Chapter II: Part 2

"Anything you say," replied Stubbs. "Make it a new pipe for me and a hat for you--when the war's over."

"Suits me," said Chester. "It's a bet."

The three walked along the dark road in silence for some moments.

"By George! it can't be much farther," declared Stubbs at last. "We've covered a mile now. Must have lost your bearings, Hal."

"Just hold your horses, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "I'm not in the habit of making such mistakes. We'll be there presently."

Stubbs grumbled to himself but made no reply.

Five minutes later Hal slackened his pace and took Stubbs by the arm.

"There," he said, pointing to a clump of trees a short distance ahead, "there is the spot we hid the plane, unless I am greatly mistaken. It may be there yet."

"And it may not," growled Stubbs, although his voice indicated that he was pleased that the long walk was about over.

At the edge of the miniature forest, Hal paused and glanced up and down the road. So did Chester and Stubbs. There was no one in sight.

"We'll have a look," said Hal.

He stepped in among the trees. Then he gave an exclamation of relief.

"She's here," he said softly.

It was true. There was the plane right where the lads had left it in the early morning of the day before. Apparently there had been no one near it, for its position was the same as that in which the lads had left it.

"Well, don't let's fool around here," said Stubbs. "Let's be moving."

"Since when did you become so anxious to fly, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.

"I'm not anxious to fly," retorted Stubbs. "I never did like to ride in one of these things and I never will; but I want to get out of this place, and I'm in favor of moving right away."

"We'll move then," said Hal briefly. "Chester, do you suppose you can make room back there?"

"By George!" said Stubbs. "He'll have to make room for me or there'll be a fight right here."

"I guess we can squeeze him in some way, Hal," replied Chester.

Hal and Chester turned the craft so that its nose pointed toward the open, then wheeled it from the woods.

"Climb in, Stubbs," said Hal.

The little war correspondent needed no further urging. Chester took his place beside him. It was a tight squeeze, for the machine had not been constructed to carry two in the rear seat, but Chester and Stubbs managed it. Hal climbed in the pilot's seat and adjusted the spark.

"All ready?" he called over his shoulder.

"Shoot," answered Stubbs, grasping the side of the plane firmly.

Almost at the same moment there came a sudden interruption to the flight of the three friends.

Half a dozen forms appeared from nowhere at all and quickly surrounded the plane. Half a dozen rifles were leveled at the craft and a harsh German voice exclaimed:

"Halt!"

Stubbs gave an exclamation of disgust.

"I knew it," he said, and that was all.

Hal muttered an imprecation beneath his breath. They had been so close to getting away safely, and now this interruption made him angry.

"Well," he told himself, "there is nothing to do but try and bluff it out. Fortunately, we have not discarded our German uniforms." He raised his voice and called: "What's the meaning of this?"

"Get out of that plane," said the German voice.

The muzzles of half a dozen rifles made Hal realize that discretion truly is the better part of valor.

"There's no help for it," he told himself.

He got out. Chester and Stubbs followed his example. Hal approached the man who had accosted them.

"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded again.

For the first time the German appeared to notice the German uniforms and the straps that proclaimed Hal and Chester captains in the emperor's service.

"Your pardon if I have made a mistake, captain," he said. "But how was I to know? Yesterday I found this plane--clearly an American craft--hidden here. I had it watched all to-day, but no one came near it. I saw no bodies near to indicate that the American pilot had been killed. Therefore I judged that there was a spy within our lines. That's why my men have stood guard here until now."

"You have done well, lieutenant," said Hal. "It's true that this is an American craft, but it has been used by our friend here," and he indicated Stubbs, "for purposes favorable to the German cause. Herr Schindler arrived early yesterday morning and reported to General Knoff in Sedan. Now Captain Diegle and myself are bound on a little expedition with him. Do I make myself clear, lieutenant?"

"Perfectly," and the lieutenant ordered his men to lower their rifles. "It is not for me to question the wisdom of my superiors."

"You are a good officer, lieutenant," said Hal. "I shall see that General Knoff hears of your vigilance."

"Thank you, captain. Is there anything I may do for you before you proceed on your journey?"

"Nothing, thanks. Then with your permission, lieutenant, we shall continue our interrupted journey."

Hal turned again toward the car. Chester and Stubbs followed him.

"Quickly, now," said Hal in a low voice. "His suspicions may be aroused again. We've no time to lose."

Again Chester and Stubbs clambered into the back seat.

"All right?" asked Hal, after he had taken his seat.

"All right," said Chester.

"Let her go, Hal," cried Stubbs in English.

And these words almost caused their undoing.

At the sound of the English phrase the German lieutenant, who had been watching the friends embark for their aerial trip, realized in a moment that he had been fooled.

The plane was gliding slowly across the ground when he called to his men:

"Spies! Shoot them!"

Instantly the soldiers threw their rifles to their shoulders and poured a volley after the plane. Then they started after the craft on a dead run.

The first volley did no damage beyond arousing Hal's anger. He berated Stubbs' carelessness roundly to himself, but not for a moment did he take his mind off the work in hand.

