CHAPTER VIIITOWARD SEDANThe American army was moving toward Sedan. Already the Yankee forces advancing from the south and west had occupied St. Aigan and invested Maisoncelle, Stonne and Sommauthe. The enemy had contested every inch of the ground, but the Americans were not to be denied. The Forty-second division, better known as the Rainbow Division, under command of Major-General Charles D. Rhodes, and the Second division, regular army troops, commanded by Major-General John A. Lejeune, were showing the way.On either side of these forces were the Seventy-seventh and the Eighty-second divisions, commanded respectively by Major-General Robert Alexander and Major-General George P. Duncan.In these American units advancing upon Sedan were represented fighting men from all sections of the United States.The Forty-second was composed of former National Guardsmen from the various states, the Seventy-seventh recruited chiefly from New York City, and the Eighty-second, composed of Georgians, Tennesseeans and Alabamans. The Second division, as has been said, was a regular army unit.It was with the Forty-second division that Hal and Chester found themselves when the advance began. Attached to the staff of Colonel O'Neil of the third regiment, Thirty-second division, commanded by Major-General William C. Haan, they had been sent to General Rhodes with dispatches just before the advance began.It was the night of the second of November, 1918, and the Americans were forging ahead in spite of the lateness of the hour—midnight. This was one feature of Yankee fighting that the Germans were never able to understand. The German is a methodical man. Even in the art of war he is governed to no small degree by habit. Ordinarily the Germans did not fight at night. With the coming of darkness, as a rule, it had been their custom to postpone further actions till the morrow.Now, however, they were forced to give up some of these customs. When American forces advanced they continued their work whether it was night or day. Consequently, the Germans had found themselves forced either to fight or run.The Germans were fighting tonight. All day they had been retreating, but now, less than a dozen miles from the city of Sedan, they were making a desperate stand.The voices of the great guns shattered the night; huge rockets and other signal flares lighted up the darkness. Dimly could be heard the crash of machine gun fire and the rattle of the rifles at points where the fighting was close.All day Hal and Chester had been kept on the jump, carrying dispatches to the various regimental commanders. At midnight, there appeared little likelihood they would gain a much needed rest before morning. General Rhodes, realizing the advantage won earlier in the day, was determined to press it to the utmost. Over his field telephone he kept in touch with developments in other parts of the field. There, he learned, the Germans also were giving ground.The advance guard of the Forty-second was now a few miles to the north of Maisoncelle, which had been captured late in the evening. General Rhodes determined upon a bold stroke.He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside Chester, in the general's quarters."Major Paine!" he called.Hal approached and saluted."My compliments to Colonel English," continued General Rhodes, "and order him to assume command of the First, Second, Third and Tenth regiments and make a detour toward Pouilly. Inform him that I will make a greater show of force to the south, and have him close in on the enemy from the east. I am informed that the German positions there have been weakened. We may catch the enemy in a trap. That is all."Hal saluted, swung on his heel and departed hastily. Outside, he sprang into a small army automobile, which was among a number of other cars standing idle pending necessity of use by dispatch bearers, and soon was speeding through the darkness.Half an hour later he was received by Colonel English, who heard his orders in silence."Inform the general that I shall move at once," said the colonel.Hal saluted and returned to headquarters.Already, without waiting to hear the result of Hal's mission, General Rhodes had given orders for a more rapid advance all along the line.The clear notes of many bugles sounded from various parts of the field. Regimental commanders gave necessary instructions to their subordinates and the advance of the American forces gained in momentum.Half an hour later Hal found himself on the road again bearing instructions to Colonel English. He overtook the colonel two miles from where he had found him last. The colonel was riding along in the midst of his men, in a large army automobile. He motioned Hal to a seat beside him."I am instructed to go with you, sir," said Hal, "and carry back word of any imminent danger.""Very well," said the colonel. "Make yourself at home."From time to time Colonel English summoned aides whom he dispatched to other parts of the field with instructions. Suddenly he turned to Hal."It strikes me," he said, "that the general is risking a whole lot on this move. If the enemy is in greater strength at Pouilly than we suppose, our position will be critical.""I would imagine that the general's information is authentic," returned Hal. "Otherwise he would not have ordered you to Pouilly.""You are probably right," said Colonel English; "but at the same time I have a feeling that all is not well."Hal shrugged his shoulders, a movement that was not discernable to Colonel English in the darkness."Well," the lad said, "we'll let the boches know we are there at all events.""Right," agreed Colonel English.There was silence after that except for the plodding feet of the infantry and the noise of the horses that composed the single troop of cavalry with the expedition. Also, the sharp crack of machine guns in other parts of the field and the voices of the distant big guns could be heard."According to my calculations," said Colonel English to Hal an hour later, "we should now be within three miles of Pouilly. I shall order a halt here and make a reconnaisance."He did so; and the troops sat there in the darkness for perhaps an hour while a young lieutenant and ten men went ahead to get the lay of the land."All quiet ahead, sir," the lieutenant reported on his return. "I went as close to the enemy as I dared. He apparently is expecting no attack from this direction. The village should be captured with ease by a surprise assault.""You were not, of course, able to ascertain the approximate strength of the enemy, lieutenant?""No, sir; I dared not approach too close.""Very good, lieutenant."The young officer saluted and returned to his station."Well," said Colonel English to Hal, "it seems that my fears were groundless. We'll go forward."Silently the Americans crept along the dark road—or as silently as it is possible for a mass of men and horses to creep. Machine guns were dragged along as silently as possible, and the few field pieces that were the main reliance of the little force also were hauled with extreme caution.Less than a half a mile from the village itself, Colonel English swung his field pieces into position to cover the advance of his men. It was not his intention to alarm the enemy by opening a bombardment of the village, but he overlooked nothing that would protect his men.Under cover of the silent guns, which were ready for action at a moment's notice, the Americans crept forward. A short distance ahead Hal could see here and there a faint light, which indicated that the whole village was not asleep. Also, the lad knew, German sentinels were on guard; and there was little possibility that the Americans could enter the town without discovery."By Jove!" the lad muttered to himself. "I don't like to sit back here while all this is going on."He turned to Colonel English."Colonel," he said, "I wonder if you will permit me to take a hand in the attack? I assure you that I am no novice at the game."The colonel considered the point a moment."All right," he said at last, "but mind that you do not expose yourself needlessly. You must remember that General Rhodes looks to you for a report on the pending engagement. Here, I'll give you instructions for Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, of the Fourth regiment. That will enable you to get into the midst of things. You may remain with the regiment as long as you see fit, remembering only that I wish you to report to me an hour after daylight.""Very well, sir," said Hal.He leaped lightly from the colonel's automobile, appropriated a horse from a trooper who stood near and dashed forward in the darkness.Colonel Johnson's force was some distance ahead, and it was perhaps fifteen minutes later that Hal came up with him. He gave the instructions that Colonel English had confided in him, and then said:"Colonel, if you don't mind I'll stay with you through this battle."Colonel Johnson would have protested, but Hal continued with a smile:"I have the permission of Colonel English, sir. I hope that I may be of some assistance to you. Do not hesitate to call upon me for any piece of work that you may wish accomplished."Colonel Johnson shrugged."Help yourself," he said, "and don't