shooting by the Germans impossible, so it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along as well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or tumbling into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length emerged into the open, and broke into a weary run.

“We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the edge of the woods, or we are gone goslings,” panted Hal.

Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and as they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him into the woods.

“We’ll stop here a moment and pick off a few of ’em,” said Hal grimly.

The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.

“They don’t know how many of us there are,” said Hal, “and they are afraid to take a chance. One more volley, men, and then up and run for it again.”

A final volley was delivered with telling effect, and the English sprang to their feet and darted through the woods. The Germans gave them a parting shot, but there was no pursuit.

“That was pretty close,” said Chester.

“It was, indeed,” replied Hal, “and there is one more of our men gone. Was anyone wounded?” he asked, turning to the others.

“Shot in the shoulder, sir,” replied a man named Brown.

“They got me in the arm,” said another.

“Anyone else?” questioned Hal.

There was no reply, and Hal asked:

“Are you two men able to go on without assistance?”

“Yes,” was the reply.

“Good! Then come on.”

All night long the little party continued on their march, and it was not until the first gray streak of dawn showed them, in the distance, the first British line that the boys felt entirely safe.

Their report made, they were returning, later in the day, to their quarters to seek a much needed rest, when a well known voice exclaimed:

“Well, boys, how are you?”

The lads turned quickly about; then each gave a cry of delight and grabbed the man who had accosted them by the hand.

“Captain Derevaux!” they exclaimed in a single voice.

“No,” replied the gallant Frenchman, with a smile. “Major Derevaux, if you please!”

CHAPTER IV.

THE GERMAN RETREAT BEGUN.

Hal and Chester stood for some minutes grasping their friend by the hand.

“Major, eh,” ejaculated Hal. “I’m glad to hear that!”

“So am I,” declared Chester. “I am sure no one deserved promotion more than you.”

“Thanks,” laughed the major.

“Tell us,” said Hal, “what are you doing here? I thought you were with the Southern army.”

“I am; but I carried dispatches to General French, and if I mistake not, they are important ones. I believe that plans have been brought to a head and that we shall take the offensive soon.”

“Good!” cried Chester. “We have been retreating long enough.”

“But,” Hal protested, “we can hardly advance in the face of such odds; we must have reinforcements.”

“Well,” said Major Derevaux, “strong reinforcements already are arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our whole line.”

“That will mean severe fighting,” said Chester.

“Indeed it will,” replied the major. “It will mean fighting such as the world has never heard of before. It will mean death for thousands upon thousands. But the Germans must be pushed back.”

“And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own way,” said Hal.

“Exactly,” returned the major. “But I must leave you now, boys. I must return to my own regiment at once. Good luck to you!”

“Good luck!” exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and strode rapidly away.

The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to rest. So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.

Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were ready to move—whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet. It was evident, however, that something was afoot.

Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and joined the members of his staff. The gallant British commander was sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him. Occasionally one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic command.

The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said quietly:

“Order a general advance!”

A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops perceived that they were going forward—that the retreat had ended.

Swiftly and silently the army advanced. Ahead could be heard the crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged with the enemy. Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.

But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before. Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to halt. A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view, retreating before a large force of Germans.

Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their faces toward the enemy. The advance of the British so far had not been discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to fire rang out.

There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward. Before the Germans could recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon them, striking, cutting, slashing.

It was deadly and terrible work and the English did not go unscathed. But struggling thus, hand to hand, the Germans were no match for the English. Now there came from behind the Germans a large force of infantry on the run, and before these reinforcements the British cavalry was forced to retire.

All this was happening right before the eyes of Hal and Chester, in the very center of the British line. On the right and left the engagement was of the same fierce kind, and the deafening crashes of rifles and artillery on either side gave conclusive evidence that the British were engaged with the enemy all along their entire front.

Still the German cavalry pursued the British cavalry in the center. Then General French turned suddenly to Hal:

“Tell General Mayo to advance in force!” he commanded.

The general turned to Chester:

“Ask General Samson to bring his artillery into instant action!”

The two lads dashed away on their respective missions; and almost immediately the results of these two commands were apparent.

As the German infantry advanced in the wake of their cavalry, the British came to sudden life. Flame burst out from all along the center and the Germans recoiled. Volley after volley was poured into the wavering ranks of the enemy, and they