uck!" 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