Chester and Stubbs ducked instinctively at the sound of the first volley. Then Chester raised his head, and drawing his revolvers, fired at the pursuing Germans.

The lad's efforts were rewarded with cries of anger, and there was one shrill scream. Chester smiled grimly to himself, for he knew that he had accounted for one of the foes.

Again and again the Germans fired, and Chester heard the balls glance off the side of the plane. Still the enemy fire had not reached a vital part of the craft and the occupants were untouched.

Now Hal touched the elevating lever gently and the plane soared in the air. One more volley the Germans fired after them. Then the three friends were safe.

"Stubbs," said Chester, as the plane sped through the air. "I ought to pitch you out of here, and you know it."

"By George! Why?" demanded Stubbs, puzzled.

"Why?" echoed Chester. "Wasn't it your fault that we almost got killed just now?"

"I don't see how you make that out," declared the little correspondent.

"Didn't you yell out in English just before we started?"

"By George! Did I? I didn't know it."

"You must be losing your mind, Stubbs," declared Chester. "You don't remember calling out in English, eh?"

"No, I don't," declared Stubbs, "and it's my opinion you're blaming me to cover up something you have done yourself."

"I've a good mind to reach over and pull your nose, Stubbs," said Chester.

"If you do you'll have your own pulled right back again," declared Stubbs angrily.

"Say! What's the matter with you fellows back there?" called Hal over his shoulder. "Don't you know we're in enemy territory and that there are thousands of German planes flying around here some place? If you have any arguing to do wait until we get back to our own lines. I'll be referee then and you can fight all week, if you want to."

"Make him let me alone, then," growled Stubbs to himself, but he became silent.

The journey was continued without incident. Only once was Hal's order for silence broken, and then by Chester who, nudging Stubbs, said:

"Don't forget our bet. You owe me a hat."

"All right," Stubbs whispered back; "and I'll pay it--when the war's over."

*CHAPTER VII*

*THE ADVANCE*

The month of October, 1918, was one of the most glorious in the pages of American history written by the world's war. From early in the month General Pershing's men struck along their wide front and everywhere the Germans gave ground. French and British troops also made progress daily along the great battle front.

On October 3 the Germans retreated on the Lenz front. The British advanced to within six miles of Lille. Belgian and French troops advanced in the region of Hooglede and Roulers. Two days later the German retreat began in the Champagne region. Continuing along the line to the south, the allies pressed their advantage at all points.

It was clear to all military experts that the beginning of the end was in sight. From Rheims, American troops, late in October, began the advance that was to carry them into Sedan and beyond. Germany's resistance was becoming more feeble daily.

The German emperor was never to recover from the moral effect of the desertion of Bulgaria as German supremacy waned. With Bulgaria out of the war, German efforts were turned to keeping Turkey and Austria in line. But these, too, were to fail. Only a short time after Bulgaria laid down arms, Turkey signed a truce with England and France. The United States had no hand in the making of these two truces, because America, despite much urging, had never formally declared war on Turkey and Bulgaria.

With the fortunes of Germany at low ebb, it became apparent that Austria would eventually leave her more powerful ally in the lurch. Again and again reports filtering into the allied lines told of fast growing political disturbances in the dual monarchy. Several cabinets had fallen. The red flag of anarchy was flying in the streets of some of the smaller towns. The Hungarian parliament had broken with the cabinet at Vienna, and it seemed only a question of time until the Austrian revolt would make an end of Austria as a factor in the war.

Conditions were growing serious in Germany also, as reports reaching the American forces revealed. So far, however, disorder was not as rampant as in Austria-Hungary, but it was growing clear that the masses of the German people, long since tired of fighting a losing battle, were getting ready to take matters into their own hands.

In none of the allied capitals, however, was it believed that Germany was yet ready to consider a peace, which, everyone knew, must deprive Germany of her claim to being a world power. The world knew that when the allies imposed their terms, they would be such as would tie the hands of Germany for decades to come and would eventually prevent a repetition, by a blundering and crazy ruler, of a condition that had plunged the whole world into war.

So the daily advance of the allied armies meant one more day nearer to peace.

To the north, where the British under Field Marshal Haig were pressing their advantage, the German line held more firmly than to the south, where French and Americans were delivering their smashing blows. The entire sector south and east of the Argonne Forest was controlled by American forces under the personal direction of General Pershing. True, General Pershing was nominally under command of Field Marshal Foch, the French commander in chief, but so was Field Marshal Haig, the British commander, and General Diaz, the Italian commander in chief, for that matter. It was Marshal Foch who was the master mind of the whole allied offensive.

When the rumor was first circulated among the allied forces that Austria was about to sue for peace, there were few who placed credence in it, despite the fact that they knew such an appeal was sure to be made before long. Nevertheless, if it were true, it would be of advantage to the allies to know of the impending appeal at the earliest possible moment.

To General Pershing, Marshal Foch had entrusted the task of ascertaining the truth or falsity of the report. General Pershing, in turn, had passed the word along where he felt it would do the most good. This was how it happened that Hal and Chester found themselves so fortunate as to be ordered within the German lines at Sedan on the mission which opened this book.

