CHAPTER XXIV

WAITING FOR ZERO HOUR

"Him is done," announced Ignace Pulinski solemnly, as he slipped the letter he had just finished writing into an envelope. "So I never come back, will poor my mothar this have an' keep always, remember me."

"Oh, can the croak, Iggy," ordered Jimmy Blaise, looking up from his writing. "We're coming back, every last one of us. I've got a hunch that this won't be our last stab at the Boches."

"That's as good as a safe conduct pass through the shindig," declared Bob emphatically. "I've a lot of respect for those hunches of yours since Schnitz came back."

Gathered in a corner of a front-line dugout, the five Brothers were conducting a writing-bee which, in spite of Jimmy's "hunch," might be the last for part, if not all, of them. Four o'clock the next morning was to be zero hour for them. The long-expected ordeal was at hand. The 509th men were soon to know how it felt to go Over the Top.

It was now a few minutes past ten o'clock in the evening. Just after dark the order had come. Two days had elapsed since their return from rest billets to the trenches. They had returned to front-line duty on the morning following a furious bombardment of the Boche trenches by American batteries, which had ended in a Sammy raiding party Over the Top. The raid had been a great success so far as the capture of guns and prisoners was concerned. Many Sammies had been sacrificed, however. As a result the resting detachments had come back to replace their lost comrades.

During those two days, Fritz had been having his own troubles. Night and day the Americans had kept up a harrying rifle and machine-gun fire. Hordes of Allied aeroplanes had sailed boldly over the German lines, dropping bombs on the reinforcements and supplies which the Boches were engaged in bringing up to their own lines. Fierce indeed had been the aerial fights. Many an intrepid pilot on both sides had gone crashing down to death. Undaunted, the Allies continued to send fresh relays of airmen out to carry on this most hazardous work.

Now, while the iron was hot, it had been determined to strike another blow. Thus it was that Jimmy Blaise and his bunkies were writing their home letters, preparatory to taking part in the raid to be made just before dawn. For almost two weeks they had been jogging along a smooth, peaceful stretch of the famous Glory Road. Now they would soon strike rough hiking.

On the evening following the rescue of Franz Schnitzel by Jimmy Blaise and Voissard, the two bunkies had returned to billets. Voissard had accompanied them and taken part in the joyful little celebration that marked the restoration of Schnitzel to his Brothers.

Headquarters was also glad to see Schnitzel. He received flattering commendation for his splendid services. He now wore on his left sleeve the insignia of a sergeant. There came for him, too, a wonderful day when France acknowledged him as a hero and placed her seal of approval upon his breast. Jimmy Blaise, also, came in for his share of glory. France was only too ready to decorate one who had rid the world of a spy such as Adolph von Kreitzen. What amazed Jimmy most of all was the receipt of a large sum of money, the price set by the French government on von Kreitzen's head.

For the five Brothers the past two weeks had been one perpetual holiday. It was over now and again they were facing War in all its grimness.

They had returned from their eventful sojourn behind the lines inspired with renewed loyalty and inspiration. This time on entering the trenches they had felt little of the heavy oppression which had hung over them on their first journey to the fire trench.

"Of course, we're not veterans yet by a long shot," Bob had confided to Jimmy Blaise at the beginning of their second trench detail. "There are quite a few little friendly acts that Fritz hasn't got around to do for us yet. For one thing, we haven't been gassed. Isn't that a sweet prospect to look forward to? Betcha! I only hope we'll be all dressed up in our gas masks when the party begins."

Thus far, however, Fritz had kept gas donations at home. Given a day when the wind favored him he would undoubtedly display great generosity in this respect.

"Twenty after ten." Jimmy Blaise rose and consulted his wrist watch. "I'll have to be getting back to my station. I promised the lieutenant I'd be back at ten-thirty sharp. It was mighty kind in him to let me off to write my letters and have a chin-chin with you fellows."

"We all owe our officers a lot for the same privilege," Roger declared gratefully. "If we don't do 'em proud when the grand slam comes, then we deserve to get licked."

