Poincare, president of France."

CHAPTER XII

IN REVIEW

The speeding car was lost in a cloud of dust and soon disappeared.

"Are you sure that was President Poincare?" asked Leon.

"I am sure of it," replied Jacques. "I have seen him several times
before."

"What do you suppose he is doing here?"

"On a tour of inspection probably. He visits the front frequently."

The tired soldiers swung along the road, their ranks thinner than they
had been a few days before. Many a brave son of France had marched to
his death when the _douzieme_ had filed down into the trenches to lead
the offensive a short time previous. That the regiment was held in
high esteem, however, was proved by the fact that many a cheer went up
as soon as its battle-scarred standard was recognized.

At length they reached the village where their headquarters had been
established and every man was assigned a place in which he was to live.
Leon, Jacques, Earl, and Dubois found themselves together in the loft
of a barn. Five rude cots, with mattresses far from soft, were placed
there for them to sleep on.

"Five bunks and only four of us," remarked Earl. "I wonder who is
going to use the extra bed."

"Don't call that thing a bed," laughed Leon. "I wouldn't insult a bed."

"That's all right," exclaimed Earl. "It looks pretty good to me after
the trenches. At any rate I can sleep on anything."

"So can I," agreed Leon quickly. "Don't think I'm complaining. I'd
like to know who is going to use the other bunk though."

"Turn around and you'll see," said Dubois.

His three companions followed his bidding and a shout of welcome went
up to the newcomer. He limped slightly but there was a grin on his
face and he appeared to be very happy.

"Armande!" cried Dubois joyfully. "I am glad to see you."

He rushed up to his comrade and following the French custom, kissed him
on both cheeks.

Jacques did the same but Leon and Earl, though they were not less glad
to see their friend, contented themselves with welcoming him with a
hearty handshake.

"How is your leg?" inquired Jacques solicitously.

"As sound as ever," exclaimed Armande quickly. He tried to execute a
few dance steps to show his friends how well his wound had healed, but
his leg sank under him and a shadow of pain crossed his face.

"Be careful," said Leon anxiously. "Don't try anything like that yet."

"I guess it is not as well as I thought," admitted Armande