That Germany would have profited greatly at that time could the Americans, French and British have been fooled by the false rumor goes without saying. And it is true, too, that the longer the rumor was permitted to live the greater became the danger of over-confidence in the ranks of the allies.

It is for this reason that General Pershing was immensely pleased to receive so soon a report from Colonel O'Neil, at Rheims that this first rumor of an impending appeal for peace by Austria was nothing more than a German plot. Immediately the word was passed along the whole battle front. The result was, that Germany, instead of having gained by this piece of duplicity, suffered. For when allied troops went into battle they struck that much harder. For a time they had believed that their efforts were to be crowned with immediate success, and now that they learned the Germans had been playing with them they fought with the desperate energy of the man who fears he has been made ridiculous.

It was learned later that this rumor of Austria's decision to break with Germany was started by the Germans themselves for the reason we have seen.

Austria was not so much as consulted in the matter, and it has been shown since that this very fact was responsible, in a measure, for Austria's decision some time later to sue for a separate peace. So the bomb launched by the kaiser and his advisers proved a veritable boomerang.

But President Wilson and his advisers had not been fooled by the German plot. President Wilson, some time before, had laid down conditions on which Germany and Austria might have peace, and to these he stuck. He had informed the German and Austrian people that they might have peace at any time by laying down their arms, provided they ousted the militarists who were responsible for the war. Several efforts had been made by German and Austrian officials to fool America by changes of cabinets and other political tricks but President Wilson, with his allies, was adamant.

So the situation stood in the middle of October, when the allies girded themselves for what they felt sure would prove the deciding effort.

All along the great battle line, which stretched from the North Sea to the frontier of Switzerland, British, French, Belgians and Americans supported by their own allies, Portuguese, some few Brazilians and troops from British and French colonial possessions, gathered themselves for the final spring.

The last great offensive was begun by the British and Belgians to the north. Through Belgium and western France they plowed, pushing the enemy back on all sides. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, in German hands since early in the war, was recaptured. The Belgian government, which after the fall of Brussels had moved into France, returned to Brussels amid the cheering of thousands of Belgians.

As the Germans retreated, they followed their customary tactics of cruelty. Fire and sword were applied to the abandoned towns until a threat from France put a stop to it. France's threat was this: That for every town destroyed by the Germans in their retreat, retaliation would be made. For every town thus destroyed by the Germans, a German town would also be put to the torch.

This threat, carried by neutral envoys to the German high command, resulted in the abandonment of the German campaign of destruction, for the German high command was now more far-seeing than it had been a year before. The kaiser and his generals at last had been forced to the conclusion that they were waging a losing war. Also, they knew that the French troops had not forgotten the horrors of the early days of the war, and their hatred of everything Prussian dated farther back even than that--to the days of the Franco-Prussian war, when they had been able to gauge for the first time the workings of the Prussian mind.

To the south of the Belgian frontier, the French wrested St. Quentin, Lille and other important railroad towns from the enemy. No longer did the Germans offer the fierce resistance that had characterized their earlier activities. They withdrew now without the stubbornness of yore. Their morale had been shattered, and they were glad to retire.

All along the battle line the great field and siege guns of the Americans, French, Belgian and British played havoc in the enemy ranks. The German artillery replied, but it lacked the volume and the fierce challenge of old. Then, too, the Germans had lost thousands and thousands of their guns, field pieces and machine guns. Factories behind the German frontier had been depleted of workers to fill the gaps in the fighting front, with the result that guns and ammunitions were not being produced so fast as they had been the year before.

This meant that the Germans were compelled to conserve their ammunition. The high command had also found it necessary to be more sparing of its man-power and less prodigal with its food supplies. No longer could the enemy sacrifice a few thousand men and thousands and thousands of rounds of ammunition to gain a few feet of ground.

On the other hand, due to the activity of American factories, the allies were supplied with more ammunition, guns and food than ever before since the war began. Also, numerically, were superior to the foe.

With these facts in mind, Field Marshal Foch ordered the advance all along the front that was to prove the end of Germany as a military power; that was to result in the abdication of the German emperor and the crown prince; and that was to mean revolution throughout the German empire until such time as a stable government could raise its head and the common people could come into their own.

And so it was a great day for the German people when Marshal Foch gave the word that set his millions of men in motion from the North Sea hundreds of miles south to the frontier of Switzerland. It was a move that meant that the German people would do away with masters and would set up a government of their own--a government which was to be patterned after that of the United States of America--a "government of the people, for the people and by the people."

In this last great mission, Hal and Chester were to perform their full duties, and they were to have greater fortune than ever before, for they were to be "in at the death," as Hal put it, with Marshal Foch when the great French military leader gave to the enemy terms that resulted in the ending of the war.

In the meantime, all unconscious of what was in store for them, the two lads, after returning from their mission within the German lines, were taking a well deserved rest in their temporary quarters in the French city of Rheims.