"We're _going_ to do 'em proud," emphasized Bob. "Every last Sammy is aching to try cold steel on the Boches. I used to think going Over the Top would be the limit. But I'm not afraid of zero hour any more."

"So once think I," confessed Ignace, "but no now. Only am I the sad we no go over top side by each. I would by my Brother be then, the care take."

"You'll have all you can do to take care of yourself, Iggins," asserted Schnitzel. "It is too bad, though, that we can't be shoulder to shoulder in the big dash."

"We've got to stay where we're put," sighed Jimmy. "Never mind. What's the odds where we fight, so long as we're fighting for the same good old scout, Uncle Sam? Well, time's up. I've got to beat it. Give me your letters. The lieutenant's going to turn 'em over to a man who's going back of the lines to-night."

Now on their feet, his bunkies turned over their letters to Jimmy. In silence the five left the dugout. Outside it, by mutual consent, they halted for a last affectionate hand grip all around.

"We're not going to say good-bye, 'cause I'm just as sure as anything that it's going to be all O. K. for the five Brothers," prophesied Jimmy. "When the scrap's over and the Boches are canned, meet me in this dugout. That's a date. See that you keep it."

"So is it." Ignace nodded, bound to agree with his Best Brother.

"'So is it,'" repeated Bob. "Never say die. The right dope is, 'I'll see you later!'"

And this was the hopeful watchword the five Brothers took with them as they separated, each to find his station and there await the fateful coming of Zero Hour.

Just how truly Jimmy's prophecy was verified remains yet to be told in "THE KHAKI BOYS OVER THE TOP; OR, DOING AND DARING FOR UNCLE SAM."

THE KHAKI BOYS SERIES

BY CAPT. GORDON BATES

_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color._

_Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid._

_All who love the experiences and adventures of our American boys, fighting for the freedom of democracy in the world, will be delighted with these vivid and true-to-life stories of the camp and field in the great war._

=THE KHAKI BOYS AT CAMP STERLING= _or Training for the Big Fight in France_

Two zealous young patriots volunteer and begin their military training. On the train going to camp they meet two rookies with whom they become chums. Together they get into a baffling camp mystery that develops into an extraordinary spy-plot. They defeat the enemies of their country and incidentally help one another to promotion both in friendship and service.

=THE KHAKI BOYS ON THE WAY= _or Doing Their Bit on Sea and Land_

Our soldier boys having completed their training at Camp Sterling are transferred to a Southern cantonment from which they are finally sent aboard a troop-ship for France. On the trip their ship is sunk by a U-boat and their adventures are realistic descriptions of the tragedies of the sea.

=THE KHAKI BOYS AT THE FRONT= _or Shoulder to Shoulder in the Trenches_

The Khaki Boys reach France, and, after some intensive training in sound of the battle front, are sent into the trenches. In the raids across No-Man's land, they have numerous tragic adventures that show what great work is being performed by our soldiers. It shows what makes heroes.

_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._

CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York

* * * * *

THE KHAKI GIRLS SERIES

BY EDNA BROOKS

_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated Jacket in full colors._

_Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid._

_When Uncle Sam sent forth the ringing call, "I need you!" it was not alone his strong young sons who responded. All over the United States capable American girls stood ready to offer their services to their country. How two young girls donned the khaki and made good in the Motor Corps, an organization for women developed by the Great War, forms a series of stories of signal novelty and vivid interest and action._

=THE KHAKI GIRLS OF THE MOTOR CORPS= _or Finding Their Place in the Big War_

Joan Mason, an enthusiastic motor girl, and Valerie Warde, a society debutante, meet at an automobile show. Next day they go together to the Motor Corps headquarters and in due time are accepted and become members of the Corps, in the service of the United States. The two girl drivers find motoring for Uncle Sam a most exciting business. Incidentally they are instrumental in rendering valuable service to the United States government by discovering and running down a secret organization of its enemies.

