THE FOREST OF SWORDS

BOOKS BY JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER

THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR SERIES

The Hunters of the Hills The Shadow of the NorthThe Rulers of the Lakes The Masters of the PeaksThe Lords of the Wild The Sun of Quebec

THE YOUNG TRAILERS SERIES

The Young Trailers The Free RangersThe Forest Runners The Riflemen of the OhioThe Keepers of the Trail The Scouts of the ValleyThe Eyes of the Woods The Border Watch

THE TEXAN SERIES

The Texan Star The Texan TriumphThe Texan Scouts

THE CIVIL WAR SERIES

The Guns of Bull Run The Star of GettysburgThe Guns of Shiloh The Rock of ChickamaugaThe Scouts of Stonewall The Shades of the WildernessThe Sword of Antietam The Tree of Appomattox

THE GREAT WEST SERIES

The Lost Hunters The Great Sioux Trail

THE WORLD WAR SERIES

The Guns of Europe The Hosts of the AirThe Forest of Swords

BOOKS NOT IN SERIES

Apache Gold A Soldier of ManhattanThe Quest of the Four The Sun of SaratogaThe Last of the Chiefs A Herald of the WestIn Circling Camps The Wilderness RoadThe Last Rebel My CaptiveThe Candidate

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY

New York London

[Illustration: "He heard a shock near him and, . . . Saw a huddled massof wreckage. "]

WORLD WAR SERIES

THE FORESTOF SWORDS

A STORY OF PARISAND THE MARNE

BY

JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER

AUTHOR OF "THE GUNS OF EUROPE, ""THE STAR OF GETTYSBURG, " ETC. 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANYNEW YORK AND LONDON1928

COPYRIGHT, 1915, BYD. APPLETON AND COMPANY

Printed in the United States of America

FOREWORD

"The Forest of Swords, " while an independent story, based upon the WorldWar, continues the fortunes of John Scott, Philip Lannes, and theirfriends who have appeared already in "The Guns of Europe. " As was statedin the first volume, the author was in Austria and Germany for a monthafter the war began, and then went to England. He saw the arrival of theEmperor, Francis Joseph, in Vienna, the first striking event in thegigantic struggle, and witnessed the mobilization of their armies bythree great nations. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

 I. IN PARIS 1 II. THE MESSAGE 30 III. IN THE FRENCH CAMP 53 IV. THE INVISIBLE HAND 76 V. SEEN FROM ABOVE 99 VI. IN HOSTILE HANDS 121 VII. THE TWO PRINCES 146VIII. THE SPORT OF KINGS 167 IX. THE PUZZLING SIGNAL 186 X. OLD FRIENDS 209 XI. THE CONTINUING BATTLE 231 XII. JULIE LANNES 247XIII. THE MIDDLE AGES 268 XIV. A PROMISE KEPT 291 XV. THE RESCUE 311

THE FOREST OF SWORDS

CHAPTER I

IN PARIS

John Scott and Philip Lannes walked together down a great boulevard ofParis. The young American's heart was filled with grief and anger. TheFrenchman felt the same grief, but mingled with it was a fierce, burningpassion, so deep and bitter that it took a much stronger word than angerto describe it. 

Both had heard that morning the mutter of cannon on the horizon, andthey knew the German conquerors were advancing. They were alwaysadvancing. Nothing had stopped them. The metal and masonry of thedefenses at Liège had crumbled before their huge guns like chinabreaking under stone. The giant shells had scooped out the forts atMaubeuge, Maubeuge the untakable, as if they had been mere eggshells, and the mighty Teutonic host came on, almost without a check. 

John had read of the German march on Paris, nearly a half-centurybefore, how everything had been made complete by the genius of Bismarckand von Moltke, how the ready had sprung upon and crushed the unready, but the present swoop of the imperial eagle seemed far more vast andterrible than the earlier rush could have been. 

A month and the legions were already before the City of Light. Men withglasses could see from the top of the Eiffel Tower the gray ranks thatwere to hem in devoted Paris once more, and the government had fledalready to Bordeaux. It seemed that everything was lost before the warwas fairly begun. The coming of the English army, far too small innumbers, had availed nothing. It had been swept up with the others, escaping from capture or destruction only by a hair, and was now drivenback with the French on the capital. 

John had witnessed two battles, and in neither had the Germans stoppedlong. Disregarding their own losses they drove forward, immense, overwhelming, triumphant. He felt yet their very physical weight, pressing upon him, crushing him, giving him no time to breathe. TheGerman war machine was magnificent, invincible, and for the fourth timein a century the Germans, the exulting Kaiser at their head, might enterParis. 

The Emperor himself might be nothing, mere sound and glitter, but backof him was the greatest army that ever trod the planet, taught for halfa century to believe in the divine right of kings, and assured now thatmight and right were the same. 

Every instinct in him revolted at the thought that Paris should betrodden under foot once more by the conqueror. The great capital hadtruly deserved its claim to be the city of light and leading, and ifParis and France were lost the whole world would lose. He could neverforget the unpaid debt that his own America owed to France, and he felthow closely interwoven the two republics were in their beliefs andaspirations. 

"Why are you so silent?" asked Lannes, half angrily, although John knewthat the anger was not for him. 

"I've said as much as you have, " he replied with an attempt at humor. 

"You notice the sunlight falling on it?" said Lannes, pointing to theArc de Triomphe, rising before them. 

"Yes, and I believe I know what you are thinking. "

"You are right. I wish he was here now. "

John gazed at the great arch which the sun was gilding with glory and heshared with Lannes his wish that the mighty man who had built it tocommemorate his triumphs was back with France--for a while at least. Hewas never able to make up his mind whether Napoleon was good or evil. Perhaps he was a mixture of both, highly magnified, but now of alltimes, with the German millions at the gates, he was needed most. 

"I think France could afford to take him back, " he said, "and risk anydemands he might make or enforce. "

"John, " said Lannes, "you've fought with us and suffered with us, and soyou're one of us. You understand what I felt this morning when on theedge of Paris I heard the German guns. They say that we can fight on, after our foes have taken the capital, and that the English will come ingreater force to help us. But if victorious Germans march once throughthe Arc de Triomphe I shall feel that we can never again win back allthat we have lost. "

A note, low but deep and menacing, came from the far horizon. It mightbe a German gun or it might be a French gun, but the effect was thesame. The threat was there. A shudder shook the frame of Lannes, butJohn saw a sudden flame of sunlight shoot like a glittering lance fromthe Arc de Triomphe. 

"A sign! a sign!" he exclaimed, his imaginative mind on fire in aninstant. "I saw a flash from the arch! It was the soul of the GreatCaptain speaking! I tell you, Philip, the Republic is not yet lost! I'veread somewhere, and so have you, that the Romans sold at auction at ahigh price the land on which Hannibal's victorious army was camped, whenit lay before Rome!"

"It's so! And France has her glorious traditions, too! We won't give upuntil we're beaten--and not then!"

The gray eyes of Lannes flamed, and his figure seemed to swell. All thewonderful French vitality was personified in him. He put his handaffectionately upon the shoulder of his comrade. 

"It's odd, John, " he said, "but you, a foreigner, have lighted the sparkanew in me. "

"Maybe it's because I _am_ a foreigner, though, in reality, I'm now noforeigner at all, as you've just said. I've become one of you. "

"It's true, John, and I won't forget it. I'm never going to give up hopeagain. Maybe somebody will arrive to save us at the last. Whatever thegreat one, whose greatest monument stands there, may have been, he lovedFrance, and his spirit may descend upon Frenchmen. "

"I believe it. He had the strength and courage created by a republic, and you have them again, the product of another republic. Look at theflying men, Lannes!"

Lannes glanced up where the aeroplanes hovered thick over Paris, andtoward the horizon where the invisible German host with its huge gunswas advancing. The look of despair came into his eyes again, but itrested there only a moment. He remembered his new courage and banishedit. 

"Perhaps I ought to be in the sky myself with the others, " he said, "butI'd only see what I don't like to see. The _Arrow_ and I can't be of anyhelp now. "

"You brought me here in the _Arrow_, Lannes, " said John, seeking toassume a light tone. "Now what do you intend to do with me? As everybodyis leaving Paris you ought to get me out of it. "

"I hardly know what to do. There are no orders. I've lost touch with thecommander of our flying corps, but you're right in concluding that weshouldn't remain in Paris. Now where are we to go?"

"We'll make no mistake if we seek the battle front. You know I'm boundto rejoin my company, the Strangers, if I can. I must report as soon aspossible to Captain Colton. "

"That's true, John, but I can't leave Paris until tomorrow. I may haveorders to carry, I must obtain supplies for the _Arrow_, and I wish tovisit once more my people on the other side of the Seine. "

"Suppose you go now, and I'll meet you this afternoon in the Place del'Opéra. "

"Good. Say three o'clock. The first to arrive will await the otherbefore the steps of the Opera House?"

John nodded assent and Lannes hurried away. Young Scott followed hisfigure with his eyes until it disappeared in the crowd. A back may be anindex to a man's strength of mind, and he saw that Lannes, head erectand shoulders thrown back, was walking with a rapid and springy step. Courage was obviously there. 

But John, despite his own strong heart, could not keep from feeling aninfinite sadness and pity, not for Lannes, but for all the three millionpeople who inhabited the City of Light, most of whom were fleeing nowbefore the advance of the victorious invader. He could put himself intheir place. France held his deepest sympathy. He felt that a greatnation, sedulously minding its own business, trampled upon and robbedonce before, was now about to be trampled upon and robbed again. Hecould not subscribe to the doctrine, that might was right. 

He watched the fugitives a long time. They were crowding the railwaystations, and they were departing by motor, by cart and on foot. Many ofthe poorer people, both men and women, carried packs on their backs. Theboulevards and the streets were filled with the retreating masses. 

It was an amazing and stupefying sight, the abandonment by itsinhabitants of a great city, a city in many ways the first in the world, and it gave John a mighty shock. He had been there with his uncle andMr. Anson in the spring, and he had seen nothing but peace andbrightness. The sun had glittered then, as it glittered now over the Arcde Triomphe, the gleaming dome of the Invalides and the golden waters ofthe Seine. It was Paris, soft, beautiful and bright, the Paris thatwished no harm to anybody. 

But the people were going. He could see them going everywhere. Thecruel, ancient times when cities were destroyed or enslaved by theconqueror had come back, and the great Paris that the world had known solong might become lost forever. 

The stream of fugitives, rich and poor, mingled, poured on withoutceasing. He did not know where they were going. Most of them did notknow themselves. He saw a great motor, filled high with people andgoods, break down in the streets, and he watched them while they workeddesperately to restore the mechanism. And yet there was no panic. Thesound of voices was not high. The Republic was justifying itself oncemore. Silent and somberly defiant, the inhabitants were leaving Parisbefore the giant German guns could rain shells upon the unarmed. 

It was three or four hours until the time to meet Lannes, and drawn byan overwhelming curiosity and anxiety he began the climb of the ButteMontmartre. If observers on the Eiffel Tower could see the German forcesapproaching, then with the powerful glasses he carried over his shoulderhe might discern them from the dome of the Basilica of the SacredHeart. 

As he made his way up the ascent through the crooked and narrow littlestreets he saw many eyes, mostly black and quick, watching him. This bynight was old Paris, dark and dangerous, where the Apache dwelled, andby day in a fleeing city, with none to restrain, he might be no lessruthless. 

But John felt only friendliness for them all. He believed that commondanger would knit all Frenchmen together, and he nodded and smiled atthe watchers. More than one pretty Parisian, not of the upper classes, smiled back at the American with the frank and open face. 

Before he reached the Basilica a little rat of a young man steppedbefore him and asked:

"Which way, Monsieur?"

He was three or four years older than John, wearing uncommonly tightfitting clothes of blue, a red cap with a tassel, and he was about fivefeet four inches tall. But small as he was he seemed to be made ofsteel, and he stood, poised on his little feet, ready to spring like aleopard when he chose. 

The blue eyes of the tall American looked steadily into the black eyesof the short Frenchman, and the black eyes looked back as steadily. Johnwas fast learning to read the hearts and minds of men through theireyes, and what he saw in the dark depths pleased him. Here were cunningand yet courage; impudence and yet truth; caprice and yet honor. Apacheor not, he decided to like him. 

"I'm going up into the lantern of the Basilica, " he said, "to see if Ican see the Germans, who are my enemies as well as yours. "

"And will not Monsieur take me, too, and let me have look for look withhim through those glasses at the Germans, some of whom I'm going toshoot?"

John smiled. 

"If you're going out potting Germans, " he said, "you'd better getyourself into a uniform as soon as you can. They have no mercy on _franctireurs_. "

"I'll chance that. But you'll take me with you into the dome?"

"What's your name?"

"Pierre Louis Bougainville. "

"Bougainville! Bougainville! It sounds noble and also historical. I'veread of it, but I don't recall where. "

The little Frenchman drew himself up, and his black eyes glittered. 

"There is a legend among us that it was noble once, " he said, "but wedon't know when. I feel within me the spirit to make it great again. There was a time when the mighty Napoleon said that every soldiercarried a marshal's baton in his knapsack. Perhaps that time has comeagain. And the great emperor was a little man like me. "

John began to laugh and then he stopped suddenly. Pierre LouisBougainville, so small and so insignificant, was not looking at him. Hewas looking over and beyond him, dreaming perhaps of a glitteringfuture. The funny little red cap with the tassel might shelter a greatbrain. Respect took the place of the wish to laugh. 

"Monsieur Bougainville, " he said in his excellent French, "my name isJohn Scott. I am from America, but I am serving in the alliedFranco-British army. My heart like yours beats for France. "

"Then, Monsieur Jean, you and I are brothers, " said the little man, hiseyes still gleaming. "It may be that we shall fight side by side in thehour of victory. But you will take me into the lantern will you not?Father Pelletier does not know, as you do, that I'm going to be a greatman, and he will not admit me. "

"If I secure entrance you will, too. Come. "

They reached side by side the Basilique de Sacré-Coeur, which crowns thesummit of the Butte Montmartre, and bought tickets from the porter, whose calm the proximity of untold Germans did not disturb. John saw thelittle Apache make the sign of the cross and bear himself with dignity. In some curious way Bougainville impressed him once more with a sense ofpower. Perhaps there was a spark of genius under the red cap. He knewfrom his reading that there was no rule about genius. It passed kingsby, and chose the child of a peasant in a hovel. 

"You're what they call an Apache, are you not?" he asked. 

"Yes, Monsieur. "

"Well, for the present, that is until you win a greater name, I'm goingto call you Geronimo. "

"And why Zhay-ro-nee-mo, Monsieur?"

"Because that was the name of a great Apache chief. According to ourwhite standards he was not all that a man should be. He had perhaps acertain insensibility to the sufferings of others, but in the Apacheview that was not a fault. He was wholly great to them. "

"Very well then, Monsieur Scott, I shall be flattered to be calledZhay-ro-nee-mo, until I win a name yet greater. "

"Where is the Father Pelletier, the priest, who you said would bar yourway unless I came with you?"

"He is on the second platform where you look out over Paris before goinginto the lantern. It may be that he has against me what you would callthe prejudice. I am young. Youth must have its day, and I have done somesmall deeds in the quarter which perhaps do not please Father Pelletier, a strict, a very strict man. But our country is in danger, and I amwilling to forgive and forget. "

He spoke with so much magnanimity that John was compelled to laugh. Geronimo laughed, too, showing splendid white teeth. The understandingbetween them was now perfect. 

"I must talk with Father Pelletier, " said John. "Until you're a greatman, as you're going to be, Geronimo, I suppose I can be spokesman. After that it will be your part to befriend me. "

On the second platform they found Father Pelletier, a tall young priestwith a fine but severe face, who looked with curiosity at John, and withdisapproval at the Apache. 

"You are Father Pelletier, I believe, " said John with his disarmingsmile. "These are unusual times, but I wish to go up into the lantern. Iam an American, though, as you can see by my uniform, I am a soldier ofFrance. "

"But your companion, sir? He has a bad reputation in the quarter. Whenhe should come to the church he does not, and now when he should not hedoes. "

"That reputation of which you speak, Father Pelletier, will soon pass. Another, better and greater will take its place. Our friend here, andperhaps both of us will be proud to call him so some day, leaves soon tofight for France. "

The priest looked again at Bougainville, and his face softened. Thelittle Apache met his glance with a firm and open gaze, and his figureseemed to swell again, and to radiate strength. Perhaps the priest sawin his eyes the same spark that John had noticed there. 

"It is a time when France needs all of her sons, " he said, "and eventhose who have not deserved well of her before may do great deeds forher now. You can pass. "

Bougainville walked close to Father Pelletier, and John heard him say inlow tones:

"I feel within me the power to achieve, and when you see me again youwill recognize it. "

The priest nodded and his friendly hand lay for a moment on the other'sshoulder. 

"Come on, Geronimo, " said John cheerfully. "As I remember it's nearly ahundred steps into the lantern, and that's quite a climb. "

"Not for youth like ours, " exclaimed Bougainville, and he ran upward solightly that the American had some difficulty in following him. John wasimpressed once more by his extraordinary strength and agility, despitehis smallness. He seemed to be a mass of highly wrought steel spring. But unwilling to be beaten by anybody, John raced with him and the twostood at the same time upon the utmost crest of the Basilique duSacré-Coeur. 

They paused a few moments for fresh breath and then John put the glassesto his eye, sweeping them in a slow curve. Through the powerful lenseshe saw the vast circle of Paris, and all the long story of the past thatit called up. Two thousand years of history rolled beneath his feet, andthe spectacle was wholly magnificent. 

He beheld the great green valley with its hills, green, too, the line ofthe Seine cutting the city apart like the flash of a sword blade, thegolden dome of the Hotel des Invalides, the grinning gargoyles of NotreDame, the arches and statues and fountains and the long green ribbonsthat marked the boulevards. 

Although the city stood wholly in the sunlight a light haze formed onthe rim of the circling horizon. He now moved the glasses slowly over asegment there and sought diligently for something. From so high a pointand with such strong aid one could see many miles. He was sure that hewould find what he sought and yet did not wish to see. Presently hepicked out intermittent flashes which he believed were made by sunlightfalling on steel. Then he drew a long and deep breath that was almostlike a sigh. 

"What is it?" asked Bougainville who had stood patiently by his side. 

"I fear it is the glitter of lances, my friend, lances carried by GermanUhlans. Will you look?"

Bougainville held out his hands eagerly for the glasses, and then drewthem back a little. In his new dignity he would not show sudden emotion. 

"It will give me gladness to see, " he said. "I do not fear the Prussianlances. "

John handed him the glasses and he looked long and intently, at timessweeping them slowly back and forth, but gazing chiefly at the pointunder the horizon that had drawn his companion's attention. 

John meanwhile looked down at the city glittering in the sun, but fromwhich its people were fleeing, as if its last day had come. It stillseemed impossible that Europe should be wrapped in so great a war andthat the German host should be at the gates of Paris. 

His eyes turned back toward the point where he had seen the gleam of thelances and he fancied now that he heard the far throb of the Germanguns. The huge howitzers like the one Lannes and he had blown up mightsoon be throwing shells a ton or more in weight from a range of a dozenmiles into the very heart of the French capital. An acute depressionseized him. He had strengthened the heart of Lannes, and now his ownheart needed strengthening. How was it possible to stop the German armywhich had come so far and so fast that its Uhlans could already seeParis? The unprepared French had been defeated already, and the slowEnglish, arriving to find France under the iron heel, must go back anddefend their own island. 

"The Germans are there. I have not a doubt of it, and I thank you, Monsieur Scott, for the use of these, " said Bougainville, handing theglasses back to him. 

"Well, Geronimo, " he said, "having seen, what do you say?"

"The sight is unpleasant, but it is not hopeless. They call us decadent. I read, Monsieur Scott, more than you think! Ah, it has been thebitterness of death for Frenchmen to hear all the world say we are adying race, and it has been said so often that some of us ourselves hadbegun to believe it! But it is not so! I tell you it is not so, andwe'll soon prove to the Germans who come that it isn't! I have lookedfor a sign. I sought for it in all the skies through your glasses, but Idid not find it there. Yet I have found it. "

"Where?"

"In my heart. Every beat tells me that this Paris of ours is not for theGermans. We will yet turn them back!"

He reminded John of Lannes in his dramatic intensity, real and notaffected, a true part of his nature. Its effect, too, upon the Americanwas powerful. He had given courage to Lannes, and now Bougainville, thatlittle Apache of the Butte Montmartre, was giving new strength to hisown weakening heart. Fresh life flowed back into his veins and heremembered that he, too, had beheld a sign, the flash of light on theArc de Triomphe. 

"I think we have seen enough here, Geronimo, " he said lightly, "andwe'll descend. I've a friend to meet later. Which way do you go from thechurch?"

"To the army. I shall be in a uniform tonight, and tomorrow maybe Ishall meet the Germans. "

John held out his hand and the Apache seized it in a firm clasp. 

"I believe in you, as I hope you believe in me, " said young Scott. "Ibelong to a company called the Strangers, made up chiefly of Americansand English, and commanded by Captain Daniel Colton. If you're on thebattle line and hear of the Strangers there too I should like for you tohunt me up if you can. I'd do the same for you, but I don't yet know towhat force you will belong. "

Bougainville promised and they walked down to the second platform, whereFather Pelletier was still standing. 

"What did you see?" he asked of John, unable to hide the eagerness inhis eyes. 

"Uhlans, Father Pelletier, and I fancied that I heard the echo of aGerman forty-two centimeter. Would you care to use the glasses? The viewfrom this floor is almost as good as it is from the lantern. "

John distinctly saw the priest shudder. 

"No, " he replied. "I could not bear it. I shall pray today that ourenemies may be confounded; tomorrow I shall throw off the gown of apriest and put on the coat of a soldier. "

"Another sign, " said John to himself, as they continued the descent. "Even the priests will fight. "

When they were once more in the narrow streets of Montmartre, John saidfarewell to Bougainville. 

"Geronimo, " he said, "I expect to see you leading a victorious chargedirectly into the heart of the German army. "

"If I can meet your hopes I will, Monsieur Scott, " said the youngFrenchman gayly, "and now, _au revoir_, I depart for my uniform andarms, which must be of the best. "

John smiled as he walked down the hill. His heart had warmed toward thelittle Apache who might not be any Apache at all. Nevertheless the nameGeronimo seemed to suit him, and he meant to think of him by it untilhis valor won him a better. 

He saw from the slopes the same endless stream of people leaving Paris. They knew that the Germans were near, and report brought them yetnearer. The tale of the monster guns had traveled fast, and the shellsmight be falling among them at any moment. Aeroplanes dotted the skies, but they paid little attention to them. They still thought of war underthe old conditions, and to the great mass of the people flying machineswere mere toys. 

But John knew better. Those journeys of his with Lannes through theheavens and their battles in the air for their lives were unforgettable. Stopping on the last slope of Montmartre he studied space with hisglasses. He was sure that he saw captive balloons on the horizon wherethe German army lay, and one shape larger than the rest looked like aZeppelin, but he did not believe those monsters had come so far to thesouth and west. They must have an available base. 

His heart suddenly increased its beat. He saw a darting figure and herecognized the shape of the German Taube. Then something black shotdownward from it, and there was a crash in the streets of Paris, followed by terrible cries. 

He knew what had happened. He caught another glimpse of the Tauberushing away like a huge carnivorous bird that had already seized itsprey, and then he ran swiftly down the street. The bomb had burst in aswarm of fugitives and a woman was killed. Several people were wounded, and a panic had threatened, but the soldiers had restored order alreadyand ambulances soon took the wounded to hospitals. 

John went on, shocked to the core. It was a new kind of war. The flyingmen might rain death from the air upon a helpless city, but theirvictims were more likely to be women and children than armed men. Forthe first time the clean blue sky became a sinister blanket from whichdropped destruction. 

The confusion created by the bomb soon disappeared. The multitude ofParisians still poured from the city, and long lines of soldiers tooktheir place. John wondered what the French commanders would do. Surelytheirs was a desperate problem. Would they try to defend Paris, or wouldthey let it go rather than risk its destruction by bombardment? Yet itsfall was bound to be a terrible blow. 

Lannes was on the steps of the Opera House at the appointed time, coming with a brisk manner and a cheerful face. 

"I want you to go with me to our house beyond the Seine, " he said. "Itis a quaint old place hidden away, as so many happy homes are in thiscity. You will find nobody there but my mother, my sister Julie, and afaithful old servant, Antoine Picard, and his daughter, Suzanne. "

"But I will be a trespasser?"

"Not at all. There will be a warm welcome for you. I have told them ofyou, how you were my comrade in the air, and how you fought. "

"Pshaw, Lannes, it was you who did most of the fighting. You've given mea reputation that I can't carry. "

"Never mind about the reputation. What have you been doing since I leftyou this morning?"

"I spent a part of the time in the lantern of the Basilica onMontmartre, and I had with me a most interesting friend. "

Lannes looked at him curiously. 

"You did not speak of any friend in Paris at this time, " he said. 

"I didn't because I never heard of him until a few hours ago. I made hisacquaintance while I was going up Montmartre, but I already considerhim, next to you, the best friend I have in France. "

"Acquaintanceship seems to grow rapidly with you, Monsieur Jean theScott. "

"It has, but you must remember that our own friendship was prettysudden. It developed in a few minutes of flight from soldiers at theGerman border. "

"That is so, but it was soon sealed by great common dangers. Who is yournew friend, John?"

"A little Apache named Pierre Louis Bougainville, whom I have nicknamedGeronimo, after a famous Indian chief of my country. He has already goneto fight for France, and, Philip, he made an extraordinary impressionupon me, although I don't know just why. He is short like Napoleon, hehas the same large and beautifully shaped head, and the same penetratingeyes that seem able to look you through and through. Maybe it was aspark of genius in him that impressed me. "

"It may be so, " said Lannes thoughtfully. "It was said, and said trulythat the First Republic meant the open career to all the talents, andthe Third offers the same chance. One never can tell where militarygenius is going to appear and God knows we need it now in whatever shapeor form it may come. Did you hear of the bomb?"

"I saw it fall. But, Phil, I don't see the object in such attacks. Theymay kill a few people, nearly always the unarmed, but that has no realeffect on a war. "

"They wish to spread terror, I suppose. Lend me your glasses, John. "

Lannes studied the heavens a long time, minutely examining every blackspeck against the blue, and John stood beside him, waiting patiently. Meanwhile the throng of fleeing people moved on as before, silent andsomber, even the children saying little. John was again stirred by thedeepest emotion of sympathy and pity. What a tremendous tragedy it wouldbe if New York were being abandoned thus to a victorious foe! Lanneshimself had seemed to take no notice of the flight, but John judged hehad made a powerful effort of the will to hide the grief and anger thatsurely filled his heart. 

"I don't see anything in the air but our own machines, " said Lannes, ashe returned the glasses. "It was evidently a dash by the Taube thatthrew the bomb. But we've stayed here long enough. They're waiting forus at home. "

He led the way through the multitude, relapsing into silence, butcasting a glance now and then at his own peculiar field, the heavens. They reached the Place de la Concorde, and stopped there a moment ortwo. Lannes looked sadly at the black drapery hanging from the stonefigure that typified the lost city of Strassburg, but John glanced upthe great sweep of the Place to the Arc de Triomphe, where he caughtagain the glittering shaft of sunlight that he had accepted as a sign. 

"We may be looking upon all this for the last time, " said Lannes, in avoice of grief. "Oh, Paris, City of Light, City of the Heart! You maynot understand me, John, but I couldn't bear to come back to Parisagain, much as I love it, if it is to be despoiled and ruled byGermans. "

"I do understand you, Philip, " said John cheerfully, "but you mustn'tcount a city yours until you've taken it. The Germans are near, butthey're not here. Now, lead on. It's not like you to despair!"

Lannes shook himself, as if he had laid violent hands upon his own body, and his face cleared. 

"That was the last time, John, " he said. "I made that promise before, but I keep it this time. You won't see me gloomy again. Henceforwardit's hope only. Now, we must hurry. My mother and Julie will be growinganxious, for we are overdue. "

They crossed the Seine by one of the beautiful stone bridges and entereda region of narrow and crooked streets, which John thought must be apart of old Paris. In an American city it would necessarily have been aquarter of the poor, but John knew that here wealth and distinction wereoften hidden behind these modest doors. 

He began to feel very curious about Lannes' family, but he was carefulto ask no questions. He knew that the young Frenchman was showing greattrust and faith in him by taking him into his home. They stoppedpresently before a door, and Lannes rang a bell. The door was openedcautiously in a few moments, and a great head surmounted by thick, grayhair was thrust out. A powerful neck and a pair of immense shouldersfollowed the head. Sharp eyes under heavy lashes peered forth, but in aninstant, when the man saw who was before him, he threw open the door andsaid:

"Welcome, Monsieur. "

John had no doubt that this was the Antoine Picard of whom Lannes hadspoken, and he knew at the first glance that he beheld a real man. Manypeople have the idea that all Frenchmen are little, but John knewbetter. 

Antoine Picard was a giant, much over six feet, and with the limbs andchest of a piano-mover. He was about sixty, but age evidently had madeno impression upon his strength. John judged from his fair complexionthat he was from Normandy. "Here, " young Scott said to himself, "is oneof those devoted European family servants of whom I've heard so often. "

He regarded the man with interest, and Picard, in return, measured andweighed him with a lightning glance. 

Lannes laughed. 

"It's all right, Antoine, " he said. "He's the young man from that farbarbarian country called America, who escaped from Germany with me, onlyhe's no barbarian, but a highly civilized being who not only likesFrance, but who fights for her. John, this is Antoine Picard, who rulesand protects this house. "

John held out his hand, American fashion, and it was engulfed in themighty grasp of the Norseman, as he always thought of him afterward. 

"Madame, your mother, and Mademoiselle, your sister, have been anxious, "said Picard. 

"We were delayed, " said Lannes. 

They stepped into a narrow hall, and Picard shut the door behind them, shooting into place a heavy bolt which sank into its socket with a clicklike the closing of the entrance to a fortress. In truth, the wholeaspect of the house reminded John of a stronghold. The narrow hall wasfloored with stone, the walls were stone and the light was dim. Lannesdivined John's thoughts. 

"You'll find it more cheerful, presently, " he said. "As for us, we'reused to it, and we love it, although it's so old and cold and dark. Itgoes back at least five centuries. "

"I suppose some king must have slept here once, " said John. "In Englandthey point out every very old house as a place where a king passed thenight, and make reverence accordingly. "

Lannes laughed gayly. 

"No king ever slept here so far as I know, " he said, "but the greatMarshal Lannes, whose name I am so proud to bear, was in this house morethan once, and to me, a staunch republican, that is greater than havinghad a king for a tenant. The Marshal, as you may know, although he tooka title and served an Emperor, was always a republican and in the earlydays of the empire often offended Napoleon by his frankness and brusquetruths. But enough of old things; we'll see my mother. "

He led the way up the steps, of solid stone, between walls thick enoughfor a fortress, and knocked at a door. A deep, full voice responded"Enter!" and pushing open the door Lannes went in, followed by John. 

It was a large room, with long, low windows, looking out over a sea ofroofs toward the dome of the Invalides and Napoleon's arch of triumph. Atall woman rose from a chair, and saying "My son!" put her hands uponLannes shoulders and kissed him on the forehead. She was fair like herson, and much less than fifty years of age. There was no stoop in hershoulders and but little gray in her hair. Her eyes were anxious, butJohn saw in them the Spartan determination that marked the women ofFrance. 

"My friend, John Scott, of whom I have already spoken to you, Madame mymother, " said Lannes. 

John bowed. He knew little of French customs, particularly in the heartof a French family, and he was afraid to extend his hand, but she gavehim hers, and let it rest in his palm a moment. 

"Philip has told me much of you, " she said in her deep, bell-like voice, "and although I know little of your far America, I can believe the bestof it, if its sons are like you. "

John flushed at the compliment, which he knew to be so sincere. 

"Thank you, Madame, " he said. "While my country can take no part in thiswar, many of my countrymen will fight with you. France helped us once, and some of us, at least, will help France now. "

She smiled gravely, and John knew that he was welcome in her house. Lannes would see to that anyhow, but he wished to make a good impressionon his own account. 

"I know that Philip risks his life daily, " she said. "He has chosen themost dangerous of all paths, the air, but perhaps in that way he canserve us most. "

She spoke with neither complaint nor reproach, merely as if she werestating a fact, and her son added briefly:

"You are right, mother. In the air I can work best for our people. Ah, John, here is my sister, who is quite curious about the stranger fromacross the sea. "

A young girl came into the room. She was tall and slender, not more thanseventeen, very fair, with blue eyes and hair of pure gold. John wascontinually observing that while many of the French were dark and small, in accordance with foreign opinion that made them all so, many more wereblonde and tall. Lannes' sister was scarcely more than a lovely child, but his heart beat more quickly. 

Lannes kissed her on the forehead, just as he kissed his mother. 

"Julie, " he said lightly and yet proudly, "this is the young Americanhero of whom I was telling you, my comrade in arms, or rather in theair, and adopted brother. Mr. John Scott, my sister, Mademoiselle JulieLannes. "

She made a shy curtsey and John bowed. It was the first time that he wasever in the heart of an old French home, and he did not know the rules, but he felt that he ought not to offer his hand. Young girls, he hadalways heard, were kept in strict seclusion in France, but the great warand the approach of the German army might make a difference. In anyevent, he felt bold enough to talk to her a little, and she responded, abeautiful color coming into her face. 

"Dinner is ready for our guest and you, " said Madame Lannes, and she ledthe way into another apartment, also with long, low windows, where thetable was set. The curtains were drawn from the windows, and John caughtthrough one of them a glimpse of the Seine, of marching troops in longblue coats and red trousers, and of the great city, massing up beyondlike a wall. 

He felt that he had never before sat down to so strange a table. Theworld without was shaking beneath the tread of the mightiest of allwars, but within this room was peace and quiet. Madame was like a Romanmatron, and the young Julie, though shy, had ample dignity. John likedLannes' manner toward them both, his fine subordination to his motherand his protective air toward his sister. He was glad to be there withthem, a welcome guest in the family. 

The dinner was served by a tall young woman. Picard's daughter Suzanne, to whom Lannes had referred, and she served in silence and withextraordinary dexterity one of the best dinners that he ever ate. 

As the dinner proceeded John admired the extraordinary composure of theLannes family. Surely a woman and a girl of only seventeen would feelconsternation at the knowledge that an overwhelming enemy was almostwithin sight of the city they must love so much. Yet they did not referto it, until nearly the close of the dinner, and it was Madame whointroduced the subject. 

"I hear, Philip, " she said, "that a bomb was thrown today from a Germanaeroplane into the Place de l'Opéra, killing a woman and injuringseveral other people. "

"It is true, mother. "

John glanced covertly at Julie, and saw her face pale. But she did nottremble. 

"Is it true also that the German army is near?" asked Madame Lannes, with just the faintest quiver in her voice. 

"Yes, mother. John, standing in the lantern of the Basilique duSacré-Coeur, saw through his glasses the flash of sunlight on the lancesof their Uhlans. A shell from one of their great guns could fall in thesuburbs of Paris. "

John's covert glance was now for Madame Lannes. How would the matron whowas cast in the antique mold of Rome take such news? But she veiled hereyes a little with her long lashes, and he could not catch theexpression there. 

"I believe it is not generally known in Paris that the enemy is so verynear, " said Philip, "and while I have not hesitated to tell you the fulltruth, mother, I ask you and Julie not to speak of it to others. "

"Of course, Philip, we would add nothing to the general alarm, which isgreat enough already, and with cause. But what do you wish us to do?Shall we remain here, or go while it is yet time to our cousins, theMenards, at Lyons?"

Now it was the mother who, in this question of physical peril, wasshowing deference to her son, the masculine head of the family. Johnliked it. He remembered an old saying, and he felt it to be true, thatthey did many things well in France. 

Lannes glanced at young Scott before replying. 

"Mother, " he said, "the danger is great. I do not try to conceal it fromyou. It was my intention this morning to see you and Julie safe on theLyons train, but John and I have beheld signs, not military, perhaps, but of the soul, and we are firm in the belief that at the eleventh hourwe shall be saved. The German host will not enter Paris. "

Madame Lannes looked fixedly at John and he felt her gaze resting like aweight upon his face. But he responded. His faith had merely grownstronger with the hours. 

"I cannot tell why, Madame, " he said, "but I believe as surely as I amsitting here that the enemy will not enter the capital. "

Then she said decisively, "Julie and I remain in our own home in Paris. "

CHAPTER II

THE MESSENGER

There was little more talk. The dignified quiet of the Lannes familyremained unchanged, and John imitated it. If they could be so calm inthe face of overwhelming disaster it should be no effort for him toremain unmoved. Yet he glanced often, though covertly, at Julie Lannes, admiring her lovely color. 

When dinner was over they returned to the room in which Madame Lanneshad received them. The dark had come already, and Suzanne had lightedfour tall candles. There was neither gas nor electricity. 

"Mr. Scott will be our guest tonight, mother, " said Lannes, "andtomorrow he and I go together to the army. "

John raised his hand in protest. It had not been his intention when hecame to remain until morning, but Lannes would listen to no objection;nor would his mother. 

"Since you fight for our country, " she said, "you must let us give youshelter for at least one night. "

He acquiesced, and they sat a little while, talking of the thingsfurthest from their hearts. Julie Lannes withdrew presently, and beforelong her mother followed. Lannes went to the window, and looked out overParis, where the diminished lights twinkled. John stood at the otherwindow and saw the great blur of the capital. All sounds were fused intoone steady murmur, rather soothing, like the flowing of a river. 

He seemed to hear presently the distant thunder of German guns, butreason told him it was only a trick of the imagination. Nerves keyedhigh often created the illusion of reality. 

"What are you thinking about, Lannes?" he asked. 

"Of my mother and sister. Only the French know the French. The familytie is powerful with us. "

"I know that, Phil. "

"So you do. You're an adopted child of France. Madame Lannes is a womanof great heart, John. I am proud to be her son. I have read of yourcivil war. I have read how the mothers of your young soldiers sufferedand yet were brave. None can know how much Madame, my mother, hassuffered tonight, with the Germans at the gates of Paris, and yet shehas shown no sign of it. "

John was silent. He did not know what to say, but Lannes did not pursuethe subject, remaining a full five minutes at the window, and notspeaking again, until he turned away. 

"John, " he said then, "let's go outside and take a look about thequarter. It's important now to watch for everything. "

John was full willing. He recognized the truth of Lannes' words and hewanted air and exercise also. A fortress was a fortress, whether onecalled it a home or not, Lannes led the way and they descended to thelower hall, where the gigantic porter was on watch. 

"My friend and I are going to take a look in the streets, Antoine, " saidLannes. "Guard the house well while we are gone. "

"I will, " replied the man, "but will you tell me one thing, MonsieurPhilip? Do Madame Lannes and Mademoiselle Julie remain in Paris?"

"They do, Antoine, and since I leave tomorrow it will be the duty of youand Suzanne to protect them. "

"I am gratified, sir, that they do not leave the capital. I have neverknown a Lannes to flee at the mere rumor of the enemy's coming. "

"And I hope you never will, Antoine. I think we'll be back in an hour. "

"I shall be here, sir. "

He unbolted the door and Lannes and John stepped out, the cool night airpouring in a grateful flood upon their faces. Antoine fastened the doorbehind them, and John again heard the massive bolt sink into its place. 

"The quarter is uncommonly quiet, " said Lannes. "I suppose it has aright to be after such a day. "

Then be looked up, scanning the heavens, after the manner that hadbecome natural to him, a flying man. 

"What do you see, Philip?" asked John. 

"A sky of dark blue, plenty of stars, but no aeroplanes, Taubes or othermachines of man's making. "

"I fancy that some of them are on the horizon, but too far away to beseen by us. "

"Likely as not. The Germans are daring enough and we can expect morebombs to be dropped on Paris. Our flying corps must organize to meettheirs. I feel the call of the air, John. "

Young Scott laughed. 

"I believe the earth has ceased to be your natural element, " he said. "You're happiest when you're in the _Arrow_ about a mile above ourplanet. "

Lannes laughed also, and with appreciation. The friendship between thetwo young men was very strong, and it had in it all the quality ofpermanence. Their very unlikeness in character and temperament made themall the better comrades. What one could not do the other could. 

As they walked along now they said but little. Each was striving to readwhat he could in that great book, the streets of Paris. John believedLannes had not yet told him his whole mission. He knew that in theirshort stay in Paris Philip had spent an hour in the office of themilitary governor of the city, and his business must be of greatimportance to require an hour from a man who carried such a fearfulweight of responsibility. But whatever Lannes' secret might be, it washis own and he had no right to pry into it. If the time came for hiscomrade to tell it he would do so. 

When they reached the Seine the city did not seem so quiet. They heardthe continuous sound of marching troops and people were still departingthrough the streets toward the country or the provincial cities. Theflight went on by night as well as day, and John again felt theoverwhelming pity of it. 

He wondered what the French generals and their English allies would do?Did they have any possible way of averting this terrible crisis? Theyhad met nothing but defeat, and the vast German army had crashed, unchecked, through everything from the border almost to the suburbs ofParis. 

They stood in the Place Valhubert at the entrance to the Pontd'Austerlitz, and watched a regiment crossing the river, the long bluecoats and red trousers of the men outlined against the white body of thebridge. The soldiers were short, they looked little to John, but theywere broad of chest and they marched splendidly with a powerful swingingstride. 

"From the Midi, " said Lannes. "Look how dark they are! France is calleda Latin nation, but I doubt whether the term is correct. These men ofthe Midi though are the real Latins. We of northern France, I suspect, are more Teutonic than anything else, but we are all knitted together inone race, heart and soul, which are stronger ties than blood. "

"We are to go early in the morning, are we not, Philip?"

"Yes, early. The _Arrow_ is at the hangar, all primed and eager for aflight, fearful of growing rusty from a long rest. "

"I believe you actually look upon your plane as a human being. "

"A human being, yes, and more. No human being could carry me above theclouds. No human being could obey absolutely and without question thesimplest touch of my hand. The _Arrow_ is not human, John, it issuperhuman. You have seen its exploits. "

The dark emitted a figure that advanced toward them, and took the shapeof a man with black hair, a short close beard and an intelligent face. He approached John and Lannes and looked at them closely. 

"Mr. Scott!" he exclaimed, with eagerness, "I did not know what hadbecome of you. I was afraid you were lost in one of the battles!"

"Why, it's Weber!" said John, "our comrade of the flight in theautomobile! And I was afraid that you too, were dead!"

The two shook hands with great heartiness and Lannes joined in thereunion. He too at once liked Weber, who always made the impression ofcourage and quickness. He wore a new uniform, olive in color with darkblue threads through it, and it became him, setting off his trim, compact figure. 

"How did you get here, Mr. Weber?" asked John. 

"I scarcely know, " he replied. "My duties are to a certain extent thoseof a messenger, but I was caught in the last battle, wounded slightly, and separated from the main French force. The little company which I hadformed tried to break through the German columns, but they were allkilled or captured except myself, and maybe two or three others. I hidin a wood, slept a night there, and then reached Paris to see what isgoing to happen. Ah, it is terrible! terrible! my comrades! The Germansare advancing in five great armies, a million and a half strong, and notroops were ever before equipped so magnificently. "

"Do you know positively that they have a million and a half?" askedLannes. 

"I did not count them, " replied Weber, smiling a little, "but I haveheard from many certain sources that such are their numbers. I fear, gentlemen, that Paris is doomed. "

"Scott and I don't think so, " said Lannes firmly. "We've gained newcourage today. "

Weber was silent for a few moments. Then he said, giving Lannes histitle as an officer:

"I've heard of you, Lieutenant Lannes. Who does not know the name ofFrance's most daring aviator? And doubtless you have information whichis unknown to me. It is altogether likely that one who pierces the airlike an eagle should bear messages between generals of the first rank. "

Lannes did not answer, but looked at Weber, who smiled. 

"Perhaps our trades are not so very different, " said the Alsatian, "butyou shoot through clouds while I crawl on the ground. You have a greatadvantage of me in method. "

Lannes smiled back. The little tribute was pleasing to the dramaticinstinct so strong in him. 

"You and I, Mr. Weber, " he said, "know enough never to speak of whatwe're going to do. Now, we'll bid you good night and wish you good luck. I'd like to be a prophet, even for a day only, and tell what the morrowwould bring. "

"So do I, " said Weber, "and I must hurry on my own errand. It may notbe of great importance, but is vital to me that I do it. "

He slid away in the darkness and both John and Lannes spoke well of himas they returned to the house. Picard admitted them. 

"May I ask, sir, if there is any news that favors France?" he said toPhilip. 

"Not yet, my good Antoine, but it is surely coming. "

John heard the giant Frenchman smother a sigh, but he made no comment, and walked softly with Lannes to the little room high up that had beenassigned to him. Here when he was alone with his candle he looked aroundcuriously. 

The room was quite simple, not containing much furniture, in truth, nothing of any note save on the wall a fine picture of the great MarshalLannes, Napoleon's dauntless fighter, and stern republican, despite theducal title that he took. It was a good portrait, painted perhaps bysome great artist, and John holding up the candle, looked at it a longtime. 

He thought he could trace some likeness to Philip. Lannes' face wasalways stern, in repose, far beyond his years, although when he becameanimated it had all the sunniness of youth. But he noticed now that hehad the same tight lips of the Marshal, and the same unfaltering eyes. 

"Duke of Montebello!" said John to himself. "Well, you won that titlegrandly, and while the younger Lannes may do as well, if the chancecomes to him, the new heroes of France will be neither dukes norprinces. "

Then, after removing all the stiff pillows, inclines, foot pieces andhead pieces that make European beds so uncomfortable, he slipped betweenthe covers, and slid quickly into a long and soothing sleep, from whichhe was awakened apparently about a minute later by Lannes himself, whostood over him, dressed fully, tall and serious. 

"Why, I just got into bed!" exclaimed John. 

"You came in here a full seven hours ago. Open your window and you'llsee the dawn creeping over Paris. "

"Thank you, but you can open it yourself. I never fool with a Europeanwindow. I haven't time to master all the mechanism, inside, outside andbetween, to say nothing of the various layers of curtains, full length, half length and otherwise. Nothing that I can conceive of is betterfitted than the European window to keep out light and air. "

Lannes smiled. 

"I see that you're in fine feather this morning, " he said, "I'll open itfor you. "

John jumped up and dressed quickly, while Lannes, with accustomed hand, laid back shutters and curtains. 

"Now, shove up the window, " exclaimed John as he wielded towel andbrush. "A little fresh air in a house won't hurt you; it won't hurtanybody. We're a young people, we Americans, but we can teach you that. Why, in the German hotels they'd seal up the smoking-rooms and loungesin the evenings, and then boys would go around shooting clouds ofperfume against the ceilings. Ugh! I can taste now that awful mixture ofsmoke, perfume and thrice-breathed air! Ah! that feels better! It's likea breath from heaven!"

"Ready now? We're going down to breakfast with my mother and sister. "

"Yes. How do I look in this uniform, Lannes?"

"Very well. But, Oh, you Americans! we French are charged with vanity, but you have it. "

John had thought little of his raiment until he came to the house ofLannes, but now there was a difference. He gave the last touch to hiscoat, and he and Philip went down together. Madame Lannes and Juliereceived them. They were dressed very simply, Julie in white and MadameLannes in plain gray. Their good-morning to John was quiet, but he sawthat it came from the heart. They recognized in him the faithful comradein danger, of the son and brother, and he saw once more that Frenchfamily affection was very powerful. 

It was early, far earlier than the ordinary time for the Europeanbreakfast, and he knew that it had been served so, because he and Lanneswere to depart. He sat facing a window, and he saw the dawn come overParis in a vast silver haze that soon turned to a cloud of gold. Heagain stole glances at Julie Lannes. In all her beautiful fairness ofhair and complexion she was like one of the blonde American girls of hisown country. 

When breakfast was over and the two young men rose to go John said thefirst farewell. He still did not know the French custom, but, bendingover suddenly, he kissed the still smooth and handsome hand of MadameLannes. As she flushed and looked pleased, he judged that he had made nomistake. Then he touched lightly the hand of the young girl, and said:

"Mademoiselle Julie, I hope to return soon to this house with yourbrother. "

"May it be so, " she said, in a voice that trembled, "and may you comeback to a Paris still French!"

John bowed to them both and with tact and delicacy withdrew from theroom. He felt that there should be no witness of Philip's farewell tohis mother and sister, before going on a journey from which the chanceswere that he would never return. 

He strolled down the hall, pretending to look at an old picture or two, and in a few minutes Lannes came out and joined him. John saw tears inhis eyes, but his face was set and stern. Neither spoke until theyreached the front door, which the giant, Picard, opened for them. 

"If the worst should happen, Antoine, " said Lannes, "and you must be thejudge of it when it comes, take them to Lyons, to our cousins theMenards. "

"I answer with my life, " said the man, shutting together his greatteeth, and John felt that it was well for the two women to have such aguardian. Under impulse, he said:

"I should like to shake the hand of a man who is worth two of most men. "

Whether the French often shake hands or not, his fingers were enclosedin the mighty grasp of Picard, and he knew that he had a friend forlife. When they went out Lannes would not look back and was silent for along time. The day was warm and beautiful, and the stream of fugitives, the sad procession, was still flowing from the city. Troops too weremoving, and it seemed to John that they passed in heavier masses than onthe day before. 

"I went out last night while you slept, " said Lannes, when they werenearly at the hangar, "and I will tell you that I bear a message to oneof our most important generals. I carry it in writing, and also inmemory in case I lose the written word. That is all I feel at liberty totell you, and in truth I know but little more. The message comes fromour leader to the commander of the army at Paris, who in turn orders meto deliver it to the general whom we're going to seek. It directs himwith his whole force to move forward to a certain point and hold fastthere. Beyond that I know nothing. Its whole significance is hidden fromme. I feel that I can tell you this, John, as we're about to start upona journey which has a far better prospect of death than of life. "

"I'm not afraid, " said John, and he told the truth. "I feel, Philip, that great events are impending and that your dispatch or the effect ofit will be a part in some gigantic plan. "

"I feel that way, too. What an awful crisis! The Germans moved nearer inthe dark. I didn't sleep a minute last night. I couldn't. If the signsthat you and I saw are to be fulfilled they must be fulfilled soon, because when a thing is done it's done, and when Paris falls it falls. "

"Well, here we are at the hangar, and the _Arrow_ will make you feelbetter. You're like the born horseman whose spirits return when he's onthe back of his best runner. "

"I suppose I am. The air is now my proper medium, and anyway, John, mygallant Yankee, for a man like me the best tonic is always action, action, and once more action. "

The _Arrow_ was in beautiful condition, smooth, polished and fitted witheverything that was needed. They put on their flying clothes, drew downtheir visors, stowed their automatics in handy pockets, and took theirseats in the aeroplane. Then, as he put his hand on the steering rudderand the attendants gave the _Arrow_ a mighty shove, the soul of Lannesswelled within him. 

They rose slowly and then swiftly over Paris, and his troubles were leftbehind him on the earth. Up, up they went, in a series of gracefulspirals, and although John, at first, felt the old uneasy feeling, itsoon departed. He too exulted in their mounting flight and the rush ofcold air. 

"Use your glasses, John, " said Lannes, "and tell me what you can see. "

"Some captive balloons, five other planes, all our own, and on thehorizon, where the German army lies, several black specks too vague andindefinite for me to make out what they are, although I've no doubtthey're German flyers. "

"I'd like to have a look at the Germans, but our way leads elsewhere. What else do you see, John?"

"I look downward and I see the most magnificent and glittering city inthe world. "

"And that's Paris, our glorious Paris, which you and I and a millionothers are going to save. I suppose it's hope, John, that makes me feelwe'll do something. Did you know that the Germans dropped two more bombson the city last night? One, luckily, fell in the Seine. The otherstruck near the Madeleine, close to a group of soldiers, killing two andwounding four more. "

"Bombs from the air can't do any great damage to a city. "

"No, but they can spread alarm, and it's an insult, too. We feel as theGermans would if we were dropping bombs on Berlin. I wish you'd keepthose glasses to your eyes all the time, John, and watch the skies. Letme know at once, if you see anything suspicious. "

John, continually turning in his seat, swept the whole curve of theworld with the powerful glasses. Paris was now far below, a blur ofwhite and gray. Above, the heavens were of the silkiest blue, beautifulin their infinite depths, with tiny clouds floating here and there likewhitecaps on an ocean. 

"What do you see now, John?"

"Nothing but one of the most beautiful days that ever was. It's a finesun, that you've got over here, Philip. I can see through these glassesthat it's made out of pure reddish gold. "

"Never mind about that sun, John. America is a full partner in itsownership and you're used to it. I've heard that you have more sunshinethan we do. Watch for our companions of the air, friend or foe. "

"I see them flying; over Paris, but none is going in our direction. Howfar is our port of entry, Lannes?"

"We should be there in two hours, if nothing happens. Do we still havethe course to ourselves or is anything coming our way now?"

"No company at all, unless you'd call a machine about three miles offand much lower down, a comrade. "

"What does it look like?"

"A French aeroplane, much resembling the _Arrow_. "

"Is it following us?"

"Not exactly. Yes, it is coming our way now, although it keeps muchlower! A scout, I dare say. "

Lannes was silent for a little while, his eyes fixed on his pathwaythrough the blue. Then he said:

"What has become of that machine, John?"

"It has risen a little, but it's on our private course, that is, if wecan claim the right of way all down to the ground. "

Lannes glanced backward and downward, as well as his position wouldallow. 

"A French plane, yes, " he said thoughtfully. "There can be no doubt ofit, but why should it follow us in this manner? You do think it'sfollowing us, don't you, John?"

"It begins to look like it, Phil. It's rising a little now, and isdirectly in our wake. "

"Take a long look through those glasses of yours. "

John obeyed, and the following aeroplane at once increased in sizetenfold and came much nearer. 

"It's French. There cannot be any doubt of it, " he said, "and only oneman is in it. As he's hidden by his flying-suit I can't tell anythingabout him. "

"Watch him closely, John, and keep your hand on the butt of yourautomatic. I don't like that fellow's actions. Still, he may be aFrenchman on an errand like ours. We've no right to think we're the onlypeople carrying important messages today. "

"He's gaining pretty fast. Although he keeps below us, it looks as if hewanted to communicate with us. "

The second aeroplane suddenly shot forward and upward at a much greaterrate of speed. John, still watching through his glasses, saw the manrelease the steering rudder for an instant, snatch a rifle from thefloor of his plane, and fire directly at Lannes. 

John uttered a shout of anger, and in action, too, he was as quick as aflash. His automatic was out at once and he rained bullets upon thetreacherous machine. It was hard to take aim, firing from one flyingtarget, at another, but he saw the man flinch, turn suddenly, and thengo rocketing away at a sharp angle. 

Blazing with wrath John watched him, now far out of range, and thenreloaded his automatic. 

"Did you get him, John?" asked Lannes. 

"I know one bullet found him, because I saw him shiver and shrink, butit couldn't have been mortal, as he was able to fly away. "

"I'm glad that you at least hit him, because he hit me. "

"What!" exclaimed John. Then he looked at his comrade and saw to hisintense horror that black blood was flowing slowly down a face deadlypale. 

"His bullet went through my cap and then through my head, " said Lannes. "Oh, not through my skull, or I wouldn't be talking to you now. I thinkit glanced off the bone, as I know it's gone out on the other side. ButI'm losing much blood, John, and I seem to be growing numb. "

His voice trailed off in weakness and the _Arrow_ began to move in aneccentric manner. John saw that Lannes' hand on the rudder was uncertainand that he had been hard hit. He was aghast, first for his friend, towhom he had become so strongly attached, and then for the _Arrow_, theirmission and himself. Lannes would soon become unconscious and he, noflying man at all, would be left high in air with a terrible weight ofresponsibility. 

"We must change seats, " said Lannes, struggling against the dimness thatwas coming over his eyes and the weakness permeating his whole body. "Becareful, Oh, be careful as you can, and then, in your American language, a lot more. Slowly! Slowly! Yes, I can move alone. Drag yourself overme, and I can slide under you. Careful! Careful!"

The _Arrow_ fluttered like a wounded bird, dropping, darting upward, andcareering to one side. John was sick to his soul, both physically andmentally. His head became giddy and the wind roared in his ears, but theexchange of seats was at last, successfully accomplished. 

"Now, " said Lannes, "you're a close observer. Remember all that you'veseen me do with the plane. Resolve to yourself that you do know how tofly the _Arrow_. Fear nothing and fly straight for our destination. Don't bother about the bleeding of my wound. My thick hair and thick capacting together as a heavy bandage will stop it. Now, John, our faterests with you. "

The last words were almost inaudible, and John from the corner of hiseye saw his comrade's head droop. He knew that Lannes had becomeunconscious and now, appalling though the situation was, he rose to thecrisis. 

He knew the immensity of their danger. A sudden movement of the rudderand the aeroplane might be wrecked. And in such a position the nerves ofa novice were subject at any time to a jerk. They might be assailed byanother treacherous machine, the dangers, in truth, were uncountable, but he was upborne by a tremendous desire to carry the word and to saveLannes and himself. 

In the face of intense resolve all obstacles became as nothing and hishand steadied on the rudder. He knew that when it came to the air he wasno Lannes and never could be. The solid earth, no matter how much itrolled around the sun or around itself, was his favorite field ofaction, but he felt that he must make one flight, when he carried withhim perhaps the fate of a nation. 

The _Arrow_ was still rocking from side to side and dipping and jumping. Slowly he steadied it, handling the rudder as if it were a loadedweapon, and gradually his heart began to pound with triumph. It was nosuch flying as the hand of Lannes drew from the _Arrow_, but to John itseemed splendid for a first trial. He let the machine drop a littleuntil it was only six or seven hundred yards above the earth, and tookwary glances from side to side. He feared another pursuer, but the airseemed clear. 

Lannes had sunk a little further forward. John saw that thebleeding from his head had ceased. There was a dark stain down eithercheek, but it was drying there, and as Lannes had foreseen, his hair andthe cap had acted as a bandage, at last checking the flow effectively. His breathing was heavy and jerky, but John believed that he wouldrevive before long. It was not possible that one so vital as Lannes, soeager for great action, could die thus. 

Now he looked ahead. Their landmarks as Lannes had told him before thefight, were to be a high hill, a low hill, and a small stream flowingbetween. Just behind it they would find a great French army marchingnorthward and their errand would be over. He did not yet see the hills, but he was sure that he was still in the pathway of the air. 

He had left Paris far behind, but when he looked down he saw a beautifulcountry, a fertile land upon which man had worked for two thousandyears, too beautiful to be trodden to pieces by armies. He saw thecultivated fields, varying in color like a checker board, and the neatvillages with trees about them. Here and there the spire of a churchrose high above everything. Churches and wars were so numerous inEurope!

John checked the speed of the _Arrow_. He was afraid, despite all hishigh resolve, to fly fast, and then he must not go beyond the army forwhich he was looking. He dropped a little lower as he was passing over awood, and then he heard the crack of rifles beneath him. Bullets whizzedand sang past his ears and he took one fearful glance downward. 

He saw men, spiked helmets on their heads, galloping among the trees, and he knew that they were a daring band of Uhlans, actually scoutinginside the French lines. They were shooting at the _Arrow_ and firingfast. 

He attempted to rise so suddenly that the plane gave a violent jerk andquivered in every fiber. He thought for a moment they were going tofall, and the sickening sensation at his heart was overpowering. But thetrusty _Arrow_ ceased quivering, and then rose swiftly at an angle nottoo great. 

Bullets still whizzed around the plane, and one glanced off its polishedside, but John's first nervous jerkiness in handling the machine hadprobably saved him. The target had been so high in air, and of such ashifting nature that the Uhlans had little chance to hit it. 

He was now beyond the range of any rifle, and he drew a long breath ofrelief that was like a deep sigh. Then he took a single downward glance, and caught a fleeting glimpse of the Uhlans galloping away. Doubtlessthey were making all speed back to their own army. 

He flew on for a minute or two, searching the horizon eagerly, and atlast, he saw a tall hill, a low hill and a flash of water between. Hefelt so much joy that he uttered a cry, and an echo of it came from apoint almost by his side. 

"Did I hear firing, John?"

It was Lannes' voice, feeble, but showing all the signs of returningstrength, and again John uttered a joyous shout. 

"You did, " he replied. "It was Uhlans in a grove. I was flying low andtheir bullets whistled around us. But the _Arrow_ has taken no harm. Isee, too, the hills and the stream which are our landmarks. We're aboutto arrive, Philip, with our message, but there's been treacherysomewhere. I wish I knew who was in that French plane. "

"So do I, John. It certainly came out of Paris. In my opinion it meantto destroy us and keep our message from reaching the one for whom it wasintended. Who could it have been and how could he have known!"

"Feeling better now, aren't you, Phil?"

"A lot better. My head aches tremendously, but the dimness has gone frombefore my eyes, and I'm able to think, in a poor and feeble way, perhaps, but I'm not exactly a dumb animal. Where are the hills?"

John pointed. 

"I can see them, " said Lannes exultantly. "Since they did no harm I'mglad the Uhlans fired at the _Arrow_. Their shots aroused me from stuporand as we're to reach the army I want to be in possession of my fivesenses when I get there. "

John understood perfectly. 

"It's your message and you deliver it, " he said. 

Lannes' strength continued to increase, and his mind cleared rapidly. His head ached frightfully, but he could think with all his usualswiftness and precision. He sat erect in his seat. 

"Pass me your glasses, John, " he said. 

"Now I see the troops, " he said, after a long look. "Frenchmen, Frenchmen, Frenchmen, infantry in thousands and scores of thousands, bigguns in scores and hundreds, cuirassiers, hussars, cannoneers! Ah! It'sa sight to kindle a dead heart back to life! John, this is one of thegreat wheels in the mighty machine that is to move forward! Here cometwo aeroplanes, scouts sent forward to see who and what we are. "

"You are sure they contain genuine Frenchmen? Remember the fellow whoshot you. "

"Frenchmen, good and true. I can see them for myself. "

He moved his hand, and in a few moments John heard hissing and purringnear, as if great birds were flying to meet him. The outlines of thehovering planes showed by his side, and Lannes called in a loud voice toshrouded and visored men. 

"Philip Lannes and his comrade, John Scott, with a message from Paristo the commander!" he exclaimed. 

He was his old self again, erect, intense, dramatic. He evidentlyexpected the name Philip Lannes to be known well to them, and it was, asa cheer followed high in air. 

"Now, John, " said Lannes, "Be careful! Your hardest task is before you, to land. But I've noticed that with you the harder the task the betteryou do it. Make for that wide green space to the left of the stream andcome down as slowly and gently as you can. Just slide down. "

John had a fleeting glimpse of thousands of faces looking upward, but heheld a true course for the grassy area, and with a multitude looking onhis nerve was never steadier. Amid great cheering the _Arrow_ camesafely to rest at her appointed place. John and Lannes stepped forth, asan elderly man in a quiet uniform came forward to meet them. 

Lannes, holding himself stiffly erect, drew a paper from his pocket andextended it to the general. 

"A letter, sir, from the commander-in-chief of all our armies, " he said, saluting proudly. 

As the general took the letter, Lannes' knees bent beneath him, and hesank down on his face. 

CHAPTER III

IN THE FRENCH CAMP

John rushed forward and grasped his comrade. The sympathetic hands ofothers seized him also, and they raised him to his feet, while anofficer gave him stimulant out of a flask, John meanwhile telling whohis comrade was. Lannes' eyes opened and he flushed through the tan ofhis face. 

"Pardon, " he said, "it was a momentary weakness. I am ashamed of myself, but I shall not faint again. "

"You've been shot, " said the officer, looking at his sanguinary cap andface. 

"So I have, but I ask your pardon for it. I won't let it occur again. "

Lannes was now standing stiffly erect, and his eyes shone with pride, asthe general, a tall, elderly man, rapidly read the letter that Philiphad delivered with his own hand. The officer who had spoken of his woundlooked at him with approval. 

"I've heard of you, Philip Lannes, " he said, "you're the greatest flyingman in the world. "

Lannes' eyes flashed now. 

"You do me too much honor, " he said, "but it was not I who brought ouraeroplane here. It was my American friend, John Scott, now standingbeside me, who beat off an attack upon us and who then, although he hadhad no practical experience in flying, guided the machine to this spot. Born an American, he is one of us and France already owes him much. "

John raised his hand in protest, but he saw that Lannes was enjoyinghimself. His dramatic instinct was finding full expression. He had notonly achieved a great triumph, but his best friend had an importantshare in it. There was honor for both, and his generous soul rejoiced. 

Both John and Lannes stood at attention until the general had read theletter not once but twice and thrice. Then he took off his glasses, rubbed them thoughtfully a moment or two, replaced them and lookedkeenly at the two. He was a quiet man and he made no gestures, but Johnmet his gaze serenely, read his eyes and saw the tremendous weight ofresponsibility back of them. 

"You have done well, you two, perhaps far better than you know, " saidthe general, "and now, since you are wounded, Philip Lannes, you musthave attention. De Rougemont, take care of them. "

De Rougemont, a captain, was the man to whom they had been talking, andhe gladly received the charge. He was a fine, well built officer, underthirty, and it was obvious that he already took a deep interest in thetwo young aviators. Noticing Lannes' anxious glances toward his preciousmachine, he promptly detailed two men to take care of the _Arrow_ andthen he led John and Lannes toward the group of tents. 

"First I'll get a surgeon for you, " he said to the Frenchman, "and afterthat there's food for you both. "

"I hope you'll tell the surgeon to be careful how he takes off my cap, "said Lannes, "because it's fastened to my head now by my own driedblood. "

"Trust me for that, " said de Rougemont. "I'll bring one of our bestmen. "

Then, unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, he added:

"I suppose the message you brought was one of life or death for France. "

"I think so, " said Lannes, "but I know little of its nature, myself. "

"I would not ask you to say any more. I know that you cannot speak ofit. But you can tell me this. Are the Germans before Paris?"

"As nearly as I could tell, their vanguard was within fifteen miles ofthe capital. "

"Then if we strike at all we must strike quickly. I think we're going tostrike. "

Lannes was silent, and they entered the tent, where blankets were spreadfor him. A surgeon, young and skillful, came promptly, carefully removedthe cap and bound up his head. John stood by and handed the surgeon thebandages. 

"You're not much hurt, " he said to Lannes as he finished. "Your chiefinjury was shock, and that has passed. I can keep down the fever andyou'll be ready for work very soon. The high powered bullet makes asmall and clean wound. It tears scarcely at all. Nor will your beauty bespoiled in the slightest, young sir. Both orifices are under the fullthickness of your hair. "

"I'm grateful for all your assurances, " said Lannes, his old indomitablesmile appearing in his eyes, "but you'll have to cure me fast, fasterthan you ever cured anybody before, because I'm a flying man, and I flyagain tomorrow. "

"Not tomorrow. In two or three days, perhaps--"

"Yes, tomorrow, I tell you! Nothing can keep me from it! This army willmarch tonight! I know it! and do you think such a wound as this can keepme here, when the fate of Europe is being decided? I'd rise from theseblankets and go with the army even if I knew that it would make me falldead the next day!"

He spoke with such fierce energy that the surgeon who at first sternlyforbade, looked doubtful and then acquiescent. 

"Go, then, " he said, "if you can. The fact that we have so many heroesmay save us. "

He left John alone in the tent with Lannes. The Frenchman regarded hiscomrade with a cool, assured gaze. 

"John, " he said, "I shall be up in the _Arrow_ tomorrow. I'm not nervousand excited now, and I'll not cause any fever in my wound. Somebody willcome in five minutes with food. I shall eat a good supper, fall quietlyto sleep, sleep soundly until night, then rise, refreshed and strong, and go about the work for which I'm best fitted. My mind shall rule overmy body. "

"I see you're what we would call at home a Christian Scientist, and inyour case when a mind like yours is brought to bear there's something init. "

The food appeared within the prescribed time, and both ate heartily. John watched Lannes. He knew that he would suffer agonies ofmortification if he were not able to share in the great movement whichso obviously was about to take place, and, as he looked, he felt agrowing admiration for Philip's immense power of self-control. 

Mind had truly taken command of body. Lannes ate slowly and with evidentrelish. From without came many noises of a great army, but he refused tobe disturbed or excited by them. He spoke lightly of his life before thewar, and of a little country home that the Lannes family had inNormandy. 

"We own the two places, that and the home in the city, " he said. "Thehouse in Normandy is small, but it's beautiful, hidden by flower gardensand orchards, with a tiny river just back of the last orchard. Julie hasspent most of her life there. She and my mother would go there now, butit's safer at Lyons or in the Midi. A wonderful girl, Julie! I hope, John, that you'll come for a long stay with us after the war, among theNormandy orchards and roses. "

"I hope so, " said John. He was dreaming a little then, and he saw youngJulie sitting at the table with them back in Paris. Truly, her goldenhair was the purest gold he had ever seen, and there was no other bluelike the blue of her blue eyes. 

"Now, John, " said Lannes, "I'll resume my place on the blankets and inten minutes I'll be asleep. "

He lay down, closed his eyes and three minutes short of the appointedtime slept soundly. John gazed at him for a moment in wonder andadmiration. The triumph of will over body had been complete. He touchedLannes' head. It was normally cool. Either the surgeon's skill had beengreat or the very strength of his resolve had been so immense that hehad kept nerves and blood too quiet for fever to rise. 

John left the tent, feeling for the time a personal detachment fromeverything. He had no position in this army, and no orders had beengiven to him by anybody. But he knew that he was among friends, andwhile he stood looking about in uncertainty Captain de Rougemontappeared. 

"How is young Lannes?" he asked. 

"Sleeping and free from fever. He will move with the army, or rather hewill be hovering over it in his aeroplane. I never before saw suchextraordinary power of will. "

"He's a wonderful fellow. Of course, most of us have heard of himthrough his marvelous flying exploits, but it's the first time that I'veever seen him. What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I seem to be left high and dry for the present, at least. My company is with one of the armies, but where that army is now is morethan I can tell. "

"Nor do I know either. We're all in the dark here, but any young strongman can certainly get a chance to fight in this war. I'm on the staff ofGeneral Vaugirard, a brigade commander, and he needs active youngofficers. You speak good French, and the fact that you came with Lanneswill be a great recommendation, I'll provide you with a horse and allelse necessary. "

John thanked him with great sincerity. The offer was in truth mostwelcome. He knew that Lannes would willingly take him in the _Arrow_, but he felt that he would be in the way there and, as he had said to hisfriend, the rolling earth rather than the air around it was his truefield of action. His first enrollment in the French army had beenhurried and without due forms, but war had made it good. 

"I'll not come back for you until afternoon, " said de Rougemont, "because we're already making preparations to advance, and I shall havemuch to do meanwhile. You can watch over Lannes and see that he's notinterrupted in his sleep. He'll need it. "

"Yes, I have reason to know that he did not sleep at all last night, andhe must be in a state of complete exhaustion. But, just as he predicted, he'll rise, his old self again. "

Captain de Rougemont hurried away, and John was left alone in the midstof a great army. He stood before Lannes' tent, which was in the midst ofa grassy and rather elevated opening, and he heard once more theinfinite sounds made by two hundred thousand armed men, blending intoone vast, fused note. 

The army, too, was moving, or getting ready to move. Batteries of thesplendid French artillery passed before him, squadrons of horsemengalloped by, and regiments of infantry followed. It all seemed confused, aimless to the eye, but John knew that nevertheless it was proceedingwith order and method, directed by a master mind. 

Often trumpets sounded and the motion of the troops seemed to quicken. Now he beheld men from the lands of the sun, the short, dark, fiercesoldiers of the Midi, youths of Marseilles and youths of the first Romanprovince, whose native language was Provencal and not French. Heremembered the men of the famous battalion who had marched fromMarseilles to Paris singing Rouget de Lisle's famous song, and giving ittheir name, while they tore down an ancient kingdom. Doubtless, spiritsno less ardent and fearless than theirs were here now. 

He saw the Arabs in turbans and flowing robes, and black soldiers fromSenegal, and seeing these men from far African deserts he knew thatFrance was rallying her strength for a supreme effort. The GermanEmpire, with the flush of unbroken victory in war after war, couldcommand the complete devotion of its sons, but the French Republic, without such triumphs as yet, could do as well. John felt an immensepride because he, too, was republican to the core, and often there was alot in a name. 

It was about noon now, and the sun was shining with dazzling brilliancy. The tall hill and the low hill were clothed in deep green, and thewaters of the little river that ran between, sparkled in the light. Theair was crisp with a cool wind that blew from the west, and John feltthat the omens were good for the great mysterious movement which hebelieved to be at hand. 

He looked into the tent and saw that Lannes was sleeping soundly, with agood color in his face. A powerful constitution aided by a strong willhad done its work and he was sure that on the morrow Lannes would againbe the most daring French scout of the air. 

John found the waiting hard work. There was so much movement and actionthat he wanted to be a part of it. He had thrown in his lot with thisarmy and he wanted to share its work at once. Yet much time passed, andde Rougemont did not return. The evidences that the great French armywas marching to the point designated in the note brought by Lannesmultiplied. From the crest of the hill he already saw large bodies oftroops marching forward steadily, their long blue coats flappingawkwardly about their legs. He wondered once more why they wore such aninharmonious and conspicuous uniform as blue frock coats and baggy redtrousers. 

He heard presently the martial sounds of the Marseillaise, and theregiment singing it passed very close to him. The men were nearly allshort, dark, and very young. But the spring and fire with which theymarched were magnificent. As they thundered out the grand old tune theirfeet seemed scarcely to touch the earth, and fierce eyes glowed in darkfaces. 

John, with a start, recognized one, a petty officer, a sergeant itseemed, who marched beside the line. He was the most eager of them all, and his face was tense and wrapt. It was Geronimo, the little Apache, inwhom the spark of patriotism had lit the fire of genius. His call hadcome and it had drawn him from a half savage life into one of gloriousdeeds for his country. 

"He'll be a general if he isn't killed first, " murmured John, withabsolute conviction. 

Geronimo, at that moment, looked his way and recognized him. His handflew to his head in a military salute, which John returned in kind, andhis eyes plainly showed pleasure at sight of this new friend whom he hadmade in a few minutes on the Butte Montmartre. 

"We meet again, " he said, "and before the week is out it will be victoryor death. "

"I think so, too, " said John. 

"I know it, " said Geronimo, and, saluting once more, he marched on withhis regiment. John saw them pass across the valley and join the greatmass of troops that filled the whole northern horizon. About an hourlater a cheerful voice called to him, and he beheld Lannes standing inthe door of the tent, his head well bandaged, but his eyes clear andstrong and the natural color in his face. 

"What has happened, John?" he asked. 

"You've slept six or seven hours. "

"And while I slept, the army, as I can see, has begun its marchaccording to the order we brought. I'm sorry I had to miss any of it, but I was bound to sleep. "

"You're a marvel. "

"No marvel at all. I'm merely one of a million Frenchmen molded on thesame model. An army can't move fast and tonight the _Arrow_ and I willbe hovering over its front. There's your old place for you in theplane. "

"I'd only be in your way, Philip. But can't you wait until tomorrow?Don't rush yourself while you've got a new wound. "

"The wound is nothing. I'm bound to go tonight with the _Arrow_. Butwhat are you going to do if you don't go with me?"

"A new friend whom I've made while you slept has found a place for mewith him, on the staff of General Vaugirard, a brigade commander. Ishall serve there until I'm able to rejoin the Strangers. "

"General Vaugirard! I've seen him. An able man, and a most noticeablefigure. You've fared well. "

"I hope so. Here comes Captain de Rougemont. "

The captain showed much pleasure at seeing Lannes up and apparentlywell. 

"What! Has our king of the air revived so soon!" he exclaimed. 

"The dead themselves would rise when we're about to strike for the lifeof France, " said Lannes, his dramatic quality again coming to the front. 

"Well spoken, " said de Rougemont, the color flushing into his face. 

"I return to my aeroplane within two hours, " said Lannes. "I hold acommission from our government which allows me to operate somewhat as afree lance, but, of course, I shall conform for the present to thewishes of the man who commands the flying corps of this army. Meanwhile, I leave with you my young Yankee friend here, John Scott. For somestrange reason I've conceived for him a strong brotherly affection. Kindly see that he doesn't get killed unless it's necessary for ourcountry, and this, I think, is a long enough speech for me to make now. "

"I'll do my best for him, " said de Rougemont earnestly. "I've come foryou, Scott. "

"Good-bye, Philip, " said John, extending his hand. 

"Good-bye, John, " said Lannes, "and do as I tell you. Don't get yourselfkilled unless it's absolutely necessary. "

Usually so stoical, his voice showed emotion, and he turned away afterthe strong pressure of the two hands. John and de Rougemont walked downthe valley, where they joined General Vaugirard and the rest of hisstaff. 

