the French troops
clamped queer-looking devices over their faces and heads.

Chester knew what they were--gas masks to protect the defenders from
the poisonous vapors of German gas bombs, which, had the defenders not
been protected by masks, would have killed them instantly. A passing
officer said something unintelligible to the lad as he passed and
pointed to the ground. Glancing down, the lad perceived a mask and then
understood that the officer had meant for him to put it on. Chester did
so, though not without some difficulty, for he had trouble adjusting
it. But with his nostrils protected at last, Chester turned to watch
the approach of the enemy.

The Germans came forward in a dense mass, despite the fearful execution
worked in their ranks by the French guns. In the lines of the defenders
dropped huge bombs that sent up dense vapors--the deadly gasses of the
foe--but they caused little harm, for the French were protected. Now and
then a man fell, however; perhaps he had failed to adjust his helmet
properly, or perhaps it was not perfect. But for the most part the gas
bombs had little effect.

The first concerted attack of the German troops availed little; and after
trying for half an hour to gain a foothold in the French lines they
withdrew. But a second attack followed a few moments later. This also was
beaten off. A third attack, however, met with better success.

This time the Germans succeeded in gaining a hold in the French lines,
and this they retained in spite of repeated counter assaults by the
French. Bravely the men charged, but they could make no impression on the
positions so recently won by the foe. The troops of the German Crown
Prince stood firm.

The French were forced to retreat toward the summit of the hill.

Here the big French guns opened violently upon the enemy, but the
invaders remained in spite of the hail of death.

Chester had been carried back with the French retreat and he now found
himself almost in the first line. He was sadly disappointed, for he had
felt sure that the French effort to repel the attack would be successful.

His men still falling back before the German advance, General Domont
determined upon a bold stroke. Orders were given thick and fast. Hal and
Chester, returning from their first missions of the day, found themselves
again near the front. The orders to the various French divisional
commanders were explicit. As the Germans advanced again to the attack,
the