=THE KHAKI GIRLS BEHIND THE LINES= _or Driving with the Ambulance Corps_

As a result of their splendid work in the Motor Corps, the Khaki Girls receive the honor of an opportunity to drive with the Ambulance Corps in France. After a most eventful and hazardous crossing of the Atlantic, they arrive in France and are assigned to a station behind the lines. Constantly within range of enemy shrapnel, out in all kinds of weather, tearing over shell-torn roads and dodging Boche patrols, all go to make up the day's work, and bring them many exciting adventures.

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* * * * *

THE CURLYTOPS SERIES

BY HOWARD R. GARIS

Author of the famous "Bedtime Animal Stories"

_12mo. Cloth. Beautifully Illustrated. Jacket in full color._

_Price per volume, 50 cents, net_

Splendid stories for the little girls and boys, told by one who is a past master in the art of entertaining young people.

=THE CURLYTOPS AT CHERRY FARM= _or Vacation Days in the Country_

A tale of happy vacation days on a farm. The Curlytops have many exciting adventures.

=THE CURLYTOPS ON STAR ISLAND= _or Camping out with Grandpa_

The Curlytops were delighted when grandpa took them to camp on Star Island. There they had great fun and also helped to solve a real mystery.

=THE CURLYTOPS SNOWED IN= _or Grand Fun with Skates and Sleds_

Winter was a jolly time for the Curlytops, with their skates and sleds, but when later they were snowed in they found many new ways to enjoy themselves.

=THE CURLYTOPS AT UNCLE FRANK'S RANCH= _or Little Folks on Pony Back_

Out West on their uncle's ranch they have a wonderful time among the cowboys and on pony back.

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CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York

* * * * *

THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES

BY LESTER CHADWICK

_12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 75 cents, postpaid._

=BASEBALL JOE OF THE SILVER STARS= _or The Rivals of Riverside_

Joe is an everyday country boy who loves to play baseball and particularly to pitch.

=BASEBALL JOE ON THE SCHOOL NINE= _or Pitching for the Blue Banner_

Joe's great ambition was to go to boarding school and play on the school team.

=BASEBALL JOE AT YALE= _or Pitching for the College Championship_

Joe goes to Yale University. In his second year he becomes a varsity pitcher and pitches in several big games.

=BASEBALL JOE IN THE CENTRAL LEAGUE= _or Making Good as a Professional Pitcher_

In this volume the scene of action is shifted from Yale college to a baseball league of our central states.

=BASEBALL JOE IN THE BIG LEAGUE= _or A Young Pitcher's Hardest Struggles_

From the Central League Joe is drafted into the St. Louis Nationals. A corking baseball story all fans will enjoy.

=BASEBALL JOE ON THE GIANTS= _or Making Good as a Twirler in the Metropolis_

How Joe was traded to the Giants and became their mainstay in the box makes an interesting baseball story.

=BASEBALL JOE IN THE WORLD SERIES= _or Pitching for the Championship_

The rivalry was of course of the keenest, and what Joe did to win the series is told in a manner to thrill the most jaded reader.

=BASEBALL JOE AROUND THE WORLD= (_New_) _or Pitching on a Grand Tour_

The Giants and the All-Americans tour the world, playing in many foreign countries.

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CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York

* * * * *

THE HARRY HARDING SERIES

By ALFRED RAYMOND

_12mo. Cloth. Handsomely Illustrated. Beautiful jackets printed in colors. 75 Cents Per Volume, Postpaid._

The trials and triumphs of Harry Harding and Teddy Burke, two wide-awake boys who make a humble beginning on the messenger force of a great department store, with the firm resolve to become successful business men, form a series of narratives calculated to please the alert, progressive boys of today.

=HARRY HARDING--_Messenger "45"_=

When Harry Harding bravely decided to leave school in order to help his mother in the fight against poverty, he took his first long step towards successful manhood. How Harry chanced to meet mischievous, red-haired Teddy Burke who preferred work to school, how Teddy and Harry became messengers in Martin Brothers' Department store and what happened to them there, is a story that never flags in interest.