As soon as John saw the general he knew what Lannes meant by his phrase"a noticeable figure. " General Vaugirard was a man of about sixty, soenormously fat that he must have weighed three hundred pounds. His facewas covered with thick white beard, out of which looked small, sharp redeyes. He reminded John of a great white bear. The little red eyes boredhim through for an instant, and then their owner said briefly:

"De Rougemont has vouched for you. Stay with him. An orderly has yourhorse. "

A French soldier held for him a horse bearing all the proper equipment, and John, saluting the general, sprang into the saddle. He was a goodhorseman, and now he felt thoroughly sure of himself. If it came to theworst, and he was unseated, the earth was not far away, but if he werethrown out of the _Arrow_ he would have a long and terrible time infalling. 

General Vaugirard had not yet mounted, but stood beside a huge blackhorse, fit to carry such a weight. He was listening and looking with thedeepest attention and his staff was silent around him. John saw fromtheir manner that these men liked and respected their immense general. 

More trumpets sounded, much nearer now, and a messenger galloped up, handing a note to General Vaugirard, who glanced at it hastily, uttereda deep Ah! of relief and joy and thrust it into his pocket. 

Then saying to his staff, "Gentlemen, we march at once, " he put one handon his horse's shoulder, and, to John's immense surprise, leaped aslightly into the saddle as if he had been a riding master. He settledhimself easily into his seat, spoke a word to his staff, and then herode with his regiments toward that great mass of men on the horizon whowere steadily marching forward. 

John kept by the side of de Rougemont. There were brief introductions tosome of the young officers nearest him, and he felt an air offriendliness about him. As de Rougemont told them he had already givenample proof of his devotion to the cause, and he was accepted promptlyas one of them. 

John was now conscious how strongly he had projected himself into thelife of the French. He was an American for generations back and hisblood by descent was British. He had been among the Germans and he likedthem personally, he had served already with the English, and their pointof view was more nearly like the American than any other. But he washere with the French and he felt for them the deepest sympathy of all. He was conscious of a tie like that of blood brotherhood. 

He knew it was due to the old and yet unpaid help France had given tohis own country, and above all to the conviction that France, mindingher own business, had been set upon by a greater power, with intent tocrush and destroy. France was attacked by a dragon, and the old similesof mythology floated through his mind, but, oftenest, that of Andromedachained to the rock. And the figure that typified France always had thegolden hair and dark blue eyes of slim, young Julie Lannes. 

They advanced several hours almost in silence, as far as talk wasconcerned, but two hundred thousand men marching made a deep and steadymurmur. General Vaugirard kept well in front of his staff, riding, despite his immense bulk, like a Comanche, and occasionally putting hisglasses to those fiery little red eyes. At length he turned and beckonedto John, who promptly drew up to his side. 

"You speak good French?" he said in his native tongue. 

"Yes, sir, " replied John promptly. 

"I understand that you came with the flying man, Lannes, who brought themessage responsible for this march, and that it is not the only timeyou've done good service in our cause?"

John bowed modestly. 

"Did you see any German troops on the way?"

"Only a band of Uhlans. "

"A mere scouting party. It occurred to me that you might have seenmasses of troops belonging to the foe, indicating perhaps what isawaiting us at the end of our march. "

"I know nothing, sir. The Uhlans were all the foes we saw from the air, save the man who shot Lannes. "

"I believe you. You belong to the youngest of the great nations. Yourpeople have not yet learned to say with the accents of truth the thingthat is not. I am sixty years old, and yet I have the curiosity to knowwhere I am going and what I am expected to do when I get there. Beholdhow I, an old man, speak so frankly to you, so young. "

"When I saw your excellency leap into the saddle you did not seem to meto be more than twenty. "

John called him "your excellency" because he thought that in the absenceof precise knowledge of what was fitting the term was as good asanother. 

A smile twinkled in the eyes of General Vaugirard. Evidently he waspleased. 

"That is flattery, flattery, young man, " he said, "but it pleases me. Since I've drawn from you all you know, which is but little, you mayfall back with your comrades. But keep near; I fancy I shall have muchfor you to do before long. Meanwhile, we march on, in ignorance of whatis awaiting us. Ah, well, such is life!"

He seemed to John a strange compound of age and youth, a mixture of thephilosopher and the soldier. That he was a real leader John could nolonger doubt. He saw the little red eyes watching everything, and henoticed that the regiments of Vaugirard had no superiors in trimness andspirit. 

They marched until sundown and stopped in some woods clear ofundergrowth, like most of those in Europe. The camp kitchens went towork at once, and they received good food and coffee. As far as Johncould see men were at rest, but he could not tell whether the whole armywas doing likewise. It spread out much further to both right and leftthan his eyes could reach. 

The members of the staff tethered their horses in the grove, and aftersupper stood together and talked, while the fat general paced back andforth, his brow wrinkled in deep thought. 

"Good old Papa Vaugirard is studying how to make the best of us, " saidde Rougemont. "We're all his children. They say that he knows nearly tenthousand men under his command by face if not by name, and we trust himas no other brigade commander in the army is trusted by his troops. He'sthinking hard now, and General Vaugirard does not think for nothing. Assoon as he arrives at what seems to him a solution of his problem hewill begin to whistle. Then he will interrupt his whistling by saying:'Ah, well, such is life. '"

"I hope he'll begin to whistle soon, " said John, "because his brow iswrinkling terribly. "

He watched the huge general with a sort of fascinated gaze. Seen now inthe twilight, Vaugirard's very bulk was impressive. He was immense, strong, primeval. He walked back and forth over a line about thirty feetlong, and the deep wrinkles remained on his brow. Every member of hisstaff was asking how long it would last. 

A sound, mellow and soft, but penetrating, suddenly arose. GeneralVaugirard was whistling, and John's heart gave a jump of joy. He did notin the least doubt de Rougemont's assertion that an answer to theproblem had been found. 

General Vaugirard whistled to himself softly and happily. Then he saidtwice, and in very clear tones: "Ah, well, such is life!" He began towhistle again, stopped in a moment or two and called to de Rougemont, with whom he talked a while. 

"We're to march once more in a half-hour, " said de Rougemont, when hereturned to John and his comrades. "It must be a great convergingmovement in which time is worth everything. At least, General Vaugirardthinks so, and he has a plan to get us into the very front of theaction. "

"I hope so, " said John. "I'm not anxious to get killed, but I'd ratherbe in the battle than wait. I wonder if I'll meet anywhere on the frontthat company to which I belong, the Strangers. "

"I think I've heard of them, " said de Rougemont, "a body of Americansand Englishmen, volunteers in the French service, commanded by CaptainDaniel Colton. "

"Right you are, and I've two particular friends in that company--Isuppose they've rejoined it--Wharton, an American, and Carstairs, anEnglishman. We went through a lot of dangers together before we reachedthe British army near Mons, and I'd like to see them again. "

"Maybe you will, but here comes an extraordinary procession. "

They heard many puffing sounds, uniting in one grand puffing chorus, andsaw advancing down a white road toward them a long, ghostly train, as ifa vast troop of extinct monsters had returned to earth and were marchingthis way. But John knew very well that it was a train of automobiles andraising the glasses that he now always carried he saw that they wereempty except for the chauffeurs. 

General Vaugirard began to whistle his mellowest and most musical tune, stopping only at times to mutter a few words under his breath. Johnsurmised that he was expressing deep satisfaction, and that he had beenwaiting for the motor train. War was now fought under new conditions. The Germans had thousands and scores of thousands of motors, and perhapsthe French were provided almost as well. 

"I fancy, " said de Rougemont, who was also watching the arrival of themachines, "that we'll leave our horses now and travel by motor. "

De Rougemont's supposition was correct. The line of automobiles began tomass in front, many rows deep, and all the chauffeurs, their greatgoggles shining through the darkness, were bent over their wheels readyto be off at once with their armed freight. It filled John with elation, and he saw the same spirit shining in the eyes of the young Frenchofficers. 

General Vaugirard began to puff like one of the machines. He threw outhis great chest, pursed up his mouth and emitted his breath in littlegusts between his lips, "Very good! Very good, my children!" he said, "Oil and electricity will carry us now, and we go forward, notbackward!"

True to de Rougemont's prediction, the horses were given to orderlies, and the staff and a great portion of the troops were taken into thecars. General Vaugirard and several of the older officers occupied ahuge machine, and just behind him came de Rougemont, John and ahalf-dozen young lieutenants and captains in another. Before themstretched a great white road. Far overhead hovered many aeroplanes. Johnhad no doubt that the _Arrow_ was among them, or rather was the farthestone forward. Lannes' eager soul, wound or no wound, would keep him infront. 

They now moved rapidly, and John's spirits continued to rise. There wassomething wonderful in this swift march on wheels in the moonlight. Asfar back as he could see the machines came in a stream, and to the leftand right he saw them proceeding on other roads also. All the countrywas strange to John. He could not remember having seen it from theaeroplane, and he was sure that the army, instead of going to Paris, wasbound for some point where it would come in instant contact with theGerman forces. 

"Do you know the road?" he asked of de Rougemont. 

"Not at all. I'm from the Gironde country. I've been in Paris, but Iknow little of the region about it. A good way to reach the front, is itnot, Mr. Scott?"

"Fine. I fancy that we're hurried forward to make a link in a chain, orat least to stop a gap. "

"And those large birds overhead are scouting for us. "

"Look! One of them is dropping down. I dare say it's making a report tosome general higher in rank than ours. "

He pointed with a long forefinger, and John watched the aeroplane comedown in its slanting course like a falling star. It was a beautifulnight, a light blue sky, with a fine moon and hosts of clear stars. Onecould see far, and soon after the plane descended John saw it rise againfrom the same spot, ascend high in air, and shoot off toward the east. 

"That may have been Lannes, " he said. 

"Likely as not, " said de Rougemont. 

John now observed General Vaugirard, who sat erect in the front of hisautomobile, with a pair of glasses, relatively as huge as himself, tohis eyes. Occasionally he would purse his lips, and John knew that hisfavorite expression was coming forth. To the young American'simaginative mind his broad back expressed rigidity and strength. 

The great murmuring sound, the blended advance of so many men, made Johnsleepy by-and-by. In spite of himself his heavy eyelids drooped, andalthough he strove manfully against it, sleep took him. When he awoke heheard the same deep murmur, like the roll of the sea, and saw the armystill advancing. It was yet night, though fine and clear, and therebefore him was the broad, powerful back of the general. Vaugirard wasstill using the glasses and John judged that he had not slept at all. But in his own machine everybody was asleep except the man at the wheel. 

The country had grown somewhat hillier, but its characteristics were thesame, fertile, cultivated fields, a small wood here and there, clearbrooks, and church spires shining in the dusk. Both horse and footadvanced across the fields, but the roads were occupied by the motors, which John judged were carrying at least twenty thousand men and maybeforty thousand. 

He was not sleepy now, and he watched the vast panorama wheel past. Heknew without looking at his watch that the night was nearly over, because he could already smell the dawn. The wind was freshening a bit, and he heard its rustle in the leaves of a wood as they pushed throughit. 

Then came a hum and a whir, and a long line of men on motor cycles atthe edge of the road crept up and then passed them. One checked hisspeed enough to run by the side of John's car, and the rider, raisinghis head a little, gazed intently at the young American. His cap closedover his face like a hood, but the man knew him. 

"Fortune puts us on the same road again, Mr. Scott, " he said. 

"I don't believe I know you, " said John, although there was a familiarnote in the voice. 

"And yet you've met me several times, and under exciting conditions. Itseems to me that we're always pursuing similar things, or we wouldn't betogether on the same road so often. You're acute enough. Don't you knowme now?"

"I think I do. You're Fernand Weber, the Alsatian. "

"And so I am. I knew your memory would not fail you. It's a greatmovement that we've begun, Mr. Scott. France will be saved or destroyedwithin the next few days. "

"I think so. "

"You've deserted your friend, Philip Lannes, the finest of our airmen. "

"Oh, no, I haven't. He's deserted me. I couldn't afford to be a burdenon his aeroplane at such a time as this. "

"I suppose not. I saw an aeroplane come down to earth a little whileago, and then rise again. I'm sure it was his machine, the _Arrow_. "

"So am I. "

"Here's where he naturally would be. Good-bye, Mr. Scott, and good luckto you. I must go on with my company. "

"Good-bye and good luck, " repeated John, as the Alsatian shot forward. He liked Weber, who had a most pleasing manner, and he was glad to haveseen him once more. 

"Who was that?" asked de Rougemont, waking from his sleep and catchingthe last words of farewell. 

"An Alsatian, named Fernand Weber, who has risked his life more thanonce for France. He belongs to the motor-cycle corps that's justpassing. "

"May he and his comrades soon find the enemy, because here is the day. "

The leaves and grass rippled before the breeze and over the easternhills the dawn broke. 

CHAPTER IV

THE INVISIBLE HAND

It was a brilliant morning sun, deepening the green of the pleasantland, lighting up villages and glinting off church steeples. In a fielda little distance to their right John saw two peasants at work already, bent over, their eyes upon the ground, apparently as indifferent to thetroops as the troops were to them. 

It was very early, but the sun was rising fast, unfolding a splendidpanorama. The French army with its blues and reds was more spectacularthan the German, and hence afforded a more conspicuous target. John wassure that if the war went on the French would discard these vividuniforms and betake themselves to gray or khaki. He saw clearly that theday of gorgeous raiment for the soldier had passed. 

The great puffing sound of primeval monsters which had blended into onerather harmonious note ceased, as if by signal, and the innumerablemotors stopped. As far as John could see the army stretched to left andright over roads, hills and fields, but in the fields behind them thesilent peasants went on with their work--in fields which the Republichad made their own. 

"I think we take breakfast here, " said Rougemont. "War is what one ofyour famous American generals said it was, but for the present, atleast, we are marching _de luxe_. Here comes one of those gloriouscamp-kitchens. "

An enormous motor vehicle, equipped with all the paraphernalia of akitchen, stopped near them, and men, trim and neatly dressed, served hotfood and steaming coffee. General Vaugirard had alighted also, and Johnnoticed that his step was much more springy and alert than that of someofficers half his age. His breath came in great gusts, and the smallportion of his face not covered by thick beard was ruddy and glowingwith health. He drank several cups of coffee with startling rapidity, draining each at a breath, and between times he whistled softly apleasing little refrain. 

The march must be going well. Undoubtedly General Vaugirard had receivedsatisfactory messages in the night, while his young American aide, andother Frenchmen as young, slept. 

"Well, my children, " he said, rubbing his hands after his last cup ofcoffee had gone to its fate, "the day dawns and behold the sun of Franceis rising. It's not the sun of Austerlitz, but a modest republican sunthat can grow and grow. Behold we are at the appointed place, set forthin the message that came to us from the commander-in-chief throughParis, and then by way of the air! And, look, my children, the birdfrom the blue descends once more among us!"

There were flying machines of many kinds in the air, but John promptlypicked out one which seemed to be coming with the flight of an eagle outof its uppermost heights. He seemed to know its slim, lithe shape, andthe rapidity and decision of its approach. His heart thrilled, as it hadthrilled when he saw the _Arrow_ coming for the first time on that spurof the Alps near Salzburg. 

"It's for me, " said General Vaugirard, as he looked upward. "This flyingdemon, this man without fear, was told to report directly to me, and heconies at the appointed hour. "

Something of the mystery that belongs to the gulf of the infinite wasreflected in the general's eyes. He, too, felt that man's flight in theheavens yet had in it a touch of the supernatural. Lannes' plane hadseemed to shoot from white clouds, out of unknown spaces, and thegeneral ceased to whistle or breathe gustily. His chest rose and fellmore violently than usual, but the breath came softly. 

The plane descended rapidly and settled down on the grass very nearthem. Lannes saluted and presented a note to General Vaugirard, whostarted and then expelled the breath from his lungs in two or threeprodigious puffs. 

"Good, my son, good!" he exclaimed, patting Lannes repeatedly on theshoulder; "and now a cup of coffee for you at once! Hurry with it, someof you idle children! Can't you see that he needs it!"

John was first with the coffee, which Lannes drank eagerly, although itwas steaming hot. John saw that he needed it very much indeed, as he waswhite and shaky. He noticed, too, that there were spots of blood onLannes' left sleeve. 

"What is it, Philip?" he whispered. "You've been attacked again?"

"Aye, truly. My movements seem to be observed by some mysterious eye. Ashot was fired at me, and again it came from a French plane. That wasall I could see. We were in a bank of mist at the time, and I justcaught a glimpse of the plane itself. The man was a mere shapelessfigure to me. I had no time to fight him, because I was due here withanother message which made vengeance upon him at that time a matter oflittle moment. "

He flecked the red drops off his sleeve, and added:

"It was but a scratch. My weary look comes from a long and hard flightand not from the mysterious bullet. I'm to rest here an hour, which willbe sufficient to restore me, and then I'm off again. "

"Is there any rule against your telling me what you've seen, Philip?"

De Rougemont and several other officers had approached, drawn by theircuriosity, and interest in Lannes. 

"None at all, " he replied in a tone all could hear, "but I'm able tospeak in general terms only. I can't give details, because I don't know'em. The Germans are not many miles ahead. They're in hundreds ofthousands, and I hear that this is only one of a half-dozen armies. "

"And our own force?" said de Rougemont eagerly. 

Lannes' chest expanded. The dramatic impulse was strong upon him again. 

"There is another army on our right, and another on our left, " hereplied, "and although I don't know surely, I think there are othersstill further on the line. The English are somewhere with us, too. "

John felt his face tingle as the blood rose in it. He had left a Parisapparently lost. Within a day almost a tremendous transformation hadoccurred. A mighty but invisible intellect, to which he was yet scarcelyable to attach a name, had been at work. The French armies, the beatenand the unbeaten, had become bound together like huge links in a chain, and the same invisible and all but nameless mind was drawing the chainforward with gigantic force. 

"A million Frenchmen must be advancing, " he heard Lannes saying, andthen he came out of his vision. General Vaugirard bustled up and gaveorders to de Rougemont, who said presently to John:

"Can you ride a motor cycle?"

"I've had some experience, and I'm willing to make it more. "

"Good. In this army, staff officers will no longer have horses shotunder them. We're to take orders on motor cycles. They've been sentahead for us, and here's yours waiting for you. "

The cycles were leaning against trees, and the members of the staff tooktheir places beside them. General Vaugirard walked a little distance upthe road, climbed into an automobile and, standing up, looked a longtime through his glasses. Lannes, who had been resting on the grass, approached the general and John saw him take a note from him. ThenLannes went away to the _Arrow_ and sailed off into the heavens. Manyother planes were flying over the French army and far off in front Johnsaw through his own glasses a fleet of them which he knew must beGerman. 

Then he heard a sound, faint but deep, which came rolling like an echo, and he recognized it as the distant note of a big gun. He quivered alittle, as he leaned against his motor cycle, but quickly stiffenedagain to attention. The faint rolling sound came again from their rightand then many times. John, using his glasses, saw nothing there, and thegiant general, still standing up in the car and also using his glasses, saw nothing there either. 

Yet the same quiver that affected John had gone through this whole armyof two hundred thousand men, one of the huge links in the French chain. There was none among them who did not know that the far note was theherald of battle, not a mere battle of armies, but of nations face toface. 

General Vaugirard did not show any excitement. He leaped lightly fromthe car, and then began to pace up and down slowly, as if he wereawaiting orders. The men moved restlessly on the meadows, looking like avast sea of varied colors, as the sun glimmered on the red and blue oftheir uniforms. 

But no order came for them to advance. John thought that perhaps theywere saved to be driven as a wedge into the German center and whisperedhis belief to de Rougemont, who agreed with him. 

"They are opening on the left, too, " said the Frenchman. "Can't you hearthe growling of the guns there?"

John listened and soon he separated the note from other sounds. Beyond adoubt the battle had now begun on both flanks, though at distant points. He wondered where the English force was, though he had an idea that itwas on the left then. Yet he was already thoroughly at home with thestaff of General Vaugirard. 

The growling on either side of them seemed soon to come a little closer, but John knew nevertheless that it was many miles away. 

"Not an enemy in sight, not even a trace of smoke, " said de Rougemont tohim. "We seem to be a great army here, merely resting in the fields, andyet we know that a huge battle is going on. "

"And that's about all we do know, " said John. "What has impressed me inthis war is the fact that high officers even know so little. When cannonthrow shells ten or twelve miles, eyesight doesn't get much chance. "

A wait for a full half-hour followed, a period of intense anxiety forall in the group, and for the whole army too. John used his glassesfreely, and often he saw the French soldiers moving about in a restlessmanner, until they were checked by their officers. But most of them werelying down, their blue coats and red trousers making a vast and vividblur against the green of the grass. 

All the while the sound of the cannon grew, but, despite the power ofhis glasses, John could not see a sign of war. Only that roaring soundcame to tell him that battle, vast, gigantic, on a scale the world hadnever seen before, was joined, and the volume of the cannon fire, beyonda doubt, was growing. It pulsed heavily, and either he or his fancynoticed a steady jarring motion. A faint acrid taint crept into the airand he felt it in his nose and throat. He coughed now and then, and heobserved that men around him coughed also. But, on the whole, the armywas singularly still, the soldiers straining eye or ear to see somethingor hear more of the titanic struggle that was raging on either side ofthem. 

John again searched the horizon eagerly with his glasses, but it showedonly green hills and bits of wood, bare of human activity. The Frenchaeroplanes still hovered, but not in front of General Vaugirard. Theywere off to right and left, where the wings of the nations had closed incombat. He was ceasing to think of the foes as armies, but as nations inbattle line. Here stood not a French army, but France, and there stoodnot a German army, but Germany. 

As he looked toward the left he picked out a narrow road, runningbetween hedges, and showing but a strip of white even through theglasses. He saw something coming along this road. It was far away whenhe first noticed it, but it was coming with great speed, and he was soonable to tell that it was a man on a motor cycle. His pulse leapedagain. He felt instinctively that the rider was for them and that hebore something of great import. The figure, man and cycle, molded intoone, sped along the narrow road which led to the base of the hill onwhich General Vaugirard and his staff stood. 

The huge general saw the approaching figure too, and he began to whistlemelodiously like the note of a piccolo, with the vast thunder of theguns accompanying him as an orchestra. John knew that the cyclist was amessenger, and that he was eagerly expected. An order of some kind wasat hand! All the members of the staff had the same conviction. 

The cyclist stopped at the bottom of the hill, leaped from the machineand ran to General Vaugirard, to whom he handed a note. The general readit, expelled his breath in a mighty gust, and turning to his staff, said:

"My children, our time has come. The whole central army of which we area part will advance. It will perhaps be known before night whetherFrance is to remain a great nation or become the vassal of Germany. Mychildren, if France ever had need for you to fight with all your heartsand souls, that need is here today. "

His manner was simple and majestic, and his words touched the mind andfeeling of every one who heard them. John was moved as much as if he hadbeen a Frenchman too. He felt a profound sympathy for this devotedFrance, which had suffered so much, to which his own country still owedthat great debt, and which had a right to her own soil, fertilized withso many centuries of labor. 

General Vaugirard, resting a pad on his knee, wrote rapid notes which hegave to the members of his staff in turn to be delivered. John's was toa Parisian regiment lying in a field, and expanding body and mind intoinstant action, he leaped upon the cycle and sped away. It was oftenhard for him now to separate fact from fancy. His imagination, vivid atall times, painted new pictures while such a tremendous drama passedbefore him. 

Yet he knew afterward that the sound of the battle did increase involume as he flew over the short distance to the regiment. Both east andwest were shaking with the tremendous concussion. One crash he hearddistinctly above the others and he believed it was that of a forty-twocentimeter. 

He reached the field, his cycle spun between the eager soldiers, and ashe leaped off in the presence of the colonel he fairly thrust the noteinto his hand, exclaiming at the same time in his zeal, "It's an orderto advance! The whole Army of the Center is about to attack. "

He called it the Army of the Center at a guess, but names did not matternow. The colonel glanced at the note, waved his sword above his head andcried in a loud voice:

"My lads, up and forward!"

The regiment arose with a roar of cheering and began to advance acrossthe fields. John caught a glimpse of a petty officer, short and small, but as compact and fierce as a panther, driving on men who needed nodriving. "Geronimo is going to make good, " he said to himself. "He'll door die today. "

As he raced back for new orders, if need be, he knew now that fact notfancy told him the battle was growing. The earth shook not only on rightand left but in front also. A hasty look through the glasses showedlittle tongues of fire licking up on the horizon before them and he knewthat they came from the monster cannon of the Germans who were surelyadvancing, while the French were advancing also to meet them. 

General Vaugirard sprang into his automobile, taking only two of hissenior officers with him, while the rest followed on their motor cycles. As far as John could see on either side the vast rows of French sweptacross hills and fields. There was little shouting now and no sound ofbands, but presently a shout arose behind them: "Way for the artillery!"

Then he heard cries, the rumble of wheels and the rapid beat of hoofs. With an instinctive shudder, lest he be ground to pieces, he pulled fromthe road, and saw the motor of General Vaugirard turn out also. Then thegreat French batteries thundered past to seek positions soon in thefields behind low hills. He saw them a little later unlimbering andmaking ready. 

The French advance changed from a walk to a trot. John saw the Parisianregiment, not far away, but at the very front and he knew that among allthose ardent souls there was none more ardent than that of the littleApache, Bougainville. Meanwhile, Vaugirard in his motor kept to theroad and the staff on their motor cycles followed closely. 

On both flanks the thunder of massed cannon was deepening, and now John, who used his glasses occasionally, was able to see wisps and tendrils ofsmoke on the eastern and northern horizons. The tremor in the air wasstrong and continuous. It played incessantly upon the drums of his ears, and he found that he could not hear the words of the other aides so wellas before. But there was no succession of crashes. The sound was morelike the roaring of a distant storm. 

They advanced another mile, two hundred thousand men, afire with zeal, awhole vast army moved forward as the other French armies were by thehidden hand which they could not see, of which they knew nothing, butthe touch of which they could feel. 

John heard a whizzing sound, he caught a glimpse of a dark object, rushing forward at frightful velocity, and then he and his wheel reeledbeneath the force of a tremendous explosion. The shell coming from aninvisible point, miles away, had burst some distance on his right, scattering death and wounds over a wide radius. But Vaugirard's brigadesdid not stop for one instant. They cheered loudly, closed up the gap intheir line, and went on steadily as before. Some one began to sing theMarseillaise, and in an instant the song, like fire in dry grass, spreadalong a vast front. John had often wished that he could have heard thearmies of the French Revolution singing their tremendous battle hymn asthey marched to victory, and now he heard it on a scale far moregigantic than in the days of the First French Republic. 

The vast chorus rolled for miles and for all he knew other armies, farto right and left, might be singing it, too. The immense volume of thesong drowned out everything, even that tremor in the air, caused by thebig guns. John's heart beat so hard that it caused actual physical painin his side, and presently, although he was unconscious of it, he wasthundering out the verses with the others. 

He was riding by the side of de Rougemont, and he stopped singing longenough to shout, at the top of his voice:

"No enemy in sight yet?"

"No, " de Rougemont shouted back, "but he doesn't need to be. The Germanguns have our range. "

From a line on the distant horizon, from positions behind hills, theGerman shells were falling fast, cutting down men by hundreds, tearinggreat holes in the earth, and filling the air with an awful shriekingand hissing. It was all the more terrible because the deadly missilesseemed to come from nowhere. It was like a mortal hail rained out ofheaven. John had not yet seen a German, nothing but those tongues offire licking up on the horizon, and some little whitish clouds of smoke, lifting themselves slowly above the trees, yet the thunder was no longera rumble. It had a deep and angry note, whose burden was death. 

They must maintain their steady march directly toward the mouths ofthose guns. John comprehended in those awful moments that the task ofthe French was terrible, almost superhuman. If their nation was to livethey must hurl back a victorious foe, practically numberless, armed andequipped with everything that a great race in a half-century of supremethought and effort could prepare for war. It was spirit and patriotismagainst the monstrous machine of fire and steel, and he trembled lestthe machine could overcome anything in the world. 

He was about to shout again to de Rougemont, but his words were lost inthe rending crash of the French artillery. Their batteries were postedon both sides of him, and they, too, had found the range. All along thefront hundreds of guns were opening and John hastily thrust portionsthat he tore from his handkerchief into his ear, lest he be deafenedforever. 

The sight, at first magnificent, now became appalling. The shells camein showers and the French ranks were torn and mangled. Companies existedand then they were not. The explosions were like the crash ofthunderbolts, but through it all the French continued to advance. Thosewhose knees grew weak beneath them were upborne and carried forward bythe press of their comrades. The French gunners, too, were makingprodigious efforts but with cannon of such long range neither side couldsee what its batteries were accomplishing. John was sure, though, thatthe great French artillery must be giving as good as it received. 

He was conscious that General Vaugirard was still going forward alongthe long white road, sweeping his glasses from left to right and fromright to left in a continuous semi-circle, apparently undisturbed, apparently now without human emotion. He was no figure of romance, buthe was a man, cool and powerful, ready to die with all his men, if deathfor them was needed. 

Still the invisible hand swept them on, the hand that a million men inaction could not see, but which every one of the million, in his ownway, felt. The crash of the guns on both sides had become fused togetherinto one roar, so steady and continued so long that the sound seemedalmost normal. Voices could now be heard under it and John spoke to deRougemont. 

"Can you make anything of it?" he asked. "Do we win or do we lose?"

"It's too early yet to tell anything. The cannon only are speaking, butyou'll note that our army is advancing. "

"Yes, I see it. Before I've only beheld it in retreat beforeoverwhelming numbers. This is different. "

General Vaugirard beckoned to his aides, and again sent them out withmessages. John's note was to the commander of a battery of field gunstelling him to move further forward. He started at once through thefields on his motor cycle, but he could not go fast now. The ground hadbeen cut deep by artillery and cavalry and torn by shells and he had topick his way, while the shower of steel, sent by men who were firing bymathematics, swept over and about him. 

Shivers seized him more than once, as shrapnel and pieces of shell flewby. Now and then he covered his eyes with one hand to shut out thehorror of dead and torn men lying on either side of his path, but inspite of the shells, in spite of the deadly nausea that assailed him attimes, he went on. The rush of air from a shell threw him once from hismotor cycle, but as he fell on soft clodded earth he was not hurt, and, springing quickly back on his wheel, he reached the battery. 

The order was welcome to the commander of the guns, who was anxious togo closer, and, limbering up, he advanced as rapidly as weapons of suchgreat weight could be dragged across the fields. John followed, that hemight report the result. They were now facing toward the east and thewhole horizon there was a blaze of fire. The shells were coming thickerand thicker, and the air was filled with the screaming of the shrapnel. 

The commander of the battery, a short, powerful Frenchman, was as coolas ice, and John drew coolness from him. One can get used to almostanything, and his nervous tremors were passing. Despite the terriblefire of the German artillery the French army was still advancing. Manythousands had fallen already before the shells and shrapnel of theinvisible foe, but there had been no check. 

The cannon crossed a brook, and, unlimbering, again opened a tremendousfire. To one side and on a hill here, a man whom the commander watchedclosely was signaling. John knew that he was directing the aim of thebattery and the French, like the Germans, were killing by mathematics. 

He rode his cycle to the crest of a little elevation behind the batteryand with his newfound coolness began to use his glasses again. Despitethe thin, whitish smoke, he saw men on the horizon, mere manikins movingback and forth, apparently without meaning, but men nevertheless. Hecaught, too, the outline of giant tubes, the huge guns that were sendingthe ceaseless rain of death upon the French. 

He also saw signs of hurry and confusion among those manikins, and heknew that the French shells were striking them. He rode down to thecommander and told him. The swart Frenchman grinned. 

"My children are biting, " he said, glancing affectionately at his guns. "They're brave lads, and their teeth are long and sharp. "

He looked at his signal man, and the guns let loose again with a forcethat sent the air rushing away in violent waves. Batteries farther onwere firing also with great rapidity. In most of these the gunners weredirected by field telephones strung hastily, but the one near John stilldepended upon signal men. It was composed of eight five-inch guns, andJohn believed that its fire was most accurate and deadly. 

Using his glasses again, he saw that the disturbance among thosemanikins was increasing. They were running here and there, and manyseemed to vanish suddenly--he knew that they were blown away by theshells. To the right of the great French battery some lighter field gunswere advancing. One drawn by eight horses had not yet unlimbered, and hesaw a shell strike squarely upon it. In the following explosion piecesof steel whizzed by him and when the smoke cleared away the gun, thegunners and the horses were all gone. The monster shell had blowneverything to pieces. The other guns hurried on, took up their positionsand began to fire. John shuddered violently, but in a moment or two, he, too, forgot the little tragedy in the far more gigantic one that wasbeing played before him. 

He rode back to General Vaugirard and told him that his order had beenobeyed. The general nodded, but did not take his glasses from thehorizon, where a long gray line was beginning to appear against thegreen of the earth. "It goes well so far, " John heard him say in theunder note which was audible beneath the thunder of the battle. 

In a quarter of an hour the great batteries limbered up again, and oncemore the French army went forward, the troops to lie down and waitagain, while the artillery worked with ferocious energy. It was yet abattle of big guns, at least in the center. The armies were not nearenough to each other for rifles; in truth not near enough yet to beseen. John, even with his glasses, could only discern the gray lineadvancing, he could make little of its form or order or of what it wastrying to do. 

But a light wind was now bringing smoke from one flank where the battlewas far heavier than in the center, and the concussion of the artilleryat that point became so frightful that the air seemed to come in wavesof the utmost violence and to beat upon the drum of the ear with theforce of a hammer. Owing to the wind John could not hear the battle onthe other flank so well, but he believed that it was being fought therewith equal fury and determination. 

He was watching with such intentness that he did not hear the sweep ofan aeroplane behind him, but he did see Lannes run to GeneralVaugirard's car and give him a note. 

While the general read and pondered, Lannes turned toward the wheel onwhich John sat. Although he tried to preserve calm, John knew that hewas tremendously excited. He had taken off his heavy glasses and hiswonderful gray eyes were flashing. It was obvious to his friend, who nowknew him so well, that he was moved by some tremendous emotion. 

John rode up by the side of Lannes and said:

"What have you seen, Philip? You can tell a little at least, can't you?"

"More than a little! A lot! The _Arrow_ and I have looked over a greatarea, John! Miles and miles and yet more miles! and wherever we went wegazed down upon armies locked in battle, and beyond that were otherarmies locked in battle, too! The nations meet in wrath! You can't seeit here, nor from anywhere on the earth! It's only in the air highoverhead that one can get even a partial view of its immensity! TheEnglish army is off there on the flank, a full thirty miles away, andyou're not likely to see it today!"

He would have said more, but General Vaugirard beckoned to him, gave hima note which he had written hastily, and in a few more minutes Lanneswas flitting like a swallow through the heavens. Then GeneralVaugirard's car moved forward and brigade after brigade of the Frencharmy resumed its advance also. 

John felt that the great German machine had been met by a French machineas great. Perhaps the master mind that thrills through an organism ofsteel no less than one of human flesh was on the French side. He did notknow. The invisible hand thrusting forward the French armies was stillinvisible to him. Yet he felt with the certainty of conviction that theeye and the brain of one man were achieving a marvel. In some mysteriousmanner the French defense had become an offense. The Republican troopswere now attacking and the Imperial troops were seeking to hold fast. 

He seemed to comprehend it all in an instant, and a mighty joy surgedover him. De Rougemont saw his glistening eye and he asked curiously:

"What is it that you are feeling so strongly, Mr. Scott?"

"The thrill of the advance! The unknown plan, whatever it is, isworking! Your nation is about to be saved! I feel it! I know it!"

De Rougemont gazed at him, and then the light leaped into his own eyes. 

"A prophet! A prophet!" he cried. "Inspired youth speaks!"

A great crisis may call into being a great impulse, and de Rougemont'swords were at once accepted as truth by all the young aides. Words offire, words vital with life had gone forth, predicting their triumph, and as they rode among the troops carrying orders they communicatedtheir burning zeal to the men who were already eager for closer battle. 

The storm of missiles from the cannon was increasing rapidly. John nowdistinctly saw the huge German masses, not advancing but standing firmto receive the French attack, their front a vast line of belching guns. He knew that they would soon be within the area of rifle fire and heknew with equal truth that it would take the valor of immense numbers, wielded by the supreme skill of leaders to drive back the Germans. 

The guns, some drawn by horses and others by motors, were moving forwardwith them. When the horses were swept away by a shell, men seized theguns and dragged them. Then they stopped again, took new positions andrenewed the rain of death on the German army. 

They began to hear a whistle and hiss that they knew. It was that of thebullets, and along the vast front they were coming in millions. But theFrench were using their rifles, too, and at intervals the deepthundering chant of the Marseillaise swept through their ranks. In spiteof shell, shrapnel and bullets, in spite of everything, the French armyin the center was advancing and John believed that the armies on theother parts of the line were advancing, too. 

The bullets struck around them, and then among them. One aide fell fromhis cycle, and lay dead in the road, two more were wounded, but twohundred thousand men, their artillery blazing death over their heads, went on straight at the mouths of a thousand cannon. 

Companies and regiments were swept away, but there was no check. Nor didthe other French armies, the huge links in the chain, stop. A feeling ofvictory had swept along the whole gigantic battle front. They werefighting for Paris, for their country, for the soil which they tended, alive, and in which they slept, dead, and just at the moment wheneverything seemed to have been lost they were saving all. The heroic ageof France had come again, and the Third Republic was justifying theFirst. 

The battle deepened and thickened to an extraordinary degree, as thespace between the two fronts narrowed. John for the first time saw theGerman troops without the aid of glasses. They were mere outlinesagainst a fiery horizon, reddened by the mouths of so many belchingcannon, but they seemed to him to stand there like a wall. 

Another giant shell burst near them, and two more members of the stafffell from their cycles, dead before they touched the ground. Thatconvulsive shudder seized John again, but the crash of tremendous eventswas so rapid that fear and horror alike passed in an instant. A piece ofthe same shell struck General Vaugirard's car and put it out of actionat once. But the general leaped lightly to the ground, then swung hisimmense bulk across one of the riderless motor cycles and advanced withthe surviving members of his staff. Imperturbable, he still swept thefield with his glasses. Two aides were now sent to the right withmessages, and a third, John himself, was despatched to the left on asimilar errand. 

It was John's duty to tell a regiment to bear in further to the left andclose up a vacant spot in the line. He wheeled his cycle into a field, and then passed between rows of grapevines. The regiment, its ranks muchthinned, was now about a hundred yards away, but shell and bullets alikewere sweeping the distance between. 

