"We've secured everything we wanted," the boy told Uncle John, Beth and
Patsy, with evident enthusiasm. "Not only have we the full sanction of
the American Red Cross Society, but I have letters to the different
branches in the war zone, asking for us every consideration. Not only
that, but your senator proved himself a brick. What do you think? Here's
a letter from our secretary of state--another from the French charge
d'affairs--half a dozen from prominent ambassadors of other countries!
We've a free field in all Europe, practically, that will enable us to
work to the best advantage."

"It's wonderful!" cried Patsy.

"Mr. Merrick is so well known as a philanthropist that his name was a
magic talisman for us," said Maud. "Moreover, our enterprise commands
the sympathy of everyone. We had numerous offers of financial
assistance, too."

"I hope you didn't accept them," said Uncle John nervously.

"No," answered the boy, "I claimed this expedition to be our private and
individual property. We can now do as we please, being under no
obligations to any but ourselves."

"That's right," said Uncle John. "We don't want to be hampered by the
necessity of advising with others."

"By the way, have you found a doctor?"

"Yes."