=HARRY HARDING'S YEAR OF PROMISE=

After a blissful two weeks' vacation, spent together, Harry Harding and Teddy Burke again take up their work in Martin Brothers' store. Their "year of promise" brings them many new experiences, pleasant and unpleasant, but more determined than ever to reach the goal they have set for themselves, they pass courageously and hopefully over the rough places, meeting with many surprises and exciting incidents which advance them far on the road to success.

_Send for Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_

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* * * * *

THE SADDLE BOYS SERIES

By CAPTAIN JAMES CARSON

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid.

All lads who love life in the open air and a good steed, will want to peruse these books. Captain Carson knows his subject thoroughly, and his stories are as pleasing as they are healthful and instructive.

=THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES= _or Lost on Thunder Mountain_

Telling how the lads started out to solve the mystery of a great noise in the mountains--how they got lost--and of the things they discovered.

=THE SADDLE BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON= _or The Hermit of the Cave_

A weird and wonderful story of the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, told in a most absorbing manner. The Saddle Boys are to the front in a manner to please all young readers.

=THE SADDLE BOYS ON THE PLAINS= _or After a Treasure of Gold_

In this story the scene is shifted to the great plains of the southwest and then to the Mexican border. There is a stirring struggle for gold, told as only Captain Carson can tell it.

=THE SADDLE BOYS AT CIRCLE RANCH= _or In at the Grand Round-up_

Here we have lively times at the ranch, and likewise the particulars of a grand round-up of cattle and encounters with wild animals and also cattle thieves. A story that breathes the very air of the plains.

=THE SADDLE BOYS ON MEXICAN TRAILS= _or In the Hands of the Enemy_

The scene is shifted in this volume to Mexico. The boys go on an important errand, and are caught between the lines of the Mexican soldiers. They are captured and for a while things look black for them; but all ends happily.

CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK

* * * * *

THE SPEEDWELL BOYS SERIES

By ROY ROCKWOOD

Author of "The Dave Dashaway Series," "Great Marvel Series," etc.

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid.

All boys who love to be on the go will welcome the Speedwell boys. They are clean cut and loyal lads.

=THE SPEEDWELL BOYS ON MOTOR CYCLES= _or The Mystery of a Great Conflagration_

The lads were poor, but they did a rich man a great service and he presented them with their motor cycles. What a great fire led to is exceedingly well told.

=THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR RACING AUTO= _or A Run for the Golden Cup_

A tale of automobiling and of intense rivalry on the road. There was an endurance run and the boys entered the contest. On the run they rounded up some men who were wanted by the law.

=THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR POWER LAUNCH= _or To the Rescue of the Castaways_

Here is an unusual story. There was a wreck, and the lads, in their power launch, set out to the rescue. A vivid picture of a great storm adds to the interest of the tale.

=THE SPEEDWELL BOYS IN A SUBMARINE= _or The Lost Treasure of Rocky Cove_

An old sailor knows of a treasure lost under water because of a cliff falling into the sea. The boys get a chance to go out in a submarine and they make a hunt for the treasure.

=THE SPEEDWELL BOYS AND THEIR ICE RACER= _or The Perils of a Great Blizzard_

The boys had an idea for a new sort of iceboat, to be run by combined wind and motor power. How they built the craft, and what fine times they had on board of it, is well related.

CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK

* * * * *

THE DAVE DASHAWAY SERIES

By ROY ROCKWOOD

Author of the "Speedwell Boys Series" and the "Great Marvel Series."

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid.

Never was there a more clever young aviator than Dave Dashaway. All up-to-date lads will surely wish to read about him.

=DAVE DASHAWAY THE YOUNG AVIATOR= _or In the Clouds for Fame and Fortune_

This initial volume tells how the hero ran away from his miserly guardian, fell in with a successful airman, and became a young aviator of note.

=DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS HYDROPLANE= _or Daring Adventures Over the Great Lakes_

Showing how Dave continued his career as a birdman and had many adventures over the Great Lakes, and how he foiled the plans of some Canadian smugglers.

=DAVE DASHAWAY AND HIS GIANT AIRSHIP= _or A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic_

How the giant airship was constructed and how the daring young aviator and his friends made the hazardous journey through the clouds from the new world to the old, is told in a way to hold the reader spellbound.

