osed flank of Von
Kluck. If it struck hard it would throw his whole army into confusion,
and start a rout. So instead of attacking the forts as he had intended,
Von Kluck made a swift swing, and passed Paris on the north."

"And what did Joffre do then?" asked Josh.

"The whole French army had been held for just such an opening. It was
sent forward with impetuous speed to strike like an avalanche. The
lieutenant said that already the blow had started to fall, and that
there could be no doubt about the Germans being in retreat, heading
north again to positions they must have arranged for along the Aisne
River."

"Hurrah! that makes me sing for joy!" cried Josh, exultantly; "then
Paris isn't going to fall like a ripe plum into the hands of the
_invincible_ German army. They counted without their host that
time, I guess."

"Much of the praise for what has happened goes to Joffre because he kept
his army intact and refused to risk a general engagement until he
believed the time was ripe. When Von Kluck exposed his flank, and that
new army came out of Paris to threaten it, Joffre knew the fatal hour
was at hand. Then he struck home, and already they are pushing the
Germans back along the Marne with frightful slaughter."

Josh was so pleased with hearing this wonderful news that he went around
and insisted on shaking hands with each of his chums.

"Why, I'm nearly as tickled over it as if it was Washington that had
been spared from the hand of the despoiler," he went on to say,
hilariously; "those Germans are learning something, it seems to me. They
believed their army couldn't be beaten, but by now their commanders know
there are others just as brave as Germans--French, British, Belgians,
Russians, yes, and Americans too among the lot. I'll sure be able to
sleep better after hearing that glorious news, Rod."

Somehow they seemed to feel that their machines would not be disturbed
again during the balance of that particular night, so fraught with big
events for the people of imperiled France. All of them managed to get to
sleep again without much trouble, and really knew nothing more until the
sun shining in Rod's face awoke him.

They were soon dressed, and on entering the other part of the farmhouse
found that breakfast was already under way. Rod had to explain a lot of
things to the old Frenchman, who it seemed had not been awakened by what
had occurred in the night, but had heard something of the event from his
d