craft does not? My
own name is Caumartin, and I have flown with Lannes more than once in
the great meets at Rheims. In answer to your question I'm able to tell
you that on the wings the soldiers of France are advancing. A wedge has
been thrust between the German armies and the one nearest Paris is
retreating, lest it be cut off."

Bougainville heard the words, and he ran among the men, telling them. A
fierce shout arose and John himself quivered with feeling. It was
better, far better than he had hoped. He realized now that his courage
before had been the courage of despair. Lannes and he, as a last resort,
had put faith in signs and omens, because there was nothing else to bear
them up.

"Is it true? Is it true beyond doubt! You've really seen it with your
own eyes?" he exclaimed.

Caumartin smiled again. His were deep eyes, and the smile that came from
them was reassuring.

"I saw it myself," he replied. "At the point nearest Paris the gray
masses are withdrawing. I looked directly down upon them. And now, can
you tell me where I can find General Vaugirard?"

"I wish I could. I'm on his staff, but I've lost him. He's somewhere to
the northward."

"Then I'll find him."

Caumartin resumed his place in his machine. John looked longingly at the
aeroplane. He would gladly have gone with Caumartin, but feeling that he
would be only a burden at such a time, he would not suggest it.
Nevertheless he called to the aviator:

"If you see Philip Lannes in the heavens tell him that his friend John
Scott is here behind a low ridge crested with trees!"

Caumartin nodded, and as some of the soldiers gave his plane a push he
soared swiftly away in search of General Vaugirard. John watched him a
moment or two and then turned his attention back to the German army in
front of them.

The thudding of the heavy guns to their left had become so violent that
it affected his nerves. The waves of air beat upon his ears like
storm-driven rollers, and he was glad when Bougainville's regiment moved
forward again. The Germans seemed to have withdrawn some of their force
in the center, and, for a little while, the regiment with which John now
marched was not under fire.

They heard reserves now coming up behind them, more trains of motor
cars, bearing fresh troops, and batteries of field guns advancing as
fast as they could. Men were busy also stringing telephone wires, and,
presently, they passed a battery of guns of the largest cali