the French positions in all sections of the Verdun region. Fortresses protecting the approach to the c

ily dug and thrown up, and now remained secure. Into these the German guns now poured their fire.

en sooner than

the first line troops just to the north of Verdun,

they

rned q

ough the dense cloud of smoke that overhung the ground. Hal took in the situation,

advanced slowly in the face of a rain of lead turned on them by the men in the trenches. Men fell to the

nce now must be made without further artillery support, for the German batteries could not

check the approaching foe. On to the breastworks they came and clambered up. Behind t

ether, struggling to the last. On the right and on the left, though Hal could not see these actions, similar

le so

the French broke and fled, and Hal found himself among a panic-stricken mass of humanity, running for life for the protection of the second line trenches. From behind, the vict

rienced hands the breastworks sprang up as if by magic. They entrenched calmly under the rifles o

second French trenches, firing above the heads of the victorious German

en successful all along the line. The French had lost their first line trenches on a front of approximately twelve miles. Only at one or two isolated spots had the German

esult of the first infantry fighting. For several hours they were kept on the jump carrying despa

aid Hal, shaking

ed. "It seems to me that those

trenches seemed to me beyond human power to stop. I'm glad they

to-morrow," said

"and if they do, I'm afraid

e reason?" dem

ged his s

ear themselves out by their own exertions. They lost a great deal more heavi

there they found the entire staff. The French commander was reviewing the events of the day and issuing orders and instructions rapidly. He realized that there would be

in, they were attracted by the soun

said Chester. "L

h, Hal follo

ut in a large circle. Howls of amusement and hilarious laughter rose on the air.

ternately released the blanket and then drew it taut again. He was yelling at the top of his voice to be let alone and threateni

proceedings. At length, tiring of their present victim, the men lowered him to the ground. One of t

nother one,"

about for a victim who would not prove too willing. As Hal said to Chest

d after him. As the big fellow bounded forward, a slight figure in the fir

t to come with me. He doesn't know what a good ti

e forward. As they would have put him on the blanket, t

o be out at all, but I couldn't stay in the tent any longer. I'll let you

to see that the boy was telling the truth. His

they shouldn't torment him

ster agreed. "I believ

h boy's protest fel

nket. Apparently the men who held the blanket had not noticed this, however, for they were preparing to toss him aloft again. But Hal had detected the lad's conditi

and then tossed off his jacke

e said, and s

and gazed at the big Frenchman, who

aid. "Can't you see th

ff his coat, he had removed all signs of his rank and

ss," said th

ped clos

said the Frenchman, and ad

ime to toss; but before he could move, Hal had

lad said quietly. "I

on the blanket released, the lad upon it tumbled to the ground, where he lay still. Instantly several others

mean by that?

boy alone and I meant

struck again. Again Hal dodged and the blow passed harmlessly over his head. The lad struck out quickly with his right and caught the Frenchman a hard blow upo

o his feet there was a howl of merriment. The