Nevertheless, he rode on, his wheel bumping over the rough ground, untilhe heard a rushing sound, and then blank darkness enveloped him. He fellone way, and the motor cycle fell another. 

CHAPTER V

SEEN FROM ABOVE

John's period of unconsciousness was brief. The sweep of air from agigantic shell, passing close, had taken his senses for a minute or two, but he leaped to his feet to find his motor cycle broken and puffing outits last breath, and himself among the dead and wounded in the wake ofthe army which was advancing rapidly. The turmoil was so vast, and somuch dust and burned gunpowder was floating about that he was not ableto tell where the valiant Vaugirard with the remainder of his staffmarched. In front of him a regiment, cut up terribly, was advancing at aswift pace, and acting under the impulse of the moment he ran forward tojoin them. 

When he overtook the regiment he saw that it had neither colonel, norcaptains nor any other officers of high degree. A little man, scarcelymore than a youth, his head bare, his eyes snapping fire, one handholding aloft a red cap on the point of a sword, had taken command andwas urging the soldiers on with every fierce shout that he knew. Themen were responding. Command seemed natural to him. Here was a bornleader in battle. John knew him, and he knew that his own prophecy hadbeen fulfilled. 

"Geronimo!" he gasped. 

But young Bougainville did not see him. He was still shouting to the menwhom he now led so well. The point of the sword, doubtless taken fromthe hand of some fallen officer, had pierced the red cap which wasslowly sinking down the blade, but he did not notice it. 

John looked again for his commander, but not seeing him, and knowing howfutile it was now to seek him in all the fiery crush, he resolved tostay with the young Apache. 

"Geronimo, " he cried, and it was the last time he called him by thatname, "I go with you!"

In all the excitement of the moment young Bougainville recognized himand something droll flashed in his eyes. 

"Did I boast too much?" he shouted. 

"You didn't!" John shouted back. 

"Come on then! A big crowd of Germans is just over this hill, and wemust smash 'em!"

John kept by his side, but Bougainville, still waving his sword, whilethe red cap sank lower and lower on the blade, addressed his men interms of encouragement and affection. 

"Forward, my children!" he shouted. "Men, without fear, let us be thefirst to make the enemy feel our bayonets! Look, a regiment on the rightis ahead of you, and another also on the left leads you! Faster!Faster, my children!"

An angle of the German line was thrust forward at this point where ahill afforded a strong position. Bullets were coming from it in showers, but the Bougainville regiment broke into a run, passed ahead of theothers and rushed straight at the hill. 

It was the first time that men had come face to face in the battle andnow John saw the French fury, the enthusiasm and fire that Napoleon hadcapitalized and cultivated so sedulously. Shouting fiercely, they flungthemselves upon the Germans and by sheer impact drove them back. Theycleared the hill in a few moments, triumphantly seized four cannon andthen, still shouting, swept on. 

John found himself shouting with the others. This was victory, the firstreal taste of it, and it was sweet to the lips. But the regiment washalted presently, lest it get too far forward and be cut off, and ageneral striding over to Bougainville uttered words of approval thatJohn could not hear amid the terrific din of so many men in battle--amillion, a million and a half or more, he never knew. 

They stood there panting, while the French line along a front of maybefifty miles crept on and on. The French machine with the British wheelsand springs coöperating, was working beautifully now. It was a match andmore for their enemy. The Germans, witnessing the fire and dash of theFrench and feeling their tremendous impact, began to take alarm. It hadnot seemed possible to them in those last triumphant days that theycould fail, but now Paris was receding farther and farther from theirgrasp. 

John recovered a certain degree of coolness. The fire of the foe wasturned away from them for the present, and, finding that the glassesthrown over his shoulder, had not been injured by his fall, he examinedthe battle front as he stood by the side of Bougainville. The countrywas fairly open here and along a range of miles the cannon in hundredsand hundreds were pouring forth destruction. Yet the line, save wherethe angle had been crushed by the rush of Bougainville's regiment, stoodfast, and John shuddered at thought of the frightful slaughter, neededto drive it back, if it could be driven back at all. 

Then he glanced at the fields across which they had come. For two orthree miles they were sprinkled with the fallen, the red and blue of theFrench uniform showing vividly against the green grass. But there waslittle time for looking that way and again he turned his glasses infront. The regiment had taken cover behind a low ridge, and six rapidfirers were sending a fierce hail on the German lines. But the men underorders from Bougainville, withheld the fire of their rifles for thepresent. 

Bougainville himself stood up as became a leader of men, and lowered hissword for the first time. The cap had sunk all the way down the bladeand picking it off he put it back on his head. He had obtained glassesalso, probably from some fallen officer, and he walked back and forthseeking a weak spot in the enemy's line, into which he could charge withhis men. 

John admired him. His was no frenzied rage, but a courage, measured andstern. The springs of power hidden in him had been touched and he stoodforth, a born leader. 

"How does it happen, " said John, "that you're in command?"

"Our officers were all in front, " replied Bougainville, "when ourregiment was swept by many shells. When they ceased bursting upon us andamong us the officers were no longer there. The regiment was about tobreak. I could not bear to see that, and seizing the sword, I hoisted mycap upon it. The rest, perhaps, you saw. The men seem to trust me. "

"They do, " said John, with emphasis. 

Bougainville, for the time at least, was certainly the leader of theregiment. It was an incident that John believed possible only in his owncountry, or France, and he remembered once more the famous old saying ofNapoleon that every French peasant carried a marshal's baton in hisknapsack. 

Now he recalled, too, that Napoleon had fought some of his greatestdefensive battles in the region they faced. Doubtless the mighty emperorand his marshals had trod the very soil on which Bougainville and he nowstood. Surely the French must know it, and surely it would give themsuperhuman courage for battle. 

"I belong to the command of General Vaugirard, " he said to Bougainville. "I'm serving on his staff, but I was knocked off my motor cycle by therush of air from a shell. The cycle was ruined and I was unconsciousfor a moment or two. When I revived, my general and his command weregone. "

"You'd better stay with me a while, " said Bougainville. "We're going toadvance again soon. When night comes, if you're still alive, then youcan look for General Vaugirard. The fire of the artillery is increasing. How the earth shakes!"

"So it does. I wish I knew what was happening. "

"There comes one of those men in the air. He is going to drop down byus. Maybe you can learn something from him. "

John felt a sudden wild hope that it was Lannes, but his luck did nothold good enough for it. The plane was of another shape than the_Arrow_, and, when it descended to the ground, a man older than Lannesstepped out upon the grass. He glanced around as if he were looking forsome general of division for whom he had an order, and John, unable torestrain himself, rushed to him and exclaimed:

"News! News! For Heaven's sake, give us news! Surely you've seen fromabove!"

The man smiled and John knew that a bearer of bad news would not smile. 

"I'm the friend and comrade of Philip Lannes, " continued John, feelingthat all the flying men of France knew the name of Lannes, and that itwould be a password to this man's good graces. 

"I know him well, " said the air scout. "Who of our craft does not? Myown name is Caumartin, and I have flown with Lannes more than once inthe great meets at Rheims. In answer to your question I'm able to tellyou that on the wings the soldiers of France are advancing. A wedge hasbeen thrust between the German armies and the one nearest Paris isretreating, lest it be cut off. "

Bougainville heard the words, and he ran among the men, telling them. Afierce shout arose and John himself quivered with feeling. It wasbetter, far better than he had hoped. He realized now that his couragebefore had been the courage of despair. Lannes and he, as a last resort, had put faith in signs and omens, because there was nothing else to bearthem up. 

"Is it true? Is it true beyond doubt! You've really seen it with yourown eyes?" he exclaimed. 

Caumartin smiled again. His were deep eyes, and the smile that came fromthem was reassuring. 

"I saw it myself, " he replied. "At the point nearest Paris the graymasses are withdrawing. I looked directly down upon them. And now, canyou tell me where I can find General Vaugirard?"

"I wish I could. I'm on his staff, but I've lost him. He's somewhere tothe northward. "

"Then I'll find him. "

Caumartin resumed his place in his machine. John looked longingly at theaeroplane. He would gladly have gone with Caumartin, but feeling that hewould be only a burden at such a time, he would not suggest it. Nevertheless he called to the aviator:

"If you see Philip Lannes in the heavens tell him that his friend JohnScott is here behind a low ridge crested with trees!"

Caumartin nodded, and as some of the soldiers gave his plane a push hesoared swiftly away in search of General Vaugirard. John watched him amoment or two and then turned his attention back to the German army infront of them. 

The thudding of the heavy guns to their left had become so violent thatit affected his nerves. The waves of air beat upon his ears likestorm-driven rollers, and he was glad when Bougainville's regiment movedforward again. The Germans seemed to have withdrawn some of their forcein the center, and, for a little while, the regiment with which John nowmarched was not under fire. 

They heard reserves now coming up behind them, more trains of motorcars, bearing fresh troops, and batteries of field guns advancing asfast as they could. Men were busy also stringing telephone wires, and, presently, they passed a battery of guns of the largest caliber, thefire of which was directed entirely by telephone. Some distance beyondit the regiment stopped again. The huge shells were passing over theirheads toward the German lines, and John believed that he could hear andcount every one of them. 

The remains of the regiment now lay down in a dip, as they did not knowanything to do, except to wait for the remainder of the French line toadvance. 

Something struck near them presently and exploded with a crash. Steelsplinters flew, but as they were prone only one man was injured. 

"They're reaching us again with their shell fire, " said John. 

"Not at all, " said Bougainville. "Look up. "

John saw high in the heavens several black specks, which he knew atonce were aeroplanes. Since the bomb had been dropped from one of themit was obvious that they were German flyers, and missiles of a likenature might be expected from the same source. Involuntarily he crouchedclose to the ground, and tried to press himself into it. He knew thatsuch an effort would afford him no protection, but the body sought itnevertheless. All around him the young French soldiers too were clingingto Mother Earth. Only Bougainville stood erect. 

John had felt less apprehension under the artillery fire and in thecharge than he did now. He was helpless here when death fell like hailfrom the skies, and he quivered in every muscle as he waited. A crashcame again, but the bomb had struck farther away, then a third, and afourth, each farther and farther in its turn, and Bougainville suddenlyuttered a shout that was full of vengeance and exultation. 

John looked up. The group of black specks was still in the sky, butanother group was hovering near, and clapping his glasses to his eyes hesaw flashes of light passing between them. 

"You're right, Bougainville! you're right!" he cried, althoughBougainville had not said a word. "The French flyers have come andthere's a fight in the air!"

He forgot all about the battle on earth, while he watched the combat inthe heavens. Yet it was an affair of only a few moments. The Germansevidently feeling that they were too far away from their base, soonretreated. One of their machines turned over on its side and fell like ashot through space. 

John shuddered, took the glasses down, and, by impulse, closed his eyes. He heard a shock near him, and, opening his eyes again, saw a huddledmass of wreckage, from which a foot encased in a broad German shoeprotruded. The ribs of the plane were driven deep into the earth and helooked away. But a hum and swish suddenly came once more, and a sleekand graceful aeroplane, which he knew to be the _Arrow_, sank to theearth close to him. Lannes, smiling and triumphant, stepped forth andJohn hailed him eagerly. 

"I met Caumartin in an aerial road, " said Lannes, in his best dramaticmanner, "and he described this place, at which you were waiting. As itwas directly on my way I concluded to come by for you. I was delayed bya skirmish overhead which you may have seen. "

"Yes, I saw it, or at least part of it. "

"I came in at the end only. The Taubes were too presuming. They cameover into our air, but we repelled the attack, and one, as I can seehere, will never come again. I found General Vaugirard, although he isnow two or three miles to your right, and when I deliver a message thathe has given me I return. But I take you with me now. "

John was overjoyed, but he would part from Bougainville with regret. 

"Philip, " he said, "here is Pierre Louis Bougainville, whom I met thatday on Montmartre. All the officers of this regiment have been killedand by grace of courage and intuition he now leads it better than it wasever led before. "

Lannes extended his hand. Bougainville's met it, and the two closed inthe clasp of those who knew, each, that the other was a man. Then a drumbegan to beat, and Bougainville, waving his sword aloft, led hisregiment forward again with a rush. But the _Arrow_, with a hard pushfrom the last of the soldiers, was already rising, Lannes at thesteering rudder and John in his old place. 

"You can find your cap and coat in the locker, " said Lannes withoutlooking back, and John put them on quickly. His joy and eagerness werenot due to flight from the field of battle, because the heavensthemselves were not safe, but because he could look down upon this fieldon which the nations struggled and, to some extent, behold and measureit with his own eyes. 

The _Arrow_ rose slowly, and John leaned back luxuriously in his seat. He had a singular feeling that he had come back home again. The sharp, acrid odor that assailed eye and nostril departed and the atmospheregrew rapidly purer. The rolling waves of air from the concussion of theguns became much less violent, and soon ceased entirely. All the smokefloated below him, while above the heavens were a shining blue, unsullied by the dust and flame of the conflict. 

"Do you go far, Philip?" John asked. 

"Forty miles. I could cover the distance quickly in the _Arrow_, but onsuch a day as this I can't be sure of finding at once the man for whomI'm looking. Besides, we may meet German planes. You've your automaticwith you?"

"I'm never without it. I'm ready to help if they come at us. I've beenthrough so much today that I've become blunted to fear. "

"I don't think we'll meet an enemy, but we must be armed and watchful. "

John had not yet looked down, but he knew that the _Arrow_ was risinghigh. The thunder of the battle died so fast that it became a meremurmur, and the air was thin, pure and cold. When he felt that the_Arrow_ had reached its zenith he put the glasses to his eyes and lookedover. 

He saw a world spouting fire. Along a tremendous line curved and broken, thousands of cannon great and small were flashing, and for miles andmiles a continuous coil of whitish smoke marked where the riflemen wereat work. Near the center of the line he saw a vast mass of men advancingand he spoke of it to Lannes. 

"I've seen it already, " said the Frenchman. "That's where a great forceof ours is cutting in between the German armies. It's the movement thathas saved France, and the mind that planned it was worth a million mento us today. "

"I can well believe it. Now I see running between the hills a shiningribbon which I take to be a river. "

"That's the Marne. If we can, we'll drive the Germans back across it. Search the skies that way and see if you can find any of the Taubes. "

"I see some black specks which I take to be the German planes, but theydon't grow. "

"Which indicates that they're not coming any nearer. They've had enoughof us for the present and it's to their interest too to keep over theirown army now. What do you see beneath us?"

"A great multitude of troops, French, as I can discern the uniform, andby Jove, Lannes, I can trace far beyond the towers and spires of Paris!"

"I knew you could. It marks how near the Germans have come to thecapital, but they'll come no nearer. The great days of the French havereturned, and we'll surely drive them upon the Marne. "

"Suppose we fly a little lower, Lannes. Then we can get a better view ofthe field as we go along. "

"I'll do as you say, John. I rose so high, because I thought attack herewas less possible, but as no enemy is in sight we'll drop down. "

The _Arrow_ sank gradually, and now both could get a splendid view of aspectacle, such as no man had ever beheld until that day. The sounds ofbattle were still unheard, but they clearly saw the fire of the cannon, the rapid-firers, and the rifles. It was like a red streak running incurves and zigzags across fifty or maybe a hundred miles of country. 

"We continue to cut in, " said Lannes. "You can see how our armies offthere are marching into that great open space between the Germans. Unless the extreme German army hastens it will be separated entirelyfrom the rest. Oh, what a day! What a glorious, magnificent day! A dayunlike any other in the world's story! Our heads in the dust in themorning and high in the air by night!"

"But we haven't won yet?"

"No, but we are winning enough to know that we will win. "

"How many men do you think are engaged in that battle below?"

"Along all its windings two millions, maybe, or at least a million and ahalf anyhow. Perhaps nobody will ever know. "

Then they relapsed into silence for a little while. The _Arrow_ flewfast and the motor drummed steadily in their ears. Lannes let theaeroplane sink a little lower, and John became conscious of a new sound, akin nevertheless to the throb of the motor. It was the concussion ofthe battle. The topmost and weakest waves of air hurled off in circlesby countless cannon and rifles were reaching them. But they had beensoftened so much by distance that the sound was not unpleasant, and the_Arrow_ rocked gently as if touched by a light wind. 

John never ceased to watch with his glasses, and in a few minutes heannounced that men in gray were below. 

"I expected that, " said Lannes. "This battle line, as you know, is farfrom straight, and, in order to reach our destination in the quickesttime possible, we must pass over a portion of the German army, anextended corner or angle as it were. What are they doing there, John?"

"Firing about fifty cannon as fast as they can. Back of the cannon is agreat huddle of motors and of large automobile trucks, loaded, I shouldsay, with ammunition. "

"You're quite sure of what you say?" asked Lannes, after a silence of amoment or two. 

"Absolutely sure. I fancy that it's an ammunition depot. "

"Then, John, you and I must take a risk. We are to deliver a message, but we can't let go an opportunity like this. You recall how you threwthe bombs on the forty-two centimeter. I have more bombs here in the_Arrow_--I never fly now without 'em--little fellows, but tremendouslypowerful. I shall dip and when we're directly over the ammunition depotdrop the bombs squarely into the middle of it. "

"I'm ready, " said John, feeling alternate thrills of eagerness andhorror, "but Philip, don't you go so near that if the depot blows up itwill blow us up too. "

"Never fear, " said Lannes, laughing, not with amusement but withexcitement, "I've no more wish to be scattered through the firmamentthan you have. Besides, we've that message to deliver. Do you think theGermans have noticed us?"

"No, a lot of smoke from their cannon fire has gathered above them andperhaps it veils us. Besides, their whole attention must be absorbed bythe French army, and I don't think it likely that they're looking up. "

"But they're bound to see us soon. We have one great advantage, however. The target is much larger than the forty-two centimeter was, and thereare no Taubes or dirigibles here to drive us off. Ready now, John, andwhen I touch the bottom of my loop you throw the bombs. Here they are!"

Four bombs were pushed to John's side and they lay ready to his grasp. Then as the _Arrow_ began its downward curve, he laid his glasses asideand watched. The most advanced German batteries were placed in a pit, into which a telephone wire ran. Evidently these guns, like the French, were fired by order from some distant point. John longed to hurl a bombat the pit, but the chances were ten to one that he would miss it, andhe held to the ammunition depot, spread over a full acre, as his target. 

Now the Germans saw them. He knew it, as many of them looked up, andsome began to fire at the _Arrow_, but the aeroplane was too high andswift for their bullets. 

"Now!" said Lannes in sudden, sharp tones. 

The aeroplane dipped with sickening velocity, but John steadied himself, and watching his chance he threw four bombs so fast that the fourth hadleft his hands before the first touched the ground. An awful, rendingexplosion followed, and for a minute the _Arrow_ rocked violently, as ifin a hurricane. Then, as the waves of air decreased in violence, itdarted upward on an even keel. 

John saw far below a vast scene of wreckage, amid which lay many dead orwounded men. Motors were blown to pieces and cannon dismounted. 

"Score heavily for us, " said Lannes. "I scarcely hoped for such a goodlyblow as this while we were on our way!"

John would not look down again. Despite the value of the deed, heshuddered and he was glad when the _Arrow_ in its swift flight had leftthe area of devastation far behind. 

"We're flying over the French now, " he said. "So I expected, " saidLannes. "Can you see a hill crested with a low farm house?"

"Yes, " replied John, after looking a little while. "It's straight ahead. The house is partly hidden by trees. "

"Then that's the place. You wouldn't think we'd come nearly fifty miles, would you, John?"

"Fifty miles! It feels more like a thousand!"

Lannes laughed, this time with satisfaction, not excitement. 

"You'll find there the general to whom we reported first, " he said, "andhe'll be glad to see us! I can't tell you how glad he will be. His joywill be far beyond our personal deserts. It will have little to do withthe fact that you, John Scott, and I, Philip Lannes, have come back tohim. "

The circling _Arrow_ came down in a meadow just behind the house, andofficers rushed forward to meet it. Lannes and John, stepping out, leftit in charge of two of the younger men. Then, proudly waving the othersaside, they walked to the low stone farmhouse, in front of which theelderly, spectacled general was standing. He looked at Lannesinquiringly, but the young Frenchman, without a word, handed him a note. 

John watched the general read, and he saw the transformation of theman's face. Doubting, anxious, worn, it was illumined suddenly. In avoice that trembled he said to the senior officers who clustered abouthim:

"We're advancing in the center, and on the other flank. Already we'vedriven a huge wedge between the German armies, and Paris, nay, Franceherself, is saved!"

The officers, mostly old men, did not cheer, but John had never beforewitnessed such relief expressed on human faces. It seemed to him thatthey had choked up, and could not speak. The commander held the note ina shaking hand and presently he turned to Lannes. 

"Your fortune has been great. It's not often that one has a chance tobear such a message as this. "

"My pride is so high I can't describe it, " said Lannes in a dramatic butsincere tone. 

"Go in the house and an orderly will give food and wine to you and yourcomrade. In a half hour, perhaps, I may have another message for you. "

Both John and Lannes needed rest and food, and they obeyed gladly. Thestrain upon the two was far greater than they had realized at the time, and for a few moments they were threatened with collapse which verystrong efforts of the will prevented. They were conscious, too, as theystood upon the ground, of a quivering, shaking motion. They wereassailed once more by the violent waves of air coming from theconcussion of cannon and rifles past counting. The thin, whitish filmwhich was a compound of dust and burned gunpowder assailed them againand lay, bitter, in their mouths and nostrils. 

"The earth shakes too much, " said Lannes in a droll tone. "I think we'dbetter go back into the unchanging ether, where a man can be sure ofhimself. "

"I'm seasick, " said John; "who wouldn't be, with ten thousand cannon, more or less, and a million or two of rifles shaking the planet? I'mgoing into the house as fast as I can. "

It was a building, centuries old, of gray crumbling stone, with large, low rooms, and, to John's amazement, the peasant who inhabited it andhis family were present. The farmer and his wife, both strong and dark, were about forty, and there were four children, the oldest a girl ofabout thirteen. What fear they may have felt in the morning was gonenow, and, as they knew that the French army was advancing, a joy, reserved but none the less deep, had taken its place. 

John and Lannes sat down at a small table covered with a neat whitecloth, and Madame, walking quickly and lightly, served them with bread, cold meat and light red wine. The smaller children hovered in thebackground and looked curiously at the young foreigner who wore theFrench uniform. 

"May I ask your name, Madame?" John asked politely. 

"Poiret, " she said. "My man is Jules Poiret, and this farm has been inhis family since the great revolution. You and your comrade came fromthe air, as I saw, and you can tell us, can you not, whether the Poiretfarm is to become German or remain French? The enemy has been pushedback today, but will he come so near to Paris again? Tell me truly, onyour soul, Monsieur!"

"I don't believe the Germans will ever again be so near to Paris, "replied John with sincerity. "My friend, who is the great Philip Lannes, the flying man, and I, have looked down upon a battle line fifty, maybea hundred miles long, and nearly everywhere the Germans are retreating. "

She bent her head a little as she poured the coffee for them, but notenough to hide the glitter in her eye. "Perhaps the good God intervenedat the last moment, as Father Hansard promised he would, " she saidcalmly. "At any rate, the Germans are gone. I gathered as much fromchance words of the generals--never before have so many generalsgathered under the Poiret roof, and it will never happen again--but Iwished to hear it from one who had seen with his own eyes. "

"We saw them withdrawing, Madame, with these two pairs of eyes of ours, "said Lannes. 

"And then Poiret can go back to his work with the vines. Whether it iswar or peace, men must eat and drink, Monsieur. "

"But certainly, Madame, and women too. " "It is so. I trust that soon theGermans will be driven back much faster. The house quivers all the time. It is old and already several pieces of plaster have fallen. "

Her anxiety was obvious. With the Germans driven back she thought now ofthe Poiret homestead. John, in the new strength that had come to himfrom food and drink, had forgotten for the moment that ceaseless quiverof the earth. He held the little bottle aloft and poured a thin streamof wine into his glass. The red thread swayed gently from side to side. 

"You speak truly, Madame, " he said. "The rocking goes on, but I'm surethat the concussion of the guns will be too far away tonight for you tofeel it. "

They offered her gold for the food and wine, but after one longingglance she steadfastly refused it. 

"Since you have come across the sea to fight for us, " she said to John, "how could I take your money?"

Lannes and John returned to the bit of grass in front of the house, where the elderly general and other generals were still standing andusing their glasses. 

"You are refreshed?" said the general to Lannes. 

"Refreshed and ready to take your orders wherever you wish them to go. "

John stepped aside, while the general talked briefly and in a low toneto his comrade. He looked upon himself merely as a passenger, or a sortof help to Lannes, and he would not pry into military secrets. But whenthe two rose again in the _Arrow_, the general and all his suite wavedtheir caps to them. Beyond a doubt, Lannes had done magnificent workthat day, and John was glad for his friend's sake. 

The _Arrow_ ascended at a sharp angle, and then hovered for a littlewhile in curves and spirals. John saw the generals below, but they wereno longer watching the aeroplane. Their glasses were turned once more tothe battle front. 

"Ultimately we're to reach the commander of the central army, if wecan, " said Lannes, "but meanwhile we're to bend in toward the Germanlines, in search of your immediate chief, General Vaugirard, who is oneof the staunchest and most daring fighters in the whole French Army. Ifwe find him at all it's likely that we'll find him farther forward thanany other general. "

"But not any farther than my friend of Montmartre, Bougainville. There'sa remarkable fellow. I saw his military talent the first time I met him. Or I should better say I felt it rather than saw it. And he was makinggood in a wonderful manner today. "

"I believe with you, John, that he's a genius. But if we find GeneralVaugirard and then finish our errand we must hasten. It will be night intwo hours. "

He increased the speed of the aeroplane and they flew eastward, searching all the hills and woods for the command of General Vaugirard. 

CHAPTER VI

IN HOSTILE HANDS

The task that lay before the two young men was one of great difficulty. The battle line was shifting continually, although the Germans werebeing pressed steadily back toward the east and north, but among so manygenerals it would be hard to find the particular one to whom they werebearing orders. The commander of the central army was of highimportance, but the fact did not bring him at once before the eye. 

They were to see General Vaugirard, too, but it was possible that he hadfallen. John, though, could not look upon it as a probability. Thegeneral was so big, so vital, that he must be living, and he felt thesame way about Bougainville. It was incredible that fate itself shouldsnuff out in a day that spark of fire. 

Lannes, uncertain of his course, bore in again toward the German lines, and dropped as low as he could, compatible with safety from any kind ofshot. John meanwhile scanned every hill and valley wood and field withhis powerful glasses, and he was unable to see any diminution in thefury of the struggle. The cannon thundered, with all their might, alonga line of scores of miles; rapid firers sent a deadly hail upon theopposing lines; rifles flashed by the hundred thousand, and here andthere masses of troops closed with the bayonet. 

Seen from a height the battle was stripped of some of its horrors, butall its magnitude remained to awe those who looked down upon it. Fromthe high, cold air John could not see pain and wounds, only the swayingback and forth of the battle lines. All the time he searched attentivelyfor men who did not wear the red and blue of France, and at last hesaid:

"I've failed to find any sign of the British army. "

"They're farther to the left, " replied Lannes. "I caught a glimpse oftheir khaki lines this morning. Their regular troops are great fighters, as our Napoleon himself admitted more than once, and they've never donebetter than they're doing today. When I saw them they were advancing. "

"I'm glad of that. It's curious how I feel about the English, Philip. They've got such a conceit that they irritate me terribly at times, yetI don't want to see them beaten by any other Europeans. That's ourAmerican privilege. "

"A family feeling, perhaps, " said Lannes, laughing, "but we French andEnglish have been compelled to be allies, and after fighting each otherfor a thousand years we're now the best of friends. I think, John, we'llhave to go down and procure information from somebody about ourgeneral. Otherwise we'll never find him. "

"We must be near the center of our army, and that's where he's likely tobe. Suppose we descend in the field a little to the east of us. "

Lannes looked down, and, pronouncing the place suitable, began to dropin a series of spirals until they rested in a small field that had beendevoted to the growth of vegetables. Here John at once felt the shakingof the earth, and tasted the bitter odor again. But woods on either sideof them hid the sight of troops, although the sound of the battle was asgreat and violent as ever. 

"We seem to have landed on a desert island, " said Lannes. 

"So we do, " said John. "Evidently there is nobody here to tell us wherewe can find our dear and long lost general. I'll go down to the edge ofthe nearest wood and see if any of our skirmishers are there. "

"All right, John, but hurry back. I'll hold the _Arrow_ ready forinstant flight, as we can't afford to linger here. "

John ran toward the wood, but before he reached the first trees heturned back with a shout of alarm. He had caught a glimpse of horses, helmets and the glittering heads of lances. Moreover, the Uhlans werecoming directly toward him. 

In that moment of danger the young American showed the best that was inhim. Forgetful of self and remembering the importance of Lannes'mission, he shouted:

"The Uhlans are upon us, Philip! I can't escape, but you must! Go! Goat once!"

Lannes gave one startled glance, and he understood in a flash. He tooknew the vital nature of his errand, but his instant decision gave awrench to his whole being. He saw the Uhlans breaking through the woodsand John before them. He was standing beside the _Arrow_, and giving themachine a sharp push he sprang in and rose at a sharp angle. 

"Up! Up, Philip!" John continued to cry, until the cold edge of a lancelay against his throat and a brusque voice bade him to surrender. 

"All right, I yield, " said John, "but kindly take your lance away. It'sso sharp and cold it makes me feel uncomfortable. "

As he spoke he continued to look upward. The _Arrow_ was soaring higherand higher, and the Uhlans were firing at it, but they were not able tohit such a fleeting target. In another minute it was out of range. 

John felt the cold steel come away from his throat, and satisfied thatLannes with his precious message was safe, he looked at his captors. They were about thirty in number, Prussian Uhlans. 

"Well, " said John to the one who seemed to be their leader, "what do youwant with me?"

"To hold you prisoner, " replied the man, in excellent English--John wasalways surprised at the number of people on the continent who spokeEnglish--"and to ask you why we find an American here in Frenchuniform. "

The man who spoke was young, blond, ruddy, and his tone was ratherhumorous. John had been too much in Germany to hate Germans. He likedmost of them personally, but for many of their ideas, ideas which heconsidered deadly to the world, he had an intense dislike. 

"You find me here because I didn't have time to get away, " he replied, "and I'm in a French uniform because it's my fighting suit. "

The young officer smiled. John rather liked him, and he saw, too, thathe was no older than himself. 

"It's lucky for you that you're in some kind of a uniform, " the Germansaid, "or I should have you shot immediately. But I'm sorry we didn'ttake the man in the aeroplane instead of you. "

John looked up again. The _Arrow_ had become small in the distant blue. A whimsical impulse seized him. 

"You've a right to be sorry, " he said. "That was the greatest flying manin the world, and all day he has carried messages, heavy with the fateof nations. If you had taken him a few moments ago you might have savedthe German army from defeat today. But your chance has gone. If you wereto see him again you would not know him and his plane from others oftheir kind. "

The officer's eyes dilated at first. Then he smiled again and strokedhis young mustache. 

"It may be true, as you say, " he replied, "but meanwhile I'll have totake you to my chief, Captain von Boehlen. "

John's heart sank a little when he heard the name von Boehlen. Fortune, he thought, had played him a hard trick by bringing him face to facewith the man who had least cause to like him. But he would not show it. 

"Very well, " he said; "which way?"

"Straight before you, " said the officer. "I'd give you a mount, but itisn't far. Remember as you walk that we're just behind you, and don'ttry to run away. You'd have no chance on earth. My own name is Arnheim, Wilhelm von Arnheim. "

"And mine's John Scott, " said John, as he walked straight ahead. 

They passed through a wood and into another field, where a large body ofPrussian cavalry was waiting. A tall man, built heavily, stood beside ahorse, watching a distant corner of the battle through glasses. Johnknew that uncompromising figure at once. It was von Boehlen. 

"A prisoner, Captain, " said von Arnheim, saluting respectfully. 

Von Boehlen turned slowly, and a malicious light leaped in his eyes whenhe saw John on foot before him, and wholly in his power. 

"And so, " he said, "it's young Scott of the hotel in Dresden and of thewireless station, and you've come straight into my hands!"

The whimsical humor which sometimes seized John when he was in the mostdangerous situation took hold of him again. It was not humor exactly, but it was the innate desire to make the best of a bad situation. 

"I'm in your hands, " he replied, "but I didn't walk willingly into 'em. Your lieutenant, von Arnheim here, and his men brought me on the pointsof their lances. I'm quite willing to go away again. "

Von Boehlen recognized the spirit in the reply and the malice departedfrom his own eyes. Yet he asked sternly:

"Why do you put on a French uniform and meddle in a quarrel not yourown?"

"I've made it my own. I take the chances of war. "

"To the rear with him, and put him with the other prisoners, " said vonBoehlen to von Arnheim, and the young Prussian and two Uhlans escortedhim to the edge of the field where twenty or thirty French prisoners saton the ground. 

"I take it, " said von Arnheim, "that you and our captain have metbefore. "

"Yes, and the last time it was under circumstances that did not endearme to him. "

"If it was in war it will not be to your harm. Captain von Boehlen is astern but just man, and his conduct is strictly according to ourmilitary code. You will stay here with the other prisoners under guard. I hope to see you again. "

With these polite words the young officer rode back to his chief, andJohn's heart warmed to him because of his kindness. Then he sat down onthe grass and looked at those who were prisoners with him. Most of themwere wounded, but none seemed despondent. All were lying down, somepropped on their elbows, and they were watching and listening with theclosest attention. A half-dozen Germans, rifle in hand, stood near by. 

John took his place on the grass by the side of a fair, slim young manwho carried his left arm in a bandage. 

"Englishman?" said the young man. 

"No, American. "

"But you have been fighting for us, as your uniform shows. Whatcommand?"

"General Vaugirard's, but I became separated from it earlier in theday. "

"I've heard of him. Great, fat man, as cool as ice and as brave as alion. A good general to serve under. My own name is Fleury, AlbertFleury. I was wounded and taken early this morning, and the others and Ihave been herded here ever since by the Germans. They will not tell us aword, but I notice they have not advanced. "

"The German army is retreating everywhere. For this day, at least, we'revictorious. Somebody has made a great plan and has carried it through. The cavalry of the invader came within sight of Paris this morning, butthey won't be able to see it tomorrow morning. Whisper it to the others. We'll take the good news quietly. We won't let the guards see that weknow. "

The news was circulated in low tones and every one of the wounded forgothis wound. They spoke among themselves, but all the while the thunder ofthe hundred-mile battle went on with unremitting ferocity. John put hisear to the ground now, and the earth quivered incessantly like a shipshaken at sea by its machinery. 

The day was now waning fast and he looked at the mass of Uhlans whostood arrayed in the open space, as if they were awaiting an order. Lieutenant von Arnheim rode back and ordered the guards to march on withthem. 

There was none too severely wounded to walk and they proceeded in a filethrough the fields, Uhlans on all sides, but the great mass behind them, where their commander, von Boehlen, himself rode. 

The night was almost at hand. Twilight was already coming over theeastern hills, and one of the most momentous days in the story of manwas drawing to a close. People often do not know the magnitude of anevent until it has passed long since and shows in perspective, but Johnfelt to the full the result of the event, just as the old Greeks musthave known at once what Salamis or Platæa meant to them. The hosts ofthe world's greatest military empire were turned back, and he had allthe certainty of conviction that they would be driven farther on thenext day. 

The little band of prisoners who walked while their Prussian captorsrode, were animated by feelings like those of John. It was the capturedwho exulted and the captors who were depressed, though neither expressedit in words, and the twilight was too deep now for faces to show eitherjoy or sorrow. 

John and Fleury walked side by side. They were near the same age. Fleurywas an Alpinist from the high mountain region of Savoy and he hadarrived so recently in the main theater of conflict that he knew littleof what had been passing. He and John talked in whispers and they spokeencouraging words to each other. Fleury listened in wonder to John'saccount of his flights with Lannes. 

"It is marvelous to have looked down upon a battle a hundred mileslong, " he said. "Have you any idea where these Uhlans intend to takeus?"

"I haven't. Doubtless they don't know themselves. The night is here now, and I imagine they'll stop somewhere soon. "

The twilight died in the west as well as the east, and darkness cameover the field of gigantic strife. But the earth continued to quiverwith the thunder of artillery, and John felt the waves of air pulsing inhis ears. Now and then searchlights burned in a white blaze across thehills. Fields, trees and houses would stand out for a moment, and thenbe gone absolutely. 

John's vivid imagination turned the whole into a storm at night. Theartillery was the thunder and the flare of the searchlights was thelightning. His mind created, for a little while, the illusion that thecombat had passed out of the hands of man and that nature was at work. He and Fleury ceased to talk and he walked on, thinking little of hisdestination. He had no sense of weariness, nor of any physical need atall. 

Von Arnheim rode up by his side and said:

"You'll not have to walk much further, Mr. Scott. A camp of ours is justbeyond a brook, not more than a few hundred yards away, and theprisoners will stay there for the night. I'm sorry to find you amongthe French fighting against us. We Germans expected American sympathy. There is so much German blood in the United States. "

"But, as I told Captain von Boehlen, we're a republic, and we'redemocrats. In many of the big ideas there's a gulf between us andGermany so wide that it can never be bridged. This war has made clearthe enormous difference. "

Von Arnheim sighed. 

"And yet, as a people, we like each other personally, " he said. 

"That's so, but as nations we diverge absolutely. "

"Perhaps, I can't dispute it. But here is our camp. You'll be treatedwell. We Germans are not barbarians, as our enemies allege. "

John saw fires burning in an ancient wood, through which a clear brookran. The ground was carpeted with bodies, which at first he thought werethose of dead men. But they were merely sleepers. German troops inthousands had dropped in their tracks. It was scarcely sleep, butsomething deeper, a stupor of exhaustion so utter, both mental andphysical, that it was like the effect of anesthesia. They lay in everyimaginable position, and they stretched away through the forest inscores of thousands. 

John and Fleury saw their own place at once. Several hundred men inFrench uniforms were lying or sitting on the ground in a great groupnear the forest. A few slept, but the others, as well as John could seeby the light of the fires, were wide awake. 

The sight of the brook gave John a burning thirst, and making a sign tothe German guard, who nodded, he knelt and drank. He did not carewhether the water was pure or not, most likely it was not, with armiestreading their way across it, but as it cut through the dust and grimeof his mouth and throat he felt as if a new and more vigorous life wereflowing into his veins. After drinking once, twice, and thrice, he satdown on the bank with Fleury, but in a minute or two young von Arnheimcame for him. 