worry. If I've need of your services you may be sure I won't hesitate to ask for them."The march continued in silence.Suddenly the sound that Hal had been expecting came. It was the blast of a great gun, close at hand. The advance of the Americans had been discovered. Colonel English took his decision instantly."Charge!" he cried.The Americans went forward with a wild yell.CHAPTER IXTHE BATTLEA volley of rifle fire met the first rush of the Americans. Sleepy-eyed Germans, aroused from their slumber by the sound of the warning gun, poured from their shelter and rushed forward through the streets of the village. Hastily machine guns were wheeled into position, and a veritable rain of bullets swept the ranks of the charging columns in khaki.But the Americans did not falter. These men of the Forty-second division upheld the traditions of the American army. True, they had been under fire before and it was not to be expected that they would falter; but well might a man have faltered in the face of the terrible fire poured in upon them. Each man bent to his work with a determination that boded ill for the foe. Some dashed forward with wild yells, others smiled quietly to themselves, while still others joked with their nearest neighbors. Here and there men dropped in their tracks, to rise no more, but others leaped over the bodies and dashed ahead.So close had the Americans approached the village before being discovered, that the enemy ranks had not time to form. What machine guns had been brought into play by the Germans were widely scattered and did not have the effect that would have been possible had the Americans given the enemy more time.American machine guns also began to rattle and Germans began to fall. The opposing forces were too close for the enemy to use his heavy artillery, nor could Colonel Johnson use his own field pieces for the same reason.Undismayed by the withering enemy fire, the Americans continued their charge and soon the fighting became hand-to-hand. Wild cries and imprecations arose above the sounds of firing, and the clash of cold steel became audible in all sections of the field.The Germans withstood the first shock of the American charge, but they could not withstand the second. They faltered momentarily, but under the commands of their officers for a moment braced again. But when the Yankees hurled themselves upon the wall of human flesh the third time, the German line wavered along its entire length, then broke.Groups of the enemy threw down their arms and raised their hands in token of surrender. These were quickly passed to the rear, for the men in front were too busy to be occupied with prisoners. Others of the enemy turned and ran. Here and there, however, groups of the foe gathered, determined to resist the Americans to the last.Against these small batches of the enemy, groups of American soldiers dashed. Again the fighting became fast and furious, and in this fighting the Americans sustained their heaviest losses.Hal found himself close to Colonel Johnson, who had advanced in the midst of his men. A German officer raised his revolver and aimed at Colonel Johnson. Hal, who had been about to discharge his own revolver at a big German soldier who was pressing him closely, turned his weapon and fired in time to drop the man who otherwise must surely have killed the American colonel.Colonel Johnson at the same moment had perceived his danger and he realized instantly that Hal had saved his life at the imminent risk of losing his own. Colonel Johnson was a brave man, and he recognized bravery in another. He sprang to Hal's side and with his sword laid low the man who then held Hal at his mercy.Hal acknowledged this assistance with a smile; he had no time for more. The Germans were pressing too close for that.Colonel Johnson cleared a space about him with his flashing sword. Hal emptied his revolver into the ranks of the enemy, then drew his own sword. Standing side by side, Hal and Colonel Johnson beat off the Germans who tried to pierce their guards. Nevertheless, their predicament was extremely critical, and it is doubtless if they would have come through alive had not half a dozen soldiers, seeing their peril, dashed forward and scattered the Germans who surrounded them.This gave the two a breathing space, of which they took advantage.But the fighting was far from ended yet—the Germans were far from beaten. In the rear of the line which had broken and fled under the American attack, other lines had formed and now dashed forward. Colonel English, taking in the situation at a glance, ordered support to the assistance of the hard-pressed men under Colonel Johnson.The reinforcements came forward with a rush and met the new German line with a crash. The hand-to-hand fighting that ensued was terrific, but after five minutes of give and take, the Germans again retired.American machine guns were swung about hastily to cover the retreating foe and wreaked terrific havoc among the enemy. The retreat became a rout. The Germans turned and fled.Victory, it appeared, was with the Americans.But Colonel English had no mind to allow the enemy to rest. His instructions had been to capture the village of Pouilly, and he would not rest content until he had accomplished that feat. Accordingly, he ordered another advance.The Americans dashed forward with the same recklessness that has always characterized the charge of the American fighting man. In vain German officers sought to bring some semblance of order out of the confusion that reigned in the enemy ranks. The effort was vain. Young lieutenants stood in the path of the retreating men and beat them with the flat of their swords, but they could not stay the rout. Others fired their revolvers point-blank into the faces of their own men, but even these heroic measures failed to have the desired result.The Germans were beaten and they knew it.So it was just as the first faint streak of dawn appeared in the eastern sky that the Americans set foot in the village of Pouilly.And still the fighting was not ended.Scores of German soldiers, under command of subordinate officers, barricaded themselves in the houses that lined the streets and poured a hail of bullets upon the Americans as they passed. The Yankees suffered severely under this fire."We can't stand for this," said Colonel Johnson suddenly to Hal. "The enemy is doing too much damage.""Drag up a couple of big guns and destroy the houses," said Hal briefly."Good!" said Colonel Johnson. "Lieutenant Bennings!"A young officer approached and saluted."Take twenty men and enough guns to destroy the houses that line this street," said the colonel. "Also, you will report while the battle lasts to Major Paine, here."The lieutenant saluted and hurried away."Major," said Colonel Johnson to Hal, "I will detail you to see that the sniping from the houses is stopped."Hal saluted."I'll stop it, sir," he promised."Very well. Don't let me detain you longer."Hal strode away to where the young lieutenant and a score of men were wheeling two big field pieces into position."Hurry, men," he cried. "We've no time to lose."Meantime, because of the heavy execution by the enemy from inside the houses, the Americans had sought what shelter they could find in doorways and around corners. This situation, Hal knew, could not be allowed to exist, for it would give the demoralized enemy time to recover their scattered wits and to reform. Therefore, the houses must be cleared of snipers immediately.From the first house in the block where Hal found himself, the snipers seemed to be more active than in any other. Hal determined to give this house his attention first.He sighted the gun himself, then gave the command to fire."Boom!"The voice of the big gun rose high above the rattle of machine gun and rifle fire."Crash!"Almost simultaneously with the sound of the gun the heavy explosive missile reached its mark.There was another resounding crash as the missile exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber and other debris flew high in the air and descended in a shower.The sniping from the first house ceased, for the simple reason that there was no first house any longer. It had been destroyed."I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I don't like this wanton destruction of property. It reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. If those fellows in the other houses are wise they'll cease firing now."But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. Snipers in the other houses continued as active as before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had befallen their comrades."Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered.Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the guns were wheeled into position. This time, however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He determined to give the enemy a lesson they would not forget.Accordingly, two houses were covered at once."Boom! Boom!""Crash! Crash!"So closely together that they sounded almost as one were the detonations of the guns and the effect as they found their marks.Again there was a shower of debris.Without waiting to see what effect this destruction would have upon the Germans who occupied the houses, Hal ordered the guns turned on other homes.Again the big guns spoke, and again the mass of bricks, mortar and wood descended and covered the streets."I guess that will do 'em," muttered Hal, as he waited for the smoke to clear away.The lad was right.No longer did the snipers fire from the windows and the American troops, which had temporarily sought shelter in doorways and around corners, poured out again, their advance, thanks to Hal and his men, thus being made more simple.A few moments later Colonel Johnson came up to Hal."You did a good job, Major," he said quietly. "I guess we'll have no more trouble with them.""Then the town is ours?" asked Hal eagerly."It is indeed," replied Colonel Johnson."Then I'll have to leave you, sir," said Hal. "Colonel English ordered me to report to him immediately after daylight."CHAPTER XTHE ADVANCE CONTINUESHal found Colonel English just beyond the town, receiving the reports of his subordinates. He greeted Hal with a nod, and asked:"What is the latest news, Major?""The town is ours, sir," replied Hal quietly. "Colonel Johnson has just informed me of the fact."Colonel English got to his feet."Good," he exclaimed. "I was certain Colonel Johnson was the man for the job. Now if you will wait half an hour, Major, until I have talked with Colonel Johnson, I will ask you to carry my report back to General Rhodes.""Very well, sir," replied Hal.Colonel English got into his automobile and was whirled away to the village, where he consulted for perhaps ten minutes with Colonel Johnson. Then he returned to where he had left Hal, and still sitting in his car, wrote his report briefly. This he passed to Hal."I want to say," he said, "that Colonel Johnson has informed me that it was really you who made possible the capture of the village; also that you saved his life in the midst of battle earlier in the day.""Well, he saved mine, too, sir," muttered Hal, flushing slightly."It's all in a day's work, Major, I know that," said Colonel English. "At the same time, I have seen fit to mention your name in my report to General Rhodes.""Thank you, sir," said Hal."And I hope," Colonel English continued, "that I may have the pleasure of being associated with you further before this war has come to an end.""Thank you, sir," said Hal again.Colonel English extended a hand, which Hal grasped."Good luck," said the colonel."The same to you, sir. By the way, sir, may I have a car in which to make my return trip?""Of course," exclaimed the colonel. "I was thoughtless not to have provided it before now. Lieutenant Smith!"A young officer approached."A car for Major Paine, Lieutenant, at once."Ten minutes later the machine was at Hal's disposal."Do you want a driver?" asked Colonel English."Guess I can handle it myself, sir," replied Hal, taking the wheel. "Good-bye, sir."A moment later he was speeding along the road which he had covered the night before.Less than two hours later, Hal reported to General Rhodes in the latter's quarters, which had been established a mile closer to Sedan than when Hal had left his general the night before."You have done well," said General Rhodes, after reading Colonel English's report. "Colonel English speaks well of you here. It shall be my pleasure to include your name in my next report to the commander-in-chief."And all that Hal could say was:"Thank you, sir.""Now," said General Rhodes, "you shall be free for the remainder of the day. Your friend, Major Crawford, is at this minute with General Duncan, but he should be back within a few hours. I shall have quarters placed at your disposal immediately and my advice is that you turn in for the day.""I believe I could stand a little sleep, thank you, sir," said Hal with a grin. "I shall follow your advice at once.""Very well. And report to me this evening at 6 o'clock.""Yes, sir."General Rhodes summoned an orderly, whom he directed to find quarters for Hal and to show Chester to them when the latter returned from his mission. Then Hal saluted the general and followed the orderly.Fifteen minutes later he was fast asleep.Hal did not know when Chester returned, but when the lad opened his eyes he saw Chester sleeping on a cot across the room. Hal dressed quickly, then aroused his chum."Hello," said Chester."Why didn't you wake me when you came in?" demanded Hal."Because I thought you were entitled to a little rest," replied Chester. "The same as I am now, although I notice you were not as considerate as I was.""The only reason I aroused you," said Hal, "was because I thought you might possibly have been ordered to report to the general this evening."And so I have," returned Chester. "What time is it?""Five o'clock.""Whew! Then I'll have to hurry. I had no idea it was so late. I'm to report at 6 o'clock.""Same here," said Hal. "But where have you been, Chester?""Carried dispatches to General Duncan. Seems that there is some fresh plan afoot that General Rhodes expects will take us into Sedan within a few days. I don't know what it is, though. Now, where have you been and what have you been doing?"Hal explained as briefly as possible while Chester hurried into his clothes."So you have been fighting again, eh?" said Chester when Hal had concluded. "What would your mother say?"Hal grinned."About the same that yours would, I guess," he replied. "But hurry, I feel like a bite to eat before I report to the general.""Same here. I'll be with you in a jiffy."Chester was true to his word, and the two sauntered forth five minutes later. After they had rounded up what Chester called a feast at one of the mess tents, they strolled toward the general's quarters.As they walked along, they saw a familiar figure come dashing toward them."By George!" said Hal, "it's Stubbs. Now I wonder what he can be in such an all-fired hurry; about.""We'll stop him and see," said Chester briefly.The lads stepped forward and accosted Stubbs, who seemed to have no idea of stopping for a word with them."What's the hurry, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.Stubbs waved them away."Don't bother me," he explained, "I'm busy.""But—" began Hal."I said I'm busy," declared Stubbs. "Can't you see I'm in a hurry?""Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about it," said Chester.Stubbs seemed as if about to pass on, then hesitated."I'll tell you," he said. "I am in an awful hurry, but I've time to tell you the news if you promise to keep it to yourself.""I promise," said Chester. "Let's have it, Mr. Stubbs.""Austria has sued for peace," said Stubbs briefly."What!" said Hal. "Again?"Stubbs glared at the lad."I tell you Austria has sued for peace," he said, emphasizing each word. "This time there is no doubt about it. I have it straight."Chester's heart beat high."By Jove! I hope you're right, Mr. Stubbs," he exclaimed, "but I'm afraid to believe it.""You needn't be," declared Stubbs. "It's perfectly true, this time.""And I suppose you're hurrying off to flash the news to The New York Gazette?" asked Hal."Exactly," said Stubbs."Don't let us detain you, then," said Hal. "But if I were you, Mr. Stubbs, I'd go rather easy on that stuff. You know if you flashed a report like that and it wasn't true, you'd probably have to hunt a new job.""I don't flash reports I know are not true," said Stubbs."Well," said Hal, "what I'd like to know is how you have gained your information when no one else seems to know anything about it?""In the newspaper game," said Stubbs, "a man learns to provide his news sources. I provided mine for this very thing some time ago. Now I have been justified.""All right," said Hal. "I don't want to argue with you about it, but all the same I'd go easy.""I tell you I've got the dope," declared Stubbs."Then you'd better hurry along and file it to The Gazette," Chester put in."By Jove, I will!" said Stubbs. "And after this, you'll get no more information from me. But remember your promises. Not a word about this.""Don't worry, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "We're as mum as a couple of oysters.""Then me for the cable wire," said Stubbs. He turned and hurried off."You know, Hal," said Chester, "it would be quite a feather in the little man's cap if he could get something like that ahead of every other newspaper in America.""I should imagine it would," Hal agreed, "but I'm afraid he's all wrong. At the same time, however, I hope he's right.""Same here. And by the way, speaking of Stubbs and his efforts, there is only one other thing, to my mind, that would be greater luck for him.""And that?" asked Hal."That would be to get first word to his paper of the ending of war.""By Jove! That would be something to talk about," Hal agreed."I should say so. But come, we have delayed long enough. It lacks only a few minutes of six o'clock, and we're due in General Rhodes' quarters at that hour, you know.""Didn't think I had forgotten it, did you?" demanded Hal."Well, I didn't know. Your memory isn't as good as it used to be.""Is that so? Why isn't it?""Well, I don't know why," said Chester, "but it's a fact."Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that moment they came to the entrance to General Rhodes' quarters."Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has something worth while for us to do.""Same here," agreed Hal.They went in.CHAPTER XIA NEW MISSION"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I'll be ready for you in a moment."The lads obeyed.For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while their commander gave dozens of orders to others of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.At last the room was cleared with the exception of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general's private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads to approach."Before I ask if you are willing to undertake rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must explain a few points to you."The lads stood at attention, but said nothing."As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is our immediate objective. To the north, General Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same distance of the town. When the time comes for the deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second division upon the city from the north and west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the east of the town and will strike from that direction. Do you follow me?""Yes, sir," said Hal."Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge between General Lejeune's division and my own. Telephone communication has been cut. For more than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative if the final attack is to be successful that I communicate with General Lejeune.""I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish us to make an effort to get through."General Rhodes nodded."That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he should be able to carry word to General Lejeune and return within six hours. Yet I have already dispatched three messengers and none has returned.""You mean that they have failed, sir?" asked Hal."So it would seem. In each case I emphasized the necessity of haste. Had one of my previous messengers got through safely, he should have reported to me ere this. I fear they have been either killed or fallen into the hands of the enemy.""In which event the enemy may have become familiar with your plans, sir," said Chester."No," returned General Rhodes, "they carried no written dispatches. The word that I sent to General Lejeune was verbal. Now my idea is this. If you, Major Paine, and you, Major Crawford, are willing to volunteer for this hazardous duty, I shall repeat the message to you. I have called you both because the matter is urgent. One of you may get through where the other fails. Do I make myself clear?""Perfectly, sir," said Hal quietly, "and I am sure I speak for my friend as well as myself when I say we are not only willing, but anxious, to volunteer for the task.""Indeed we are, sir," Chester agreed."Very well, then," said General Rhodes. "The message I would have you carry to General Lejeune is this: Attack in full force at 6 o'clock on the evening of November 6, which is day after tomorrow. I shall lay my plans accordingly, going upon the supposition that one of you will get the message through.""We shall do the best we can, sir," said Hal quietly."And that is the best any man can do," said General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the supposition that one of you will get through and I shall attack at that time whether I hear from you again or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it more prudent, remain with General Lejeune's division until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen."Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure."Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," was Chester's comment as they made their way back to their own quarters."Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder the job the more satisfaction when you have accomplished it successfully.""What would you suggest?" asked Chester. "Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we disguise ourselves as Germans?""We'll keep our own," said Hal. "There is no use risking being caught as a spy unless absolutely necessary. If we're captured in American uniforms they'll make us prisoners of war. In German clothes, we would probably be shot. I'm against the German uniform this trip.""I guess you're right. Besides, according to General Rhodes, we shall have to pass through less than half a mile of German territory. Now I'll make another suggestion.""What is it?""My idea is that it will be better if we do not go together. I'll start an hour ahead of you, or you can start an hour ahead of me. We'll lay out our route in advance so the one who goes last will know about how far ahead the other should be. He might even be able to lend a helping hand should whoever goes first get into trouble.""Not a bad idea," Hal agreed. "Then I elect to go first."Chester shrugged."Any way suits me," he said. "And when will you start?"Hal glanced at his watch."Eight o'clock now," he said. "I'll start at nine.""Then I shall start at ten," said Chester."Right," said Hal. "Now, as we have nothing to do in the meantime, suppose we take a walk about the camp.""I'm agreeable," said Chester. "Come on."For perhaps an hour they strolled about, looking over the huge encampment with critical eyes. Men slept on their arms that night, had been sleeping on them for a week, for there was no telling at what hour might come the order to advance.Cavalry horses pawed the ground restlessly in that part of the field where they were picketed. The troopers slept or sprawled on the hard ground nearby. To the south were parked the American batteries, while on all sides infantrymen were to be seen by the thousands.Suddenly, from the direction of General Rhodes' quarters, came a loud hurrah. It was taken up on all sides, and directly the camp became a pandemonium."Wonder what's going on?" said Hal."Don't know," replied Chester. "We'll find out."The lads hurried toward the general's quarters. Toward them came a crowd of shouting men, throwing their hats in the air and cheering wildly. Hal stopped one of them."What's all the excitement?" he asked."Haven't you heard the news, sir?" he asked."No," said Hal. "What is it?""A truce has been signed with Austria," replied the soldier. "Hurrah!""Hurrah indeed," said Hal fervently. "And have you heard the nature of the truce?""Yes, sir. An armistice has been signed to become effective to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. The armistice extends for thirty days in which time the allies will draw up terms of peace to be presented to Austria, sir.""That is good news indeed, my man," said Hal. "I am obliged to you."The soldier saluted and rejoined his companions. Together they continued their parade of the camp; spreading the glad tidings as they went from place to place."So Stubbs was right after all," Hal mused."It seems so," said Chester, "but I wonder where he got his information?""It's too deep for me," declared Hal, "but he got it all right. I hope he lands his scoop, as he calls it.""So do I. He deserves it."Hal glanced at his watch."Well," he said, "you can stay here awhile and help the others celebrate. I've work to do and it's time to be moving.""Wish I were going with you," said Chester, "but I am convinced we have agreed on the best plan."Hal nodded."It seems best to me.""Then I shall follow the directions we agreed upon," said Chester. "I'll start in exactly an hour.""And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must get through, no matter what happens.""Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into trouble, I'll lend a helping hand should I come across you and find that it is possible without endangering my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, you will have to shift for yourself.""That's the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you can without compromising yourself, but always remember that one of us must get through. Now I'm off."He held out his hand, which Chester grasped warmly."I'm hoping nothing happens," said the latter quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye.""Good-bye," said Hal.He gave Chester's hand a parting grip, turned on his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking after him for some moments. Then he moved on slowly."By Jove! I hope nothing happens to Hal," he muttered.It seemed to Chester that the next hour would never pass, but at last the hands of his watch showed 10 o'clock."Time to be moving," the lad told himself.He produced his pair of revolvers and examined them carefully."All fine and dandy," he muttered. "Well, I guess there is no reason for waiting longer."He turned and strode off in the direction Hal had gone just a short hour before.
CHAPTER VIII
TOWARD SEDAN
The American army was moving toward Sedan. Already the Yankee forces advancing from the south and west had occupied St. Aigan and invested Maisoncelle, Stonne and Sommauthe. The enemy had contested every inch of the ground, but the Americans were not to be denied. The Forty-second division, better known as the Rainbow Division, under command of Major-General Charles D. Rhodes, and the Second division, regular army troops, commanded by Major-General John A. Lejeune, were showing the way.
