enanted, and trying the experiment,
found themselves inside the wall without a shot having been fired. More
must have followed them, at any rate a considerable force must have
gathered there before the Communists found out they had entered. There
can be no doubt that it was a surprise, and not a preconcerted movement,
for the batteries continue to fire on the place for some time after they
had entered.

"In a short time, small bodies of soldiers ran across the open where the
shells were still bursting thickly, established themselves in the ruins
of the village, and, as they received reinforcements, gradually worked
their way forwards. The Communists have brought up strong forces, but so
far, they have been unable to drive back the troops, and, of course,
their chance of doing so grows less and less. We can hear heavy firing
all along to the right, and it seems as if the troops were pushing
forward all along the line from here to Neuilly. Thank God, the end of
this terrible business is approaching, and by to-morrow morning we may
see the troops in Passy, where there is scarce a soul but will welcome
them with open arms. Our battalion of National Guards was one of the
last to accept the orders of the Commune, and as it must be known in
Versailles as well as in Paris, that this quarter is thoroughly loyal,
we need fear no trouble. We are going back there with the news, for we
can see nothing here, and if a battalion of Communists came along
beaten, they would be as likely as not to vent their fury on all whom
they see by their appearance and dress are likely to sympathize with the
troops."

Cuthbert walked back with them to Passy.

"Good news," he exclaimed, as he entered the room, where Mary and the
Michauds were standing at the open window; "the troops are masters of
Point du Jour, and the Communists have tried in vain to drive them back.
No doubt, at present, the whole French army is being brought up, in
readiness to enter as soon as it is dark, and by to-morrow morning this
part of the town at any rate may be clear of the Communists."

Exclamations of delight burst from the others. "I will run up to the
roof," Cuthbert said, "there is heavy musketry fire going on all along
this side, and one may get an idea how matters are going, but we may be
sure that the Communists will all fall back upon the city as soon as
they know the troops have entered here."

Mary went up with him, and they found the astronomer had alrea