*CHAPTER VIII*

*TOWARD SEDAN*

The American army was moving toward Sedan. Already the Yankee forces advancing from the south and west had occupied St. Aigan and invested Maisoncelle, Stonne and Sommauthe. The enemy had contested every inch of the ground, but the Americans were not to be denied. The Forty-second division, better known as the Rainbow Division, under command of Major-General Charles D. Rhodes, and the Second division, regular army troops, commanded by Major-General John A. Lejeune, were showing the way.

On either side of these forces were the Seventy-seventh and the Eighty-second divisions, commanded respectively by Major-General Robert Alexander and Major-General George P. Duncan.

In these American units advancing upon Sedan were represented fighting men from all sections of the United States.

The Forty-second was composed of former National Guardsmen from the various states, the Seventy-seventh recruited chiefly from New York City, and the Eighty-second, composed of Georgians, Tennesseeans and Alabamans. The Second division, as has been said, was a regular army unit.

It was with the Forty-second division that Hal and Chester found themselves when the advance began. Attached to the staff of Colonel O'Neil of the third regiment, Thirty-second division, commanded by Major-General William C. Haan, they had been sent to General Rhodes with dispatches just before the advance began.

It was the night of the second of November, 1918, and the Americans were forging ahead in spite of the lateness of the hour--midnight. This was one feature of Yankee fighting that the Germans were never able to understand. The German is a methodical man. Even in the art of war he is governed to no small degree by habit. Ordinarily the Germans did not fight at night. With the coming of darkness, as a rule, it had been their custom to postpone further actions till the morrow.

Now, however, they were forced to give up some of these customs. When American forces advanced they continued their work whether it was night or day. Consequently, the Germans had found themselves forced either to fight or run.

The Germans were fighting tonight. All day they had been retreating, but now, less than a dozen miles from the city of Sedan, they were making a desperate stand.

The voices of the great guns shattered the night; huge rockets and other signal flares lighted up the darkness. Dimly could be heard the crash of machine gun fire and the rattle of the rifles at points where the fighting was close.

All day Hal and Chester had been kept on the jump, carrying dispatches to the various regimental commanders. At midnight, there appeared little likelihood they would gain a much needed rest before morning. General Rhodes, realizing the advantage won earlier in the day, was determined to press it to the utmost. Over his field telephone he kept in touch with developments in other parts of the field. There, he learned, the Germans also were giving ground.

The advance guard of the Forty-second was now a few miles to the north of Maisoncelle, which had been captured late in the evening. General Rhodes determined upon a bold stroke.

He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside Chester, in the general's quarters.

"Major Paine!" he called.

Hal approached and saluted.

"My compliments to Colonel English," continued General Rhodes, "and order him to assume command of the First, Second, Third and Tenth regiments and make a detour toward Pouilly. Inform him that I will make a greater show of force to the south, and have him close in on the enemy from the east. I am informed that the German positions there have been weakened. We may catch the enemy in a trap. That is all."

Hal saluted, swung on his heel and departed hastily. Outside, he sprang into a small army automobile, which was among a number of other cars standing idle pending necessity of use by dispatch bearers, and soon was speeding through the darkness.

Half an hour later he was received by Colonel English, who heard his orders in silence.

"Inform the general that I shall move at once," said the colonel.

Hal saluted and returned to headquarters.

Already, without waiting to hear the result of Hal's mission, General Rhodes had given orders for a more rapid advance all along the line.

The clear notes of many bugles sounded from various parts of the field. Regimental commanders gave necessary instructions to their subordinates and the advance of the American forces gained in momentum.

Half an hour later Hal found himself on the road again bearing instructions to Colonel English. He overtook the colonel two miles from where he had found him last. The colonel was riding along in the midst of his men, in a large army automobile. He motioned Hal to a seat beside him.

"I am instructed to go with you, sir," said Hal, "and carry back word of any imminent danger."

"Very well," said the colonel. "Make yourself at home."

From time to time Colonel English summoned aides whom he dispatched to other parts of the field with instructions. Suddenly he turned to Hal.

"It strikes me," he said, "that the general is risking a whole lot on this move. If the enemy is in greater strength at Pouilly than we suppose, our position will be critical."

"I would imagine that the general's information is authentic," returned Hal. "Otherwise he would not have ordered you to Pouilly."

"You are probably right," said Colonel English; "but at the same time I have a feeling that all is not well."

Hal shrugged his shoulders, a movement that was not discernable to Colonel English in the darkness.

"Well," the lad said, "we'll let the boches know we are there at all events."

"Right," agreed Colonel English.

There was silence after that except for the plodding feet of the infantry and the noise of the horses that composed the single troop of cavalry with the expedition. Also, the sharp crack of machine guns in other parts of the field and the voices of the distant big guns could be heard.

"According to my calculations," said Colonel English to Hal an hour later, "we should now be within three miles of Pouilly. I shall order a halt here and make a reconnaisance."

He did so; and the troops sat there in the darkness for perhaps an hour while a young lieutenant and ten men went ahead to get the lay of the land.

"All quiet ahead, sir," the lieutenant reported on his return. "I went as close to the enemy as I dared. He apparently is expecting no attack from this direction. The village should be captured with ease by a surprise assault."

