e was a piece of woodland surmounting a broad plateau that had
considerable strategic importance. Its possession would enable the
Germans to straighten their lines and permit their guns to dominate the
valley beyond. They had made several attacks previously which had been
driven back; but on the morning in question the assaults had been
particularly ferocious and determined. It was evident that the Germans
had received orders to carry it at all costs, and they had thrown their
forces ahead again and again regardless of their heavy losses in men.

Their attacks on the direct front had remained without result, but they
had been able to gain some advantages on the side that separated the
detachment in the woods from their main divisions. It was necessary
that American reinforcements should be sent at once, for the
comparatively small force that held the position was rapidly thinning
out, owing to the terrific shell fire of the enemy's guns.

Several couriers had been sent to notify the main command of the
perilous position in which the defenders were placed, but these had
evidently been killed or captured, and at last Major Blake, the officer
in command, had to use his last resort.

There was a cage of carrier pigeons that the detachment had brought
with them, beautiful, soft-eyed creatures that had been thoroughly
trained. It seemed a pity that things so gentle should have to serve
the harsh purposes of war. But human lives were at stake, and one of
the birds was quickly selected, and a message tied on it securely.
Then it was thrown up in the air. It circled about for a moment to get
its direction, and then straight as an arrow to its mark made for
division headquarters.

A cheer rose from the men as they watched the feathered messenger, but
this quickly changed to a groan when the bird was seen to falter and
then plunge downward. An enemy shot had winged or killed it.

Two more were sent and met with the same fate. The need was growing
fearfully urgent, for the enemy had been reinforced and the attacks
were growing in intensity. Unless help came very soon the position
would be overwhelmed.

Frank and his comrades were fighting like tigers, their faces covered
with grime and sweat. The last time the enemy came on they had reached
the breastworks and had been beaten back with savage bayonet fighting
and clubbed rifles. But they still kept coming as though their numbers
were endless.

"The boys had bett