"Our commander wishes to talk with you, " he said. 

"I'm honored, " said John, "but conversation is not one of my strongpoints. "

"The general will make the conversation, " said von Arnheim, smiling. "Itwill be your duty, as he sees it, to answer questions. "

John's liking for von Arnheim grew. He had seldom seen a finer youngman. He was frank and open in manner, and bright blue eyes shone in aface that bore every sign of honesty. Official enemies he and vonArnheim were, but real enemies they never could be. 

He divined that he would be subjected to a cross-examination, but he hadno objection. Moreover, he wanted to see a German general of highdegree. Von Arnheim led the way through the woods to a little glade, inwhich about a dozen officers stood. One of them, the oldest man present, who was obviously in command, stood nearest the fire, holding his helmetin his hand. 

The general was past sixty, of medium height, but extremely broad andmuscular. His head, bald save for a fringe of white hair, had beenreddened by the sun, and his face, with its deep heavy lines and hiscorded neck, was red, too. He showed age but not weakness. His eyes, small, red and uncommonly keen, gazed from under a white bushy thatch. He looked like a fierce old dragon to John. 

"The American prisoner, sir, " said von Arnheim in English to thegeneral. 

The old man concentrated the stare of his small red eyes upon John formany long seconds. The young American felt the weight and power of thatgaze. He knew too instinctively that the man before him was a greatfighter, a true representative of the German military caste and system. He longed to turn his own eyes away, but he resolutely held them steady. He would not be looked down, not even by an old Prussian general to whomthe fate of a hundred thousand was nothing. 

"Very well, Your Highness, you may stand aside, " said the general in adeep harsh voice. 

Out of the corner of his eye John saw that the man who stood aside wasvon Arnheim. "Your Highness!" Then this young lieutenant must be aprince. If so, some princes were likable. Wharton and Carstairs and hehad outwitted a prince once, but it could not be von Arnheim. He turnedhis full gaze back to the general, who continued in his deep gruffvoice, speaking perfect English:

"I understand that you are an American and your name is John Scott. "

"And duly enrolled and uniformed in the French service, " said John, "You can't shoot me as a _franc tireur_. "

"We could shoot you for anything, if we wished, but such is not ourpurpose. I have heard from a captain of Uhlans, Rudolf von Boehlen, amost able and valuable officer, that you are brave and alert. "

"I thank Captain von Boehlen for his compliment. I did not expect itfrom him. "

"Ah, he bears you no malice. We Germans are large enough to admire skilland courage in others. He has spoken of the affair of the wireless. Itcost us much, but it belongs to the past. We will achieve what we wish. "

John was silent. He believed that these preliminaries on the part of theold general were intended to create an atmosphere, a belief in his mindthat German power was invincible. 

"We have withdrawn a portion of our force today, " continued the general, "in order to rectify our line. Our army had advanced too far. Tomorrowwe resume our march on Paris. "

John felt that it was an extraordinary statement for an old man, one ofsuch high rank, the commander of perhaps a quarter of a millionsoldiers, to be making to him, a young American, but he held his peace, awaiting what lay behind it all. 

"Now you are a captive, " continued the general, "you will be sent to aprison, and you will be held there until the end of the war. You willnecessarily suffer much. We cannot help it. Yet you might be sent toyour own country. Americans and Germans are not enemies. I know fromCaptain von Boehlen who took you that you have been in an aeroplane witha Frenchman. Some account of what you saw from space might help yourdeparture for America. "

And so that was it! Now the prisoner's eye steadily confronted that ofthe old general. 

"Your Highness, " he said, as he thought that the old man might be aprince as well as a general, "you have read the history of the greatcivil war in my country, have you not?"

"It was a part of my military duty to study it. It was a long anddesperate struggle with many great battles, but what has it to do withthe present?"

"Did you ever hear of any traitor on either side, North or South, inthat struggle?"

The deep red veins in the old general's face stood out, but he gave noother sign. 

"You prefer, then, " he said, "to become a charge upon our Germanhospitality. But I can say that your refusal will not make terms harderfor you. Lieutenant von Arnheim, take him back to the other prisoners. "

"Thank you, sir, " said John, and he gave the military salute. He couldunderstand the old man's point of view, rough and gruff though he was, and he was not lacking in a certain respect for him. The generalpunctiliously returned the salute. 

"You've made a good impression, " said von Arnheim, as they walked awaytogether. 

"I gather, " said John, "from a reference by the general, that you're aprince. "

Von Arnheim looked embarrassed. 

"In a way I am, " he admitted, "but ours is a mediatized house. Perhapsit doesn't count for much. Still, if it hadn't been for this war I mighthave gone to your country and married an heiress. "

His eyes were twinkling. Here, John thought was a fine fellow beyondquestion. 

"Perhaps you can come after the war and marry one, " he said. "PersonallyI hope you'll have the chance. "

"Thanks, " said von Arnheim, a bit wistfully, "but I'm afraid now it willbe a long time, if ever. I need not seek to conceal from you that wewere turned back today. You know it already. "

"Yes, I know it, " said John, speaking without any trace of exultation, "and I'm willing to tell you that it was one of the results I saw fromthe aeroplane. Can I ask what you intend to do with the prisoners youhave here, including myself?"

"I do not know. You are to sleep where you are tonight. Your bed, theearth, will be as good as ours, and perhaps in the morning we'll find ananswer to your question. "

Von Arnheim bade him a pleasant good night and turned to dutieselsewhere. John watched him as he strode away, a fine, straight youngfigure. He had found him a most likable man, and he was bound to admitthat there was much in the German character to admire. But for thepresent it was--in his view--a Germany misled. 

The prisoners numbered perhaps six hundred, and at least half of themwere wounded. John soon learned that the hurt usually suffered instoical silence. It was so in the great American civil war, and it wastrue now in the great European war. 

Rough food was brought to them by German guards, and those who were abledrank at the brook. Water was served to the severely wounded by theircomrades in tin cups given to them by the Germans, and then all but afew lay on the grass and sought sleep. 

John and his new friend, Fleury, were among those who yet sat up andlistened to the sounds of battle still in progress, although it was farin the night. It was an average night of late summer or early autumn, cool, fairly bright, and with but little wind. But the dull, moaningsound made by the distant cannonade came from both sides of them, andthe earth yet quivered, though but faintly. Now and then, thesearchlights gleamed against the background of darkness, but John feltthat the combat must soon stop, at least until the next day. The Germanarmy in which he was a prisoner had ceased already, but other Germanarmies along the vast line fought on, failing day, by the light whichman himself had devised. 

Fleury was intelligent and educated. Although it was bitter to him to bea prisoner at such a time, he had some comprehension of what hadoccurred, and he knew that John had been in a position to see far morethan he. He asked the young American many questions about his flight inthe air, and about Philip Lannes, of whom he had heard. 

"It was wonderful, " he said, "to look down on a battle a hundred mileslong. "

"We didn't see all of it, " said John, "but we saw it in many places, andwe don't know that it was a hundred miles long, but it must have beenthat or near it. "

"And the greatest day for France in her history! What mightycalculations must have been made and what tremendous marchings andcombats must have been carried out to achieve such a result. "

"One of the decisive battles of history, like Platæa, or the Metaurus orGettysburg. There go the Uhlans with Captain von Boehlen at their head. Now I wonder what they mean to do!"

A thousand men, splendidly mounted and armed, rode through the forest. The moonlight fell on von Boehlen's face and showed it set and grim. John felt that he was bound to recognize in him a stern and resoluteman, carrying out his own conceptions of duty. Nor had von Boehlen beendiscourteous to him, although he might have felt cause for muchresentment. The Prussian glanced at him as he passed, but said nothing. Soon he and his horsemen passed out of sight in the dusk. 

John, wondering how late it might be, suddenly remembered that he had awatch and found it was eleven o'clock. 

"An hour of midnight, " he said to Fleury. 

Most all the French stretched upon the ground were now in deep slumber, wounded and unwounded alike. The sounds of cannon fire were sinkingaway, but they did not die wholly. The faint thunder of the distantguns never ceased to come. But the campfire, where he knew the Germangenerals slept or planned, went out, and darkness trailed its lengthover all this land which by night had become a wilderness. 

John was able to trace dimly the sleeping figures of Germans in thedusk, sunk down upon the ground and buried in the sleep or stupor ofexhaustion. As they lay near him so they lay in the same way in hundredsof thousands along the vast line. Men and horses, strained to their lastnerve and muscle, were too tired to move. It seemed as if more than amillion men lay dead in the fields and woods of Northeastern France. 

John, who had been wide awake, suddenly dropped on the ground where theothers were stretched. He collapsed all in a moment, as if every drop ofblood had been drained suddenly from his body. Keyed high throughout theday, his whole system now gave way before the accumulated impact ofevents so tremendous. The silence save for the distant moaning thatsucceeded the roar of a million men or more in battle was like apowerful drug, and he slept like one dead, never moving hand or foot. 

He was roused shortly before morning by some one who shook him gentlybut persistently, and at last he sat up, looking around in the dim lightfor the person who had dragged him back from peace to a battle-madworld. He saw an unkempt, bearded man in a French uniform, one sleevestained with blood, and he recognized Weber, the Alsatian. 

"Why, Weber!" he exclaimed, "they've got you, too! This is bad! Theymay consider you, an Alsatian, a traitor, and execute you at once!"

Weber smiled in rather melancholy fashion, and said in a low tone:

"It's bad enough to be captured, but I won't be shot Nobody here knowsthat I'm an Alsatian, and consequently they will think I'm a Frenchman. If you call me anything, call me Fernand, which is my first name, butwhich they will take for the last. "

"All right, Fernand. I'll practice on it now, so I'll make no slip. Howdid you happen to be taken?"

"I was in a motor car, a part of a train of about a hundred cars. Therewere seven in it besides myself. We were ordered to cross a field andjoin a line of advancing infantry. When we were in the middle of thefield a masked German battery of rapid-firers opened on us at shortrange. It was an awful experience, like a stroke of lightning, and Idon't think that more than a dozen of us escaped with our lives. I waswounded in the arm and taken before I could get out of the field. I wasbrought here with some other prisoners and I have been sleeping on theground just beyond that hillock. I awoke early, and, walking the littledistance our guards allow, I happened to recognize your figure lyinghere. I was sorry and yet glad to see you, sorry that you were aprisoner, and glad to find at least one whom I knew, a friend. "

John gave Weber's hand a strong grasp. 

"I can say the same about you, " he said warmly. "We're both prisoners, but yesterday was a magnificent day for France and democracy. "

"It was, and now it's to be seen what today will be. "

"I hope and believe it will be no less magnificent. "

"I learned that you were taken just after you alighted from anaeroplane, and that a man with you escaped in the plane. At least, Ipresume it was you, as I heard the Germans talking of such a person andI knew of your great friendship for Philip Lannes. Lannes, of course wasthe one who escaped. "

"A good surmise, Fernand. It was no less a man than he. "

Weber's eyes sparkled. 

"I was sure of it, " he said. "A wonderful fellow, that Lannes, perhapsthe most skillful and important bearer of dispatches that France has. But he will not forget you, Mr. Scott. He knows, of course, where youwere taken, and doubtless from points high in the air he has traced thecourse of this German army. He will find time to come for you. He willsurely do so. He has a feeling for you like that of a brother, and hisskill in the air gives him a wonderful advantage. In all the history ofthe world there have never before been any scouts like the aeroplanes. "

"That's true, and that, I think, is their chief use. "

Impulse made John look up. The skies were fast beginning to brightenwith the first light in the east, and large objects would be visiblethere. But he saw nothing against the blue save two or three captiveballoons which floated not far above the trees inside the German lines. He longed for a sight of the _Arrow_. He believed that he would know itsshape even high in the heavens, but they were speckless. 

The Alsatian, whose eyes followed his, shook his head. 

"He is not there, Mr. Scott, " he said, "and you will not see him today, but I have a conviction that he will come, by night doubtless. "

John lowered his eyes and his feeling of disappointment passed. It hadbeen foolish of him to hope so soon, but it was only a momentaryimpulse, Lannes could not seek him now, and even if he were to comethere would be no chance of rescue until circumstances changed. 

"Doubtless you and he were embarked on a long errand when you weretaken, " said Weber. 

"We were carrying a message to the commander of one of the Frencharmies, but I don't know the name of the commander, I don't know whicharmy it is, and I don't know where it is. "

Weber laughed. 

"But Lannes knew all of those things, " he said. "Oh, he's a close one!He wouldn't trust such secrets not even to his brother-in-arms. "

"Nor should he do so. I'd rather he'd never tell them to me unless hethought it necessary. "

"I agree with you exactly, Mr. Scott. Hark! Did you hear it? The battleswells afresh, and it's not yet full day!"

The roaring had not ceased, but out of the west rose a sound, louderyet, deep, rolling and heavy with menace. It was the discharge of agreat gun and it came from a point several miles away. 

"We don't know who fired that, " said Weber, "It may be French, Englishor German, but it's my opinion that we'll hear its like in our forestall day long, just as we did yesterday. However, it shall not keep mefrom bathing my face in this brook. "

"Nor me either, " said John. 

The cold water refreshed and invigorated him, and as he stooped over thebrook, he heard other cannon. They seemed to him fairly to spring intoaction, and, in a few moments, the whole earth was roaring again withthe huge volume of their fire. 

Other prisoners, wounded and unwounded, awakened by the cannon, strolleddown to the brook and dipped into its waters. 

"I'd better slip back to my place beyond the hillock, " said Weber. "We're in two lots, we prisoners, and I belong in the other lot. I don'tthink our guards have noticed our presence here, and it will be saferfor me to return. But it's likely that we'll all be gathered into onebody soon, and I'll help you watch for Lannes. "

"I'll be glad of your help, " said John sincerely. "We must escape. Inall the confusion of so huge a battle there ought to be a chance. "

Weber slipped away in the crowd now hurrying down to the stream, and ina few moments John was joined by Fleury, whose attention was centered onthe sounds of the distant battle. He deemed it best to say nothing tohim of Weber, who did not wish to be known as an Alsatian. Fleury'sheavy sleep had made him strong and fresh again, but he was in a fury athis helplessness. 

"To think of our being tied here at such a time, " he said. "France andEngland are pushing the battle again! I know it, and we're helpless, mere prisoners!"

"Still, " said John, "while we can't fight we may see things worthseeing. Perhaps it's not altogether our loss to be inside the Germanarmy on such a day. "

Fleury could not reconcile himself to such a view, but he sought to makethe best of it, and he was cheered, too, by the vast increase in thevolume of the cannon fire. Before the full day had crossed from east towest the great guns were thundering again along the long battle line. But in their immediate vicinity there was no action. All the Germantroops here seemed to be resting on their arms. No Uhlans were visibleand John judged that the detachment under von Boehlen, having gone forthchiefly for scouting purposes, had not yet returned. 

They received bread, sausage and coffee for breakfast from one of thehuge kitchen automobiles, and nearly all ate with a good appetite. TheirGerman captors did not treat them badly, but John, watching bothofficers and men, did not see any elation. He had no doubt that theofficers were stunned by the terrible surprise of the day before, and asfor the men, they would know nothing. He had seen early that the Germanswere splendid troops, disciplined, brave and ingenious, but the habit ofblind obedience would blind them also to the fact that fortune hadturned her face away from them. 

He wished that his friend von Arnheim--friend he regarded him--wouldappear and tell him something about the battle, but his wish did notcome true for an hour and meanwhile the whole heavens resounded with theroar of the battle, while distant flashes from the guns could be seen oneither flank. 

The young German, glasses in hand, evidently seeking a good view, walkedto the crest of the hillock behind which Weber had disappeared. Johnpresumed enough on their brief friendship to call to him. 

"Do you see anything of interest?" he asked. 

Von Arnheim nodded quickly. 

"I see the distant fringe of a battle, " he replied amiably, "but it'stoo early in the morning for me to pass my judgment upon it. "

"Nevertheless you can look for a day of most desperate struggle!"

Von Arnheim nodded very gravely. 

"Men by tens of thousands will fall before night, " he said. 

As if to confirm his words, the roar of the battle took a sudden andmighty increase, like a convulsion. 

CHAPTER VII

THE TWO PRINCES

John sat with the other prisoners for more than two hours listening tothe thunder of the great battle or rather series of battles which wereafterwards classified under the general head the Battle of the Marne. Hewas not a soldier, merely a civilian serving as a soldier, but he hadlearned already to interpret many of the signs of combat. There was anatmospheric feeling that registered on a sensitive mind the differencebetween victory and defeat, and he was firm in the belief that asyesterday had gone today was going. Certainly this great German armywhich he believed to be in the center was not advancing, and somethingof a character most menacing was happening to the wings of the Germanforce. He read it in the serious, preoccupied faces of the officers whopassed near. There was not a smile on the face of the youngest of themall, but deepest anxiety was written alike on young and old. 

John and Fleury sat together at the edge of the brook, and for a whileforgot their chagrin at not being on the battle line. The battle itselfwhich they could not see, but which they could hear, absorbed them sothoroughly that they had no time to think of regrets. 

John had thought that man's violence, his energy in destruction on thefirst day could not be equalled, but it seemed to him now that thesecond day surpassed the first. The cannon fire was distant, yet thewaves of air beat heavily upon them, and the earth shook withoutceasing. Wisps of smoke floated toward them and the air was taintedagain with the acrid smell of burned gunpowder. 

"You're a mountaineer, Fleury, you told me, " said Scott, "and you shouldbe able to judge how sound travels through gorges. I suppose you yodel, of course?"

"Yodel, what's that?"

"To make a long singing cry on a peak which is supposed to reach tosomebody on another peak who sends back the same kind of a singing cry. We have a general impression in America that European mountaineers don'tdo much but stand in fancy costumes on crests and ridges and yodel toone another. "

"It may have been so once, " said the young Savoyard, "but this is a badyear for yodeling. The voice of the cannon carries so far that the voiceof man doesn't amount to much. But what sound did you want me tointerpret?"

"That of the cannon. Does its volume move eastward or westward? I shouldthink it's much like your mountain storms and you know how they travelamong the ridges. "

"The comparison is just, but I can't yet tell any shifting of theartillery fire. The wind brings the sound toward us, and if there's anygreat advance or retreat I should be able to detect it. I should saythat as far as the second day is concerned nothing decisive has happenedyet. "

"Do you know this country?"

"A little. My regiment marched through here about three weeks ago and wemade two camps not far from this spot. This is the wood of Sénouart, andthe brook here runs down to the river Marne. "

"And we're not far from that river. Then we've pressed back the Germansfarther than I thought. It's strange that the German army here does notmove. "

"It's waiting, and I fancy it doesn't know what to do. I've an idea thatour victory yesterday was greater than the French and British haverealized, but which the Germans, of course, understand. Why do theyleave us here, almost neglected, and why do their officers walk about, looking so doubtful and anxious? I've heard that the Germans wereapproaching Paris with five armies. It may be that we've cut off atleast one of those armies and that it's in mortal danger. "

"It may be so. But have you thought, Fleury, of the extraordinarydifference between this morning and yesterday morning?"

"I have. In conditions they're worlds apart. Hark! Listen now, Scott, myfriend!"

He lay on the grass and put his ear to the ground, just as John hadoften done. Listening intently for at least two minutes, he announcedwith conviction that the cannonade was moving eastward. 

"Which means that the Germans are withdrawing again?" said John. 

"Undoubtedly, " said Fleury, his face glowing. 

They listened a quarter of an hour longer, and John himself was thenable to tell that the battle line was shifting. The Germans elsewheremust have fallen back several miles, but the army about him did not yetmove. He caught a glimpse of the burly general walking back and forth inthe forest, his hands clasped behind him, and a frown on his broad, fighting face. He would walk occasionally to a little telephone station, improvised under the trees--John could see the wires stretching awaythrough the forest--and listen long and attentively. But when he putdown the receiver the same moody look was invariably on his face, andJohn was convinced as much by his expression as by the sound of the gunsthat affairs were not going well with the Germans. 

Another long hour passed and the sun moved on toward noon, but a Germanarmy of perhaps a quarter of a million men lay idle in the forest ofSénouart, as John now called the whole region. 

Presently the general walked down the line and John lost sight of him. But Weber reappeared, coming from the other side of the hillock, andJohn was glad to see him, since Fleury had gone back to attend to awounded friend. 

"There doesn't seem to be as much action here as I expected, " saidWeber, cheerfully, sitting down on the grass beside young Scott. 

"But they're shaking the world there! and there!" said John, nodding toright and to left. 

"So they are. This is a most extraordinary reversal, Mr. Scott, and Ican't conceive how it was brought about. Some mysterious mind has madeand carried through a plan that was superbly Napoleonic. I'd give muchto know how it was done. "

John shook his head. 

"I know nothing of it, " he said. 

"But doubtless your friend Lannes does. What a wonderful thing it is tocarry through the heavens the dispatches which may move forward amillion armed men. "

"I don't know anything about Lannes' dispatches. "

"Nor do I, but I can make a close guess, just as you can. He's surelyhovering over the battle field today, and as I said last night hecertainly has some idea where you are, and sooner or later will come foryou. "

John looked up, but again the heavens were bare and clear. Then helooked down and saw walking near them a heavy, middle-aged, bearded manto whom all the German officers paid great deference. The man's mannerwas haughty and overbearing, and John understood at once that in themonarchical sense he was a personage. 

"Do you know the big fellow there?" he said to Weber. "Have you heardanyone speak of him?"

"I saw him this morning, and one of the guards told us who he is. Thatis Prince Karl of Auersperg. The house of Auersperg is one of theoldest in Germany, much older than the Emperor's family, theHohenzollerns. I don't suppose the world contains any royal blood moreancient than that of Prince Karl. "

"Evidently he feels that it's so. I'm getting used to princes, but ourheavy friend there must be something of a specialist in the princelyline. I should judge from his manner that he is not only the oldest manon earth, speaking in terms of blood, but the owner of the earth aswell. "

"The Auerspergs have an immense pride. "

"I can see it, but a lot of pride fell before Paris yesterday, and a lotmore is falling among these hills and forests today. There seems to be alot of difference between princes, the Arnheims and the Auerspergs, forinstance. "

Then a sudden thought struck John. It had the vaguest sort of basis, butit came home to him with all the power of conviction. 

"I wonder if Prince Karl of Auersperg once owned a magnificent armoredautomobile, " he said. 

Weber looked puzzled, and then his eyes lightened. 

"Ah, I know what you mean!" he exclaimed. "The one in which we took thatflight with Carstairs the Englishman and Wharton the American. Itbelonged to a prince, without doubt, yes. But no, it couldn't have beenPrince Karl of Auersperg who owned the machine. "

"I'm not so sure. I've an intuition that it is he. Besides, he lookslike just the kind of prince from whom I'd like to take his bestautomobile, also everything else good that he might happen to have. Ishall feel much disappointed if this proves not to be our prince. "

"You Americans are such democrats. "

"I don't go so far as to say a man is necessarily bad because of hishigh rank, but as I reminded you a little while ago, there are princesand princes. The ancient house of Auersperg as it walks up and down, indicating its conviction of its own superiority to everything else onearth, does not please me. "

"The Uhlans are coming back!" exclaimed Weber in tones of excitement. 

"And that's von Boehlen at their head! I'd know his figure as far as Icould see it! And they've had a brush, too! Look at the empty saddlesand the wounded men! As sure as we live they've run into the Frenchcavalry and then they've run out again!"

The Uhlans were returning at a gallop, and the German officers of highrank were crowding forward to meet them. It was obvious to every onethat they had received a terrible handling, but John knew that vonBoehlen was not a man to come at a panicky gallop. Some powerful motivemust send him so fast. 

He saw the Prussian captain spring from his horse and rush to a littlegroup composed of the general, the prince and several others of highrank who had drawn closely together at his coming. 

Von Boehlen was wounded slightly, but he stood erect as he saluted thecommander and talked with him briefly and rapidly. John's busy andimaginative mind was at work at once with surmises, and he settled uponone which he was sure must be the truth. The French advance in thecenter was coming, and this German army also must soon go into action. 

He was confirmed in his belief by a hurried order to the guards to goeastward with the prisoners. As the captives, the wounded and theunwounded, marched off through the forest of Sénouart they heard at adistance, but behind them, the opening of a huge artillery fire. It wasso tremendous that they could feel the shaking of the earth as theywalked, and despite the hurrying of their guards they stopped at thecrest of a low ridge to look back. 

They gazed across a wide valley toward high green hills, along whichthey saw rapid and many flashes. John longed now for the glasses whichhad been taken from him when he was captured, but he was quite sure thatthe flashes were made by French guns. From a point perhaps a mile infront of the prisoners masked German batteries were replying. Fleurywith his extraordinary power of judging sound was able to locate theseguns with some degree of approximation. 

"Look! the aeroplanes!" said John, pointing toward the hills which henow called to himself the French line. 

Numerous dark shapes, forty or fifty at least, appeared in the sky andhovered over the western edge of the wide, shallow basin. John was surethat they were the French scouts of the blue, appearing almost in linelike troops on the ground, and his heart gave a great throb. No doubtcould be left now, that this German army was being attacked in forceand with the greatest violence. It followed then that the entire Germanline was being assailed, and that the French victory was continuing itsadvance. The Republic had rallied grandly and was hurling back theEmpire in the most magnificent manner. 

All those emotions of joy and exultation that he had felt the day beforereturned with increased force. In daily contact he liked Germans as wellas Frenchmen, but he thought that no punishment could ever be adequatefor the gigantic crimes of kings. Napoleon himself had been the championof democracy and freedom, until he became an emperor and his headswelled so much with success that he thought of God and himselftogether, just as the Kaiser was now thinking. It was a curiousinversion that the French who were fighting then to dominate Europe werefighting now to prevent such a domination. But it was now a great Frenchrepublican nation remade and reinvigorated, as any one could see. 

The guards hurried them on again. Another mile and they stopped oncemore on the crest of a low hill, where it seemed that they would remainsome time, as the Germans were too busy with a vast battle to think muchabout a few prisoners. It was evident that the whole army was engaged. The old general, the other generals, the princes and perhaps dukes andbarons too, were in the thick of it. John's heart was filled with anintense hatred of the very name of royalty. Kings and princes could begood men personally, but as he saw its work upon the huge battle fieldsof Europe he felt that the institution itself was the curse of theearth. 

"We shall win again today, " said Fleury, rousing him from hisabsorption. "Look across the fields, Scott, my friend, and see how thosegreat masses of infantry charging our army have been repulsed. "

It was a far look, and at the distance the German brigades seemed to beblended together, but the great gray mass was coming back slowly. Heforgot all about himself and his own fate in his desire to see every actof the gigantic drama as it passed before him. He took no thought ofescape at present, nor did Fleury, who stood beside him. The fire of theguns great and small had now blended into the usual steady thunder, beneath which human voices could be heard. 

"We don't have the forty-two centimeters, nor the great siege guns, "said Fleury, "but the French field artillery is the best in the world. It's undoubtedly holding back the German hosts and covering the Frenchadvance. "

"That's my opinion, too, " said John. "I saw its wonderful work in theretreat toward Paris. I think it saved the early French armies fromdestruction. "

The German army was made of stern material. Having planted its feet hereit refused to be driven back. Its cannon was a line of flamingvolcanoes, its cavalry charged again and again into the face of death, and its infantry perished in masses, but the stern old general sparednothing. Passing up and down the lines, listening at the telephone andreceiving the reports of air scouts and land scouts, he always hurledin fresh troops at the critical points and Fritz and Karl and Wilhelmand August, sober and honest men, went forward willingly, sometimessinging and sometimes in silence, to die for a false and outworn system. John as a prisoner had a better view than he would have had if with theFrench army. In a country open now he could see a full mile to right andleft, where the German hosts marched again and again to attack, andwhile the French troops were too far away for his eyes he beheld thecontinuous flare of their fire, like a broad red ribbon across the wholewestern horizon. 

The passing of time was nothing to him. He forgot all about it in hisabsorption. But the sun climbed on, afternoon came, and still the battleat this point raged, the French unable to drive the Germans farther andthe Germans unable to stop the French attacks. John roused himself andendeavored to dissociate the thunder on their flanks from that in front, and, after long listening, he was able to make the separation, or atleast he thought so. He knew now that the struggle there was no lessfierce than the one before him. 

The Kaiser himself must be present with one or the other of thesearmies, and a man who had talked for more than twenty years of hisdivine right, his shining armor, his invincible sword and his mailedfist must be raging with the bitterness of death to find that he wasonly a mortal like other mortals, and that simple French republicanswere defeating the War Lord, his Grand Army and the host of kings, princes, dukes, barons, high-born, very high-born, and all the otherrelics of medievalism. Dipped to the heel and beyond in the fountain ofdemocracy, John could not keep from feeling a fierce joy as he saw withhis own eyes the Germans fighting in the utmost desperation, not to takeParis and destroy France, but to save themselves from destruction. 

The afternoon, slow and bright, save for the battle, dragged on. Scottand Fleury kept together. Weber appeared once more and spoke ratherdespondently. He believed that the Germans would hold fast, and mighteven resume the offensive toward Paris again, but Fleury shook his head. 

"Today is like yesterday, " he said. 

"How can you tell?" asked Weber. 

"Because the fire on both flanks is slowly moving eastward, that is, theGermans there are yielding ground. My ears, trained to note such things, tell me so. My friend, I am not mistaken. "

He spoke gravely, without exultation, but John took fresh hope from hiswords. Toward night the fire in their front died somewhat, and aftersunset it sank lower, but they still heard a prodigious volume of firingon both flanks. John remembered then that they had eaten nothing sincemorning, but when some of the prisoners who spoke German requested foodit was served to them. 

Night came over what seemed to be a drawn battle at this point, andafter eating his brief supper John saw the automobiles and stretchersbringing in the wounded. They passed him in thousands and thousands, hurt in every conceivable manner. At first he could scarcely bear tolook at them, but it was astonishing how soon one hardened to suchsights. 

The wounded were being carried to improvised hospitals in the rear, butso far as John knew the dead were left on the field. The Germans withtheir usual thorough system worked rapidly and smoothly, but he noticedthat the fires were but very few. There was but little light in the woodof Sénouart or the hills beyond, and there was little, too, on theridges that marked the French position. 

John kept near the edges of the space allotted to the prisoners, hopingthat he might again see von Arnheim. He had discovered early that theGermans were unusually kind to Americans, and the fact that he had beentaken fighting against them did not prevent them from showing generoustreatment. The officer in charge of the guard even wanted to talk to himabout the war and prove to him how jealousy had caused the other nationsto set upon Germany. But John evaded him and continued to look for theyoung prince who was serving as a mere lieutenant. 

It was about an hour after dark when he caught his first glimpse of vonArnheim, and he was really glad to see that he was not wounded. 

"I've come to tell you, Mr. Scott, " said von Arnheim, "that all of youmust march at once. You will cross the Marne, and then pass as prisonersinto Germany. You will be well treated there and I think you canprobably secure your release on condition that you return to your owncountry and take no further part in the war. "

John shook his head. 

"I don't expect any harshness from the Germans, " he said, "but I'm inthis war to stay, if the bullets and shells will let me. I warn you nowthat I'm going to escape. "

Von Arnheim laughed pleasantly. 

"It's fair of you to give us warning of your intentions, " he said, "butI don't think you'll have much chance. You must get ready to start atonce. "

"I take it, " said John, "that our departure means the departure of theGerman army also. "

Von Arnheim opened his mouth to speak, but he closed it again suddenly. 

"It's only a deduction of mine, " said John. 

Von Arnheim nodded in farewell and hurried away. 

"Now I'm sure, " said John to Fleury a few minutes later, "that this armyis going to withdraw. "

"I think so too, " said Fleury. "I can yet hear the fire of the cannon oneither flank and it has certainly moved to the east. In my opinion, myfriend, both German wings have been defeated, and this central army iscompelled to fall back because it's left without supports. But we'llsoon see. They can't hide from us the evidences of retreat. "

The prisoners now marched in a long file in the moonlight across thefields, and John soon recognized the proof that Fleury was right. TheGerman army was retreating. There were innumerable dull, rumblingsounds, made by the cannon and motors of all kinds passing along theroads, and at times also he heard the heavy tramp of scores ofthousands marching in a direction that did not lead to Paris. 

John began to think now of Lannes. Would he come? Was Weber right whenhe credited to him a knowledge near to omniscience? How was it possiblefor him to pick out a friend in all that huge morass of battle! And yethe had a wonderful, almost an unreasoning faith in Philip, and, asalways when he thought of him, he looked up at the heavens. 

It was an average night, one in which large objects should be visible inthe skies, and he saw several aeroplanes almost over their heads, whilethe rattle of a dirigible came from a point further toward the east. 

The aeroplane was bound to be German, but as John looked he saw a sleekshape darting high over them all and flying eastward. Intuition, orperhaps it was something in the motion and shape of the machine, madehim believe it was the _Arrow_. It must be the _Arrow_! And Lannes mustbe in it! High over the army and high over the German planes it dartedforward like a swallow and disappeared in a cloud of white mist. Hishair lifted a little, and a thrill ran down his spine. 

He still looked up as he walked along, and there was the sleek shapeagain! It had come back out of the white mist, and was circling over theGerman planes, flying with the speed and certainty of an eagle. He sawthree of the German machines whirl about and begin to mount as if theywould examine the stranger. But the solitary plane began to rise againin a series of dazzling circles. Up, up it went, as if it wouldpenetrate the last and thinnest layer of air, until it reached the darkand empty void beyond. 

The _Arrow_--he was sure it could be no other--was quickly lost in theinfinite heights, and then the German planes were lost, too, but theysoon came back, although the _Arrow_ did not. It had probably returnedto some point over the French line or had gone eastward beyond theGermans. 

John felt that he had again seen a sign. He remembered how he and Lanneshad drawn hope from omens when they were looking at the Arc de Triomphe, and a similar hope sprang up now. Weber was right! Lannes would come tohis rescue. Some thought or impulse yet unknown would guide him. 

Light clouds now drifted up from the southwest, and all the aeroplaneswere hidden, but the heavy murmur of the marching army went on. Thepuffing and clashing of innumerable automobiles came from the roadsalso, though John soon ceased to pay attention to them. As the hourspassed, he felt an increased weariness. He had sat still almost thewhole day, but the strain of the watching and waiting had been as greatas that of the walking now was. He wondered if the guards would ever letthem stop. 

They waded another brook, passed through another wood and then they wereordered to halt. The guards announced that they could sleep, as theywould go no farther that night. The men did not lie down. They fell, andeach lay where he fell, and in whatever position he had assumed whenfalling. 

John was conscious of hearing the order, of striking the grass fulllength, and he knew nothing more until the next morning when he wasaroused by Fleury. He saw a whitish dawn with much mist floating overthe fields, and he believed that a large river, probably the Marne, mustbe near. 

As far as he could see the ground was covered with German soldiers. Theytoo had dropped at the command to stop, and had gone to sleep as theywere falling. The majority of them still slept. 

"What is it, Fleury? Why did you wake me up?" asked John. 

"The river Marne is close by, and I'm sure that the Germans are going toretreat across it. I had an idea that possibly we might escape whilethere's so much mist. They can't watch us very closely while they haveso much else to do, and doubtless they would care but little if some ofus did escape. "

"We'll certainly look for the chance. Can you see any sign of the Frenchpursuit?"

"Not yet, but our people will surely follow. They're still at it alreadyon the flanks!"

The distant thunder of cannon came from both right and left. 

"A third day of fighting is at hand, " said Fleury. 

"And it will be followed by a fourth. "

"And a fifth. "

"But we shall continue to drive the enemy away. "

Both spoke with the utmost confidence. Having seen their armiesvictorious for two days they had no doubt they would win again. All thatmorning they listened to the sounds of combat, although they saw muchless than on the day before. The prisoners were in a little wood, wherethey lay down at times, and then, restless and anxious, would stand ontiptoe again, seeking to see at least a corner of the battle. 

John and Fleury were standing near noon at the edge of the wood, when asmall body of Uhlans halted close by. Being not more than fifty innumber, John judged that they were scouts, and the foaming mouths oftheir horses showing that they had been ridden hard, confirmed him inthe opinion. They were only fifty or sixty yards from him, and althoughthey were motionless for some time, their eager faces showed that theywere waiting for some movement. 

It was pure chance, but John happened to be looking at a rather largeman who sat his horse easily, his gloved hand resting on his thigh. Hesaw distinctly that his face was very ruddy and covered with beads ofperspiration. Then man and horse together fell to the ground as ifstruck by a bolt of lightning. The man did not move at all, but thehorse kicked for a few moments and lay still. 

There was a shout of mingled amazement and horror from the other Uhlans, and it found its echo in John's own mind. He saw one of the men look up, and he looked up also. A dark shape hovered overhead. Something smalland black, and then another and another fell from it and shot downwardinto the group of Uhlans. A second man was hurled from his horse and laystill upon the ground. Again John felt that thrill of horror andamazement. 

"What is it? What is it?" he cried. 

"I think it's the steel arrow, " said Fleury, pressing a little furtherforward and standing on tiptoe. "As well as I can see, the first passedentirely through the head of the man and then broke the backbone of thehorse beneath him. "

John saw one of the Uhlans, who had dismounted, holding up a short, heavy steel weapon, a dart rather than an arrow, its weight adjusted sothat it was sure to fall point downward. Coming from such a height Johndid not wonder that it had pierced both horse and rider, and as helooked another, falling near the Uhlan, struck deep into the earth. 

"There goes the aeroplane that did it, " said John to Fleury, pointingupward. 

It hovered a minute or two longer and flew swiftly back toward theFrench lines, pursued vainly a portion of the distance by the GermanTaubes. 

"A new weapon of death, " said Fleury. "The fighters move in the air, under the water, on the earth, everywhere. "

"The Uhlans are off again, " said John. "Whatever their duty was thesteel arrows have sent them on it in a hurry. "

"And we're about to move too. See, these batteries are limbering uppreparatory to a withdrawal. "

Inside of fifteen minutes they were again marching eastward, thoughslowly and with the roar of battle going on as fiercely behind them asever. John heard again from some of the talk of the guards that theGermans had five armies along their whole line, but whether the one withwhich he was now a prisoner was falling back with its whole force hehad no way of knowing. Both he and Fleury were sure the prisonersthemselves would soon cross the Marne, and that large detachments of theenemy would go with them. 

Thoughts of escape returned. Crossing a river in battle was a perilousoperation, entailing much confusion, and the chance might come at theMarne. They could see too that the Germans were now being pressedharder. The French shells were coming faster and with more deadlyprecision. Now and then they exploded among the masses of Germaninfantry, and once or twice they struck close to the captives. 

"It would be a pity to be killed by our own people, " said Fleury. 

"And at such a time as this, " said John. "Do you know, Fleury, that mygreatest fear about getting killed is that then I wouldn't know how thiswar is going to end?"

"I feel that way myself sometimes. Look, there's the Marne! See itswaters shining! It's the mark of the first great stage in the Germanretreat. "

"I wonder how we're going to cross. I suppose the bridges will becrowded with artillery and men. It might pay the Germans just to let usgo. "

"They won't do that. There's nothing in their rules about liberatingprisoners, and they wouldn't hear of such a thing, anyhow, trouble or notrouble. "

"I see some boats, and I fancy we'll cross on them. I wonder if wecouldn't make what we call in my country a get-away, while we're waitingfor the embarkation. "

"If our gunners become much more accurate our get-away, as you call it, will be into the next life. "

Two huge shells had burst near, and, although none of the flying metalstruck them, their faces were stung by fine dirt. When John brushed thedust out of his eyes he saw that he was right in his surmise about thecrossing in boats, but wrong about probable delays in embarkation. TheGerman machine even in retreat worked with neatness and dispatch. Therewere three boats, and the first relay of prisoners, including John andFleury, was hurried into them. A bridge farther down the stream rumbledheavily as the artillery crossed on it. But the French force was comingcloser and closer. A shell struck in the river sixty or eighty feet fromthem and the water rose in a cataract. Some of the prisoners had beenput at the oars and they, like the Germans, showed eagerness to reachthe other side. John noted the landing, a narrow entrance between thickclumps of willows, and he confessed to himself that he too would feelbetter when they were on the farther bank. 

The Marne is not a wide river, and a few powerful pulls at the oars sentthem near to the landing. But at that moment a shell whistled throughthe air, plunged into the water and exploded practically beneath theboat. 

John was hurled upward in a gush of foam and water, and then, when hedropped back, the Marne received him in its bosom. 

CHAPTER VIII

THE SPORT OF KINGS

John Scott, who was suffering from his second immersion in a Frenchriver, came up with mouth, eyes and nose full of water. The streamaround him was crowded with men swimming or with those who had reachedwater shallow enough to permit of wading. As well as he could see, theshell had done no damage besides giving them a huge bath, of which everyone stood in much need. 

But he had a keen and active mind and it never worked quicker than itdid now. He had thought his chance for escape might come in theconfusion of a hurried crossing, and here it was. He dived and swam downthe stream toward the willows that lined the bank. When he could holdhis breath no longer he came up in one of the thickest clumps. The waterreached to his waist there, and standing on the bottom in all thedensity of willows and bushes he was hidden thoroughly from all exceptwatchful searchers. And who would miss him at such a time, and who, ifmissing, would take the trouble to look for him while the French cannonwere thundering upon them and a perilous crossing was to be made?

It was all so ridiculously easy. He knew that he had nothing to do butstand close while the men pulled themselves out of the river and theremaining boats made their passage. For further protection he moved intowater deep enough to reach to his neck, while he still retained thecover of the willows and bushes. Here he watched the German troops passover, and listened to the heavy cannonade. He soon noted that theGermans, after crossing, were taking up strong positions on the otherside. He could tell it from the tremendous artillery fire that came fromtheir side of the Marne. 

John now found that his position, while safe from observation, was farfrom comfortable. The chill of the water began to creep into his bonesand more shells struck unpleasantly near. Another fell into the riverand he was blinded for a moment by the violent showers of foam andspray. He began to feel uneasy. If the German and French armies weregoing to fight each other from the opposing sides of the Marne he wouldbe held there indefinitely, either to be killed by a shell or bullet orto drown from cramp. 

But time passed and he saw no chance of leaving his watery lair. Thechill went further into his bones. He was lonesome too. He longed forthe companionship of Fleury, and he wondered what had become of him. Hesincerely hoped that he too had reached a covert and that they shouldmeet again. 

No rumbling came from the bridge below, and, glancing down the stream, John saw that it was empty. There must be many other bridges over theMarne, but he believed that the German armies had now crossed it, andwould devote their energy to a new attack. He was squarely between thelines and he did not see any chance to escape until darkness. 

He looked up and saw a bright sun and blue skies. Night was distant, andso far as he was concerned it might be a year away. If two armies werefiring shells directly at a man they must hit him in an hour or two, andif not, a polar stream such as the Marne had now become would certainlyfreeze him to death. He had no idea French rivers could be so cold. TheMarne must be fed by a whole flock of glaciers. 

His teeth began to chatter violently, and then he took stern hold ofhimself. He felt that he was allowing his imagination to run away withhim, and he rebuked John Scott sternly and often for such foolishness. He tried to get some warmth into his veins by jumping up and down in thewater, but it was of little avail. Yet he stood it another hour. Then hemade one more long and critical examination of the ground. 

Shells were now screaming high overhead, but nobody was in sight. Hejudged that it was now an artillery battle, with the foes perhaps threeor four miles apart, and, leaving the willows, he crept out upon thebank. It was the side held by the Germans, but he knew that if heattempted to swim the river to the other bank he would be taken withcramps and would drown. 

There was a little patch of long grass about ten yards from the river, and, crawling to it, he lay down. The grass rose a foot high on eitherside of him, but the sun, bright and hot, shone directly down upon hisface and body. It felt wonderfully good after that long submersion inthe Marne. Removing all his heavy wet clothing, he wrung the water outof it as much as he could, and lay back in a state of nature, for bothhimself and his clothing to dry. Meanwhile, in order to avoid cold, hestretched and tensed his muscles for a quarter of an hour before he laystill again. 

A wonderful warmth and restfulness flowed back into his veins. He hadfeared chills and a serious illness, but he knew now that they would notcome. Youth, wiry and seasoned by hard campaigning, would quicklyrecover, but knowing that, for the present, he could neither go forwardnor backward, he luxuriated in the grass, while the sun sucked the dampout of his clothing. 

Meanwhile the battle was raging over his head and he scarcely noticedit. The shells whistled and shrieked incessantly, but, midway betweenthe contending lines, he felt that they were no longer likely to dropnear. So he relaxed, and a dreamy feeling crept over him. He could hearthe murmur of insects in the grass, and he reflected that the smallerone was, the safer one was. A shell was not likely to take any notice ofa gnat. 

He felt of his clothing. It was not dry yet and he would wait a littlelonger. Anyhow, what was the use of hurrying? He turned over on hisside and continued to luxuriate in the long grass. 

The warmth and dryness had sent the blood pulsing in a strong floodthrough his veins once more, and the mental rebound came too. Althoughhe lay immediately between two gigantic armies which were sendingshowers of metal at each other along a line of many miles, he consideredhis escape sure and the thought of personal danger disappeared. If oneonly had something to eat! It is curious how the normal instincts andwants of man assert themselves even under the most dangerous conditions. He began to think of the good German brown bread and the hot sausagethat he had devoured, and the hot coffee that he had drunk. One couldeat the food of an enemy without compunction. 

But it was folly to move, even to seek dinner or supper, while theshells were flying in such quantities over his head. As he turned oncemore and lay on his back he caught glimpses as of swift shadows passinghigh above, and the whistling and screaming of shells and shrapnel wascontinuous. It was true that a missile might fall short and find him inthe grass, but he considered the possibility remote and it did not givehim a tremor. As he was sure now that he would suffer no bodily ill fromhis long bath in the Marne he might remain in the grass until night andthen creep away. Blessed night! It was the kindly veil for allfugitives, and no one ever awaited it with more eagerness than JohnScott. 

The sun was now well beyond the zenith, and its golden darts cameindirectly. His clothing was thoroughly dry at last, and he put it onagain. Clad anew he was tempted to seek escape at once, but the sound ofa footstep caused him to lie down in the shelter of the grass again. 

His ear was now against the earth and the footsteps were much moredistinct. He was sure that they were made by a horse, and he believedthat a Uhlan was riding near. He remembered how long and sharp theirlances were, and he was grateful that the grass was so thick and tall. He longed for the automatic revolver that had been such a trusty friend, but the Germans had taken it long since, and he was wholly unarmed. 

He was afraid to raise his head high enough to see the horseman, lest hebe seen, but the footsteps, as if fate had a grudge against him, werecoming nearer. His blood grew hot in a kind of rebellion against chance, or the power that directed the universe. It was really a grim joke that, after having escaped so much, a mere wandering scout of a Uhlan shouldpick him up, so to speak, on the point of his lance. 

He pressed hard against the earth. He would have pressed himself into itif he could, and imagination, the deceiver, made him think that he wasdoing so. The temptation to raise his head above the grass and lookbecame more violent, but will held him firm and he still lay flat. 

Then he noticed that the hoofbeats wandered about in an irregular, aimless fashion. Not even a scout hunting a good position forobservation would ride in such a way, and becoming more daring heraised his head slowly, until he could peep over the grass stems. He sawa horse, fifteen or twenty feet from him, but without rider, bridle orsaddle. It was a black horse of gigantic build like a Percheron, withfeet as large as a half-bushel measure, and a huge rough mane. 

The horse saw John and gazed at him out of great, mild, limpid eyes. Theyoung American thought he beheld fright there and the desire forcompanionship. The animal, probably belonging to some farmer who hadfled before the armies, had wandered into the battle area, seeking thehuman friends to whom he was so used, and nothing living was moreharmless than he. He reminded John in some ways of those stalwart andhonest peasants who were so ruthlessly made into cannon food by thegigantic and infinitely more dangerous Tammany that rules the seventymillion Germans. 

The horse walked nearer and the look in his eyes became so full ofterror and the need of man's support that for the time he stood as ahuman being in John's imagination. 

"Poor old horse!" he called, "I'm sorry for you, but your case is noworse than mine. Here we both are, wishing harm to nobody, but with amillion men shooting over our backs. "

The horse, emboldened by the friendly voice, came nearer and nuzzled atthe human friend whom he had found so opportunely, and who, although somuch smaller than himself, was, as he knew, so much more powerful. Thishuman comrade would show him what to do and protect him from all harm. But John took alarm. He too found pleasure in having a comrade, even ifit were only a horse, but the animal would probably attract theattention of scouts or skirmishers. He tried to shoo him away, but for along time the horse would not move. At last he pulled a heavy bunch ofgrass, wadded it together and threw it in his face. 

The horse, staring at him reproachfully, turned and walked away. John'slively fancy saw a tear in the huge, luminous eye, and his consciencesmote him hard. 

"I had to do it, Marne, old fellow, " he called. "You're so big and youstick up so high that you arouse attention, and that's just what I don'twant. "

He had decided to call the horse Marne, after the river near by, and henoticed that he did not go far. The animal, reassured by John's friendlyafter-word, began to crop the grass about twenty feet away. He had ahuman friend after all, one on whom he could rely. Man did not want tobe bothered by him just then, but that was the way of man, and he didnot mind, since the grass was so plentiful and good. He would be there, close at hand, when he was needed. 

John was really moved by the interlude. The loneliness, and then thefriendliness of the horse appealed to him. He too needed a comrade, andhere he was. He forgot, for a time, the moaning of the shells over hishead, and began to think again about his escape. So thinking, the horsecame once more into his mind. He showed every sign of grazing thereuntil dark came. Then why not ride away on him? It was true that ahorse was larger and made more noise than a fugitive man slippingthrough the grass, but there were times when strength and speed, especially speed, counted for a lot. 

The last hours of the afternoon waned, trailing their slow length, minute by minute, and throughout that time the roar of the battle was assteady as the fall of Niagara. It even came to the point that John paidlittle attention to it, but the sport of kings, in which thousands ofmen were ground up, they knew not why, went merrily on. None of theshells struck near John, and with infinite joy he saw the coming of thelong shadows betokening the twilight. The horse, still grazing near by, raised his head more than once and looked at him, as if it were time togo. As the sun sank and the dusk grew John stood up. He saw that thenight was going to be dark and he was thankful. The Marne was merely asilver streak in the shadow, and in the wood near by the trees werefusing into a single clump of darkness. 

He stood erect, stretching his muscles and feeling that it was gloriousto be a man with his head in the air, instead of a creature thatgrovelled on the ground. Then he walked over to the horse and patted himon the shoulder. 

"Marne, old boy, " he said, "I think it's about time for you and me togo. "

The horse rubbed his great head against John's arm, signifying that hewas ready to obey any command his new master might give him. John knewfrom his build that he was a draught horse, but there were times inwhich one could not choose a particular horse for a particular need. 

"Marne, old fellow, " he said, stroking the animal's mane, "you're not tobe a menial cart horse tonight. I am an Arabian genie and I hereby turnyou into a light, smooth, beautifully built automobile for one passengeronly, and I'm that passenger. "

Holding fast to the thick mane he sprang upon the horse's back, andurged him down the stream, keeping close to the water where there wasshelter among the willows and bushes. He had no definite idea in hishead, but he felt that if he kept on going he must arrive somewhere. Hewas afraid to make the horse swim the river in an effort to reach theFrench army. Appearing on the surface of the water he felt that he wouldalmost certainly be seen and some good rifleman or other would be sureto pick him off. 

He concluded at last that if no German troops came in sight he would letthe horse take him where he would. Marne must have a home and a mastersomewhere and habit would send him to them. So he ceased to push at hisneck and try to direct him, and the horse continued a slow and peacefulprogress down the stream in the shadow of small trees. The night wasdarker than those just before it, and the dampness of the air indicatedpossible flurries of rain. Cannon still rumbled on the horizon like thethunder of a summer night. 

While trusting to the horse to lead him to some destination, John kept awary watch, with eyes now growing used to the darkness. If Germantroops appeared and speed to escape were lacking, he would jump fromMarne's back and hunt a new covert. But he saw nobody. The evidences ofman's work were present continually in the cannonade, but man himselfwas absent. 

The horse went on with ponderous and sure tread. Evidently he hadwandered far under the influence of the firing, but it was equallyevident that his certain instinct was guiding him back again. He crosseda brook flowing down into the Marne, passed through a wheat field, andentered a little valley, where grew a number of oaks, clear ofundergrowth. 

When he saw what was lying under the oaks he pulled hard at the roughmane, until the horse stopped. He had distinctly made out the figures ofmen, stretched upon the ground, apparently asleep, and sure to beGermans. He stared hard at them, but the horse snorted and tried to pullaway. The action of the animal rather than his own eyesight made himreckon aright. 

A horse would not be afraid of living men, and, slipping from the backof Marne, John approached cautiously. A few rays of wan moonlightfiltered through the trees, and when he had come close he shuddered overand over again. About a dozen men lay on the ground and all were stonedead. The torn earth and their own torn figures showed that a shell hadburst among them. Doubtless it had been an infantry patrol, and thesurvivors had hurried away. 

John, still shuddering, was about to turn back to his horse, when heremembered that he needed much and that in war one must not be tooscrupulous. Force of will made him return to the group and he sought forwhat he wanted. Evidently the firing had been hot there and the rest ofthe patrol had not lingered in their flight. 

He took from one man a pair of blankets. He could have had his choice oftwo or three good rifles, but he passed them by in favor of a largeautomatic pistol which would not be in the way. This had been carried bya young man whom he took to be an officer, and he also found on him manycartridges for the pistol. Then he searched their knapsacks for food, finding plenty of bread and sausage and filling with it one knapsackwhich he put over his shoulder. 

He returned hastily to his horse, guided him around the fatal spot, andwhen he was some distance on the other side dismounted and ate as only ahalf-starved man can eat. Water was obtained from a convenient brook andcarefully storing the remainder of the food in the knapsack he remountedthe horse. 

"Now go on, my good and gallant beast, " he said, "and I feel sure thatyour journey is nearly at an end. A draught horse like you, bulky andslow, would not wander any great distance. "

The horse himself immediately justified his prediction by raising hishead, neighing and advancing at a swifter pace. John saw, standing amongsome trees, a low and small house, built of stone and evidently veryold, its humble nature indicating that it belonged to a peasant. Behindit was a tiny vineyard, and there was a stable and another outhouse. 

"Well, Marne, my lad, here's your home, beyond a doubt, " said John. Butno answer came to the neigh. The house remained silent and dark. Itconfirmed John's first belief that the horse belonged to some peasantwho had fled with his family from the armies. He stroked the animal'sneck, and felt real pity for him, as if he had been a child abandoned. 

"I know that while I'm a friend I'm almost a stranger to you, but come, we'll examine things, " he said. 

He sprang off the horse, and drew his automatic. The possession of thepistol gave him an immense amount of courage and confidence, but he didnot anticipate any trouble at the house as he was sure that it wasabandoned. 

He pushed open the door and saw a dark inside. Staring a little he madeout a plainly furnished room, from which all the lighter articles hadbeen taken. There was a hearth, but with no fire on it, and John decidedthat he would sleep in the house. It was in a lonely place, but he wouldtake the risk. 

The horse had already gone to the stable and was pushing the door withhis nose. John let him in, and found some oat straw which he gave him. Then he left him munching in content, and as he departed he struck him aresounding blow of friendliness on the flank. 

"Good old Marne, " he said, "you're certainly one of the best friendsI've found in Europe. In fact, you're about the only living being I'veassociated with that doesn't want to kill somebody. "

He entered the house and closed the door. In addition to thesitting-room there was a bedroom and a kitchen, all bearing the signs ofrecent occupancy. He found a small petroleum lamp, but he concluded notto light it. Instead he sat on a wooden bench in the main room beside asmall window, ate a little more from the knapsack, and watched a whilelest friend or enemy should come. 

It had grown somewhat darker and the clouds were driving across the sky. The wind was rising and the threatened flurries of rain came, beatingagainst the cottage. John was devoutly glad that he had found the littlehouse. Having spent many hours immersed to his neck in a river he feltthat he had had enough water for one day. Moreover, his escape, his snugshelter and the abundance of food at hand, gave him an extraordinarysense of ease and rest. He noticed that in the darkness and rain onemight pass within fifty feet of the cottage without seeing it. 

The wind increased and moaned among the oaks that grew around the house, but above the moaning the sounds of battle, the distant thunder of theartillery yet came. The sport of kings was going merrily on. Neithernight nor storm stopped it and men were still being ground by thousandsinto cannon food. But John had now a feeling of detachment. Three daysof continuous battle had dulled his senses. They might fight on as theypleased. It did not concern him, for tonight at least. He was going tolook out for himself. 

He fastened the door securely, but, as he left the window open, currents of fresh cool air poured into the room. He was now fullyrevived in both mind and body, and he took present ease and comfort, thinking but little of the future. The flurries of rain melted into asteady pour. The cold deepened, and as he wrapped the two blanketsaround him his sense of comfort increased. Lightning flared atinfrequent intervals and now and then real thunder mingled with that ofthe artillery. 

He felt that he might have been back at home. It was like some snuglittle place in the high hills of Pennsylvania or New York. Like manyother Americans, he often felt surprise that Europe should be so muchlike America. The trees and the grass and the rivers were just the same. Nothing was different but the ancient buildings. He knew now thathistory and a long literature merely created the illusion of difference. 

He wondered why the artillery fire did not die, with the wind sweepingsuch gusts of rain before it. Then he remembered that the sound of somany great cannon could travel a long distance, and there might be norain at the points from which the firing came. The cottage might standin a long narrow valley up which the clouds would travel. 

Not feeling sleepy yet he decided to have another look about the house. A search revealed a small box of matches near the lamp on the shelf. Then he closed the window in order to shut in the flame, and, lightingthe lamp, pursued his investigation. 

He found in the kitchen a jar of honey that he had overlooked, and heresolved to use a part of it for breakfast. Europeans did not seem ableto live without jam or honey in the mornings, and he would follow thecustom. Not much was left in the other rooms, besides some old articlesof clothing, including two or three blue blouses of the kind worn byFrench peasants or workmen, but on one of the walls he saw an excellentengraving of the young Napoleon, conqueror of Italy. 

It showed him, horseback, on a high road looking down upon troops inbattle, Castiglione or Rivoli, perhaps, his face thin and gaunt, hishair long and cut squarely across his forehead, the eyes deep, burningand unfathomable. It was so thoroughly alive that he believed it must bea reproduction of some great painting. He stood a long time, fascinatedby this picture of the young republican general who rose like a meteorover Europe and who changed the world. 

John, like nearly all young men, viewed the Napoleonic cycle with acertain awe and wonder. A student, he had considered Napoleon the greatdemocratic champion and mainly in the right as far as Austerlitz. Thenswollen ambition had ruined everything and, in his opinion, anotherswollen ambition, though for far less cause, was now bringing equaldisaster upon Europe. A belief in one's infallibility might come fromachievement or birth, but only the former could win any respect fromthinking men. 

It seemed to John presently that the deep, inscrutable eyes were gazingat him, and he felt a quivering at the roots of his hair. It was youngBonaparte, the republican general, and not Napoleon, the emperor, whowas looking into his heart. 

"Well, " said John, in a sort of defiance, "if you had stuck to yourearly principles we wouldn't have all this now. First Consul you mighthave been, but you shouldn't have gone any further. "

He turned away with a sigh of regret that so great a warrior andstatesman, in the end, should have misused his energies. 

He returned to the room below, blew out the lamp and opened the windowagain. The cool fresh air once more poured into the room, and he tooklong deep breaths of it. It was still raining, though lightly, and thepattering of the drops on the leaves made a pleasant sound. The thunderand the lightning had ceased, though not the far rumble of artillery. John knew that the sport of kings was still going on under thesearchlights, and all his intense horror of the murderous monarchiesreturned. He was not sleepy yet, and he listened a long time. The soundseemed to come from both sides of him, and he felt that the abandonedcottage among the trees was merely a little oasis in the sea of war. 

The rain ceased and he concluded to scout about the house to see if anyone was near, or if any farm animals besides the horse had been left. But Marne was alone. There was not even a fowl of any kind. He concludedthat the horse had probably wandered away before the peasant left, as sovaluable an animal would not have been abandoned otherwise. 

His scouting--he was learning to be very cautious--took him somedistance from the house and he came to a narrow road, but smooth andhard, a road which troops were almost sure to use, while such greatmovements were going on. He waited behind a hedge a little while, andthen he heard the hum of motors. 

He had grown familiar with the throbbing, grinding sound made by manymilitary automobiles on the march, but he waited calmly, merelyloosening his automatic for the sake of precaution. He felt sure thatwhile he stood behind a hedge he would never be seen on a dark night bymen traveling in haste. The automobiles came quickly into view and inthose in front he saw elderly men in uniforms of high rank. Nearly allthe German generals seemed to him to be old men who for forty or fiftyyears had studied nothing but how to conquer, men too old and hardenedto think much of the rights of others or ever to give way to generousemotions. 

He also saw sitting erect in one of the motors the man for whom he hadfelt at first sight an invincible repulsion. Prince Karl of Auersperg. Young von Arnheim had represented the good prince to him, but here wasthe medieval type, the believer in divine right, and in his ownsuperiority, decreed even before birth. John noted in the moonlight hisair of ownership, his insolent eyes and his heavy, arrogant face. Hehoped that the present war would sweep away all such as Auersperg. 

He watched nearly an hour while the automobiles, cyclists, a column ofinfantry, and then several batteries of heavy guns drawn by motors, passed. He judged that the Germans were executing a change of frontsomewhere, and that the Franco-British forces were still pressing hard. The far thunder of the guns had not ceased for an instant, although itmust be nearly midnight. He wished he knew what this movement on thepart of the Germans meant, but, even if he had known, he had no way ofreaching his own army, and he turned back to the cottage. 

Having fastened the door securely again he spread the blankets on thebench by the window and lay down to sleep. The tension was gone from hisnerves now, and he felt that he could fall asleep at once, but he didnot. A shift in the wind brought the sound of the artillery moreplainly. His imagination again came into vivid play. He believed thatthe bench beneath him, the whole cottage, in fact, was quivering beforethe waves of the air, set in such violent motion by so many great guns. 

It annoyed him intensely. He felt a sort of personal anger againsteverybody. It was past midnight of the third day and it was time for thekilling to stop. At least they might rest until morning, and give hisnerves a chance. He moved restlessly on the bench a half hour or more, but at last he sank gradually to sleep. As his eyes closed the thunderof the cannonade was as loud and steady as ever. He slept, but themurderous sport of kings went on. 

CHAPTER IX

THE PUZZLING SIGNAL

When John awoke a bright sun was shining in at the window, bringing withit the distant mutter of cannon, a small fire was burning on the hearthon the opposite side of the room, a man was bending over the coals, andthe pleasant odor of boiling coffee came to his nostrils. He sat up inamazement and looked at the man who, not turning around, went onplacidly with his work of preparing breakfast. But he recognized thefigure. 

"Weber!" he exclaimed. 

"None other!" said the Alsatian, facing about, and showing a cheerycountenance. "I was in the boat just behind you when your own wasdemolished by the shell. In all the spray and foam and confusion I sawmy chance, and dropping overboard from ours I floated with the stream. Ihad an idea that you might escape, and since you must come down theriver between the two armies I also, for the same reasons, chose thesame path. I came upon this cottage several hours ago, picked thefastenings of the door and to my astonishment and delight found you, myfriend, unharmed, but sound asleep upon the bench there. I slept a whilein the corner, then I undertook to make breakfast with provisions andutensils that I found in the forest. Ah, it was easy enough last nightto find almost anything one wished. The fields and forest were full ofdead men. "

"I provided myself in the same way, but I'm delighted to see you. I wasnever before in my life so lonely. How chance seems to throw us togetherso often!"

"And we've both profited by it. The coffee is boiling now, Mr. Scott. I've a good German coffee pot and two cups that I took from the fallen. God rest their souls, they'll need them no more, while we do. "

"The battle goes on, " said John, listening a moment at the window. 

"Somewhere on the hundred mile line it has continued without a break ofan instant, and it may go on this way for a week or a month. Ah, it's afearful war, Mr. Scott, and we've seen only the beginning! But drink thecoffee now, while it's hot. And I've warmed too, some of the cold foodfrom the knapsacks. German sausage is good at any time. "

"And just now it's heavenly. I'm glad we have such a plentiful supply ofsausage and bread, even if we did have to take it from the dead. I wantto tell you again how pleasant it is to see you here. "

"I feel that way too. We're like comrades united. Now if we only hadyour English friend Carstairs, your American friend Wharton, and Lanneswe'd be quite a family group. "

"I fancy that we'll see Lannes before we do Carstairs and Wharton. "

"I think so too. He'll certainly be hovering today somewhere over theground between the two armies--either to observe the Germans or morelikely to carry messages between the French generals. I tell you, Mr. Scott, that Philip Lannes is perhaps the most wonderful young man inEurope. In addition to his extraordinary ability in the air he hascourage, coolness, perception and quickness almost without equal. There's something Napoleonic about him. "

"You know he's descended from the family of the famous Marshal, Lannes, not from Lannes himself, but from a close relative, and the blood's thesame. They say that blood will tell, and don't you think that the spiritof the great Lannes may have reappeared in Philip?"

"It's altogether likely. "

"I've been thinking a lot about Napoleon. There's a wonderful picture ofhim as a young republican general in a room here. Perhaps it's theconditions around us, but at times I am sure the heroic days of theFirst Republic have returned to France. The spirit that animated Hocheand Marceau and Kleber and Bonaparte, before he became spoiled, seems tohave descended upon the French. And there were Murat, Lannes andLefebvre, and Berthier and the others. Think of that wonderful crowd ofboys leading the republican armies to victories over all the kings! Itseems to me the most marvelous thing in the history of war, since theGreeks turned back the Persians. "

Weber refilled his coffee cup, drank a portion of it, and said:

"I have thought of it, Mr. Scott, I have thought of it more than once. It may be that the Gallic fury has been aroused. It has seemed so to mesince the German armies were turned back from Paris. The French haveburned more gunpowder than any other nation in Europe, and they're afighting race. It would appear now that the Terrible Year, 1870, wasmerely an aggregation of mistakes, and did not represent either thewisdom or natural genius of the nation. "

"That is, the French were then far below normal, as we would say, buthave now returned to their best, and that the two Kaisers made themistake of thinking the French in their lowest form were the French intheir usual form?"

"It may be so, " said Weber, thoughtfully. "Nations reckon their strengthin peace, but only war itself discloses the fact. Evidently tremendousmiscalculations have been made by somebody. "

"By somebody? By whom? That's why I'm against the Kaisers and all thesecret business of the military monarchies. War made over night by adozen men! a third of the world's population plunged into battle! andthe rest drawn into the suffering some way or other! I don't like a lotof your European ways. "

Weber shook his head. 

"We've inherited kings, " he said. "But how did you find this place?"

"Accident. Stumbled on it, and mighty grateful I was, too. It kept mewarm and dry after standing so long in the Marne I thought I was boundto turn into a fish. Isolated little place, but the Germans have beenpassing near. Before sleeping last night, I went out scouting and as Istood behind a hedge I saw a lot of them. I recognized in a motor theVery High Born, his High Mightiness, the owner of the earth, the Princeof Auersperg. "

Weber took another drink of coffee. 

"An able man and one of our most bitter enemies, " he said. "A foe ofdemocracy everywhere. I think he was to have been made governor ofParis, and then Paris would have known that it had a governor. I've seenhim in Alsace, and I've heard a lot about him. "

"But all that's off now. I fancy that the next governor of Paris, if itshould have a governor, will be a Frenchman. But the day is advancing, Weber; what do you think we ought to do?"

"I've been thinking of your friend Lannes. I've an idea that he'll comefor you, if he finds an interval in his duties. "

"But how could he possibly find me? Why, it's the old needle in thehaystack business. "

"He couldn't unless we made some sort of signal. "

"There's no signal that I can make. "

"But there's one that I can. Look, Mr. Scott. "

He unbuttoned his long French coat, and took from his breast a roll ofred, white and blue. He opened it and disclosed a French flag about fourfeet long. 

"If that were put in a conspicuous place, " he said, "an aviator withglasses could see it a long way, and he would come to find out what itmeant. "

"The top of a tree is the place for it!" exclaimed John. "Now if youonly had around here a real tree, or two, in place of what we callsaplings in my country, we might do some fine signaling with the flag. "

"We'll try it, but I think we should go a considerable distance from thecottage. If Germans instead of French should come then we'd have abetter chance of escaping among the hedges and vineyards. "

John agreed with him and they quickly made ready, each taking hisautomatic and knapsack, and leaving the fire to die of itself on thehearth. 

"I'm telling that cottage good-bye with regret, " said John, as theywalked away. "I spent some normal and peaceful hours there last nightand it's a neat little place. I hope its owners will be able to comeback to it. As soon as I open the stable door, in order that the horsemay go where he will, I'll be ready. "

He gave the big animal a friendly pat as he left and Marne gazed afterhim with envious sorrowful eyes. 

They walked a full mile, keeping close to the Marne, where the trees andbushes were thickest, and listened meanwhile to the fourth day'sswelling roar of the battle. Its long continuance had made it even moredepressing and terrifying than in its earlier stages. To John's mind, atleast, it took on the form of a cataclysm, of some huge paroxysm of theearth. He ate to it, he slept to it, he woke to it, and now he waswalking to it. The illusion was deepened by the fact that no human beingsave Weber was visible to him. The country between the two monstrousbattle lines was silent and deserted. 

"Apparently, " said Weber, "we're in no danger of human interference aswe walk here. "

"Not unless a shell coming from a point fifteen miles or so beyond thehills should drop on us, or we should be pierced by an arrow from one ofour Frenchmen in the clouds. But so far as I can see there's nothingabove us, although I can make out one or two aeroplanes far toward theeast. "

"The air is heavy and cloudy and that's against them, but they'll be outbefore long. You'll see. I think, Mr. Scott, that we'll find a good treein that little grove of beeches there. "

"The tall one in the center. Yes, that'll suit us. "

They inspected the tree and then made a long circuit about it, findingnobody near. John, full of zeal and enthusiasm, volunteered to climb thetree and fasten the flag to its topmost stem, and Weber, after someclaims on his own behalf, agreed. John was a good climber, alert, agileand full of strength, and he went up the trunk like an expert. It was anuncommonly tall tree for France, much more than a sapling, and when hereached the last bough that would support him he found that he could seeover all the other trees and some of the low hills. At a little distanceran the Marne, a silver sheet, and he thought he could discern faintpuffs of smoke on the hills beyond. No human being was in sight, butalthough high in the tree he could still feel the vibrations of the airbeneath the throb of so many great guns. Several aeroplanes hovered atpoints far distant, and he knew that others would be on the long battleline. 

Reaching as high as he could he tied the flag with a piece of twine thatWeber had given him--the Alsation seemed to have provided foreverything--and then watched it as it unfolded and fluttered in thelight breeze. He felt a certain pride, as he had done his part of thetask well. The flag waved above the green leaves and any watcher of theskies could see it. 

"How does it show?" he called to Weber. 

"Well, indeed. You'd better climb down now. If the Germans come from theair they'll get you there, and if they come on land they'll have you inthe tree. You'll be caught between air and earth. "

"That being the case I'll come down at once, " said John, and hedescended the tree rapidly. At Weber's advice they withdrew to a clusterof vines growing near, where they would be well hidden, since theirsignal was as likely to draw enemies as friends. 

"I think Lannes will surely see that flag, " said Weber. 

"Why do you have such great confidence in his coming?" asked John. 

"He inspires confidence, when you see him, and there's his reputation. I've an idea that he'll be carrying dispatches between the two wings ofthe French army, dispatches of vast importance, since the differentFrench forces have to cooperate now along a line of four or five scoremiles. Of course the telephone and the telegraph are at work, too, butthe value of the aeroplane as a scout and dispatch bearer cannot be overestimated. "

"One is coming now, " said John, "and I think it has been attracted byour flag. I take it to be German. "

"Then we'd better keep very close. Still, there's little chance of ourbeing seen here, and the aviators, even if they suspect a presence, can't afford to descend, leave their planes and search for anybody. "

"I agree with you there. One can remain here in comparative safety andwatch the results of our signal. That machine is coming fast and I'mquite sure it's German. "

"An armored machine with two men and a light rapid fire gun in it. Beyond a doubt it will circle about our tree. "

The plane was very near now, and assuredly it was German. John coulddiscern the Teutonic cast of their countenances, as the two men in itleaned over and looked at the flag. They dropped lower and lower andthen flew in circles about the tree. John, despite his anxiety andsuspense, could not fail to notice the humorous phase of it. The planecertainly could not effect a landing in the boughs, and if it descendedto the ground in order that one of their number might get out, climb thetree and capture the flag, they would incur the danger of a sudden swoopfrom French machines. Besides, the flag would be of no value to them, unless they knew who put it there and why. 

"The Germans, of course, see that it's a French flag, " he said toWeber. "I wonder what they're going to do. "

"I think they'll have to leave it, " said Weber, "because I can now seeother aeroplanes to the west, aeroplanes which may be French, and theydare not linger too long. "

"And our little flag may make a big disturbance in the heavens. "

"So it seems. "

The German plane made circle after circle around the tree, finally drewoff to some distance, and then, as it wavered back and forth, itsmachine gun began to spit fire. Little boughs and leaves cut from thetree fell to the ground, but the flag, untouched, fluttered defiantly inthe light breeze. 

"They're trying to shoot it down, " said John, "and with such an unsteadygun platform they've missed every time. "

"I doubt whether they'll continue firing, " said Weber. "An aeroplanedoesn't carry any great amount of ammunition and they can't afford towaste much. "

"They're through now, " said John. "See, they're flying away toward theeast, and unless my imagination deceives me, their machine actuallylooks crestfallen, while our flag is snapping away in the wind, haughtyand defiant. "

"A vivid fancy yours, Mr. Scott, but it's easy to imagine that Germanmachine looking cheap, because that's just the way the men on board itmust feel. Suppose we sit down here and take our ease. No flying mancan see through those vines over our heads, and we can watch in safety. We're sure to draw other scouts of the air, while for us it's aninteresting and comparatively safe experience. "

"Our flag is certainly an attraction, " said John, making himselfcomfortable on the ground. "There's a bird of passage now, coming downfrom the north as swift as a swallow. "

"It's a little monoplane, " said Weber, "and it certainly resembles aswallow, as it comes like a flash toward this tree. I thought at firstit might be Lannes in the _Arrow_, but the plane is too small, and it'sof German make. "

"I fancy it won't linger long. This is not a healthy bit of space forlone fellows in monoplanes. "

The little plane slackened its speed, as it approached the tree, andthen sailed by it at a moderate rate. When it was opposite the flag aspurt of flame came from the pistol of the man in it, and John actuallylaughed. 

"That was sheer spite, " he said. "Did he think he could shoot our flagaway with a single bullet from a pistol when a machine gun has justfailed? That's right, turn about and make off as fast as you can, youpoor little mono!"

The monoplane also curved around the tree, but did not make a series ofcircles. Instead, when its prow was turned northward it darted off againin that direction, going even more swiftly than it had come, as if theaviator were ashamed of himself and wished to get away as soon aspossible from the scene of his disgrace. Away and away it flew, dwindling to a black speck and then to nothing. 

John's shoulders shook, and Weber, looking at him, was forced to smiletoo. 

"Well, it was funny, " he said. "Our flag is certainly making a stir inthe heavens. "

"I wonder what will come next, " said John. "It's like bait drawing birdsof prey. "

The heavens were now beautifully clear, a vault of blue velvet, againstwhich anything would show. Far away the cannon groaned and thundered, and the waves of air pulsed heavily, but John noticed neither now. Hiswhole attention was centered upon the flag, and what it might call fromthe air. 

"In such a brilliant atmosphere we can certainly see our visitors fromafar, " he said. 

"So we can, " said Weber, "and lo! another appears out of the east!"

The dark speck showed on the horizon and grew fast, coming apparentlystraight in their direction. John did not believe it had seen their flagat first, owing to the great distance, but was either a messenger or ascout. As it soon began to descend from its great height in the air, although still preserving a straight course for the tree, he felt surethat the flag had now come into its view. It grew very fast in size andwas outlined with startling clearness against the burning blue of thesky. 

The approaching machine consisted of two planes alike in shape and size, superimposed and about six feet apart, the whole with a stabilizing tailabout ten feet long and six feet broad. John saw as it approached thatthe aviator sat before the motor and screw, but that the elevating andsteering rudders were placed in front of him. There were three menbesides the aviator in the machine. 

"A biplane, " said John. 

"Yes, " said Weber, "I recognize the type of the machine. It's originallya French model. "

"But in this case, undoubtedly a German imitation. They've seen ourflag, because I can make out one of the men with glasses to his eyes. They hover about as if in uncertainty. No wonder they can't make uptheir minds, because there's the tricolor floating from the top of thattall tree, and not a thing in the world to explain why it's in such aplace. A man with a rifle is about to take a shot at it. Bang! There itgoes! But I can't see that the bullet has damaged our flag. Look, how itwhips about and snaps defiance! Now, all the men except the aviatorhimself have out glasses and are studying the phenomenon of our signal. They come above the tree, and I think they're going to make a swooparound the grove near the ground. Lie close, Weber! As I found out oncebefore, a thick forest is the best defense against aeroplanes. Theycan't get through the screen of boughs. "

They heard a whirring and drumming, and the biplane not more than fiftyfeet above the earth made several circles about the little wood. Johnsaw the men in it very clearly. He could even discern the German cast ofcountenance where all except the one at the wheel that controlled thetwo rudders had thrown back their hoods and taken off their glasses. The three carried rifles which they held ready for use, in case theydetected an enemy. 

Whirling around like a vast primeval bird of prey the biplane began torise, as if disappointed of a victim, and winding upward was soon abovethe trees. Then John heard the rapid crackle of rifles. 

"Shooting at our flag again!" he exclaimed. 

But the whizz of a bullet that buried itself in the earth near him toldhim better. 

"It isn't possible that they've seen us!" he exclaimed. 

"No, " said Weber, "they're merely peppering the woods and vines in thehope that they'll hit a concealed enemy, if such there should be. "

"That being the case, " said John, "I'm going to make my body as small aspossible, and push myself into the ground if I can. "

He lay very close, but the rifle fire quickly passed to other portionsof the wood, and then died away entirely. John straightened himself outand saw the biplane becoming smaller, as it flew off in the directionwhence it had come. 

"I hope you'll come to no good, " he said, shaking his fist at thedisappearing plane. "You've scared me half to death with your shots, andI hope that both your rudders will get out of gear and stay out of gear!I hope that the wheel controlling them will be smashed up! I hope thatthe top plane will crash into the bottom one! I hope that a French shellwill shoot your tail off! And I hope that you'll tumble to the earth andlie there, nothing but a heap of rotting wood and rusty old metal!"

"Well done, Mr. Scott!" said Weber. "That was quite a curse, but I thinkit will take something more solid to disable the biplane. "

"I think so too, but I've relieved my feelings, and after a man has doneso he can work a lot better. What are we to look for now, Weber? Wedon't seem to have success in attracting anything but Germans. If Lannesis coming at all, as you think he will, he'll get a pretty late ticketof admission to our reserved section of the air. "

"You must remember that the sky above us is a pretty large place, and atany rate we're a drawing power. We're always pulling something out ofthe ether. "

"And our biggest catch is coming now! Look, Weber, look I If that isn'tone of Herr Zeppelin's railroad trains of the air then I'll eat it whenit gets here!"

"You're right, Mr. Scott. There the monster comes. It can't be anythingbut a Zeppelin! They must have one of their big sheds not far east ofus. "

"We'll hear its rattling soon. Like the others it will surely see ourflag and make for it. But if they take a notion to shoot up the wood, asthe men on that biplane did, we'd better hunt holes. A Zeppelin cancarry a lot of soldiers. "

The Zeppelin was not moving fast. It had none of the quick gracefulmovements of the aeroplanes, but came on slowly like some huge monsterof the air, looking about for prey. It turned southeast for a moment ortwo, then some one on board saw the flag and coming back it lumberedtoward the tree. 

"Ugly things, " said John. "Lannes and I blew up one once, and I wish Ihad the same chance against that fellow up there. But they're in thesame puzzled state that the other fellows were. Men on both platformsare examining the flag through glasses, and the flag doesn't give a rapfor them. It's standing out in the wind, now, straight and stiff. Itseems to know that old Noah's ark can't make it out. "

The huge Zeppelin drew its length along the grove, coming as close tothe trees as it dared, then passed above, and after some circlinglumbered away to the south. 

"Good-bye, old Mr. Curiosity, " exclaimed John. "You weren't invitedhere, and I don't care whether you ever come again. Besides, you'renothing but a big bluff, anyway. There's our flag, still standingstraight out in the wind, so you can see every stripe on it, and yet youhaven't, despite your visit, the remotest idea why it was put there!"

Weber smiled. 

"They've all gone away as ignorant as they were when they came, " hesaid, "but we must be due for a French visitor or two. After so long arun of Germans we should have Frenchmen soon. "

"I begin to believe with you that Lannes will arrive some time or other. He flies fast and far and in time he must see our signal. "

"I've never doubted it. Meanwhile I think I'll take a little luncheon, and I'd advise you to do the same. We haven't had such a bad time here, saving those random rifle shots from the biplane. "

"Not at all. It's like watching a play, and you certainly have a clearfield for observation, when you look up at the heavens. The stage isalways in full view. "

John was feeling uncommonly good. Their concealment while they watchedthe scouts and messengers from the skies coming to see the meaning ofthe flag had been easy and restful. Much of his long and painful tensionhad relaxed. The hum of distant artillery was in his ears as ever, likea moaning of the wind, but he was growing so used to it that he wouldnow have noticed its absence rather than its presence. So he ate hisshare of bread and sausage with a good appetite, meanwhile keeping awatchful eye upon the heavens which burned in the same brilliant blue. 

It was now about noon. The rain the night before had given fresh tintsto the green of grass and foliage. The whole earth, indifferent to thepuny millions that struggled on its vast bosom, seemed refreshed andrevitalized. A modest little bird in brown plumage perched on a boughnear them, and, indifferent too, to war, poured forth a brilliant volumeof song. 

"Happy little fellow, " John said. "Nothing to do but eat and sleep andsing. "

"Unless he's snapped up by some bigger bird, " said Weber, "but havingbeen an hour without callers we're now about to have a new one. And asthis comes from the west it's likely to be French. "

John felt excitement, and stood up. Yes, there was the machine comingout of the blue haze in the west, soaring beautifully and fast. It wasvery high, but his eye, trained now, saw that it was descendinggradually. He felt an intense hope that it was Lannes, but he soon knewthat it was not lie. The approaching machine could not possibly be the_Arrow_. 

"It's a Bleriot monoplane, " said Weber. "I can tell the type almost asfar as I can see it. It's much like a gigantic bird, with powerfulparchment wings mounted upon a strong body. The wings as you see nowpresent a concave surface to the earth. They always do that. The flyersits between the two wings and has in front of him the lever with whichhe controls the whole affair. "

"You seem to know a good deal about flying machines, Weber. "

"Oh, yes, I've observed them a lot. I've always been curious about themand I've attended the great flying meets at Rheims, but personally I'm acoward about heights. I study the types of these wonderful machines, butI don't go up in 'em. That's a little fellow coming now and he's seenthe flag. "

"There's only one man in the plane, but as he's undoubtedly French whatdo you think we ought to do? He can't carry us away with him in themachine, it's too small. Do you think we should signal him to come tothe ground and have a talk?"

"Perhaps we'd better let him pass, Mr. Scott. We have no realinformation to give. He might suspect that we are Germans and a lot oftime would be lost maneuvering. Suppose we remain in hiding, and saynothing until Lannes himself appears. "

"You still feel sure that he will come?"

"It's a conviction. "

"Same way with me, and I agree with you that we'd better let our friendin the Bleriot go by. He's descending fast now. The plane certainly doeslook like a bird. Reminds me somewhat of a German Taube, though thismachine is much smaller. "

"The pilot will take only a look or two at the flag. Then, if we don'thail him, he'll sail swiftly back to the west. "

"For good reasons too. The air here is chiefly in the German sphere ofinfluence, and if I were in his place I'd take to my heels too at asingle glance. "

"That's what he's doing now. He's flying past the flag just as one ofthe Germans did. He leans over to take a look at it, can't make out whatit means, glances back apprehensively toward the German quarter of theheavens, and now he's sliding like a streak through the blue for Frenchair. "

"So near and yet so far! A friend in the air just over our heads, and wehad to let him go. Well, he couldn't have done us any good. "

"No, he couldn't, and he's gone back so fast that he's out of sightalready, but another and different inhabitant of the air is coming outof the south. See, the shape off there, Mr. Scott. Wait until it comesnearer, and I think I can tell you what it is. Now it's made out theflag and is steering for it. "

"What class of plane is it, Weber? Can you tell that yet?"

"Yes. It's an Esnault-Pelterie, an invention of a young Frenchman. It'sa monoplane with flexible, warped wings. It's made of steel tubes, welded together, and it has two wheels, one behind the other for contactwith the ground. "

"I noticed something queer in its appearance. It's the wheels. I don'tcall this machine any great beauty, but it seems to cut the air well. Isuppose we'd better treat it as we did the Bleriot--let it go as itcame, none the worse and none the wiser?"

"I think so. But we have no other choice! That flyer is a suspiciousfellow and he isn't taking any chances. He's come fairly close to theflag, and now he's sheering off at an angle. "

"I don't blame him. He probably has something more important to do thanto unravel the meaning of a flag in a tree top. "

"Nor I either. But whatever comes we'll wait for Lannes, always forLannes. The heavens here, Mr. Scott, are peopled with strange birds, butof all the lot there is one particular bird for which we are looking. "

"Right again. My eyes have grown a little weary of watching the skies. For a long stare, blue isn't as soft and easy a sight as green, and Ithink I'll look at the grass and leaves for a little while. "

"Then while you rest I'll keep an outlook and when I'm tired you canrelieve me. "

"Good enough. "

John lay down in the grass and rested his body while he eased his worneyes. Weber commented now and then on the new birds in the heavens, aeroplanes of all kinds, but they kept their distance. 

"The air over us is not held now by either French or Germans, " saidWeber, "and I imagine that only the more daring make incursions into it. Perhaps, too, they are kept busy elsewhere, because, as my earsdistinctly tell me, the battle is increasing in volume. "

"I noticed the swelling fire when I lay down here, " said John. "It seemsa strange thing, but for a while I had forgotten all about the battle. "

Presently Weber took his eyes from the heavens, moved about and lookeduneasy. 

"If I'm not mistaken, " he said, "I caught a glimpse of steel down theriver. I think it was a lance head glittering in the sun, and Uhlans maybe near. "

"How far away do you think it was. "

"A half-mile or more. I must take a look in that direction. I'm a goodscout, Mr. Scott, and I'll see what's up. Watch here will you, until Icome back? It may be some time. "

"All right, but don't get yourself captured, Weber. I'd be mightylonesome without you. "

"Don't fear for me. Of course, as I told you, I'll be gone for sometime, and if I may suggest, Mr. Scott, I wouldn't move from among thevines. "

"Catch me doing it! I'll say here in my green bower and as my eyes areback in form I'll watch the heavens. "

"Good-bye, then, for a while. "

Weber slipped away. His tread was so light that he vanished, as if hehad melted into air. 

"That man would certainly have made a good scout in our old Indiandays, " thought John, and with the thought came the conviction that Weberwas too clever to let himself be caught. Then he turned his attentionback to the heavens. 

They were now well on into the afternoon, and the sun was at the zenith. A haze of gold shimmered against the vast blue vault. A wind perfumedwith grass and green leaves, brought also the ceaseless roar of theguns, and now and then the bitter taste of burned gunpowder. The fainttrembling of the earth, or rather of the air just above it, went on, andJohn, turning about in his little bower, surveyed the heavens from allquarters. 

He saw shapes, faint, dark and floating on every horizon, but none ofthem came near until a full half-hour had elapsed. Then one shot out ofthe west, sailed toward the northeast, but curving suddenly, came backin the direction of the tree. As the shape grew larger and more definedJohn's heart began to throb. He had seen many aeroplanes that day, andmost of them had been swift and graceful, but none was as swift andgraceful as the one that was now coming. 

It was a machine, beautiful in shape, and as lithe and fast as thedarting swallow. There could be none other like it in the heavens, andhis heart throbbed harder. Intuition, perhaps, was back of knowledge andhe never for a moment doubted that it was he for whom they had looked solong. 

The aeroplane seemed fairly to shoot out of space. First its outlinesbecame visible, and then the man at the rudder. He came straight towardthe tree, dropped low and circled about it, while John rushed from thevines and cried as loud as he could:

"Lannes! Lannes, it's me! John Scott! I've been waiting for you!"

The _Arrow_ dropped further, barely touched the earth, and Lannes, leaning over, shouted to John in tones, tense and sharp with command:

"Give the plane a shove with all your might, and jump in. For God's sakedon't linger, man! Jump!"

The impulse communicated by Lannes was so powerful that before he knewwhat he was doing John pushed the _Arrow_ violently and sprang into theextra seat, just as it was leaving the earth. 

Lannes gave the rudder a strong twist and the aeroplane shot up like amounting bird. John got back his breath and presence of mind. 

"Wait, Philip! Wait!" he cried. "We're leaving behind our friend Weber!He's down there, somewhere by the river!"

Lannes made no reply. The _Arrow_ continued its rise, sharp and swift, and John heard a crackling sound below. Little missiles, steel anddeadly, shot by them. One passed so close to his face that his breathwent again. When he recovered it once more the _Arrow_, its inmates, unharmed, was far above the range of rifles, flying in a circle. 

"Look down, John, " said Lannes. 

CHAPTER X

OLD FRIENDS

John, obeying Lannes' command, glanced down, as one looks over the sideof a ship toward the sea, and he saw many horsemen galloping across thefield. He recognized at once the Uhlans, and, for all he knew; theymight be von Boehlen's own command. 

"Hand me your glasses, will you?" he said. 

When Lannes passed them to him he looked long and well, but he did notsee any sign of a prisoner among the Prussians. He also searched thewoods and other fields near by, but they were empty. The whole Prussianforce was gathered beneath them. John breathed a deep sigh of relief. 

"It's evident that Weber has escaped, " he said. "Doubtless this was thevery troop of Uhlans of which the Alsatian had caught a glimpse. He isclever and swift and I've no doubt he found a covert. "

"I'm sorry we had to leave him, " said Lannes, "but there was no otherchoice. I came to the tree to examine the flag, and being above I sawthe Uhlans nearby before you did. Then I heard your shout and droppeddown. But as I knew the Uhlans were coming for us I made you jump almostbefore you knew it, and we got away by a hair. The _Arrow_ was strucktwice, but the bullets glanced off its polished sides. There are twoslight scars, but I can have them removed. "

John laughed. 

"Philip, " he said, "I believe you love the _Arrow_ as a fellow loves hisbest girl. "

"Well spoken, Monsieur Jean the Scott, and the _Arrow_ never fails me. And so you've been with Weber?"

"It's a long tale. I was in a boat crossing the Marne. It was sunk byone of the French shells, and I escaped. I reached the deserted cottageof a peasant, and Weber, who was wandering around, happened to comethere, too. We've been trying to escape today, and we put that flag upin the tree as a sort of signal, while we hid among the vines below, until you should come, as he believed you would. He was right, but hewas unlucky enough to be absent when you arrived. " "Maybe it couldn'thave happened in a better way. The _Arrow_ can carry only two, and Idon't know what we'd have done with him. He's a clever fellow and he'llmake his way back to the army. "

"I hope so, in fact I feel so. But, Philip, it's glorious to be with youagain, and to be up here, where the bullets can't reach you. "

"That is, so long as the German flyers don't come near enough to takeshots at us. "

"I don't see any in sight, and meanwhile I intend to be comfortable. Good old _Arrow_! The best little rescuer in the world! Lannes, Ibelieve it's a large part of your business to fly about over fields ofbattle and rescue me. "

"You certainly give me plenty of opportunities, " laughed Lannes. 

"What's been happening? I fancy that a lot of water has flowed under thebridges of the Marne since I left you. "

"We continue to gain, " replied Lannes, with quiet satisfaction. "Wepress the German armies back everywhere. Our supreme chief is a silentman, but he has delivered a master stroke. We've emerged from the verygulf of defeat and despair to the heights of victory. We're not onlydriving the Germans across the Marne, but we're driving them further. Moreover, their armies are cut apart, and one is fighting for itsexistence, just as the French and English were fighting for theirs inthat terrible retreat from Mons and Charleroi. "

"It's glorious, but we mustn't be too sanguine, Lannes. The powers thatovercome the German and Austro-Hungarian Empires will not forget for ahundred years that they had a war. "

"You're not telling me any news, Monsieur Jean the Scott. I've been inGermany often, and like you I've seen what they have and what they are. We're only beginning. "

"Where are you going now, Philip?"

"Toward the end of our line. I've some dispatches for the commander ofthe British force. Your friends, Carstairs and Wharton, are there, andyou may see them. But I understand that the Strangers are to remain withthe French, so you, Carstairs and Wharton will have to consideryourselves Frenchmen and stay under our banner. "

"That's all right. I hope we'll be under the command of GeneralVaugirard. Do you know anything of him?"

"Not today, but he was alive yesterday. Take the glasses now, John, willyou, and be my eyes as you have been before. One needs to watch theheavens all the time. "

John took Lannes' powerful glasses, and objects invisible before leapedinto view. 

"I see two or three rivers, a dozen villages, and troops, " he said. "Thetroops are to the west, and although they are this side of the Marne, Ishould judge that they are ours. "

"Ours undoubtedly, " said Lannes, glancing the way John's glassespointed. "Not less than a hundred thousand of our men have crossed theMarne at that point, and more will soon be coming. It's a part of thegreat wedge thrust forward by our chief. But keep your eye on the air, John. What do you see there?"

"Nothing that's near. In the east I barely catch seven or eight blackdots that I take to be German aeroplanes, but they seem to be contentwith hovering over their own lines. They don't approach. "

"Doubtless they don't, because they're beginning to watch the air overthe Marne as a danger zone. That pretty little signal of yours may havescared them. "

Lannes laughed. It was evident that he was in a most excellent humor. 

"All right, have your fun, " said John, showing his own teeth in a smile. "If our flag didn't frighten away the German army it at least achievedwhat we wanted, that is, it brought you. The whole episode would beperfect if it were not for the fact that we lost sight of Weber. "

"I tell you again not to worry about him. That man has shown uncommonability to take care of himself. "

"All right. I'll let him go for the present. Hello, here we are crossingthe Marne again, and without getting our feet wet. "

"We're a good half mile above it, but we'll cross it once more soon. I'mfollowing the shortest road to the British army and that takes us over aloop of the river. "

"Yes, here we are recrossing, and now we're coming to a region ofchequered fields, green and brown and yellow. I always like these variedcolors of the French country. It's a beautiful land down there, Philip. "

"So it is, but see if it isn't defaced by sixty or seventy thousandsunburnt men in khaki, the khaki often stained with blood. The men, too, should be tired to death, but you can't tell that from this height. "

"The British army you mean? Yes, by all that's glorious, I see them, orat least a part of them! I see thousands of men lying down in thefields as if they were dead. "

"They're not dead, though. They just drop in their tracks and sleep inany position. "

"I saw the Germans doing that, too. I suppose we'll land soon, Philip, won't we? They've sighted us and a plane is coming forward to meet us. "

"We'll make for the meadow over there just beyond the little stream. Ithink I can discern the general's marquee, and I must deliver my messageas soon as possible. Wave to that fellow that we're friends. "

An English aeroplane was now very near them and John, leaning over, madegestures of amity. Although the aviator's head was almost completelyenshrouded in a hood, he discerned a typically British face. 

"Kings of the air, with dispatches for your general!" John cried. Heknew that the man would not hear him, but he was so exultant that hewanted to say something, to shout to him, or in the slang of his ownland, to let off steam. 

But while the English aviator could not understand the words thegestures were clear to him, and he waved a hand in friendly fashion. Then, wheeling in a fine circle, he came back by their side as anescort. 

The _Arrow_, like a bird, folding its wings, sank gracefully into themeadow, and Lannes, hastily jumping out, asked John to look after theaeroplane. Then he rushed toward a group of officers, among whom herecognized the chief of the army. 

John himself disembarked stiffly, and stretched his limbs, while severalyoung Englishmen looked at him curiously. He had learned long since howto deal with Englishmen, that is to take no notice of them until theymade their presence known, and then to acquiesce slowly and reluctantlyin their existence. So, he took short steps back and forth on the grass, flexing and tensing his muscles, as abstractedly as if he were alone ona desert island. 

"I say, " said a handsome fair young man at last, "would you mind tellingus, old chap, where you come from?"

John continued to stretch his muscles and took several long and deepbreaths. After the delay he turned to the fair young man and said:

"Beg pardon, but did you speak to me?"

The Englishman flushed a little and pulled at his yellow mustache. Anolder man said:

"Don't press His Highness, Lord James. Don't you see that he's anAmerican and therefore privileged?"

"I'm privileged, " said John, "because I was with you fellows fromBelgium to Paris, and since then I've been away saving you from theGermans. "

Lord James laughed. He had a fine face and all embarrassment disappearedfrom it. 

"We want to be friends, " he said. "Shake hands. "

John shook. He also shook the hand of the older man and several others. Then he explained who he was, and told who had come with him, none lessthan the famous young French aviator, Philip Lannes. 

"Lannes, " said Mr. Yellow Mustache, who, John soon learned, was LordJames Ivor. "Why, we've all heard of him. He's come to the chief withmessages a half-dozen times since this battle began, and I judge fromthe way he rushed to him just now that he has another, that can't bedelayed. "

"I think so, too, " said John, "although I don't know anything about itmyself. He's a close-mouthed fellow. But do any of you happen to haveheard of an Englishman, Carstairs, and an American, Wharton, who belongto a company called the Strangers in the French army, but who must be atpresent with you--that is, if they're alive?"

John's voice dropped a little, as he added the last words, but LordJames Ivor walked to the brow of a low hill, called to somebody beyond, and then walked back. 

"It's a happy chance that I can tell you what you want to know, " hesaid. "Those two men have been serving in my own company, and they'reboth alive and well. But they were lying on the grass there, dead to theworld, that is, sleeping, as if they were two of the original sevensleepers. "

Two figures appeared on the brow of the hill, gazed at first in apuzzled manner at John and then, uttering shouts of welcome, rushedtoward him. Carstairs seized him by one hand and Wharton by the other. 

"Not killed, I see, " said Carstairs. 

"Nor is he going to be killed, " said Wharton. 

"Now, where have you been?" asked Carstairs. 

"Yes, where have you been?" asked Wharton. 

"I've been taking a couple of pleasure trips with my friend, Lannes, "replied John. "Between trips I was a prisoner of the Germans, and I'veseen a lot of the great battle. Has the British army suffered much?"

A shade flitted over the face of Carstairs as he replied:

"We haven't been shot up so much since Waterloo. It's been appalling. For days and nights we've been fighting and marching. Whenever westopped even for a moment we fell on the ground and were asleep beforewe touched it. Half the fellows I knew have been killed. I think as longas I live I'll hear the drumming of those guns in my ears, and, confound'em, I still hear 'em in reality now. If you turn your attention to ityou can hear the confounded business quite plainly! But what I do know, Scott, is that we've been winning! I don't know where I am and I haven'ta clear idea of what I've been doing all the time, but as sure as we'rein France the victory is ours. "

"But won by the French chiefly" John could not keep from saying. 

"Quite true. Our own army is not large, but it has done as much perman. "

"And the moral support, " added John. "The French have felt the presenceof a friend, a friend, too, who in six months will be ten times asstrong as he is now. "

"Where is Lannes?" asked Wharton. 

"He's got your job, Wharton, " replied John with a smile. "He's EnvoyExtraordinary and Bearer of Messages concerning Life and Death betweenthe armies. As soon as he landed he went directly to the Britishcommander, and they're now conferring in a tent. That will never happento you. You will never be closeted with the leader of a great army. "

"I don't know. I may not be able to fly like the Frenchman, but he can'thandle the wireless as I can, and he isn't the chain-lightning chauffeurthat Carstairs is. Please to remember those facts. "

"I do. But here comes Lannes, the man of mystery. "

Lannes seemed preoccupied, but he greeted Carstairs and Wharton warmly. 

"I'm about to take another flight, " he said. "No, thank you so much, butI've time neither to eat nor to drink. I must fly at once, though it'sto be a short flight. Take care of my friend, Monsieur Jean the Scott, while I'm gone, won't you? Don't let him wander into German hands again, because I won't have time to go for him once more. "

"We won't!" said Carstairs and Wharton with one voice. "Having got himback we're going to keep him. "

Lannes smiling sprang into the _Arrow_. The willing young Englishmengave it a mighty push, and rising into the blue afternoon sky he sailedaway toward the south. 

"He'll be back all right, " said Carstairs. "I've come to the conclusionthat nothing can ever catch that fellow. He's a wonder, he is. One ofthe most difficult jobs I have, Scott, is to give the French all thecredit that's due 'em. I've been trained, as all other Englishmen were, to consider 'em pretty poor stuff that we've licked regularly for athousand years, and here we suddenly find 'em heroes andbrothers-in-arms. It's all the fault of the writers. Was it Shakespearewho said: 'Methinks that five Frenchmen on one pair of English legs didwalk?'"

"No, " said Lord James Ivor, "It was the other way around. 'Methinks thatone Englishman on five pairs of French legs did walk. '"

"I'm not so sure about the number, either, " interjected Wharton. "Areyou positive it was five?"

"Whatever it was, " said Carstairs, "the Frenchman was slandered, and byour own great bard, too. But come and take something with us, if LordJames, our immediate chief, is willing. "

"He's willing, and he'll go with you, " said Lord James Ivor. "I need abite myself and in war like this a man can't afford to neglect food anddrink, when the chance is offered. "

"The habits of you Europeans are strong, " said John, whose spirits werestill exuberant. "If you didn't have to stop now and then to work or tofight you'd eat all the time. One meal would merge into another, makinga beautiful, savory chain linked together. I know the Englishman'sheaven perfectly well. It's made of lakes of ale, beer, porter andScotch highballs, surrounded by high banks of cheese, mutton and roastbeef. "

"There could be worse heavens, " said Carstairs, "and if it should happenthat way it wouldn't be long before you Yankees would be trying to breakout of your heaven and into ours. But here's a taste of it now, thecheese, for instance, and the beer, although it's in bottles. "

A spry Tommy Atkins served them, and John, thankful at heart, ate anddrank with the best of them. And while they ate the pulsing waves of airfrom the battle beat upon their ears. It seemed to these young men tohave been beating that way for weeks. 

"Lannes will be back soon, " said John to Carstairs and Wharton, "andhe'll tear you away from your friends here. You think, Carstairs, thatyou're an Englishman, and you're convinced, Wharton, that you're anAmerican, but you're both wrong. You're Frenchmen, and you're going backto the French army, where you belong. Then Captain Daniel Colton of theStrangers will want to know from you why you haven't returned sooner. "

"But how are we to go?" said Carstairs. 

"And where are we to go?" said Wharton. 

"I'd go in a minute, " added Carstairs, "if the German army would letme. "

"So would I, " said Wharton, "but the Germans fight so hard that we can'tget away. "

"Lannes will attend to all those matters, " said John. "I'll rest untilhe comes, if I have the chance. Is that your artillery firing?"

"It's our big guns out in front, " said Lord James Ivor. "Jove, but whatwork they've done! A lot of our guns have been smashed, one half of ourgunners maybe have been smashed with 'em, but they've never flinched. They covered our retreat from Belgium, and they've been the heralds ofour advance here on the Marne! Listen to 'em! How they talk!"

The heavy crash of guns far in front and the thunder of the German gunsreplying came back to their ears. It was a louder note in the generaland ceaseless murmur of the battle, but the young men paid it only apassing moment of attention. Carstairs presently added as anafterthought:

"Unless Lannes returns soon I don't think we'll hear from him. Thatblaze of the guns in front of us indicates close fighting again, andwe'll probably be ordered forward soon. "

"I don't think so, " said Lord James Ivor. "Our guns and the German gunswill talk together for quite a while before the infantry advance. Youcan spend a good two hours with us yet, and still have time to departfor the French army. "

It was evident that Lord James Ivor knew what he was talking about, since, as far as John could see, the khaki army lay outspread on theturf. These men were too much exhausted and too much dulled to danger tostir merely because the cannon were blazing. It took the sharp orders oftheir officers to move them. Shells from the German guns began to fallalong the fringe of the troops, but thousands slept heavily on. 

John, after disposing of the excellent rations offered to him, sat downon the grass with Wharton, Carstairs and Lord James Ivor. The sun wasnow waning, but the western sky was full of gold, and the yellow raysslanting across the hills and fields made them vivid with light. LordJames handed his glasses to John with the remark:

"Would you like to take a look there toward the east, Scott?"

John with the help of the glasses discerned the English batteries inaction. He saw the men working about them, the muzzles pointing upward, and then the flash. Some of the guns were completely hidden in foliage, and he could detect their presence only by the heavy detonations comingfrom such points. Yet, like many of the English soldiers about him, John's mind did not respond to so much battle. He looked at the flashes, and he listened to the reports without emotion. His senses had becomedulled by it, and registered no impressions. 

"We've masked our batteries as much as possible, " said Lord James. "TheGermans are great fellows at hiding their big guns. They use every clumpof wood, hay stacks, stray stacks and anything else, behind which youcould put a piece of artillery. They trained harder before the war, butwe'll soon be able to match 'em. "

While Lord James was talking, John turned the glasses to the south andwatched the sky. He had observed two black dots, both of which grew fastinto the shape of aeroplanes. One, he knew, was the _Arrow_. He hadlearned to recognize the plane at a vast distance. It was something inthe shape or a trick of motion perhaps, almost like that of a humanbeing, with which he had become familiar and which he could not mistake. The other plane, by the side of Lannes' machine, bothered him. It wasmuch larger than the _Arrow_, but they seemed to be on terms of perfectfriendship, each the consort of the other. 

"Lannes is coming, " announced John. "He's four or five miles to thesouth and he's about a quarter of a mile up, but he has company. Willyou have a look, Lord James?"

Lord James Ivor, taking back his own glasses, studied the twoapproaching planes. 

"The small one looks like your friend's plane, " he said, "and the other, although much bigger, has only one man in it too. But they fly alonglike twins. We'll soon know all about them because they're comingstraight to us. They're descending now into this field. "

The _Arrow_ slanted gently to the earth and the larger machine descendednear by. Lannes stepped out of one, and an older man, whom Johnrecognized as the aviator Caumartin, alighted from the other. 

"My friends, " said Lannes, cheerily, "here we are again. You see I'vebrought with me a friend, Monsieur Caumartin, a brave man, and a greataviator. "

He paused to introduce Caumartin to Wharton and the Englishmen, and thenwent on:

"This flying machine in which our friend Caumartin comes is not so swiftand so graceful as the _Arrow_--few aeroplanes are--but it is strong andit has the capacity. It is what you might call an excursion steamer ofthe air. It can take several people and our good Caumartin has come init for Lieutenant Wharton and Lieutenant Carstairs. So! he has an orderfor them written by the brave Captain Colton of the Strangers. Producethe order, Monsieur Caumartin. "

The aviator took a note from a pocket in his jacket and handed it toLord James Ivor, who announced that it was in truth such an order. 

"You're to be delivered to the Strangers F. O. B. , " said John. 

"What's F. O. B. ?" exclaimed Carstairs. 

"It's a shipping term of my country, " replied John. "It means Free onBoard, and you'll arrive among the Strangers without charge. "

"But, " said Carstairs, looking dubiously at the big, ugly machine, "automobiles are my specialty!"

"And the wireless is mine!" said Wharton in the same doubting tone. 

"Oh, it's easy, " said John lightly. "Easiest thing in the world. Youhave nothing to do but sit still and look calm and wise. If you'reattacked by a Zeppelin, throw bombs--no doubt Caumartin has them onboard--but if a flock of Taubes assail you use your automatics. Icongratulate you both on making your first flight under such auspices, with two armies of a million men each, more or less, looking at you, andwith the chance to dodge the shells from four or five thousand cannon. "

"Your trouble, Scott, is talking too much, " said Wharton, "because youwent up in the air when you had no other way to go, you think you're abird. "

"So I am at times, " laughed John. "A bird without the feathers. Comenow, brace up! Remember that the solid earth is always below you, a longway below, perhaps, but it's there, and Friend Caumartin is bound todeliver you soon to your rightful master, Captain Daniel Colton, whowill talk to you like an affectionate but stern parent. "

"For Heaven's sake, let's start and get away from this wild Yankee, "said Carstairs. 

"But you won't get away from me, " rejoined John. "Lannes and I in the_Arrow_ will watch over you all the way, and, if we can, rescue you, should your plane break down. "

Caumartin supplied Wharton and Carstairs with suitable coats and caps, and they took their places unflinchingly in the big plane. Their heartsmay have been beating hard, but they would not let their hands tremble. 

"I suppose the _Omnibus_ starts first, Philip, doesn't it?" asked John. 

"Yes, " replied Lannes, smiling, "and we can overtake it. _Omnibus_ is agood name for it. We'll call it that. It looks awkward, John, but it'sone of the safest machines built. "

Plenty of willing hands gave the _Omnibus_ a lift and then did a likeservice for the _Arrow_. As they rose, aviators and passengers alikewaved a farewell to Lord James Ivor, and he and the Englishmen about himwaved back. But the thousands lying on the grass slept heavily on, whilethe cannon on their utmost fringe thundered and crashed and the Germancannon crashed and thundered, replying. 

The _Arrow_ kept close to the _Omnibus_, so close that John could seethe white faces of Wharton and Carstairs and their hands clenching thesides. But he remembered his own original experience, and he was notdisposed to jest at them now. 

"They're air-sick--as I was, " he said to Lannes. "Call to them to lookwestward at the troops, " said Lannes. "Great portions of the French andEnglish armies are now visible, and such a sight will make them forgettheir natural apprehensions. "

Lannes was right. When they beheld the magnificent panorama spread outfor them the color came back into the faces of Carstairs and Wharton, and their clenched fingers relaxed. The spectacle was indeed grand andgorgeous as they looked up at the sky, down at the earth, and at theline where they met. The sun was now low, but mighty terraces of red andgold rose in the west, making it a blaze of varied colors. In the eastthe terraces were silver and silver gray, and the light there wassofter. The green earth beneath was mottled with the red and silver andgold from the skies. 

The German army was yet invisible beyond the hills, although the cannonwere flashing there, but to the west they saw vast masses of infantry, some stationary, while others moved slowly forward. Looking upon thiswonderful sight, Wharton and Carstairs forgot that they were high in theair. Their hearts beat fast, and their eyes became brilliant withenthusiasm. They waved hands at the _Arrow_ which flew near like aguiding friend. 

"Wonderful, isn't it?" shouted John. 

"I never expect to see its like again, " Carstairs shouted back, andthen, lest he should not be true to his faith, he added:

"But I won't desert the automobile. It's my best friend. "

"British obstinacy!" shouted John. 

Carstairs shouted back something, but the planes were now too far apartfor him to hear. John saw that the _Omnibus_, despite her awkward look, was flying well and he also saw through Lannes' glasses four aeroplanesbearing up from the east. He did not say much until he had examined themwell and had concluded that they were Taubes. 

"Lannes, " he said, "German machines are trespassing on our air, andunless I'm mistaken they're making for us. "

"It's likely. Just under the locker there you'll find a rifle, and abelt of cartridges. It's a good weapon, and if the pinch comes you'llhave to use it. Are your friends good shots?"

"I think they are, and I know they're as brave as lions. "

"Then they'll have a chance to show it. The _Omnibus_ carries severalrifles and an abundance of ammunition. She might be called a cargo boat, as there's a lot of room on her. I'm going to bear in close, and youtell Caumartin and the others of the danger. "

The _Arrow_ swerved, came near to the _Omnibus_, and John shouted thewarning. Carstairs and Wharton instantly seized rifles and he saw themlay two others loaded at their feet. With the prospect of a battle forlife air-sickness disappeared. 

"You can rely on them, Philip, " said John as the _Arrow_ bore away alittle, "but I don't like the looks of one of those German machines. "

"What's odd about it?"

"It's bigger than the others. Ah, now I see! It carries a machine gun. "

"That's bad. It can send a hail of metal at us. It's lucky thataeroplanes are such unstable gun-platforms. When platforms and targetsare alike swerving it's hard to hit anything. We're going to rise anddive, and rise and dive and swerve and swerve, John, so be ready. I'llsignal to Caumartin to do the same, and maybe the machine gun won't getus. "

John was quite sure that the _Arrow_ could escape by immediate flight, but he knew that Lannes would never desert the _Omnibus_, and itspassengers, and he felt the same way. The subject was not even mentionedby either. 

The German machines, approaching rapidly, spread out like a fan, theheavier one with the machine gun in the center. John could see the manat the rapid firer, but he did not yet open with it. The _Arrow_ and the_Omnibus_ were wavering like feathers in a storm and closer range wasneeded. John sat with his own rifle across his knee and then looked atWharton in the _Omnibus_ scarcely a hundred yards away. The figure ofWharton was tense and rigid. His rifle was raised and his eyes neverleft the man at the machine gun. 

"I forgot to tell you, Philip, " said John, "that Wharton is a greatsharpshooter. It's natural to him, and I don't believe the shiftingplatform will interfere with his aim. "

"Then I hope that he never has done better sharp-shooting than he willdo today. Ah, there goes the machine gun!"

There was a rapid rat-a-tat, not so clear and distinct as it would havebeen at the same distance on ground, and a stream of bullets poured fromthe machine gun. But they passed between the _Arrow_ and the _Omnibus_, and only cut the unoffending air. Meanwhile Wharton was watching. Awrath, cold but consuming, had taken hold of him. The fact that he washigh above the earth, perched in a swaying unstable seat was forgotten. He had eyes and thought only for the murderous machine gun and the manwho worked it. An instinctive marksman, he and his rifle were now asone, and of all the birds of prey in the air at that moment Wharton wasthe most dangerous. 

The machine gun was silent for a minute. The riflemen in the Taubes onthe wings of the attacking force fired a few shots, but all of them wentwild. John, tense and silent, sat with his own rifle raised, but half ofthe time he watched Wharton. 

The two forces came a little nearer. Again the machine gun poured forthits stream of bullets. Two glanced off the sides of the _Omnibus_, andthen John saw Wharton's rifle leap to his shoulder. The movement and theflash of the weapon were so near together that be seemed to take no aim. Yet his bullet sped true. The man at the machine gun, who was standingin a stooped position, threw up his hands, fell backward and out of theplane. A thrill of horror shot through John, and he shut his eyes amoment to keep from seeing that falling body. 

"What has happened?" asked Lannes, who had not looked around. 

"Wharton has shot the man at the machine gun clean out of the aeroplane. He must be falling yet. "

"Ghastly, but necessary. Has anybody taken the slain man's place?"

