rs and men had the same thought. The heavy bombardment
presaged a new German assault.

Hal and Chester had sprung from the floor at the sound of the first
salvo. Rushing from the farmhouse, they watched the troops form and move
forward. The defenders of the first line trenches already were engaged by
the German infantry when Hal and Chester reached the open, and
reinforcements were being rushed forward as rapidly as possible.

Unassigned for the moment, Hal and Chester were undecided as to what to
do. Chester settled the matter.

"We'll stay here," he decided. "There is no need of our going forward. We
will only be in the way now. If we are needed, of course, it will be
different."

Hal agreed with his chum and the two remained where they were.

The terrible thunder of the great guns ceased now and there broke out the
crash of rifle fire. This told Hal and Chester that the German infantry
was charging the trenches.

And this was indeed the case. In great waves of humanity the German
assault poured on. Into the trenches the men threw themselves, dying by
the hundreds; but there were always more to take their places. While the
attack had not been exactly a surprise, the French nevertheless had been
caught off their guard and the first advantage was with the Germans.

As wave after wave of humanity poured into the trenches, the French broke
and fled. Toward Hal and Chester they came, making for the protection of
the next line of entrenchments just beyond Thiaumont farm. Hal and
Chester stepped within the farmhouse to watch the flight.

"We can't remain here long," Chester shouted to make himself heard above
the din and crash of musketry.

Hal nodded his understanding and turned again to the window.

At that moment a body of French infantry, perhaps 200 strong, dashed
directly for the farmhouse. Through the doors they poured and rushed to
the windows and manned them.

Some rushed upstairs, under the direction of the single officer with them
and others descended into the basement.

"By Jove! They are going to make a stand here!" cried Chester.

"Right!" Hal agreed. "Here is a chance for us to do some good. We'll
offer our services to this officer."

The lads had discarded their German uniforms soon after their return to
the French lines and were again attired in regulation French costume,
with which they had been provided. They now approached the French officer
who was busy directing the disposition of his me