“But,” Hal protested, “we can hardly advance in the face of such odds; we must have reinforcements.”

“Well,” said Major Derevaux, “strong reinforcements already are arriving, and I believe that the advance will be general along our whole line.”

“That will mean severe fighting,” said Chester.

“Indeed it will,” replied the major.  “It will mean fighting such as the world has never heard of before.  It will mean death for thousands upon thousands.  But the Germans must be pushed back.”

“And the Kaiser will find that he is not to have things all his own way,” said Hal.

“Exactly,” returned the major.  “But I must leave you now, boys.  I must return to my own regiment at once.  Good luck to you!”

“Good luck!” exclaimed the boys as the major turned on his heel and strode rapidly away.

The two lads returned to their own quarters and gave themselves up to rest.  So completely were they worn out that it was dark when they again opened their eyes; and they probably would not have done so then had not the clear notes of a bugle awakened them.

Rushing into the open, the lads saw that on all sides the troops were ready to move—­whether forward or backward they could not tell as yet.  It was evident, however, that something was afoot.

Hal and Chester made their way to the side of General French and joined the members of his staff.  The gallant British commander was sitting his horse quietly, his staff grouped about him.  Occasionally one went dashing away with some order, as the general gave a laconic command.

The boys had hardly taken their places when General French said quietly: 

“Order a general advance!”

A moment later and the small though mighty host of Britain was in motion, and a loud cheer rang out on the still night air as the troops perceived that they were going forward—­that the retreat had ended.

Swiftly and silently the army advanced.  Ahead could be heard the crack, crack of rifle fire, indicating that the outposts were engaged with the enemy.  Also, from the distance, could be heard the booming of the great German guns, and as the English advanced still further men began to fall before the deadly German artillery fire.

But the British did not falter; they plodded on as steadily as before.  Then, after two hours of rapid marching, came the sudden command to halt.  A moment later and a squadron of British cavalry came into view, retreating before a large force of Germans.

Just in front of the infantry the cavalry halted, and turned their faces toward the enemy.  The advance of the British so far had not been discovered; but as the pursuing Germans came into view, the command to fire rang out.

There was a deafening crash as the British infantry hurled their messengers of death into the compact ranks of the foe; and under this deadly fire the British cavalry dashed forward.  Before the Germans could recover from their surprise the English horsemen were upon them, striking, cutting, slashing.