“That was some fight, if you ask me,” said Hal to Chester, as they continued their way to the part of the field where they could see General French and his staff, Lieutenant Anderson having left them to rejoin his own men, from whom he had become separated.

“It was all of that,” replied Chester, “and I can’t imagine how we escaped with our lives.”

“Nor I. It doesn’t seem possible that anyone in the midst of such terrible carnage could live, to say nothing of being only slightly wounded.  By the way, are you hurt much, Hal?”

“No; just a scratch on the face and a bump on the head.  And you?”

“I was luckier than that, although a German did crack me with his rifle butt.”

“Look at the dead and wounded lying about,” said Hal.  “It is a terrible thing—­this modern warfare.”

“It is, indeed,” returned Chester, and the two continued on their way in silence.

General French noticed their approach.  The British commander was standing as he had stood through the last part of the battle, exposed to the fire of the enemy, calmly smoking a cigarette!

CHAPTER VI.

The bridge is held.

At a sign from General French Hal and Chester approached and saluted.

“Where have you been, sirs?” demanded the British commander.

Hal stepped forward and explained their absence.

“And you were in the midst of the charge?” questioned General French, when the lad concluded.

“Yes, sir!”

“And are not even badly wounded?”

“No, sir!”

“Wonderful!” exclaimed the general.  Then, after a few moments’ silence:  “You seem to bear charmed lives.  I believe you are the two for my mission.”

“Yes, sir!” exclaimed Hal eagerly.

“Both of you report to me in an hour,” ordered General French.

The two lads saluted again and moved away.

“Wonder what he wants?” said Chester.

“Too deep for me,” was Hal’s reply.

“He said something about a mission.  I guess that means more excitement for us.”

“I guess you are right.  However, I am sure we can go through with it, no matter what it may be.”

“We can try, anyhow.  That’s the best anyone can do.”

At the appointed time the two boys made their way to General French’s headquarters.

“I have an important piece of work that must be done, and which will be attended with grave danger; are you willing to undertake it?” asked the British commander, coming to the point without preliminaries.

“We shall do our best, sir,” replied Hal.

“Good!  The enemy has retreated beyond Meaux.  To-morrow I shall try and drive him farther.  It is absolutely necessary that our movements be not anticipated.  As you see we have lost many officers.  I want you to lead one hundred men to a position just this side of the bridge.  The enemy must not be allowed to cross.  One hundred men can hold the bridge as well as ten thousand.  The men to go with you have been selected.  They have volunteered for this duty.  Captain Lee will show you where to find them.  Hold the bridge!  That is all!”