"And what did you learn? Anything else?"

"Lots," replied Hal, "but let me get out of this wet German uniform;"
having done which he plunged into a story of his experiences after
they had left until his return to General French's tent.

"And General French says," he concluded, "that steps have been taken
to spoil the Kaiser's plan."

"Good," said Chester and Lieutenant Anderson in one voice.

"Well," said Chester, after some further talk, "I guess we might as
well turn in. Anderson and I were unable to sleep because you had not
returned. We can rest easier now."

Almost completely exhausted, the three were soon slumbering deeply.
The day's work had been strenuous indeed, and there is no telling how
long they would have slept on had not the sound of a bugle, calling
"To arms!" roused them.

Quickly they leaped up, and throwing on what few clothes they had
removed, were soon at their posts. The whole army was ready to move at
a moment's notice.

The first glimmer of the morning sun appeared over the horizon as the
command for a general advance rang out. Slowly at first, then faster,
the great British fighting machine moved on, squadron upon squadron of
cavalry leading the way.

There were no bridges across the little river, nor were there boats
enough to carry the army across. But under the direction of skillful
engineers, the best in the world, pontoon bridges sprang up as if by
magic. Before the Germans were fully aware of what was going on,
several thousand men had been hurled across the little stream.

These--advancing in the face of the overwhelming force of Germans,
rushed forward to check them--fought off the enemy while other British
troops were poured over the Marne. Desperately did the Germans try to
drive them back. Time after time they charged, only to be hurled back
again by the British horsemen, and the infantry that now had had time
to form after crossing the river.

Artillery was brought into action to force the British back across
the little stream. But it was no use. The Germans had been caught
unprepared. Already Gen. Von Kluck had weakened his defense by sending
some of his men south to take their places in the force with which the
Kaiser and his generals expected to execute their great coup.

Evidently the danger of a sudden attack had not been anticipated by
the German general staff. That the British, without the support of
their French allies, farther to the south, would take the off