attle as it progressed
and stood nervously clenching and unclenching his hands as victory turned
into defeat.

The first two rows of German trenches had fallen into the hands of
the French, and there the troops prepared to make themselves at home.
Thousands upon thousands of men were set to work burying the dead,
and soon the field was cleared of the bodies. The losses on both
sides had been enormous, for the battle of Soissons had been the
bloodiest of the war.

General Joffre, who had moved his headquarters somewhat toward the rear
when the German advance began, reoccupied his old quarters once more, and
it was here that Hal and Chester, having been summoned, found him.

"I have a mission that I thought you would like to undertake," said
the general.

"We shall be glad to," returned Chester.

"The little village of Pom lies just beyond our farthest outpost," said
General Joffre. "Take the squadron of British and occupy it. You should
be able to do so with little difficulty."

The lads saluted and departed, rejoicing that they had some work
ahead of them.

The British raised a loud cheer when they learned that they were to
advance, for they had had little part in the terrible fighting around
Soissons, and were growing restless.

It was after dark when the little force moved out from the trenches and
advanced upon Pom. They marched quietly and swiftly, and morning found
them in the streets of the little town.

Here they encountered a small force of the enemy, who, however, gave way
before them, evidently believing them the vanguard of a larger force.

"Now," said Hal, "half of us may as well turn in while the other half
stands guard. Break in the doors of some of these houses, men."

Then it was that His Lordship, the lanky Englishman who had afforded so
much amusement to the others, came to life. Up to this time he had been
marching along with hanging head, apparently in nowise concerned in what
was taking place.

He ran lightly up the steps of the nearest house, and, putting his
shoulder to the door, broke it in with ease. Immediately he
disappeared within.

Into this house Hal and Chester also went, and instructed their men to
occupy the adjoining buildings.

"We can give a good account of ourselves in here, should we be attacked,"
Hal explained.

"Right," Chester agreed. "But do you anticipate an attack?"

"I do," replied Hal. "As soon as the Germans we drove out report to the
main body, a stro