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_
[Illustration]
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.
=THE SADDLE BOYS OF THE ROCKIES=
_or Lost on Thunder Mountain_
[Illustration]
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_
[Illustration]
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_
[Illustration]
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_
[Illustration]
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.
[Illustration]
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