lt, and are retreating!" was what he
declared in his hearty British way. "Von Kluck meant to take Paris by
surprise from the northwest, but he made a terrible mistake and left his
flank uncovered. It was threatened by our British troops, as well as by
a new army that came out of Paris, sent by General Gallieni, the
commander of the city. There was nothing to be done but swing in a half
circle past Paris without coming within cannon shot of the forts. We are
now about to strike with all our force, and beat him back on the Marne.
Paris is saved for the time being!"

This was the amazing news that thrilled the three boys through and
through. In their minds it meant that the German tide had already
reached its flood stage; and that from the hour Von Kluck changed his
plans with regard to attacking the forts defending Paris the campaign of
invasion was fated to meet with its Waterloo.

Josh actually shouted aloud to show his glee, nor did the grim British
officer consider this any discourtesy. He himself was feeling in much
the same humor, for victory was already in the air for the Allies, and
he knew what that would mean for the future of the whole of Europe.

After a very pleasant and interesting chat the three boys again mounted
their machines, and set out. They had been warned by the accommodating
officer that they might run into a nest of the enemy at almost any time
now, for detachments of the Germans were raiding the country, trying to
inspire a reign of terror among the inhabitants.

"If they can catch us," the confident Josh had remarked in his customary
boastful fashion, "they'll be welcome to our mounts. All the same we
don't mean to let ourselves be taken off our guard. To be made prisoners
just now would upset all our lovely plans, you see, Colonel. But it's
awful kind of you to give us the tip, and make sure we appreciate it."

Shortly afterwards Rod announced that there was something of a hill
ahead, and once they had managed to reach the crown they might find a
chance to take an observation that would prove profitable to them.

"Drive ahead, then," chirped Josh, always willing to do anything that
came along, especially when it promised fresh excitement; possibly he
was hoping that from the top of the low elevation they would be able to
see many stirring dramas connected with the great battle that was now
opening, and which must seal the fate of the French capital, one way or
the other.

"I'm going to s