There has been
a conference among the Allied commanders, and it has been decided
that it's time to teach the Germans a lesson. They've been
despising the American troops, as they despised General French's
'contemptible little army,' and General Pershing is going to show
Fritz that we have a soldier or two that can fight."
"You mean there's to be a big offensive?" asked Jack.
"No, I wouldn't go so far as to call it a general engagement like
that. It's to be kept within the limits, of the sector where the
United States troops are at present," said Tom. "That is where you
and I are located, Jack, and that, as you know, is almost opposite
the prison where Harry and the others are confined."
"I begin to see what you are driving at!" cried Nellie, her eyes
shining. "But are you sure of this?"
"Yes," went on Jack, "how did you bear of this when it's supposed to
be such a secret?"
"It came to me by accident," said Torn, "and I wouldn't speak of it
to any one but you. Soon, however, it will be more or less public
on our side, as it will have to be when we start to get ready. But
it's to be kept a secret from Fritz as long as possible. It's to be
a surprise attack, and if it doesn't develop into a big battle it
won't be the fault of Uncle Sam's boys."
"Will the air service have any part in it?" asked Jack eagerly, as
if fearing he might be left out.
"I don't see how they can get along without us," said Tom.
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