" muttered Ned.

And they had to let the matter rest there. They could not ask to be relieved from trench sentry work to go and get back, possibly, doughnuts and chocolate stolen by Noddy Nixon. It was too trivial a matter from a military standpoint, though to Ned, Bob, and Jerry, forced to be on duty during the long, wet, dreary night, it meant a great deal.

But it was another of the fortunes of war, and it had to be borne.

However, it was not as bad as it might have been, for during the night a relief party came along with hot chocolate, and this was grateful to the lads in the trenches.

"But I'll have it out with Noddy to-day!" declared Bob as he and his chums went off duty in the morning. "I'll turn him upside down; that's what I'll do!"

But again his plans went astray, for orders came from headquarters, shifting many of the regiments, and the three friends found themselves on the move, without a chance to see Noddy.

"But his company moves, too," declared Ned, who had made some inquiries. "He's in the same division we are, and we'll see him when we get settled again."

But they did not see Noddy Nixon again for some time, though they heard of him, and under tragic circ.u.mstances.

The guess the boys had made about a great offensive was a correct one.

The time had come for the turning point in the war, and the backward movement of the British and French was about to stop. The American forces were increasing, and now General Foch was able to put into practice the strategy he had so long waited for. He could attack, and with great hope of succeeding. The turning point had been reached.

There were rumors and all sorts of stories floating around the camp.

Ned, Bob and Jerry had been moved to the north and farther toward the great Hindenburg line which was so soon to be pierced, impregnable though the Germans boasted it.