On either side of these forces were the Seventy-seventh and the Eighty-second divisions, commanded respectively by Major-General Robert Alexander and Major-General George P. Duncan.
In these American units advancing upon Sedan were represented fighting men from all sections of the United States.
The Forty-second was composed of former National Guardsmen from the various states, the Seventy-seventh recruited chiefly from New York City, and the Eighty-second, composed of Georgians, Tennesseeans and Alabamans. The Second division, as has been said, was a regular army unit.
It was with the Forty-second division that Hal and Chester found themselves when the advance began. Attached to the staff of Colonel O'Neil of the third regiment, Thirty-second division, commanded by Major-General William C. Haan, they had been sent to General Rhodes with dispatches just before the advance began.
It was the night of the second of November, 1918, and the Americans were forging ahead in spite of the lateness of the hour—midnight. This was one feature of Yankee fighting that the Germans were never able to understand. The German is a methodical man. Even in the art of war he is governed to no small degree by habit. Ordinarily the Germans did not fight at night. With the coming of darkness, as a rule, it had been their custom to postpone further actions till the morrow.
Now, however, they were forced to give up some of these customs. When American forces advanced they continued their work whether it was night or day. Consequently, the Germans had found themselves forced either to fight or run.
The Germans were fighting tonight. All day they had been retreating, but now, less than a dozen miles from the city of Sedan, they were making a desperate stand.
The voices of the great guns shattered the night; huge rockets and other signal flares lighted up the darkness. Dimly could be heard the crash of machine gun fire and the rattle of the rifles at points where the fighting was close.
All day Hal and Chester had been kept on the jump, carrying dispatches to the various regimental commanders. At midnight, there appeared little likelihood they would gain a much needed rest before morning. General Rhodes, realizing the advantage won earlier in the day, was determined to press it to the utmost. Over his field telephone he kept in touch with developments in other parts of the field. There, he learned, the Germans also were giving ground.
The advance guard of the Forty-second was now a few miles to the north of Maisoncelle, which had been captured late in the evening. General Rhodes determined upon a bold stroke.
He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside Chester, in the general's quarters.
"Major Paine!" he called.
Hal approached and saluted.
"My compliments to Colonel English," continued General Rhodes, "and order him to assume command of the First, Second, Third and Tenth regiments and make a detour toward Pouilly. Inform him that I will make a greater show of force to the south, and have him close in on the enemy from the east. I am informed that the German positions there have been weakened. We may catch the enemy in a trap. That is all."
Hal saluted, swung on his heel and departed hastily. Outside, he sprang into a small army automobile, which was among a number of other cars standing idle pending necessity of use by dispatch bearers, and soon was speeding through the darkness.
Half an hour later he was received by Colonel English, who heard his orders in silence.
"Inform the general that I shall move at once," said the colonel.
Hal saluted and returned to headquarters.
Already, without waiting to hear the result of Hal's mission, General Rhodes had given orders for a more rapid advance all along the line.
The clear notes of many bugles sounded from various parts of the field. Regimental commanders gave necessary instructions to their subordinates and the advance of the American forces gained in momentum.
Half an hour later Hal found himself on the road again bearing instructions to Colonel English. He overtook the colonel two miles from where he had found him last. The colonel was riding along in the midst of his men, in a large army automobile. He motioned Hal to a seat beside him.
"I am instructed to go with you, sir," said Hal, "and carry back word of any imminent danger."
"Very well," said the colonel. "Make yourself at home."
From time to time Colonel English summoned aides whom he dispatched to other parts of the field with instructions. Suddenly he turned to Hal.
"It strikes me," he said, "that the general is risking a whole lot on this move. If the enemy is in greater strength at Pouilly than we suppose, our position will be critical."
"I would imagine that the general's information is authentic," returned Hal. "Otherwise he would not have ordered you to Pouilly."
"You are probably right," said Colonel English; "but at the same time I have a feeling that all is not well."
Hal shrugged his shoulders, a movement that was not discernable to Colonel English in the darkness.
"Well," the lad said, "we'll let the boches know we are there at all events."
"Right," agreed Colonel English.
There was silence after that except for the plodding feet of the infantry and the noise of the horses that composed the single troop of cavalry with the expedition. Also, the sharp crack of machine guns in other parts of the field and the voices of the distant big guns could be heard.
"According to my calculations," said Colonel English to Hal an hour later, "we should now be within three miles of Pouilly. I shall order a halt here and make a reconnaisance."
He did so; and the troops sat there in the darkness for perhaps an hour while a young lieutenant and ten men went ahead to get the lay of the land.
"All quiet ahead, sir," the lieutenant reported on his return. "I went as close to the enemy as I dared. He apparently is expecting no attack from this direction. The village should be captured with ease by a surprise assault."
"You were not, of course, able to ascertain the approximate strength of the enemy, lieutenant?"
"No, sir; I dared not approach too close."
"Very good, lieutenant."
The young officer saluted and returned to his station.
"Well," said Colonel English to Hal, "it seems that my fears were groundless. We'll go forward."
Silently the Americans crept along the dark road—or as silently as it is possible for a mass of men and horses to creep. Machine guns were dragged along as silently as possible, and the few field pieces that were the main reliance of the little force also were hauled with extreme caution.
Less than a half a mile from the village itself, Colonel English swung his field pieces into position to cover the advance of his men. It was not his intention to alarm the enemy by opening a bombardment of the village, but he overlooked nothing that would protect his men.
Under cover of the silent guns, which were ready for action at a moment's notice, the Americans crept forward. A short distance ahead Hal could see here and there a faint light, which indicated that the whole village was not asleep. Also, the lad knew, German sentinels were on guard; and there was little possibility that the Americans could enter the town without discovery.
"By Jove!" the lad muttered to himself. "I don't like to sit back here while all this is going on."
He turned to Colonel English.
"Colonel," he said, "I wonder if you will permit me to take a hand in the attack? I assure you that I am no novice at the game."
The colonel considered the point a moment.
"All right," he said at last, "but mind that you do not expose yourself needlessly. You must remember that General Rhodes looks to you for a report on the pending engagement. Here, I'll give you instructions for Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, of the Fourth regiment. That will enable you to get into the midst of things. You may remain with the regiment as long as you see fit, remembering only that I wish you to report to me an hour after daylight."
"Very well, sir," said Hal.
He leaped lightly from the colonel's automobile, appropriated a horse from a trooper who stood near and dashed forward in the darkness.
Colonel Johnson's force was some distance ahead, and it was perhaps fifteen minutes later that Hal came up with him. He gave the instructions that Colonel English had confided in him, and then said:
"Colonel, if you don't mind I'll stay with you through this battle."
Colonel Johnson would have protested, but Hal continued with a smile:
"I have the permission of Colonel English, sir. I hope that I may be of some assistance to you. Do not hesitate to call upon me for any piece of work that you may wish accomplished."
Colonel Johnson shrugged.
"Help yourself," he said, "and don't worry. If I've need of your services you may be sure I won't hesitate to ask for them."
The march continued in silence.
Suddenly the sound that Hal had been expecting came. It was the blast of a great gun, close at hand. The advance of the Americans had been discovered. Colonel English took his decision instantly.
