wn the snow-clad and trodden slopes to the part
where the Kaiser's infantry had debouched from the forests. "See, the
place is grey with their bodies; they are piled high one upon another,
and there must be hundreds of them. Good! This is a devilish war, mes
amis, a devilish war; for see how we gloat over their losses. But
listen still more: this is France, and none shall invade her save at
their peril."

For a while silence settled down over the scene of that sanguinary
conflict, the guns of either side going out of action, while once more
no sign was to be perceived of the Germans. Yet it was evident enough
already that gigantic preparations had been made to beat in and flatten
the Verdun salient; and, surprised to some extent as the French
undoubtedly were, not by the attack itself, but by the immensity of the
German arrangements for it, that lull after the first attack was at
once put to service. Where possible, reinforcements were sent up to
the front, while everywhere spades and picks were plied with energy.

"It's life or death to us," said an officer cheerfully as he came
amongst the men of Henri's platoon. "See how the line has been broken
up and our trenches smashed out of all recognition. But the Germans,
too, have been smashed for a while, and therefore, while they rest, let
us work and prepare other shelters. But wait! Yes, I have a message
from the Commander. The Sergeant who was wounded has made a report.
Tell me, then, where are those two men, Henri and Jules, who came from
Ruhleben to bear their part in this fighting?"

Smeared with earth, coated with the soil of France from their steel
helmets down to their army boots, their hands and faces grimy, their
hair dishevelled, and yet their faces shining with enthusiasm and
courage, Henri and Jules stood to attention before the officer and
waited.

"So it is you, you two," he said, regarding them for some few
seconds--"you two, Henri and Jules--names which every _poilu_ seems to
know most thoroughly--then, attention! These are the Colonel's words,
uttered on the report of that Sergeant, who states that Henri and Jules
showed conspicuous courage and determination, and have set a fine
example to their comrades: you are no longer just plain soldiers of
France, you are now entitled to wear the stripes of a corporal. And
now, Corporal Henri, and you, Corporal Jules, back to your digging."

If our two gallant young heroes had laboured before with