had, in fact, precise
knowledge of an event in which he had never actually participated. He
had analyzed war and resolved it into its component parts, as though it
were heated in a test-tube. And how exact were his theories, later
events were to show.

In 1901, Foch returned for a time to active service, being given
command of the 29th Regiment at Laon. After the classroom routine, the
change was indeed welcome. A few months later we find him stationed
again in his beloved Brittany, with the rank of Colonel. But promotion
had come slowly. During these years he prepared his class lectures for
book publication, forming two volumes, the first being his
since-celebrated "Principles of War," and the second "The Conduct of
War." In these books he proved himself a master of terse, epigrammatic
statement. There did not seem to be a superfluous word in them. They
were favorably received by military critics everywhere, and still
further established his reputation.

But it was not until 1907, when Foch was fifty-six, that he at last
received the rank of Brigadier General, with an assignment to the
General Staff at Paris. With this belated appointment it seemed that
the tale of his military career was told. Fate had more than one
surprise in store, even then, however.

The position as head or Director General of the Ecole de Guerre was
vacant. A keen rivalry arose among several Generals for the
appointment, but Foch did not present his name. He belonged to the
wrong party, the Clerical, or Church Party, and the Anti-Clericals were
then in power. Clemenceau was Premier, this being his first term.

One day Foch was surprised by being invited to dine with the Premier.
When he arrived he was still further surprised to note that he was the
only guest. The "Tiger" did not broach the subject of the invitation
until the coffee cups were cleared away. Then he said abruptly, and
apropos of nothing that had gone before:

"I have some news for you, General. You are appointed Director of the
Ecole de Guerre."

"But I am not a candidate, sir," replied Foch, taken completely by
surprise.

"Possibly not," replied the Premier drily, "but you are appointed
nevertheless, and I am sure you will do good work there."

"I thank you for the honor," said Foch with some embarrassment, "but
aren't there--difficulties? I am a Churchman, you know."

Clemenceau laughed.

"Probably you are not aware," continued Foch, finding it dif