"You were not, of course, able to ascertain the approximate strength of the enemy, lieutenant?"

"No, sir; I dared not approach too close."

"Very good, lieutenant."

The young officer saluted and returned to his station.

"Well," said Colonel English to Hal, "it seems that my fears were groundless. We'll go forward."

Silently the Americans crept along the dark road--or as silently as it is possible for a mass of men and horses to creep. Machine guns were dragged along as silently as possible, and the few field pieces that were the main reliance of the little force also were hauled with extreme caution.

Less than a half a mile from the village itself, Colonel English swung his field pieces into position to cover the advance of his men. It was not his intention to alarm the enemy by opening a bombardment of the village, but he overlooked nothing that would protect his men.

Under cover of the silent guns, which were ready for action at a moment's notice, the Americans crept forward. A short distance ahead Hal could see here and there a faint light, which indicated that the whole village was not asleep. Also, the lad knew, German sentinels were on guard; and there was little possibility that the Americans could enter the town without discovery.

"By Jove!" the lad muttered to himself. "I don't like to sit back here while all this is going on."

He turned to Colonel English.

"Colonel," he said, "I wonder if you will permit me to take a hand in the attack? I assure you that I am no novice at the game."

The colonel considered the point a moment.

"All right," he said at last, "but mind that you do not expose yourself needlessly. You must remember that General Rhodes looks to you for a report on the pending engagement. Here, I'll give you instructions for Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, of the Fourth regiment. That will enable you to get into the midst of things. You may remain with the regiment as long as you see fit, remembering only that I wish you to report to me an hour after daylight."

"Very well, sir," said Hal.

He leaped lightly from the colonel's automobile, appropriated a horse from a trooper who stood near and dashed forward in the darkness.

Colonel Johnson's force was some distance ahead, and it was perhaps fifteen minutes later that Hal came up with him. He gave the instructions that Colonel English had confided in him, and then said:

"Colonel, if you don't mind I'll stay with you through this battle."

Colonel Johnson would have protested, but Hal continued with a smile:

"I have the permission of Colonel English, sir. I hope that I may be of some assistance to you. Do not hesitate to call upon me for any piece of work that you may wish accomplished."

Colonel Johnson shrugged.

"Help yourself," he said, "and don't worry. If I've need of your services you may be sure I won't hesitate to ask for them."

The march continued in silence.

Suddenly the sound that Hal had been expecting came. It was the blast of a great gun, close at hand. The advance of the Americans had been discovered. Colonel English took his decision instantly.

"Charge!" he cried.

The Americans went forward with a wild yell.

*CHAPTER IX*

*THE BATTLE*

A volley of rifle fire met the first rush of the Americans. Sleepy-eyed Germans, aroused from their slumber by the sound of the warning gun, poured from their shelter and rushed forward through the streets of the village. Hastily machine guns were wheeled into position, and a veritable rain of bullets swept the ranks of the charging columns in khaki.

But the Americans did not falter. These men of the Forty-second division upheld the traditions of the American army. True, they had been under fire before and it was not to be expected that they would falter; but well might a man have faltered in the face of the terrible fire poured in upon them. Each man bent to his work with a determination that boded ill for the foe. Some dashed forward with wild yells, others smiled quietly to themselves, while still others joked with their nearest neighbors. Here and there men dropped in their tracks, to rise no more, but others leaped over the bodies and dashed ahead.

So close had the Americans approached the village before being discovered, that the enemy ranks had not time to form. What machine guns had been brought into play by the Germans were widely scattered and did not have the effect that would have been possible had the Americans given the enemy more time.

American machine guns also began to rattle and Germans began to fall. The opposing forces were too close for the enemy to use his heavy artillery, nor could Colonel Johnson use his own field pieces for the same reason.

Undismayed by the withering enemy fire, the Americans continued their charge and soon the fighting became hand-to-hand. Wild cries and imprecations arose above the sounds of firing, and the clash of cold steel became audible in all sections of the field.

The Germans withstood the first shock of the American charge, but they could not withstand the second. They faltered momentarily, but under the commands of their officers for a moment braced again. But when the Yankees hurled themselves upon the wall of human flesh the third time, the German line wavered along its entire length, then broke.

Groups of the enemy threw down their arms and raised their hands in token of surrender. These were quickly passed to the rear, for the men in front were too busy to be occupied with prisoners. Others of the enemy turned and ran. Here and there, however, groups of the foe gathered, determined to resist the Americans to the last.

Against these small batches of the enemy, groups of American soldiers dashed. Again the fighting became fast and furious, and in this fighting the Americans sustained their heaviest losses.

Hal found himself close to Colonel Johnson, who had advanced in the midst of his men. A German officer raised his revolver and aimed at Colonel Johnson. Hal, who had been about to discharge his own revolver at a big German soldier who was pressing him closely, turned his weapon and fired in time to drop the man who otherwise must surely have killed the American colonel.

Colonel Johnson at the same moment had perceived his danger and he realized instantly that Hal had saved his life at the imminent risk of losing his own. Colonel Johnson was a brave man, and he recognized bravery in another. He sprang to Hal's side and with his sword laid low the man who then held Hal at his mercy.

