he idea of being able to take a bath appeals to me," exclaimed Leon
eagerly when he heard of the order. "I am certainly dirty."

"We all are that," laughed Jacques, "but what do you expect? A man
can't roll around in the smoke and dirt the way we have the last few
days and not get dirty."

"We haven't had our clothes off either," said Earl.

"Just suppose the people at home could see what we look like," chuckled
Leon. "They'd disown us, I'm afraid."

Many of the soldiers in the trench with these three young soldiers--for
Dubois was considerably older than they--had grown beards. These were
caked with mud and the long unkempt hair and soiled uniforms of the men
gave them a very ferocious appearance. Many of us have thought of most
Frenchmen as little fellows but these men were great strapping, brawny
giants. As to size and strength they compared equally if not favorably
with the Germans.

A short time later the relief regiment arrived and the men who had won
and held the new French front gave way to the newcomers. They filed
out of the first-line trench and entering the communicating trench made
their way back. Several miles they walked, and many a man had long
thoughts as he recalled their last march through these trenches when
they were headed the other way.

Finally they emerged from the trenches into the open road. It seemed
good to feel the solid earth under their feet once more and to be able
to walk along across the fields. What a relief after being shut in by
the steep sides of the trenches for so long.

The roads were crowded with troops and vehicles of all descriptions.
Great motor-trucks rolled by in an endless procession. Both sides of
the road were crowded with them. On one side they went towards the
trenches, loaded to their utmost capacity with shot and shell with
which to feed the hungry cannon. Across the road they were returning
empty.

A regiment of hussars passed, looking very smart in their uniforms and
plumed hats. Their mounts were newly groomed and sleek. A great cloud
of dust arose from the horses' hoofs and the infantry drew aside to let
them pass. Close behind the cavalry came a swift motor-car.
Everything on the highway drew back to furnish a lane for the speeding
automobile which fairly seemed to fly along the ground.

As it passed, Jacques suddenly grasped Leon by the arm.

"Did you see who was in that car?" he demanded.

"No. Who was it?"

"That was President