The Belgian army, in spite of the terrible havoc wrought upon it by the heavy German guns, was still fighting desperately and had no mind to withdraw from the conflict.  Possibly, Belgium had more at stake than any other country in the war.  She was fighting for life and freedom—­from possible absorption into the German Empire.

And now the German force had been pushed clear across the River Marne, where they were making a determined stand.  The eastern shore of the little river was held by the Kaiser’s troops, the western shore by the Allies.

So here the great armies now paused for a moment to take a much needed breathing spell.  For the moment the fierce advance of the Allies was checked.  Tired men sank to the ground in the ranks, there to remain until the battle should be resumed.

But over all still was heard the roar of the great guns.  The artillery continued in action, as it had ever since the two great armies had come into contact with each other.  Shells dropped and burst among the troops on both sides of the river, blowing men to atoms; but still the main portions of the armies rested on their arms, awaiting the word to move forward again.

The fire of the German artillery was hourly creating great havoc in the allied army; but in spite of their great guns, the greatest ever known, their execution had been no more terrible than that done by the smaller guns of the Allies; for the fire of the British gunners was far superior to that of the Germans.  Few shells were wasted, while, up to this time, the comparatively poor marksmanship of the German gunners was the cause of much comment and surprise.

So now, when Hal and Chester once more returned to their own posts, they found the two great armies lined up on either bank of the Marne; or rather some distance from it, only the outposts of either army occasionally riding right up to the river’s edge, while the great shells continued to burst on both sides of the river.

Hal and Chester sought out Lieutenant Anderson, whom they found after a long search.  Through an orderly they also reported to General French, apprising him of where to find them should he desire their presence.  After a short talk with Lieutenant Anderson, who had insisted that they make free use of his quarters, both lads turned in, for they had been many hours without sleep, and were tired out.

How long they slept it is impossible to say, but they were awakened by Lieutenant Anderson shaking them by the arm.

“Get up,” commanded the lieutenant.  “You are ordered to report to General French immediately.”

Hal and Chester were on their feet in a moment.  Bright sunlight streamed through the entrance to the tent.  It was early morning.

Once more in the quarters of General French, both boys impatiently waited for him to speak—­to tell them the reason he had summoned them so suddenly.

At length the general rose and approached them.  He placed a hand on the shoulder of each, and spoke: