by other members of his staff.

"Something up!" cried Hal as they hurried forward.

"Probably a night attack," said Chester. "General French may be planning
to carry some of the enemy's trenches by assault."

"Guess you are right," replied Hal briefly.

They took their places among the others of the British leader's staff and
were received with nods of welcome and some expressions of astonishment.
They had friends among the British officers, many of whom, because of
their long absence, had mourned them as dead.

The lads let their eyes roam about. Troops, troops, troops! Nothing but
troops, as far as the eye could see. Cavalry, artillery and infantry in
solid masses on every side; officers darting hither and thither
delivering sharp orders. It was an impressive sight.

An officer on horseback dashed up to General French and the two held a
short conversation. As the rider turned and was about to make off again
the lads recognized him.

"Major Derevaux!" shouted Hal, taking a step forward.

The officer wheeled in his saddle. He recognized the two lads in an
instant, and reined in.

"Hello, boys," he called back. "I heard you were dead. Glad to see
you again."

Without further words, but with a wave of his hand, the French officer
put spurs to his horse and dashed out of sight in the darkness.

"Wonder what he is doing here?" said Hal. "He was attached to General
Joffre's staff when we left. Remember?"

"Yes," replied Chester. "Must be some momentous move under way."

Other officers now began to appear. They dashed up to the British
commander, made their reports and immediately dashed away again.

"Lieutenant Paine! Lieutenant Crawford!"

It was General French summoning them and the boys approached and came to
attention. Because of past experience, both lads realized instantly that
the General had some ticklish work cut out and that he had selected them
to carry it through.

"Take a troop of cavalry," came the command, "and make a reconnoissance
of the northeast!"

Quickly two officers nearby sprang from their horses and offered them to
the lads, for the latter had not yet had time to find steeds. The lads
sprang into the saddle, saluted their commander, and dashed away. To the
nearest cavalry force they hurried, where upon repeating General French's
order to the commander, they soon had a troop at their disposal.

A troop of cavalry is composed of one hundred men. It is usually
commanded by a captain