"Charge!" he cried.
The Americans went forward with a wild yell.
CHAPTER IX
THE BATTLE
A volley of rifle fire met the first rush of the Americans. Sleepy-eyed Germans, aroused from their slumber by the sound of the warning gun, poured from their shelter and rushed forward through the streets of the village. Hastily machine guns were wheeled into position, and a veritable rain of bullets swept the ranks of the charging columns in khaki.
But the Americans did not falter. These men of the Forty-second division upheld the traditions of the American army. True, they had been under fire before and it was not to be expected that they would falter; but well might a man have faltered in the face of the terrible fire poured in upon them. Each man bent to his work with a determination that boded ill for the foe. Some dashed forward with wild yells, others smiled quietly to themselves, while still others joked with their nearest neighbors. Here and there men dropped in their tracks, to rise no more, but others leaped over the bodies and dashed ahead.
So close had the Americans approached the village before being discovered, that the enemy ranks had not time to form. What machine guns had been brought into play by the Germans were widely scattered and did not have the effect that would have been possible had the Americans given the enemy more time.
American machine guns also began to rattle and Germans began to fall. The opposing forces were too close for the enemy to use his heavy artillery, nor could Colonel Johnson use his own field pieces for the same reason.
Undismayed by the withering enemy fire, the Americans continued their charge and soon the fighting became hand-to-hand. Wild cries and imprecations arose above the sounds of firing, and the clash of cold steel became audible in all sections of the field.
The Germans withstood the first shock of the American charge, but they could not withstand the second. They faltered momentarily, but under the commands of their officers for a moment braced again. But when the Yankees hurled themselves upon the wall of human flesh the third time, the German line wavered along its entire length, then broke.
Groups of the enemy threw down their arms and raised their hands in token of surrender. These were quickly passed to the rear, for the men in front were too busy to be occupied with prisoners. Others of the enemy turned and ran. Here and there, however, groups of the foe gathered, determined to resist the Americans to the last.
Against these small batches of the enemy, groups of American soldiers dashed. Again the fighting became fast and furious, and in this fighting the Americans sustained their heaviest losses.
Hal found himself close to Colonel Johnson, who had advanced in the midst of his men. A German officer raised his revolver and aimed at Colonel Johnson. Hal, who had been about to discharge his own revolver at a big German soldier who was pressing him closely, turned his weapon and fired in time to drop the man who otherwise must surely have killed the American colonel.
Colonel Johnson at the same moment had perceived his danger and he realized instantly that Hal had saved his life at the imminent risk of losing his own. Colonel Johnson was a brave man, and he recognized bravery in another. He sprang to Hal's side and with his sword laid low the man who then held Hal at his mercy.
Hal acknowledged this assistance with a smile; he had no time for more. The Germans were pressing too close for that.
Colonel Johnson cleared a space about him with his flashing sword. Hal emptied his revolver into the ranks of the enemy, then drew his own sword. Standing side by side, Hal and Colonel Johnson beat off the Germans who tried to pierce their guards. Nevertheless, their predicament was extremely critical, and it is doubtless if they would have come through alive had not half a dozen soldiers, seeing their peril, dashed forward and scattered the Germans who surrounded them.
This gave the two a breathing space, of which they took advantage.
But the fighting was far from ended yet—the Germans were far from beaten. In the rear of the line which had broken and fled under the American attack, other lines had formed and now dashed forward. Colonel English, taking in the situation at a glance, ordered support to the assistance of the hard-pressed men under Colonel Johnson.
The reinforcements came forward with a rush and met the new German line with a crash. The hand-to-hand fighting that ensued was terrific, but after five minutes of give and take, the Germans again retired.
American machine guns were swung about hastily to cover the retreating foe and wreaked terrific havoc among the enemy. The retreat became a rout. The Germans turned and fled.
Victory, it appeared, was with the Americans.
But Colonel English had no mind to allow the enemy to rest. His instructions had been to capture the village of Pouilly, and he would not rest content until he had accomplished that feat. Accordingly, he ordered another advance.
The Americans dashed forward with the same recklessness that has always characterized the charge of the American fighting man. In vain German officers sought to bring some semblance of order out of the confusion that reigned in the enemy ranks. The effort was vain. Young lieutenants stood in the path of the retreating men and beat them with the flat of their swords, but they could not stay the rout. Others fired their revolvers point-blank into the faces of their own men, but even these heroic measures failed to have the desired result.
The Germans were beaten and they knew it.
So it was just as the first faint streak of dawn appeared in the eastern sky that the Americans set foot in the village of Pouilly.
And still the fighting was not ended.
Scores of German soldiers, under command of subordinate officers, barricaded themselves in the houses that lined the streets and poured a hail of bullets upon the Americans as they passed. The Yankees suffered severely under this fire.
"We can't stand for this," said Colonel Johnson suddenly to Hal. "The enemy is doing too much damage."
"Drag up a couple of big guns and destroy the houses," said Hal briefly.
"Good!" said Colonel Johnson. "Lieutenant Bennings!"
A young officer approached and saluted.
"Take twenty men and enough guns to destroy the houses that line this street," said the colonel. "Also, you will report while the battle lasts to Major Paine, here."
The lieutenant saluted and hurried away.
"Major," said Colonel Johnson to Hal, "I will detail you to see that the sniping from the houses is stopped."
Hal saluted.
"I'll stop it, sir," he promised.
"Very well. Don't let me detain you longer."
Hal strode away to where the young lieutenant and a score of men were wheeling two big field pieces into position.
"Hurry, men," he cried. "We've no time to lose."
Meantime, because of the heavy execution by the enemy from inside the houses, the Americans had sought what shelter they could find in doorways and around corners. This situation, Hal knew, could not be allowed to exist, for it would give the demoralized enemy time to recover their scattered wits and to reform. Therefore, the houses must be cleared of snipers immediately.
From the first house in the block where Hal found himself, the snipers seemed to be more active than in any other. Hal determined to give this house his attention first.
He sighted the gun himself, then gave the command to fire.
"Boom!"
The voice of the big gun rose high above the rattle of machine gun and rifle fire.
"Crash!"
Almost simultaneously with the sound of the gun the heavy explosive missile reached its mark.
There was another resounding crash as the missile exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber and other debris flew high in the air and descended in a shower.
The sniping from the first house ceased, for the simple reason that there was no first house any longer. It had been destroyed.
"I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I don't like this wanton destruction of property. It reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. If those fellows in the other houses are wise they'll cease firing now."
But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. Snipers in the other houses continued as active as before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had befallen their comrades.
"Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered.
Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the guns were wheeled into position. This time, however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He determined to give the enemy a lesson they would not forget.
Accordingly, two houses were covered at once.
"Boom! Boom!"
"Crash! Crash!"
So closely together that they sounded almost as one were the detonations of the guns and the effect as they found their marks.
Again there was a shower of debris.
Without waiting to see what effect this destruction would have upon the Germans who occupied the houses, Hal ordered the guns turned on other homes.
Again the big guns spoke, and again the mass of bricks, mortar and wood descended and covered the streets.
"I guess that will do 'em," muttered Hal, as he waited for the smoke to clear away.
The lad was right.