=DAVE DASHAWAY AROUND THE WORLD= _or A Young Yankee Aviator Among Many Nations_

An absorbing tale of a great air flight around the world, of adventures in Alaska, Siberia and elsewhere. A true to life picture of what may be accomplished in the near future.

=DAVE DASHAWAY: AIR CHAMPION= _or Wizard Work in the Clouds_

Dave makes several daring trips, and then enters a contest for a big prize. An aviation tale thrilling in the extreme.

CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK

* * * * *

THE FRED FENTON ATHLETIC SERIES

By ALLEN CHAPMAN

Author of "The Tom Fairfield Series," "The Boys of Pluck Series" and "The Darewell Chums Series."

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid.

A line of tales embracing school athletics. Fred is a true type of the American schoolboy of to-day.

=FRED FENTON THE PITCHER= _or The Rivals of Riverport School_

When Fred came to Riverport none of the school lads knew him, but he speedily proved his worth in the baseball box. A true picture of school baseball.

=FRED FENTON IN THE LINE= _or The Football Boys of Riverport School_

When Fall came in the thoughts of the boys turned to football. Fred went in the line, and again proved his worth, making a run that helped to win a great game.

=FRED FENTON ON THE CREW= _or The Young Oarsmen of Riverport School_

In this volume the scene is shifted to the river, and Fred and his chums show how they can handle the oars. There are many other adventures, all dear to the hearts of boys.

=FRED FENTON ON THE TRACK= _or The Athletes of Riverport School_

Track athletics form a subject of vast interest to many boys, and here is a tale telling of great running races, high jumping, and the like. Fred again proves himself a hero in the best sense of that term.

=FRED FENTON: MARATHON RUNNER= _or The Great Race at Riverport School_

Fred is taking a post-graduate course at the school when the subject of Marathon running came up. A race is arranged, and Fred shows both his friends and his enemies what he can do. An athletic story of special merit.

CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK

* * * * *

ALIVE, PATRIOTIC, ELEVATING

BANNER BOY SCOUTS SERIES

By GEORGE A. WARREN

Author of the "Revolutionary Series"

12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 75 cents, postpaid.

The Boy Scouts movement has swept over our country like wildfire, and is endorsed by our greatest men and leading educators. No author is better qualified to write such a series as this than Professor Warren, who has watched the movement closely since its inception in England some years ago.

=THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS= _or The Struggle for Leadership_

This initial volume tells how the news of the scout movement reached the boys and how they determined to act on it. They organized the Fox Patrol, and some rivals organized another patrol. More patrols were formed in neighboring towns and a prize was put up for the patrol scoring the most points in a many-sided contest.

=THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS ON A TOUR= _or The Mystery of Rattlesnake Mountain_

This story begins with a mystery that is most unusual. There is a good deal of fun and adventure, camping, fishing, and swimming, and the young heroes more than once prove their worth.

=THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS AFLOAT= _or The Secret of Cedar Island_

Here is another tale of life in the open, of jolly times on river and lake and around the camp fire, told by one who has camped out for many years.

=THE BANNER BOY SCOUTS SNOWBOUND= (_New_) _or A Tour on Skates and Iceboats_

The boys take a trip into the mountains, where they are caught in a big snowstorm and are snowbound. A series of stirring adventures which will hold the interest of every reader.

_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue_

CUPPLES & LEON CO., Publishers, NEW YORK

* * * * *

THE KHAKI BOYS SERIES

By CAPT. GORDON BATES

12mo. Cloth. Frontispiece

Price per Volume, 50 Cents

THE KHAKI BOYS AT CAMP STERLING or Training for the Big Fight in France

THE KHAKI BOYS ON THE WAY or Doing Their Bit on Sea and Land

THE KHAKI BOYS AT THE FRONT or Shoulder to Shoulder in the Trenches

_Other Volumes in Preparation_

CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, New York

* * * * *

End of Project Gutenberg's The Khaki Boys At The Front, by Gorden Bates