various points destroyed by German
shells, he gave the little man an account of the fighting in each spot.
He pointed out the advantages of earthen breastworks as against the solid
walls of fortresses. The effectiveness of the former was very plain.

Stubbs and his guide now returned to the citadel of Verdun, where
Stubbs thanked General Petain for being allowed to make the tour of
inspection. Gathered about the commander were many members of his
staff, who joined in the conversation. Stubbs could not but be
impressed by the confidence manifested by the officers that Verdun
could be kept from the Germans, and this in the face of the reverses of
the past few days. The feeling was summarized in the closing word of
General Petain, as he bade Stubbs farewell.

"_Au revoir_, Monsieur Stubbs," he said, "until you come back when our
victory is complete!"

By a series of fierce counter assaults, the French now had driven the
seasoned veterans of the German Crown Prince from Dead Man's Hill; from
Hill No. 265, to the north, from Chattancourt and Charny. Back across the
Meuse the Germans fled from the vicious attacks of the French. Second and
third line trenches were re-won.

But the French did not stop there. The third day of March found them
still pushing the Germans and as darkness fell that night, the troops of
General Petain entrenched themselves just to the east of Thiaumont farm
and Hill No. 320. A trifle to the south, Fleury was once more in German
hands, the opposition in this sector having been too much for the French
to overcome. Almost due east, German guns, wheeled into position at Fort
Vaux, captured the preceding day, shelled the reconquered positions of
the French; but the latter stood firm. All night the artillery duel raged
and the coming of morning found both armies ready for the day's work.

The French opened the day by concentrating heavy artillery upon the
German positions at Fort Vaux. After a two hours' bombardment, the
infantry was ordered to the attack. Fresh troops took the places in
the trenches vacated by the attacking forces and heavy guns covered
their advance.

A hundred yards or so from the hastily constructed German trenches, the
thin French lines charged. Their ranks had been sadly depleted as they
marched across the open ground, but they stuck to the work bravely. Clear
to the German trenches they ran, a second and still a third line close
behind; and then the Germans swarmed out to meet