Hal and Chester had sprung from the floor at the sound of the first salvo.  Rushing from the farmhouse, they watched the troops form and move forward.  The defenders of the first line trenches already were engaged by the German infantry when Hal and Chester reached the open, and reinforcements were being rushed forward as rapidly as possible.

Unassigned for the moment, Hal and Chester were undecided as to what to do.  Chester settled the matter.

“We’ll stay here,” he decided.  “There is no need of our going forward.  We will only be in the way now.  If we are needed, of course, it will be different.”

Hal agreed with his chum and the two remained where they were.

The terrible thunder of the great guns ceased now and there broke out the crash of rifle fire.  This told Hal and Chester that the German infantry was charging the trenches.

And this was indeed the case.  In great waves of humanity the German assault poured on.  Into the trenches the men threw themselves, dying by the hundreds; but there were always more to take their places.  While the attack had not been exactly a surprise, the French nevertheless had been caught off their guard and the first advantage was with the Germans.

As wave after wave of humanity poured into the trenches, the French broke and fled.  Toward Hal and Chester they came, making for the protection of the next line of entrenchments just beyond Thiaumont farm.  Hal and Chester stepped within the farmhouse to watch the flight.

“We can’t remain here long,” Chester shouted to make himself heard above the din and crash of musketry.

Hal nodded his understanding and turned again to the window.

At that moment a body of French infantry, perhaps 200 strong, dashed directly for the farmhouse.  Through the doors they poured and rushed to the windows and manned them.

Some rushed upstairs, under the direction of the single officer with them and others descended into the basement.

“By Jove!  They are going to make a stand here!” cried Chester.

“Right!” Hal agreed.  “Here is a chance for us to do some good.  We’ll offer our services to this officer.”

The lads had discarded their German uniforms soon after their return to the French lines and were again attired in regulation French costume, with which they had been provided.  They now approached the French officer who was busy directing the disposition of his men.

“We would be glad, sir,” said Hal, “if you would put us to work.”

The officer glanced at them keenly.

“Officers, I perceive,” he said.  “Your names, please?”

The boys gave them.

“Good,” said the Frenchman.  “Lieutenant Paine, you shall take charge of the second floor.  Lieutenant Crawford, you will command in the basement.  I have orders to hold this position, come what may.”

“Very good, sir.”