country, would prove more useful than the American variety, and from
experience he knew that a French chauffeur is the king of his
profession.

During the last days of the voyage Mr. Merrick busied himself in
carefully inspecting every detail of his precious vehicles and
explaining their operation to everyone on board. Even the girls would be
able to run an ambulance on occasion, and the boy developed quite a
mechanical talent in mastering the machines.

"I feel," said young Jones, "that I have had a rather insignificant part
in preparing this expedition, for all I have furnished--aside from the
boat itself--consists of two lots of luxuries that may or may not be
needed."

"And what may they be?" asked Dr. Gys, who was standing in the group
beside him.

"Thermos flasks and cigarettes."

"Cigarettes!" exclaimed Beth, in horror.

The doctor nodded approvingly.

"Capital!" said he. "Next to our anodynes and anaesthetics, nothing will
prove so comforting to the wounded as cigarettes. They are supplied by
nurses in all the hospitals in Europe. How many did you bring?"

"Ten cases of about twenty-five thousand each."