Hal acknowledged this assistance with a smile; he had no time for more. The Germans were pressing too close for that.

Colonel Johnson cleared a space about him with his flashing sword. Hal emptied his revolver into the ranks of the enemy, then drew his own sword. Standing side by side, Hal and Colonel Johnson beat off the Germans who tried to pierce their guards. Nevertheless, their predicament was extremely critical, and it is doubtless if they would have come through alive had not half a dozen soldiers, seeing their peril, dashed forward and scattered the Germans who surrounded them.

This gave the two a breathing space, of which they took advantage.

But the fighting was far from ended yet--the Germans were far from beaten. In the rear of the line which had broken and fled under the American attack, other lines had formed and now dashed forward. Colonel English, taking in the situation at a glance, ordered support to the assistance of the hard-pressed men under Colonel Johnson.

The reinforcements came forward with a rush and met the new German line with a crash. The hand-to-hand fighting that ensued was terrific, but after five minutes of give and take, the Germans again retired.

American machine guns were swung about hastily to cover the retreating foe and wreaked terrific havoc among the enemy. The retreat became a rout. The Germans turned and fled.

Victory, it appeared, was with the Americans.

But Colonel English had no mind to allow the enemy to rest. His instructions had been to capture the village of Pouilly, and he would not rest content until he had accomplished that feat. Accordingly, he ordered another advance.

The Americans dashed forward with the same recklessness that has always characterized the charge of the American fighting man. In vain German officers sought to bring some semblance of order out of the confusion that reigned in the enemy ranks. The effort was vain. Young lieutenants stood in the path of the retreating men and beat them with the flat of their swords, but they could not stay the rout. Others fired their revolvers point-blank into the faces of their own men, but even these heroic measures failed to have the desired result.

The Germans were beaten and they knew it.

So it was just as the first faint streak of dawn appeared in the eastern sky that the Americans set foot in the village of Pouilly.

And still the fighting was not ended.

Scores of German soldiers, under command of subordinate officers, barricaded themselves in the houses that lined the streets and poured a hail of bullets upon the Americans as they passed. The Yankees suffered severely under this fire.

"We can't stand for this," said Colonel Johnson suddenly to Hal. "The enemy is doing too much damage."

"Drag up a couple of big guns and destroy the houses," said Hal briefly.

"Good!" said Colonel Johnson. "Lieutenant Bennings!"

A young officer approached and saluted.

"Take twenty men and enough guns to destroy the houses that line this street," said the colonel. "Also, you will report while the battle lasts to Major Paine, here."

The lieutenant saluted and hurried away.

"Major," said Colonel Johnson to Hal, "I will detail you to see that the sniping from the houses is stopped."

Hal saluted.

"I'll stop it, sir," he promised.

"Very well. Don't let me detain you longer."

Hal strode away to where the young lieutenant and a score of men were wheeling two big field pieces into position.

"Hurry, men," he cried. "We've no time to lose."

Meantime, because of the heavy execution by the enemy from inside the houses, the Americans had sought what shelter they could find in doorways and around corners. This situation, Hal knew, could not be allowed to exist, for it would give the demoralized enemy time to recover their scattered wits and to reform. Therefore, the houses must be cleared of snipers immediately.

From the first house in the block where Hal found himself, the snipers seemed to be more active than in any other. Hal determined to give this house his attention first.

He sighted the gun himself, then gave the command to fire.

"Boom!"

The voice of the big gun rose high above the rattle of machine gun and rifle fire.

"Crash!"

Almost simultaneously with the sound of the gun the heavy explosive missile reached its mark.

There was another resounding crash as the missile exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber and other debris flew high in the air and descended in a shower.

The sniping from the first house ceased, for the simple reason that there was no first house any longer. It had been destroyed.

"I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I don't like this wanton destruction of property. It reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. If those fellows in the other houses are wise they'll cease firing now."

But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. Snipers in the other houses continued as active as before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had befallen their comrades.

"Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered.

Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the guns were wheeled into position. This time, however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He determined to give the enemy a lesson they would not forget.

Accordingly, two houses were covered at once.

"Boom! Boom!"

"Crash! Crash!"

So closely together that they sounded almost as one were the detonations of the guns and the effect as they found their marks.

Again there was a shower of debris.

Without waiting to see what effect this destruction would have upon the Germans who occupied the houses, Hal ordered the guns turned on other homes.

Again the big guns spoke, and again the mass of bricks, mortar and wood descended and covered the streets.

"I guess that will do 'em," muttered Hal, as he waited for the smoke to clear away.

The lad was right.

No longer did the snipers fire from the windows and the American troops, which had temporarily sought shelter in doorways and around corners, poured out again, their advance, thanks to Hal and his men, thus being made more simple.

A few moments later Colonel Johnson came up to Hal.

"You did a good job, Major," he said quietly. "I guess we'll have no more trouble with them."

"Then the town is ours?" asked Hal eagerly.

"It is indeed," replied Colonel Johnson.

