And he was mentally figuring on just when the bitter
blast would break forth that was going to mow down those valiant men
with the red trousers and the blue tunics rushing pell-mell forward with
such ringing huzzas.

At least the men separated as they ran, doubtless following the
instructions of their officers. This was bound to be of advantage to
them, since the fire of the enemy could not cut them down as ripe grain
falls before the scythe of the reaper or the revolving knives of the
modern mowing machine.

"Some may manage to get across anyhow!" Josh was telling himself, as
though seeking comfort.

Now the first of the French had reached the bank. They leaped
impetuously into the water and hastened to start across. As they
advanced of course they waded deeper, and their pace lessened. Was this
just what those cool, calculating German gunners were waiting for? Rod
expected to hear the first crash at any second now. How his heart went
out to those gallant fellows splashing through the river at the disputed
ford. He felt as though he must shut his eyes so as not to see what was
fated to occur; but for the life of him he could not. Some power beyond
his control forced him to continue to crouch there and stare with all
his might and main, as though he must omit no small detail of the
amazing picture.

The ford was now fairly alive with moving figures, all pushing hurriedly
toward the other shore, where not a German could be seen. The bushes in
that quarter lay there as unassuming as though every one did not conceal
a foe with ready rifle waiting for the order to come to pour in a
terrific fire.

That was the picture Rod would often recall in days to come. It was
stamped on his memory in imperishable colors--the bright sunlight, the
hovering clouds of billowy powder smoke, the gay uniforms of the
charging Frenchmen, the sombre, oppressive silence hovering over the
opposite bank of the river--all these things had a part in the
never-to-be-forgotten scene.

Then it seemed as though some volcano, long held in check, must have
burst the confines of Nature in a mighty convulsion. From several points
there came the thunderous discharge of batteries, while a thousand
rifles added their sharper notes to the dreadful chorus.

And the men in the river, what of them?

Scores could be seen to throw up their arms and disappear, the current
doubtless bearing them away. Others were forced to turn and start back
to the shore t