No longer did the snipers fire from the windows and the American troops, which had temporarily sought shelter in doorways and around corners, poured out again, their advance, thanks to Hal and his men, thus being made more simple.
A few moments later Colonel Johnson came up to Hal.
"You did a good job, Major," he said quietly. "I guess we'll have no more trouble with them."
"Then the town is ours?" asked Hal eagerly.
"It is indeed," replied Colonel Johnson.
"Then I'll have to leave you, sir," said Hal. "Colonel English ordered me to report to him immediately after daylight."
CHAPTER X
THE ADVANCE CONTINUES
Hal found Colonel English just beyond the town, receiving the reports of his subordinates. He greeted Hal with a nod, and asked:
"What is the latest news, Major?"
"The town is ours, sir," replied Hal quietly. "Colonel Johnson has just informed me of the fact."
Colonel English got to his feet.
"Good," he exclaimed. "I was certain Colonel Johnson was the man for the job. Now if you will wait half an hour, Major, until I have talked with Colonel Johnson, I will ask you to carry my report back to General Rhodes."
"Very well, sir," replied Hal.
Colonel English got into his automobile and was whirled away to the village, where he consulted for perhaps ten minutes with Colonel Johnson. Then he returned to where he had left Hal, and still sitting in his car, wrote his report briefly. This he passed to Hal.
"I want to say," he said, "that Colonel Johnson has informed me that it was really you who made possible the capture of the village; also that you saved his life in the midst of battle earlier in the day."
"Well, he saved mine, too, sir," muttered Hal, flushing slightly.
"It's all in a day's work, Major, I know that," said Colonel English. "At the same time, I have seen fit to mention your name in my report to General Rhodes."
"Thank you, sir," said Hal.
"And I hope," Colonel English continued, "that I may have the pleasure of being associated with you further before this war has come to an end."
"Thank you, sir," said Hal again.
Colonel English extended a hand, which Hal grasped.
"Good luck," said the colonel.
"The same to you, sir. By the way, sir, may I have a car in which to make my return trip?"
"Of course," exclaimed the colonel. "I was thoughtless not to have provided it before now. Lieutenant Smith!"
A young officer approached.
"A car for Major Paine, Lieutenant, at once."
Ten minutes later the machine was at Hal's disposal.
"Do you want a driver?" asked Colonel English.
"Guess I can handle it myself, sir," replied Hal, taking the wheel. "Good-bye, sir."
A moment later he was speeding along the road which he had covered the night before.
Less than two hours later, Hal reported to General Rhodes in the latter's quarters, which had been established a mile closer to Sedan than when Hal had left his general the night before.
"You have done well," said General Rhodes, after reading Colonel English's report. "Colonel English speaks well of you here. It shall be my pleasure to include your name in my next report to the commander-in-chief."
And all that Hal could say was:
"Thank you, sir."
"Now," said General Rhodes, "you shall be free for the remainder of the day. Your friend, Major Crawford, is at this minute with General Duncan, but he should be back within a few hours. I shall have quarters placed at your disposal immediately and my advice is that you turn in for the day."
"I believe I could stand a little sleep, thank you, sir," said Hal with a grin. "I shall follow your advice at once."
"Very well. And report to me this evening at 6 o'clock."
"Yes, sir."
General Rhodes summoned an orderly, whom he directed to find quarters for Hal and to show Chester to them when the latter returned from his mission. Then Hal saluted the general and followed the orderly.
Fifteen minutes later he was fast asleep.
Hal did not know when Chester returned, but when the lad opened his eyes he saw Chester sleeping on a cot across the room. Hal dressed quickly, then aroused his chum.
"Hello," said Chester.
"Why didn't you wake me when you came in?" demanded Hal.
"Because I thought you were entitled to a little rest," replied Chester. "The same as I am now, although I notice you were not as considerate as I was."
"The only reason I aroused you," said Hal, "was because I thought you might possibly have been ordered to report to the general this evening.
"And so I have," returned Chester. "What time is it?"
"Five o'clock."
"Whew! Then I'll have to hurry. I had no idea it was so late. I'm to report at 6 o'clock."
"Same here," said Hal. "But where have you been, Chester?"
"Carried dispatches to General Duncan. Seems that there is some fresh plan afoot that General Rhodes expects will take us into Sedan within a few days. I don't know what it is, though. Now, where have you been and what have you been doing?"
Hal explained as briefly as possible while Chester hurried into his clothes.
"So you have been fighting again, eh?" said Chester when Hal had concluded. "What would your mother say?"
Hal grinned.
"About the same that yours would, I guess," he replied. "But hurry, I feel like a bite to eat before I report to the general."
"Same here. I'll be with you in a jiffy."
Chester was true to his word, and the two sauntered forth five minutes later. After they had rounded up what Chester called a feast at one of the mess tents, they strolled toward the general's quarters.
As they walked along, they saw a familiar figure come dashing toward them.
"By George!" said Hal, "it's Stubbs. Now I wonder what he can be in such an all-fired hurry; about."
"We'll stop him and see," said Chester briefly.
The lads stepped forward and accosted Stubbs, who seemed to have no idea of stopping for a word with them.
"What's the hurry, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.
Stubbs waved them away.
"Don't bother me," he explained, "I'm busy."
"But—" began Hal.
"I said I'm busy," declared Stubbs. "Can't you see I'm in a hurry?"
"Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about it," said Chester.
Stubbs seemed as if about to pass on, then hesitated.
"I'll tell you," he said. "I am in an awful hurry, but I've time to tell you the news if you promise to keep it to yourself."
"I promise," said Chester. "Let's have it, Mr. Stubbs."
"Austria has sued for peace," said Stubbs briefly.
"What!" said Hal. "Again?"
Stubbs glared at the lad.
"I tell you Austria has sued for peace," he said, emphasizing each word. "This time there is no doubt about it. I have it straight."
Chester's heart beat high.
"By Jove! I hope you're right, Mr. Stubbs," he exclaimed, "but I'm afraid to believe it."
"You needn't be," declared Stubbs. "It's perfectly true, this time."
"And I suppose you're hurrying off to flash the news to The New York Gazette?" asked Hal.
"Exactly," said Stubbs.
"Don't let us detain you, then," said Hal. "But if I were you, Mr. Stubbs, I'd go rather easy on that stuff. You know if you flashed a report like that and it wasn't true, you'd probably have to hunt a new job."
"I don't flash reports I know are not true," said Stubbs.
"Well," said Hal, "what I'd like to know is how you have gained your information when no one else seems to know anything about it?"
"In the newspaper game," said Stubbs, "a man learns to provide his news sources. I provided mine for this very thing some time ago. Now I have been justified."
"All right," said Hal. "I don't want to argue with you about it, but all the same I'd go easy."
"I tell you I've got the dope," declared Stubbs.
"Then you'd better hurry along and file it to The Gazette," Chester put in.
"By Jove, I will!" said Stubbs. "And after this, you'll get no more information from me. But remember your promises. Not a word about this."
"Don't worry, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "We're as mum as a couple of oysters."
"Then me for the cable wire," said Stubbs. He turned and hurried off.
"You know, Hal," said Chester, "it would be quite a feather in the little man's cap if he could get something like that ahead of every other newspaper in America."