"Then I'll have to leave you, sir," said Hal. "Colonel English ordered me to report to him immediately after daylight."

*CHAPTER X*

*THE ADVANCE CONTINUES*

Hal found Colonel English just beyond the town, receiving the reports of his subordinates. He greeted Hal with a nod, and asked:

"What is the latest news, Major?"

"The town is ours, sir," replied Hal quietly. "Colonel Johnson has just informed me of the fact."

Colonel English got to his feet.

"Good," he exclaimed. "I was certain Colonel Johnson was the man for the job. Now if you will wait half an hour, Major, until I have talked with Colonel Johnson, I will ask you to carry my report back to General Rhodes."

"Very well, sir," replied Hal.

Colonel English got into his automobile and was whirled away to the village, where he consulted for perhaps ten minutes with Colonel Johnson. Then he returned to where he had left Hal, and still sitting in his car, wrote his report briefly. This he passed to Hal.

"I want to say," he said, "that Colonel Johnson has informed me that it was really you who made possible the capture of the village; also that you saved his life in the midst of battle earlier in the day."

"Well, he saved mine, too, sir," muttered Hal, flushing slightly.

"It's all in a day's work, Major, I know that," said Colonel English. "At the same time, I have seen fit to mention your name in my report to General Rhodes."

"Thank you, sir," said Hal.

"And I hope," Colonel English continued, "that I may have the pleasure of being associated with you further before this war has come to an end."

"Thank you, sir," said Hal again.

Colonel English extended a hand, which Hal grasped.

"Good luck," said the colonel.

"The same to you, sir. By the way, sir, may I have a car in which to make my return trip?"

"Of course," exclaimed the colonel. "I was thoughtless not to have provided it before now. Lieutenant Smith!"

A young officer approached.

"A car for Major Paine, Lieutenant, at once."

Ten minutes later the machine was at Hal's disposal.

"Do you want a driver?" asked Colonel English.

"Guess I can handle it myself, sir," replied Hal, taking the wheel. "Good-bye, sir."

A moment later he was speeding along the road which he had covered the night before.

Less than two hours later, Hal reported to General Rhodes in the latter's quarters, which had been established a mile closer to Sedan than when Hal had left his general the night before.

"You have done well," said General Rhodes, after reading Colonel English's report. "Colonel English speaks well of you here. It shall be my pleasure to include your name in my next report to the commander-in-chief."

And all that Hal could say was:

"Thank you, sir."

"Now," said General Rhodes, "you shall be free for the remainder of the day. Your friend, Major Crawford, is at this minute with General Duncan, but he should be back within a few hours. I shall have quarters placed at your disposal immediately and my advice is that you turn in for the day."

"I believe I could stand a little sleep, thank you, sir," said Hal with a grin. "I shall follow your advice at once."

"Very well. And report to me this evening at 6 o'clock."

"Yes, sir."

General Rhodes summoned an orderly, whom he directed to find quarters for Hal and to show Chester to them when the latter returned from his mission. Then Hal saluted the general and followed the orderly.

Fifteen minutes later he was fast asleep.

Hal did not know when Chester returned, but when the lad opened his eyes he saw Chester sleeping on a cot across the room. Hal dressed quickly, then aroused his chum.

"Hello," said Chester.

"Why didn't you wake me when you came in?" demanded Hal.

"Because I thought you were entitled to a little rest," replied Chester. "The same as I am now, although I notice you were not as considerate as I was."

"The only reason I aroused you," said Hal, "was because I thought you might possibly have been ordered to report to the general this evening.

"And so I have," returned Chester. "What time is it?"

"Five o'clock."

"Whew! Then I'll have to hurry. I had no idea it was so late. I'm to report at 6 o'clock."

"Same here," said Hal. "But where have you been, Chester?"

"Carried dispatches to General Duncan. Seems that there is some fresh plan afoot that General Rhodes expects will take us into Sedan within a few days. I don't know what it is, though. Now, where have you been and what have you been doing?"

Hal explained as briefly as possible while Chester hurried into his clothes.

"So you have been fighting again, eh?" said Chester when Hal had concluded. "What would your mother say?"

Hal grinned.

"About the same that yours would, I guess," he replied. "But hurry, I feel like a bite to eat before I report to the general."

"Same here. I'll be with you in a jiffy."

Chester was true to his word, and the two sauntered forth five minutes later. After they had rounded up what Chester called a feast at one of the mess tents, they strolled toward the general's quarters.

As they walked along, they saw a familiar figure come dashing toward them.

"By George!" said Hal, "it's Stubbs. Now I wonder what he can be in such an all-fired hurry; about."

"We'll stop him and see," said Chester briefly.

The lads stepped forward and accosted Stubbs, who seemed to have no idea of stopping for a word with them.

"What's the hurry, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.

Stubbs waved them away.

"Don't bother me," he explained, "I'm busy."

"But--" began Hal.

"I said I'm busy," declared Stubbs. "Can't you see I'm in a hurry?"

"Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about it," said Chester.

Stubbs seemed as if about to pass on, then hesitated.

