d he was satisfied. On the whole he
considered it perhaps as well they were not married. There was no
telling what might happen to him and she would be in a better position
if he succumbed to the chances of war. Not that he had any fears on
that score; he looked forward to the coming struggle in a very
optimistic mood.

CHAPTER XVI

JANE'S LOVE AFFAIR

The battle raged; the German hordes pushed forward; the great retreat
began. Paris seemed about to fall and there was anxiety in the Allied
forces. Prodigies of valor were chronicled in a few lines of space;
the British army, greatly outnumbered, was holding the enemy. The
advance was slow, a wonderful retreat, perhaps the most heroic known
until almost equaled by the Russians later on.

Then came the news that the enemy was checked, they in turn were driven
back when Paris seemed within their grasp. The Germans were held and
the situation saved. It was marvelous, and the "little army," under
Sir John French was covered in glory. Britain thrilled at the news of
her soldiers' bravery. They fought as of old, fought as at Waterloo,
at Inkerman, at the Alma, and Balaklava. They had not degenerated, the
same spirit animated them; they knew how to die, and how to win. For
forty years the Germans had been trained for war, and their masses were
held up by men who had known peace for many years.

The Sherwoods had their chance and took it. The Uhlans were no match
for them; they were bowled over like ninepins. Men and horses fell in
heaps before the terrible charge. Captain Chesney was in the thick of
it all. Rash, brave, knowing no danger, he was a typical cavalry
officer; and that master of cavalry tactics, Sir John French, heard of
his bravery and recognized it. After their first action Alan Chesney
was the idol of the Sherwoods. The men followed him into the jaws of
death and cheered as he led them on. Nothing could stand before them,
their impetuosity overcame all obstacles; they lost many men but gained
imperishable renown.

Eve Berkeley read the meager accounts of the fighting and grew
impatient, longing for more, wondering why publicity was not given to
the doings of the bravest of the brave. Alan's name cropped up once or
twice, she gathered from the vague lines that he had done wonders, that
his bravery was conspicuous, that his men loved him, and she was proud
of him.

Week after week passed and she only had one or two lines from him.