"I should imagine it would," Hal agreed, "but I'm afraid he's all wrong. At the same time, however, I hope he's right."
"Same here. And by the way, speaking of Stubbs and his efforts, there is only one other thing, to my mind, that would be greater luck for him."
"And that?" asked Hal.
"That would be to get first word to his paper of the ending of war."
"By Jove! That would be something to talk about," Hal agreed.
"I should say so. But come, we have delayed long enough. It lacks only a few minutes of six o'clock, and we're due in General Rhodes' quarters at that hour, you know."
"Didn't think I had forgotten it, did you?" demanded Hal.
"Well, I didn't know. Your memory isn't as good as it used to be."
"Is that so? Why isn't it?"
"Well, I don't know why," said Chester, "but it's a fact."
Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that moment they came to the entrance to General Rhodes' quarters.
"Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has something worth while for us to do."
"Same here," agreed Hal.
They went in.
CHAPTER XI
A NEW MISSION
"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I'll be ready for you in a moment."
The lads obeyed.
For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while their commander gave dozens of orders to others of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.
At last the room was cleared with the exception of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general's private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads to approach.
"Before I ask if you are willing to undertake rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must explain a few points to you."
The lads stood at attention, but said nothing.
"As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is our immediate objective. To the north, General Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same distance of the town. When the time comes for the deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second division upon the city from the north and west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the east of the town and will strike from that direction. Do you follow me?"
"Yes, sir," said Hal.
"Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge between General Lejeune's division and my own. Telephone communication has been cut. For more than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative if the final attack is to be successful that I communicate with General Lejeune."
"I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish us to make an effort to get through."
General Rhodes nodded.
"That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he should be able to carry word to General Lejeune and return within six hours. Yet I have already dispatched three messengers and none has returned."
"You mean that they have failed, sir?" asked Hal.
"So it would seem. In each case I emphasized the necessity of haste. Had one of my previous messengers got through safely, he should have reported to me ere this. I fear they have been either killed or fallen into the hands of the enemy."
"In which event the enemy may have become familiar with your plans, sir," said Chester.
"No," returned General Rhodes, "they carried no written dispatches. The word that I sent to General Lejeune was verbal. Now my idea is this. If you, Major Paine, and you, Major Crawford, are willing to volunteer for this hazardous duty, I shall repeat the message to you. I have called you both because the matter is urgent. One of you may get through where the other fails. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly, sir," said Hal quietly, "and I am sure I speak for my friend as well as myself when I say we are not only willing, but anxious, to volunteer for the task."
"Indeed we are, sir," Chester agreed.
"Very well, then," said General Rhodes. "The message I would have you carry to General Lejeune is this: Attack in full force at 6 o'clock on the evening of November 6, which is day after tomorrow. I shall lay my plans accordingly, going upon the supposition that one of you will get the message through."
"We shall do the best we can, sir," said Hal quietly.
"And that is the best any man can do," said General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the supposition that one of you will get through and I shall attack at that time whether I hear from you again or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it more prudent, remain with General Lejeune's division until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen."
Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.
"Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," was Chester's comment as they made their way back to their own quarters.
"Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder the job the more satisfaction when you have accomplished it successfully."
"What would you suggest?" asked Chester. "Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we disguise ourselves as Germans?"
"We'll keep our own," said Hal. "There is no use risking being caught as a spy unless absolutely necessary. If we're captured in American uniforms they'll make us prisoners of war. In German clothes, we would probably be shot. I'm against the German uniform this trip."
"I guess you're right. Besides, according to General Rhodes, we shall have to pass through less than half a mile of German territory. Now I'll make another suggestion."
"What is it?"
"My idea is that it will be better if we do not go together. I'll start an hour ahead of you, or you can start an hour ahead of me. We'll lay out our route in advance so the one who goes last will know about how far ahead the other should be. He might even be able to lend a helping hand should whoever goes first get into trouble."
"Not a bad idea," Hal agreed. "Then I elect to go first."
Chester shrugged.
"Any way suits me," he said. "And when will you start?"
Hal glanced at his watch.
"Eight o'clock now," he said. "I'll start at nine."
"Then I shall start at ten," said Chester.
"Right," said Hal. "Now, as we have nothing to do in the meantime, suppose we take a walk about the camp."
"I'm agreeable," said Chester. "Come on."
For perhaps an hour they strolled about, looking over the huge encampment with critical eyes. Men slept on their arms that night, had been sleeping on them for a week, for there was no telling at what hour might come the order to advance.
Cavalry horses pawed the ground restlessly in that part of the field where they were picketed. The troopers slept or sprawled on the hard ground nearby. To the south were parked the American batteries, while on all sides infantrymen were to be seen by the thousands.
Suddenly, from the direction of General Rhodes' quarters, came a loud hurrah. It was taken up on all sides, and directly the camp became a pandemonium.
"Wonder what's going on?" said Hal.
"Don't know," replied Chester. "We'll find out."
The lads hurried toward the general's quarters. Toward them came a crowd of shouting men, throwing their hats in the air and cheering wildly. Hal stopped one of them.
"What's all the excitement?" he asked.
"Haven't you heard the news, sir?" he asked.
"No," said Hal. "What is it?"
"A truce has been signed with Austria," replied the soldier. "Hurrah!"
"Hurrah indeed," said Hal fervently. "And have you heard the nature of the truce?"
"Yes, sir. An armistice has been signed to become effective to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. The armistice extends for thirty days in which time the allies will draw up terms of peace to be presented to Austria, sir."
"That is good news indeed, my man," said Hal. "I am obliged to you."
The soldier saluted and rejoined his companions. Together they continued their parade of the camp; spreading the glad tidings as they went from place to place.
"So Stubbs was right after all," Hal mused.
"It seems so," said Chester, "but I wonder where he got his information?"
"It's too deep for me," declared Hal, "but he got it all right. I hope he lands his scoop, as he calls it."
"So do I. He deserves it."
Hal glanced at his watch.
"Well," he said, "you can stay here awhile and help the others celebrate. I've work to do and it's time to be moving."
"Wish I were going with you," said Chester, "but I am convinced we have agreed on the best plan."
Hal nodded.
"It seems best to me."
"Then I shall follow the directions we agreed upon," said Chester. "I'll start in exactly an hour."
"And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must get through, no matter what happens."
"Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into trouble, I'll lend a helping hand should I come across you and find that it is possible without endangering my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, you will have to shift for yourself."
"That's the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you can without compromising yourself, but always remember that one of us must get through. Now I'm off."
He held out his hand, which Chester grasped warmly.
"I'm hoping nothing happens," said the latter quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye."
"Good-bye," said Hal.
He gave Chester's hand a parting grip, turned on his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking after him for some moments. Then he moved on slowly.
"By Jove! I hope nothing happens to Hal," he muttered.
It seemed to Chester that the next hour would never pass, but at last the hands of his watch showed 10 o'clock.
"Time to be moving," the lad told himself.
He produced his pair of revolvers and examined them carefully.
"All fine and dandy," he muttered. "Well, I guess there is no reason for waiting longer."
He turned and strode off in the direction Hal had gone just a short hour before.