"I'll tell you," he said. "I am in an awful hurry, but I've time to tell you the news if you promise to keep it to yourself."

"I promise," said Chester. "Let's have it, Mr. Stubbs."

"Austria has sued for peace," said Stubbs briefly.

"What!" said Hal. "Again?"

Stubbs glared at the lad.

"I tell you Austria has sued for peace," he said, emphasizing each word. "This time there is no doubt about it. I have it straight."

Chester's heart beat high.

"By Jove! I hope you're right, Mr. Stubbs," he exclaimed, "but I'm afraid to believe it."

"You needn't be," declared Stubbs. "It's perfectly true, this time."

"And I suppose you're hurrying off to flash the news to The New York Gazette?" asked Hal.

"Exactly," said Stubbs.

"Don't let us detain you, then," said Hal. "But if I were you, Mr. Stubbs, I'd go rather easy on that stuff. You know if you flashed a report like that and it wasn't true, you'd probably have to hunt a new job."

"I don't flash reports I know are not true," said Stubbs.

"Well," said Hal, "what I'd like to know is how you have gained your information when no one else seems to know anything about it?"

"In the newspaper game," said Stubbs, "a man learns to provide his news sources. I provided mine for this very thing some time ago. Now I have been justified."

"All right," said Hal. "I don't want to argue with you about it, but all the same I'd go easy."

"I tell you I've got the dope," declared Stubbs.

"Then you'd better hurry along and file it to The Gazette," Chester put in.

"By Jove, I will!" said Stubbs. "And after this, you'll get no more information from me. But remember your promises. Not a word about this."

"Don't worry, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "We're as mum as a couple of oysters."

"Then me for the cable wire," said Stubbs. He turned and hurried off.

"You know, Hal," said Chester, "it would be quite a feather in the little man's cap if he could get something like that ahead of every other newspaper in America."

"I should imagine it would," Hal agreed, "but I'm afraid he's all wrong. At the same time, however, I hope he's right."

"Same here. And by the way, speaking of Stubbs and his efforts, there is only one other thing, to my mind, that would be greater luck for him."

"And that?" asked Hal.

"That would be to get first word to his paper of the ending of war."

"By Jove! That would be something to talk about," Hal agreed.

"I should say so. But come, we have delayed long enough. It lacks only a few minutes of six o'clock, and we're due in General Rhodes' quarters at that hour, you know."

"Didn't think I had forgotten it, did you?" demanded Hal.

"Well, I didn't know. Your memory isn't as good as it used to be."

"Is that so? Why isn't it?"

"Well, I don't know why," said Chester, "but it's a fact."

Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that moment they came to the entrance to General Rhodes' quarters.

"Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has something worth while for us to do."

"Same here," agreed Hal.

They went in.

*CHAPTER XI*

*A NEW MISSION*

"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I'll be ready for you in a moment."

The lads obeyed.

For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while their commander gave dozens of orders to others of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.

At last the room was cleared with the exception of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general's private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads to approach.

"Before I ask if you are willing to undertake rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must explain a few points to you."

The lads stood at attention, but said nothing.

"As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is our immediate objective. To the north, General Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same distance of the town. When the time comes for the deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second division upon the city from the north and west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the east of the town and will strike from that direction. Do you follow me?"

"Yes, sir," said Hal.

"Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge between General Lejeune's division and my own. Telephone communication has been cut. For more than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative if the final attack is to be successful that I communicate with General Lejeune."

"I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish us to make an effort to get through."

General Rhodes nodded.

"That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he should be able to carry word to General Lejeune and return within six hours. Yet I have already dispatched three messengers and none has returned."

"You mean that they have failed, sir?" asked Hal.

"So it would seem. In each case I emphasized the necessity of haste. Had one of my previous messengers got through safely, he should have reported to me ere this. I fear they have been either killed or fallen into the hands of the enemy."

"In which event the enemy may have become familiar with your plans, sir," said Chester.

"No," returned General Rhodes, "they carried no written dispatches. The word that I sent to General Lejeune was verbal. Now my idea is this. If you, Major Paine, and you, Major Crawford, are willing to volunteer for this hazardous duty, I shall repeat the message to you. I have called you both because the matter is urgent. One of you may get through where the other fails. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly, sir," said Hal quietly, "and I am sure I speak for my friend as well as myself when I say we are not only willing, but anxious, to volunteer for the task."

"Indeed we are, sir," Chester agreed.

"Very well, then," said General Rhodes. "The message I would have you carry to General Lejeune is this: Attack in full force at 6 o'clock on the evening of November 6, which is day after tomorrow. I shall lay my plans accordingly, going upon the supposition that one of you will get the message through."

"We shall do the best we can, sir," said Hal quietly.

"And that is the best any man can do," said General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the supposition that one of you will get through and I shall attack at that time whether I hear from you again or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it more prudent, remain with General Lejeune's division until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen."

Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.

"Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," was Chester's comment as they made their way back to their own quarters.

"Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder the job the more satisfaction when you have accomplished it successfully."

"What would you suggest?" asked Chester. "Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we disguise ourselves as Germans?"