CONCLUSION
"We're here because we're here!" announced Bob, beaming fatuously on
four young men gathered about a round table in a Tremont restaurant.
A week had elapsed since Franz Schnitzel had sprung the dramatic
dénouement that had rid the world of one more fiend. Johann Freidrich,
alias Juan Fernando, had been shot at sunrise of the morning before. Bob
whimsically declaring that the event needed celebrating, he had
straightway invited his Brothers and Schnitzel to a celebration in
Tremont.
"We're not going to be _here_ long. I mean at Camp Sterling," smiled
Roger. "I expect any minute to get the order to pack."
"We should worry," rejoined Bob. "We've stirring times ahead of us.
We've had a few right in camp, too."
"Gee whiz, Schnitz, you must feel great!" glowed Jimmy. "Think of all
you've done already for your country. I thought I was some when I
nabbed Bixton. Beside you--well--I'm not so much. What a shame there
aren't any medals handed out in the Army. You ought to get enough to
cover up your chest. You're due for a rise in ranks, though. Bet you my
hat on that. Now you've got to tell us how you did it all. You've never
peeped. We've been laying for you. Got you down here on purpose
to-night. Now spill."
"I intended to tell you fellows." Schnitzel's melancholy dark eyes
wandered over the group. Ever since that eventful evening in the rain he
had been the observed of all observers. As a result he had promptly
retired into his shell, declining to be lionized. Even to the four Khaki
Boys he had granted only the barest details of his exploit.
"Somehow I couldn't bear to talk about it. It was all so sickening. But
I don't mind telling you fellows now. There isn't much to tell. I never
suspected Freidrich until after I got out of the guard-house. One day he
came to me and started saying how sorry he'd been for me. He began
asking me about myself and my people. What they thought about the war
and if they had any relatives in it in Germany. He said many of the
Germans were fine people who'd been misunderstood. He gave me a kind of
a queer look and, I don't know why, but it somehow made me distrust him.
So I said I didn't know how my folks felt about it because I hadn't
seen them for several years. That wasn't true, but anyway it wasn't any
of his business. I told him I didn't know if any of our relatives in
Germany were in the war. That was true enough. I didn't say what I
thought about the Germans themselves.
"That was all he said that time. He kept coming around after me and
sympathizing with me. I thought at first he was trying to get me to
queer myself. Thought maybe headquarters had put him on my trail to see
if I was really all O. K. So I was pretty careful. I found out he could
speak German, too. I thought that was rather queer and said so. He
explained that he'd learned it from a German overseer on his father's
plantation in Cuba. I didn't believe it. He spoke it like a German. He
had more of the way of a German than a Cuban.
"All of a sudden I made up my mind not to go on in the dark. I went to
the K. O. and asked him flat if Fernando had been set to watch me. He
nearly had a fit until I told him a few things that I suspected. Then he
gave me leave to spring a bluff on the fellow that I was down on the
Army, just to see what he'd do.
"So next day I went to him and gave him a great line of talk about how
sick I was of Camp Sterling and what a mistake the U. S. had made in
declaring war on the Fatherland. That made him prick up his ears. But he
was no fool. I had to string him along good and hard before he bit at
the hook. One day he asked me why I'd enlisted. I just smiled and threw
him a funny look. He stared hard at me and muttered: 'Hoch der Kaiser,'
and I said: 'You bet.'
"Then I had him going. After that it was easy. He soon got so he'd talk
for hours about how bad the Germans had been treated. He'd almost always
end by saying, 'It is for you and me to avenge the great wrongs done the
Fatherland.' But he'd never said what we ought to do until about a week
before the bomb business. Then he asked me to go for a walk. We went
away out past the trenches. After a while he stopped me and asked if I
was willing to do my bit for the Kaiser. I said I was and he put me
through an oath of allegiance to Kaiser Bill and then told me what the
'great work' was to be. He was careful not to let me know how he got the
bombs. He had two or three of them, you know.
"I put it up strong to him then about the poison. Gave him a lot of guff
about our being Brothers in the cause, and all that. He didn't say in so
many words that he did it, but he let me understand it just the same.
You know the rest. Thank God, I got that bomb away from him. I'm glad I
could do something to help the United States and I'm glad, too, on my
own account. I'd never have rested easy as long as that poison affair
wasn't cleared up. I feel now as though I couldn't go over quick enough
to help even the score for Simpson and Brady."
"That's the way we all feel," declared Jimmy.
"I would to-morrow go," declared Ignace.
"Well, I'm ready to hike along the little old Glory Road," smiled Roger.
"Here, too," echoed Bob.
"Take the Glory Road to France;
Hike along to join the fray.
With the Sammies take a chance,
'Neath the Stars and Stripes to-day,"
hummed Jimmy.
"That's us," approved Bob. "Lead us to it!"
"Going Over" held no dread for the Khaki Boys. They were indeed ready to
take their chance beneath the Stars and Stripes in the trenches of
far-off France.
When the welcome summons came and what happened to them after leaving
Camp Sterling for a longer hike along the Glory Road is told in the
second volume of this series entitled, "The Khaki Boys on the Way, or
Doing Their Bit on Sea and Land."
THE END
* * * * *
THE KHAKI BOYS SERIES
BY CAPT. GORDON BATES
_12mo. Cloth. Illustrated. Jacket in full color._
_Price per volume, 50 cents, postpaid._
[Illustration]
_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._
[Illustration]
_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.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._
CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York
* * * * *
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_
[Illustration]
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.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._
CUPPLES & LEON COMPANY, Publishers New York
* * * * *
THE BASEBALL JOE SERIES
BY LESTER CHADWICK
_12mo. Illustrated. Price per volume, 75 cents, postpaid._
[Illustration]
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.
_Send For Our Free Illustrated Catalogue._
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._
[Illustration]
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_
CUPPLES & LEON CO. Publishers New York
* * * * *
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.
[Illustration]
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
* * * * *
Transcriber's note:
Printer, punctuation, and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected.
Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.
Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.
Inconsistencies in formatting and punctuation of individual
advertisements have been retained.