fuel to heat the coffee, though word went around that the traveling
kitchens were on their way toward the trenches.

Roger was right. Each side consolidated its positions, and each seemed
waiting for what the other might do. This state of affairs continued
for three days, during which the rain lasted. Save for an occasional
artillery duel at night, precipitated often by some nervous sentry
firing his rifle, there was no actual battle.

At the first chance, when he was off duty, Jimmy secured permission to
go back to their former headquarters.

"I want to find out about Iggy if I can," he said, "and also make
inquiries about Sergeant Maxwell and that money I owe you fellows."

"You don't owe it to us!" declared Roger.

"I sure do!" was the answer. "Just as much as if I'd borrowed it from
you!" declared Jimmy. "And I'm going to pay up, too!"

He returned from his little trip much sooner than his comrades had
expected. There was a joyous light in his face as he greeted them, and
cried:

"Good news, fellows! Good news!"




CHAPTER VII