od there. Five men stood out
in front of the others however and from the corner of his eye Leon did
his best to see who they were.

"That little man in the khaki suit was King George of England," he said
to Jacques after the review was over and they had returned to their
quarters. "I also recognized General Joffre, but who was the man with
the brown mustache who stood next to King George?"

"Why that was Lord Kitchener," exclaimed Jacques.

"Who was the big man next to him? He was certainly fine looking."

"King Albert of Belgium," said Jacques in a surprised tone. "I should
think you'd recognize him."

"It was stupid of me not to," admitted Leon. "Who was the short man in
the frock coat and silk hat? He didn't look like a soldier to me."

"He isn't," laughed Jacques. "That was President Poincare; the man who
passed us in the automobile the other day."

"Of course it was," exclaimed Leon. "Quite a distinguished gathering I
should say."

At this moment Dubois entered the loft. He was evidently excited.

"Some of these fellows have been wanting excitement," he exclaimed,
"and I guess they'll get it soon enough all right."

"What do you mean?" demanded Leon.

"Come with me and I'll soon show you," said Dubois.

CHAPTER XIII

A VOLUNTEER

The five soldiers hurried outdoors and cautioned by Dubois they stood
together in a little group and listened intently.

"Guns," exclaimed Jacques.

"Guns?" echoed Dubois. "I should say there were; thousands of men.
Just listen to that cannonade."

A steady roar came to the ears of the soldiers. Now and again it rose
angrily only to sink down again to a low muttering. It did not cease
for a moment however and the most inexperienced recruit could have told
that a furious bombardment was taking place.

"That must be over ten miles away," said Dubois, "and yet just see how
plainly we can hear it. We'll be in that soon."

"You think so?" asked Leon.

"I'm sure of it; they'll begin to move up reserves pretty quick."

"Who's doing all that firing, do you think?"

"The Germans. They are going to counter-attack and try to win back the
positions we took away from them ten days ago."

"Do you know that for sure?"

"No, that's just my guess," said Dubois. "Of course I'm not sure."

"Well I don't believe that German guns are the only ones busy,"
exclaimed Earl with a grim smile.

"No, indeed," agreed Dubois quickly. "We wouldn't just sit still and