"Yes, another has sprung to the gun! But he's gone! Wharton has shot himtoo! He's fallen on the floor of the car, and he lies quite still. "

"Your friend is indeed a sharpshooter. How many men are left in theplane?"

"Only one! No, good God, there's none! Wharton has shot the third manalso, and now the machine goes whirling and falling through space!"

"I said that friend of yours must be a sharpshooter, " said Lannes, in atone of awe, "but he must be more! He must be the king of all riflemen. It's evident that the _Omnibus_ knows how to defend herself. I'll swingin a little, and you can take a shot or two. "

John fired once, without hitting anything but the air, which made nocomplaint, but the battle was over. Horrified by the fate that hadovertaken their comrades and seeing help for their enemy at hand theTaubes withdrew. 

The _Arrow_ and the _Omnibus_ flew on toward the French lines, whenceother machines were coming to meet them. 

CHAPTER XI

THE CONTINUING BATTLE

The _Arrow_ bore in toward the _Omnibus_. Wharton had put his rifleaside and was staring downward as if he would see the wreck that he hadmade. Lannes called to him loudly:

"You've saved us all!"

Wharton looked rather white, but he shouted back:

"I had no other choice. "

The French aeroplanes were around them now, their motors drummingsteadily and the aviators shouting congratulations to Lannes andCaumartin, whom they knew well. It was a friendly group, full of prideand exultation, and the _Arrow_ and the _Omnibus_ had a triumphantescort. Soon they were directly over the French, and then they begantheir descent. As usual, when they reached the army they made it amidcheers, and the first man who greeted John was short and young but witha face of pride. 

"You have come back to us out of the air, Monsieur Scott, " he said, "andI salute you. "

It was Pierre Louis Bougainville, made a colonel already forextraordinary, almost unprecedented, valor and ability in so young aman. John recognized his rank by his uniform, and he acknowledged itgladly. 

"It's true, I have come back, Colonel Bougainville, " he said, "and rightglad I am to come. I see that your country has had no cause to complainof you in the last week. "

"Nor of hundreds of thousands of Frenchmen, " said Bougainville. "Yourcompany, the Strangers, is close at hand, and here is your captain now. "

Captain Daniel Colton, thin and ascetic, walked forward. John gave himhis best salute and said:

"Captain Colton, I beg to report to you for duty. "

A light smile passed swiftly over Cotton's face. 

"You're a little late, Lieutenant Scott, " he said. 

"I know it, sir, but I've brought Lieutenant Carstairs and LieutenantWharton with me. There have been obstacles which prevented our speedyreturn. We've done our best. "

"I can well believe it. You left on horseback, and you return by air. But I'm most heartily glad to see all three of you again. I feared thatyou were dead. "

"Thank you, sir, " said John. "But we don't mean to die. "

"Nevertheless, " said Captain Colton, gravely, "death has been all aboutus for days and nights. Many of the Strangers are gone. You will findthe living lying in the little valley just beyond us, and you can resumeyour duties. "

Lannes, after a word or two, left them, and Caumartin took the_Omnibus_ to another part of the field. Lannes' importance wascontinually growing in John's eyes, nor was it the effect ofimagination. He saw that under the new conditions of warfare the abilityof the young Frenchman to carry messages between generals separatedwidely could not be overrated. He might depart that very night onanother flight. 

"May I ask, sir, " he said to Captain Colton, "to what command ordivision the Strangers are now attached?"

"To that of General Vaugirard, a very able man. "

"I'm glad to hear it, sir. I know him. I was with him before I was takenby the Germans. "

"It seems that you're about to have a general reunion, " said Carstairsto young Scott, as they walked away. 

"I am, and I'm mighty happy over it. I'll admit that I was rather gladto see you, you blooming Britisher. "

About one-third of the Strangers were gone forever, and the rest, exceptthe higher officers, were prostrate in the glade. White, worn andmotionless they lay in the same stupor that John had seen overtake theGerman troops. Some were flat upon their backs, with arms outstretched, looking like crosses, others lay on their faces, and others were curledup on their sides. Few were over twenty-five. Nearly all had mothers inAmerica or Great Britain. 

While they slept the guns yet grumbled at many points. The sound on thehorizon had gone on so long now that it seemed normal to John. He knewthat it would continue so throughout the night, and maybe for many moredays and nights. Unless it came near and made him a direct personalmenace he would pay no attention to it. 

It was growing late. Night was spreading once more over the vast battlefield, stretching over thirty leagues maybe. The common soldier knewnothing, majors and colonels knew little more, but the silent man whoseinvisible hand had swept the gigantic German army back from Paris knewmuch. While the fire of the artillery continued under the searchlightsthe exhausted infantry sank down. Then the telephones began to talk overa vast stretch of space, dazzling white lights made signals, thesputtering wireless sent messages in the air, and the flying machinesshot through the heavens. Commanders talked to one another in many waysnow, and they would talk all through the night. 

John and his comrades ate supper, while most of the Strangers sleptaround them. Those who were awake recognized them, shook hands and saida few words. They were a taciturn lot. After supper Carstairs andWharton dropped upon the grass and were soon sound asleep. Scott wasinclined to be wakeful and he walked along the edge of the glade, looking anxiously at the sleeping forms. 

He saw the loom of a fire just beyond the ridge and going to the crestto look at it he beheld outlined before it a gigantic figure that herecognized at once. It was General Vaugirard, and John would have beenglad to speak to him, but he hesitated to approach a general. While hestood doubting a hand fell upon his shoulder and a glad voice said inhis ear:

"And our young American has come back! Ah, my friend, let me shake yourhand!"

It was Captain de Rougemont, trim, erect and without a wound. Johngladly let him shake. Then in reply to de Rougemont's eager questions hetold briefly of all that had happened since they parted. 

"The general has asked twice if we had any news of you, " said deRougemont. "He does not forget. A great mind in a vast body. "

"Could I speak to him?"

"Of a certainty, my friend; come. "

They advanced toward the fire. General Vaugirard was walking up anddown, his hands clasped behind his back, and whistling softly. His hugefigure looked yet more huge outlined against the flames. He heard thetread of the two young men and looking up recognized John instantly. 

"Risen from the dead!" he exclaimed with warmth, clasping the youngman's hand in his own gigantic palm. "I had despaired of ever seeing youagain! There are so many more gallant lads whom I will certainly neversee! Ah, well, such is life! The roll of our brave young dead is long, very long!"

He reclasped his hands behind his back and walking up and down began towhistle again softly. His emotion over the holocaust had passed, andonce more he was the general planning for victory. But he stoppedpresently and said to John:

"The Strangers, to whom you belong, have come under my command. You areone of my children now. I have my eye on all of you. You are brave lads. Go and seek rest with them while you can. You may not have anotherchance in a month. We have driven the German, but he will turn, and thenwe may fight weeks, months, no one knows how long. Ah, well, such islife!"

John saluted respectfully, and withdrew to the little open glade inwhich the Strangers were lying, sleeping a great sleep. Captain Coltonhimself, wrapped in a blanket, was now a-slumber under a tree, andWharton and Carstairs near by, stretched on their sides, were deep inslumber too. Fires were burning on the long line, but they were notnumerous, and in the distance they seemed mere pin points. At times barsof intense white light, like flashes of lightning, would sweep along thefront, showing that the searchlights of either army still providedillumination for the fighting. The note of the artillery came like adistant and smothered groan, but it did not cease, and it would notcease, since the searchlights would show it a way all through the night. 

John sat down, looked at the faint flashes on the far horizon andlistened to that moaning which grew in volume as one paid closeattention to it. Europe or a great part of it had gone mad. He wasfilled once more with wrath against kings and all their doings as helooked upon the murderous aftermath of feudalism, the most gigantic ofall wars, made in a few hours by a few men sitting around a table. Thenhe laughed at himself. What was he! A mere feather in a cyclone!Certainly he had been blown about like one!

His nervous imagination now passed quickly and throwing himself upon theground he slept like those around him. All the Strangers were awakenedat early dawn by the signal of a trumpet, and when John opened his eyeshe found the air still quivering beneath the throb of the guns. As hehad foreseen they had never ceased in the darkness, and he could notremember how many days and nights now they had been raining steel uponhuman beings. 

He was refreshed and strengthened by a night of good sleep, but his mindwas as sensitive as ever. In the morning no less bitterly than at nighthe raged against the folly and ambition of the kings. But the otherspaid no attention to the cannon. They were light of heart and easy oftongue. They chaffed one another in the cool dawn, and cried to thecooks for breakfast, which was soon brought to them, hot and plentiful. 

"I suppose it's forward again, " said Carstairs between drinks of coffee. 

"I fancy you're right, " said Wharton. "Since we've been put in thebrigade of that giant of a general, Vaugirard, we're always goingforward. He seems to have an uncommon love of fighting for a fat man. "

"It's an illusion, " said John, "that a fat man is more peaceful than athin one. "

"How are you going to prove it?" asked Wharton. 

"Look at Napoleon. When he was thin he was a great fighter, and when hebecame stout he was just as great a fighter as ever. Fat didn't takeaway his belligerency. "

"I hear that the whole German army has been driven across the Marne, "said Carstairs, "and that the force we hoped to cut off has eitherescaped or is about to escape. If that's so they won't retreat muchfurther. The pride of the Germans is too great, and their army is toopowerful for them to yield much more ground to us. "

"I think you're right, or about as near right as an Englishman can be, Carstairs, " said John. "What must be the feelings of the Emperor and thekings and the princes and the grand dukes and the dukes and the martialprofessors to know that the German army has been turned back from Paris, just when the City of Light seemed ready to fall into their hands?"

"Pretty bitter, I think, " said Carstairs, "but it's not pleasant to havethe capital of a country fall into the hands of hostile armies. I don'tread of such things with delight. It wouldn't give me any suchoverwhelming joy for us to march into Berlin. To beat the Germans isenough. "

Another trumpet blew and the Strangers rose for battle again with aninvisible enemy. All the officers, like the men, were on foot, theirhorses having been killed in the earlier fighting, and they advancedslowly across the stubble of a wheat field. The morning was still cool, although the sun was bright, and the air was full of vigor. The rumblingof the artillery grew with the day, but the Strangers said little. Battle had ceased to be a novelty. They would fight somewhere and withsomebody, but they would wait patiently and without curiosity until thetime came. 

"I suppose Lannes didn't come back, " said Carstairs. "I haven't heardanyone speak of seeing him this morning. "

"He may have returned before we awoke, " said John. "The _Arrow_ fliesvery fast. Like as not he delivered his message, whatever it was, andwas off again with another in a few minutes. He may be sixty or eightymiles from here now. "

"Odd fellow that Lannes, " said Carstairs. "Do you know anything abouthis people, Scott?"

"Not much except that he has a mother and sister. I spent a night withthem at their house in Paris. I've heard that French family ties arestrong, but they seemed to look upon him as the weak would regard agreat champion, a knight, in their own phrase, without fear and withoutreproach. "

"That speaks well for him. "

John's mind traveled back to that modest house across the Seine. It haddone so often during all the days and nights of fighting, and he thoughtof Julie Lannes in her simple white dress, Julie with the golden hairand the bluest of blue eyes. She had not seemed at all foreign to him. In her simplicity and openness she was like one of the young girls ofhis own country. French custom might have compelled a difference atother times, but war was a great leveler of manners. She and her mothermust have suffered agonies of suspense, when the guns were thunderingalmost within hearing of Paris, suspense for Philip, suspense for theircountry, and suspense in a less degree for themselves. Maybe Lannes hadgone back once in the _Arrow_ to show them that he was safe, and to tellthem that, for the time at least, the great German invasion had beenrolled back. 

"A penny for your dream!" said Carstairs. 

"Not for a penny, nor for a pound, nor for anything else, " said John. "This dream of mine had something brilliant and beautiful and pure atthe very core of it, and I'm not selling. "

Carstairs looked curiously at him, and a light smile played across hisface. But the smile was sympathetic. 

"I'll wager you that with two guesses I can tell the nature of yourdream, " he said. 

John shook his head, and he, too, smiled. 

"As we say at home, " he said, "you may guess right the very first time, but I won't tell you whether you're right or wrong. "

"I take only one guess. That coruscating core of your dream was a girl. "

"I told you I wouldn't say whether you were right or wrong. "

"Is she blonde or dark?"

"I repeat that I'm answering no questions. "

"Does she live in one of your Northern or one of your Southern States?"

John smiled. 

"I suppose you haven't heard from her in a long time, as mail fromacross the water isn't coming with much regularity to this battlefield. "

John smiled again. 

"And now I'll conclude, " said Carstairs, speaking very seriously. "Ifit is a girl, and I know it is, I hope that she'll smile when she thinksof you, as you've been smiling when you think of her. I hope, too, thatyou'll go through this war without getting killed, although the chancesare three or four to one against it, and go back home and win her. "

John smiled once more and was silent, but when Carstairs held out hishand he could not keep from shaking it. Then Paris, the modest housebeyond the Seine, and the girl within it, floated away like an illusion, driven from thought in an instant by a giant shell that struck within afew hundred yards of them, exploding with a terrible crash and fillingthe air with deadly bits of flying shell. 

There was such a whistling in his ears that John thought at first he hadbeen hit, but when he shook himself a little he found he was unhurt, andhis heart resumed its normal beat. Other shells coming out of spacebegan to strike, but none so near, and the Strangers went calmly on. Ontheir right was a Paris regiment made up mostly of short, butthick-chested men, all very dark. Its numbers were only one-third whatthey had been a week before, and its colonel was Pierre LouisBougainville, late Apache, late of the Butte Montmartre. All thecolonels, majors and captains of this regiment had been killed and henow led it, earning his promotion by the divine right of genius. He, atleast, could look into his knapsack and see there the shadow of amarshal's baton, a shadow that might grow more material. 

John watched him and he wondered at this transformation of a rat ofMontmartre into a man. And yet there had been many such transformationsin the French Revolution. What had happened once could always happenagain. Napoleon himself had been the son of a poor little lawyer in adistant and half-savage island, not even French in blood, but an Italianand an alien. 

Crash! Another shell burst near, and told him to quit thinking of oldtimes and attend to the business before him. The past had nothing moremighty than the present. The speed of the Strangers was increased alittle, and the French regiments on either side kept pace with them. More shells fell. They came, shrieking through the air like hideousbirds of remote ages. Some passed entirely over the advancing troops, but one fell among the French on John's right, and the column openingout, passed shudderingly around the spot where death had struck. 

Two or three of the Strangers were blown away presently. It seemed toJohn's horrified eyes that one of them entirely vanished in minutefragments. He knew now what annihilation meant. 

The heavy French field guns behind them were firing over their heads, but there was still nothing in front, merely the low green hills and noteven a flash of flame nor a puff of smoke. The whistling death came outof space. 

The French went on, a wide shallow valley opened out before them, andthey descended by the easy slope into it. Here the German shells andshrapnel ceased to fall among them, but, as the heavy thundercontinued, John knew the guns had merely turned aside their fire forother points on the French line. Carstairs by his side gave an immensesigh of relief. 

"I can never get used to the horrible roaring and groaning of thoseshells, " he said. "If I get killed I'd like it to be done without thething that does it shrieking and gloating over me. "

They were well in the valley now, and John noticed that along its rightran a dense wood, fresh and green despite the lateness of the season. But as he looked he heard the shrill snarling of many trumpets, and, fora moment or two, his heart stood still, as a vast body of German cavalryburst from the screen of the wood and rushed down upon them. 

It was not often in this war that cavalry had a great chance, but hereit had come. The ambush was complete. The German signals, either fromthe sky or the hills, had told when the French were in the valley, andthen the German guns had turned aside their fire for the very goodreason that they did not wish to send shells among their own men. 

John's feeling was one of horrified surprise. The German cavalryextending across a mile of front seemed countless. Imagination in thatterrific moment magnified them into millions. He saw the foaming mouths, the white teeth and the flashing eyes of the horses, and then the tensefaces and eyes of their riders. Lances and sabers were held aloft, andthe earth thundered with the tread of the mounted legions. 

"Good God!" cried Wharton. 

"Wheel, men, wheel!" shouted Captain Colton. 

As they turned to face the rushing tide of steel, the regiment ofBougainville whirled on their flank and then Bougainville was almost athis side. He saw fire leap from the little man's eye. He saw him shoutcommands, rapid incisive, and correct and he saw clearly that if thiswere Napoleon's day that marshal's baton in the knapsack would indeedbecome a reality. 

The Paris regiment, kneeling, was the first to fire, and the nextinstant flame burst from the rifles of the Strangers. It was not amoment too soon. It seemed to many of the young Americans and Englishmenthat they had been ridden down already, but sheet after sheet of bulletsfired by men, fighting for their lives, formed a wall of death. 

The Uhlans, the hussars and the cuirassiers reeled back in the verymoment of triumph. Horses with their riders crashed to the ground, andothers, mad with terror, rushed wildly through the French ranks. 

John, Carstairs and Wharton snatched up rifles, all three, and began tofire with the men as fast as they could. A vast turmoil, frightful inits fury, followed. The German cavalry reeled back, but it did notretreat. The shrill clamor of many trumpets came again, and once morethe horsemen charged. The sheet of death blazed in their faces again, and then the French met them with bayonet. 

The Strangers had closed in to meet the shock. John felt rather than sawCarstairs and Wharton on either side of him, and the three of them werefiring cartridge after cartridge into the light whitish smoke that hungbetween them and the charging horsemen. He was devoutly thankful thatthe Paris regiment was immediately on their right, and that it was ledby such a man as Bougainville. General Vaugirard, he knew, was fartherto their left, and now he began to hear the rapid firers, pouring a rainof death upon the cavalry. 

"We win! we win!" cried Carstairs. "If they couldn't beat us down in thefirst rush they can't beat us down at all!"

Carstairs was right. The French had broken into no panic, and, when, infantry standing firm, pour forth the incessant and deadly stream ofdeath, that modern arms make possible, no cavalry can live before them. Yet the Germans charged again and again into the hurricane of fire andsteel. The tumult of the battle face to face became terrific. 

John could no longer hear the words of his comrades. He saw dimlythrough the whitish smoke in front, but he continued to fire. Once heleaped aside to let a wounded and riderless horse gallop past, andthrice he sprang over the bodies of the dead. 

The infantry were advancing now, driving the cavalry before them, andthe French were able to bring their lighter field guns into action. Johnheard the rapid crashes, and he saw the line of cavalry drawing back. He, too, was shouting with triumph, although nobody heard him. But allthe Strangers were filled with fiery zeal. Without orders they rushedforward, driving the horsemen yet further. John saw through the whitishmist a fierce face and a powerful arm swinging aloft a saber. 

He recognized von Boehlen and von Boehlen recognized him. Shouting, thePrussian urged his horse at him and struck him with the saber. John, under impulse, dropped to his knees, and the heavy blade whistled abovehim. But something else struck him on the head and he fell senseless tothe earth. 

CHAPTER XII

JULIE LANNES

John Scott came slowly out of the darkness and hovered for a whilebetween dusk and light. It was not an unpleasant world in which helingered. It seemed full of rest and peace. His mind and body wererelaxed, and there was no urgent call for him to march and to fight. Theinsistent drumming of the great guns which could play upon the nervoussystem until it was wholly out of tune was gone. The only sound he heardwas that of a voice, a fresh young voice, singing a French song in atone low and soft. He had always liked these little love songs of thekind that were sung in a subdued way. They were pathetic and pure as arose leaf. 

He might have opened his eyes and looked for the singer, but he did not. The twilight region between sleep and consciousness was too pleasant. Hehad no responsibilities, nothing to do. He had a dim memory that he hadbelonged to an army, that it was his business to try to kill some one, and to try to keep from getting killed, but all that was gone now. Hecould lie there, without pain of body or anxiety of mind, and let vaguebut bright visions pass through his soul. 

His eyes still closed, he listened to the voice. It was very low, scarcely more than a murmur, yet it was thrillingly sweet. It might notbe a human voice, after all, just the distant note of a bird in theforest, or the murmur of a brave little stream, or a summer wind amonggreen leaves. 

He moved a little and became conscious that he was not going back intothat winter region of dusk. His soul instead was steadily moving towardthe light. The beat of his heart grew normal, and then memory in a fulltide rushed upon him. He saw the great cavalry battle with all its redturmoil, the savage swing of von Boehlen's saber and himself driftingout into the darkness. 

He opened his eyes, the battle vanished, and he saw himself lying upon alow, wooden platform. His head rested upon a small pillow, a blanket wasunder him, and another above him. Turning slowly he saw other menwrapped in blankets like himself on the platform in a row that stretchedfar to right and left. Above was a low roof, but both sides of thestructure were open. 

He understood it all in a moment. He had come back to a world of battleand wounds, and he was one of the wounded. But he listened for the soft, musical note which he believed now, in his imaginative state, had drawnhim from the mid-region between life and death. 

The stalwart figure of a woman in a somber dress with a red cross sewedupon it passed between him and the light, but he knew that it was notshe who had been singing. He closed his eyes in disappointment, butreopened them. A man wearing a white jacket and radiating an atmosphereof drugs now walked before him. He must be a surgeon. At home, surgeonswore white jackets. Beyond doubt he was one and maybe he was going tostop at John's cot to treat some terrible wound of which he was not yetconscious. He shivered a little, but the man passed on, and his heartbeat its relief. 

Then a soldier took his place in the bar of light. He was a short, thickman in a ridiculous, long blue coat, and equally ridiculous, baggy, redtrousers. An obscure cap was cocked in an obscure manner over his ears, and his face was covered with a beard, black, thick and untrimmed. Hecarried a rifle over his shoulder and nobody could mistake him foranything but a Frenchman. Then he was not a prisoner again, but was inFrench hands. That, at least, was a consolation. 

It was amusing to lie there and see the people, one by one, pass betweenhim and the light. He could easily imagine that he was an inspectionofficer and that they walked by under orders from him. Two more women inthose somber dresses with the red crosses embroidered upon them, weresilhouetted for a moment against the glow and then were gone. Then a manwith his arm in a sling and his face very pale walked slowly by. Awounded soldier! There must be many, very many of them!

The musical murmur ceased and he was growing weary. He closed his eyesand then he opened them again because he felt for a moment on his face afragrant breath, fleeting and very light. He looked up into the eyes ofJulie Lannes. They were blue, very blue, but with infinite wistfuldepths in them, and he noticed that her golden hair had faint touches ofthe sun in it. It was a crown of glory. He remembered that he had seensomething like it in the best pictures of the old masters. 

"Mademoiselle Julie!" he said. 

"You have come back, " she said gently. "We have been anxious about you. Philip has been to see you three times. "

He noticed that she, too, wore the somber dress with the red cross, andhe began to comprehend. 

"A nurse, " he said. "Why, you are too young for such work!"

"But I am strong, and the wounded are so many, hundreds of thousands, they say. Is it not a time for the women of France to help as much asthey can?"

"I suppose so. I've heard that in our civil war the women passed overthe battle fields, seeking the wounded and nursed them afterward. Butyou didn't come here alone, did you, Mademoiselle Julie?"

"Antoine Picard--you remember him--and his daughter Suzanne, are withme. My mother would have come too, but she is ill. She will come later. "

"How long have I been here?"

"Four days. "

John thought a little. Many and mighty events had happened in four daysbefore he was wounded and many and mighty events may have occurredsince. 

"Would you mind telling me where we are, Mademoiselle Julie?" he asked. 

"I do not know exactly myself, but we are somewhere near the river, Aisne. The German army has turned and is fortifying against us. When thewind blows this way you can hear the rumble of the guns. Ah, there it isnow, Mr. Scott!"

John distinctly heard that low, sinister menace, coming from the east, and he knew what it was. Why should he not? He had listened to it fordays and days. It was easy enough now to tell the thunder of theartillery from real thunder. He was quite sure that it had never ceasedwhile he was unconscious. It had been going on so long now, as steady asthe flowing of a river. 

"I've been asking you a lot of questions, Mademoiselle Julie, but I wantto ask you one more. "

"What is it, Mr. Scott?"

"What happened to me?"

"They say that you were knocked down by a horse, and that when you werefalling his knee struck your head. There was a concussion but thesurgeon says that when you come out of it you will recover very fast. "

"Is the man who says it a good surgeon, one upon whom a fellow can rely, one of the very best surgeons that ever worked on a hurt head?"

"Yes, Mr. Scott. But why do you ask such a question? Is it your oddAmerican way?"

"Not at all. Mademoiselle Julie. I merely wanted to satisfy myself. Heknows that I'm not likely to be insane or weak-minded or anything of thekind, because I got in the way of that horse's knee?"

"Oh, no, Mr. Scott, there is not the least danger in the world. Yourmind will be as sound as your body. Don't trouble yourself. "

She laughed and now John knew that it was she whom he had heard singingthe chansonette in that low murmuring tone. What was that little song?Well, it did not matter about the words. The music was that of a softbreeze from the south blowing among roses. John's imaginings weregrowing poetical. Perhaps there were yet some lingering effects from theconcussion. 

"Here is the surgeon now, " said Mademoiselle Julie. "He will take a lookat you and he will be glad to find that what he has predicted has cometrue. "

It was the man in the white jacket, and with that wonderful tangle ofblack whiskers, like a patch cut out of a scrub forest. 

"Well, my young Yankee, " he said, "I see that you've come around. You'veraised an interesting question in my mind. Since a cavalry horse wasn'table to break it, is the American skull thicker than the skulls of otherpeople?"

"A lot of you Europeans don't seem to think we're civilized. "

"But when you fight for us we do. Isn't that so, Mademoiselle Lannes?"

"I think it is. "

"War is a curious thing. While it drives people apart it also bringsthem together. We learn in battle, and its aftermath, that we're verymuch alike. And now, my young Yankee, I'll be here again in two hours tochange that bandage for the last time. I'll be through with you then, and in another day you can go forward to meet the German shells. "

"I prefer to run against a horse's knee, " said John with spirit. 

Surgeon Lucien Delorme laughed heartily. 

"I'm confirmed in my opinion that you won't need me after another changeof bandages, " he said. "We've a couple of hundred thousand cases muchworse than yours to tend, and Mademoiselle Lannes will look after youtoday. She has watched over you, I understand, because you're a friendof her brother, the great flying man, Philip Lannes. "

"Yes, " said John, "that's it, of course. "

Julie herself said nothing. 

Surgeon Delorme passed through the bar of brilliant light anddisappeared, his place being taken by a gigantic figure with grizzledhair, and the stern face of the thoughtful peasant, the same AntoinePicard who had been left as a guardian over the little house beyond theSeine. John closed his eyes, that is nearly, and caught the glance thatthe big man gave to Julie. It was protecting and fatherly, and he knewthat Antoine would answer for her at any time with his life. It was oneremnant of feudalism to which he did not object. He opened his eyes wideand said:

"Well, my good Picard, perhaps you thought you were going to look at adead American, but you are not. Behold me!"

He sat up and doubled up his arm to show his muscle and power. Picardsmiled and offered to shake hands in the American fashion. He seemedgenuinely glad that John had returned to the real world, and Johnascribed it to Picard's knowledge that he was Lannes' friend. 

Julie said some words to Picard, and with a little _au revoir_ to John, went away. John watched her until she was out of sight. He realizedagain that young French girls were kept secluded from the world, immuredalmost. But the world had changed. Since a few men met around a tablesix or seven weeks before and sent a few dispatches a revolution hadcome. Old customs, old ideas and old barriers were going fast, and mightbe going faster. War, the leveler, was prodigiously at work. 

These were tremendous things, but he had himself to think about too, andpersonality can often outweigh the universe. Julie was gone, taking alot of the light with her, but Picard was still there, and while he wasgrizzled and stern he was a friend. 

John sat up quite straight and Picard did not try to keep him from it. 

"Picard, " he said, "you see me, don't you?"

"I do, sir, with these two good eyes of mine, as good as those in thehead of any young man, and fifty is behind me. "

"That's because you're not intellectual, Picard, but we'll return to ourlamb chops. I am here, I, a soldier of France, though an American--forwhich I am grateful--laid four days upon my back by a wound. And wasthat wound inflicted by a shell, shrapnel, bomb, lance, saber, bullet orany of the other noble weapons of warfare? No, sir, it was done by ahorse, and not by a kick, either, he jostled me with his knee when hewasn't looking. Would you call that an honorable wound?"

"All wounds received in the service of one's country or adopted countryare honorable, sir. "

"You give me comfort, Picard. But spread the story that I was not hit bya horse's knee but by a piece of shell, a very large and wicked piece ofshell. I want it to get into the histories that way. The greatest ofFrenchmen, though he was an Italian, said that history was a fableagreed upon, and you and I want to make an agreement about myself and ashell. "

"I don't understand you at all, sir. "

"Well, never mind. Tell me how long Mademoiselle Julie is going to stayhere. I'm a great friend of her brother, Lieutenant Philip Lannes. Oh, we're such wonderful friends! And we've been through such terribledangers together!"

"Then, perhaps it's Lieutenant Lannes and not his sister, MademoiselleJulie, that you wish to inquire about. "

"Don't be ironical, Picard. I was merely digressing, which I admit iswrong, as you're apt to distract the attention of your hearer from thereal subject. We'll return to Mademoiselle Julie. Do you think she'sgoing to remain here long?"

"I would tell you if I could, sir, but no one knows. I think it dependsupon many circumstances. The young lady is most brave, as becomes one ofher blood, and the changes in France are great. All of us who may notfight can serve otherwise. "

"Why is it that you're not fighting, Picard?"

The great peasant flung up his arms angrily. 

"Because I am beyond the age. Because I am too old, they said. Think ofit! I, Antoine Picard, could take two of these little officers and crushthem to death at once in my arms! There is not in all this army a manwho could walk farther than I can! There is not one who could lift thewheel of a cannon out of the mud more quickly than I can, and they wouldnot take me! What do a few years mean?"

"Nothing in your case, Antoine, but they'll take you, later on. Neverfear. Before this war is over every country in it will need all the menit can get, whether old or young. "

"I fear that it is so, " said the gigantic peasant, a shadow crossing hisstern face, "but, sir, one thing is decided. France, the France of theRevolution, the France that belongs to its people, will not fall. "

John looked at him with a new interest. Here was a peasant, but athinking peasant, and there were millions like him in France. They werenot really peasants in the old sense of the word, but workingmen with astake in the country, and the mind and courage to defend it. It might bepossible to beat the army of a nation, but not a nation in arms. 

"No, Picard, " said John, "France will not fall. "

"And that being settled, sir, " said Picard, with grim humor, "I thinkyou'd better lie down again. You've talked a lot for a man who has beenunconscious four days. "

"You're right, my good Picard, as I've no doubt you usually are. Was Itroublesome, much, when I was out in the dark?"

"But little, sir. I've lifted much heavier men, and that Dr. Delorme isstrong himself, not afraid, either, to use the knife. Ah, sir, youshould have seen how beautifully he worked right under the fire of theGerman guns! Psst! if need be he'd have taken a leg off you in fiveminutes, as neatly as if he had been in a hospital in Paris!"

John felt apprehensively for his legs. Both were there, and in goodcondition. 

"If that man ever comes near me with the intention of cutting off one ofmy legs I'll shoot him, good fellow and good doctor though he may be, "he said. "Help me up a little higher, will you, Picard? I want to seewhat kind of a place we're in. "

Picard built up a little pyramid of saddles and knapsacks behind him andJohn drew himself up with his back against them. The rows and rows ofwounded stretched as far as he could see, and there was a powerful odorof drugs. Around him was a forest, of the kind with which he had becomefamiliar in Europe, that is, of small trees, free from underbrush. Hesaw some distance away soldiers walking up and down and beyond them thevague outline of an earthwork. 

"What place is this, anyway, Picard?" he asked. 

"It has no name, sir. It's a hospital. It was built in the forest in aday. More than five thousand wounded lie here. The army itself isfurther on. You were found and brought in by some young officers of thatmost singular company composed of Americans and English who are alwaysquarreling among one another, but who unite and fight like demonsagainst anybody else. "

"A dollar to a cent it was Wharton and Carstairs who brought me here, "said John, smiling to himself. 

"What does Monsieur say?"

"Merely commenting on some absent friends of mine. But this isn't a badplace, Picard. "

The shed was of immense length and breadth and just beyond it were somesmall buildings, evidently of hasty construction. John inferred thatthey were for the nurses and doctors, and he wondered which onesheltered Julie Lannes. The forest seemed to be largely of young pines, and the breeze that blew through it was fresh and wholesome. As hebreathed it young Scott felt that he was inhaling new life and strength. But the wind also brought upon its edge that far faint murmur which heknew was the throbbing of the great guns, miles and miles away. 

"Perhaps, Monsieur had better lie down again now and sleep awhile, " saidPicard insinuatingly. 

"Sleep! I need sleep! Why, Picard, by your own account I've justawakened from a sleep four days and four nights long. "

"But, sir, that was not sleep. It was the stupor of unconsciousness. Now your sleep will be easy and natural. "

"Very well, " said John, who had really begun to feel a little weary, "I'll go to sleep, since, in a way, you order it, but if MademoiselleJulie Lannes should happen to pass my cot again, will you kindly wake meup?"

"If possible, sir, " said Picard, the faintest smile passing over hisiron features, and forced to be content with that reply, John soon sleptagain. Julie passed by him twice, but Picard did not awaken him, nortry. The first time she was alone. Trained and educated like most youngFrench girls, she had seen little of the world until she was projectedinto the very heart of it by an immense and appalling war. But itseffect upon her had been like that upon John. Old manners and customscrumbled away, an era vanished, and a new one with new ideas came totake its place. She shuddered often at what she had seen in this greathospital in the woods, but she was glad that she had come. Frenchcourage was as strong in the hearts of women as in the hearts of men, and the brusque but good Dr. Delorme had said that she learned fast. Shehad more courage, yes, and more skill, than many nurses older andstronger than she, and there was the stalwart Suzanne, who worked withher. 

She was alone the first time and she stopped by John's cot, where heslept so peacefully. He was undeniably handsome, this young American whohad come to their house in Paris with Philip. And her brother, thatwonderful man of the air, who was almost a demi-god to her, had spokenso well of him, had praised so much his skill, his courage, and hishonesty. And he had received his wound fighting so gallantly for France, her country. Her beautiful color deepened a little as she walked away. 

John awoke again in the afternoon, and the first sound he heard was thatsame far rumble of the guns, now apparently a part of nature, but he didnot linger in any twilight land between dark and light. All the mists ofsleep cleared away at once and he sat up, healthy, strong and hungry. Demanding food from an orderly he received it, and when he had eaten ithe asked for Surgeon Delorme. 

The surgeon did not come for a half hour and then he demanded brusquelywhat John wanted. 

"None of your drugs, " replied happy young Scott, "but my uniform and myarms. I don't know your procedure here, but I want you to certify to thewhole world that I'm entirely well and ready to return to the ranks. "

Surgeon Delorme critically examined the bandage which he had changedthat morning, and then felt of John's head at various points. 

"A fine strong skull, " he said, smiling, "and quite undamaged. When thiswar is over I shall go to America and make an exhaustive study of theYankee skull. Has bone, through the influence of climate or of moreplentiful food, acquired a more tenacious quality there than it hashere? It is a most interesting and complicated question. "

"But it's solution will have to be deferred, my good Monsieur Delorme, and so you'd better quit thumping my head so hard. Give me thatcertificate, because if you don't I'll get up and go without it. Don'tyou hear those guns out there, doctor? Why, they're calling to me allthe time. They tell me, strong and well, again, to come at once and joinmy comrades of the Strangers, who are fighting the enemy. "

"You shall go in the morning, " said Surgeon Delorme, putting his broadhand upon young Scott's head. "The effects of the concussion will havevanished then. "

"But I want to get up now and put on my uniform; can't I?"

"I know no reason why you shouldn't. There's a huge fellow named Picardaround here who has been watching over you, and who has your uniform. I'll call him. "

When John was dressed he walked with Picard into the edge of the forest. His first steps were wavering, and his head swam a little, but in a fewminutes the dizziness disappeared and his walk became steady andelastic. He was his old self again, strong in every fiber. He wouldcertainly be with the Strangers the next morning. 

Many more of the wounded, thousands of them, were lying or sitting onthe short grass in the forest. They were the less seriously hurt, andthey were cheerful. Some of them sang. 

"They'll be going back to the army fast, " said Picard. "Unless they'retorn by shrapnel nearly all the wounded get well again and quickly. Thebullet with the great power is merciful. It goes through so fast that itdoes not tear either flesh or bone. If you're healthy, if your blood isgood, psst! you're well again in a week. "

"Do you know if Lieutenant Lannes is expected here?" asked John. 

"I heard from Mademoiselle Julie that he would come at set of sun. Hehas been on another perilous errand. Ah, his is a strange and terriblelife, sir. Up there in the sky, a half mile, maybe a mile, above theearth. All the dangers of the earth and those, too, of the air to fight!Nothing above you and nothing below you. It's a new world in whichMonsieur Philip Lannes moves, but I would not go in it with him, not forall the treasures of the Louvre!"

He looked up at the calm and benevolent blue sky and shuddered. 

John laughed. 

"Some of us feel that way, " he said. "Many men as brave as any that everlived can't bear to look down from a height. But sunset is approaching, my gallant Picard, and Lannes should soon be here. "

The rays of the sun fell in showers of red gold where they stood, but anarrow band of gray under the eastern horizon showed that twilight wasnot far away. The two stood side by side staring up at the heavens, where they felt with absolute certainty the black dot would appear atthe appointed time. It was a singular tribute to the courage andcharacter of Lannes that all who knew him had implicit faith in hispromises, not alone in his honesty of purpose, but in his ability tocarry it out in the face of difficulty and danger. The band of gray inthe east broadened, but they still watched with the utmost faith. 

"I see something to the eastward, " said John, "or is it merely a shadowin the sky?"

"I don't think it's a shadow. It must be one of those terrible machines, and perhaps it's that of our brave Monsieur Philip. "

"You're right, Picard, it's no shadow, nor is it a bit of black cloud. It's an aeroplane, flying very fast. The skies over Europe hold manyaeroplanes these days, but I know all the tricks of the _Arrow_, all itspretty little ways, its manner of curving, looping and dropping, and Ishould say that the _Arrow_, Philip Lannes aboard, is coming. "

"I pray, sir, that you are right. I always hold my breath until he is onthe ground again. "

"Then you'll have to make a record in holding breath, my brave Picard. He is still far, very far, from us, and it will be a good ten minutesbefore he arrives. "

But John knew beyond a doubt, after a little more watching, that it wasreally the _Arrow_, and with eager eyes he watched the gallant littlemachine as it descended in many a graceful loop and spiral to the earth. They hurried forward to meet it, and Lannes, bright-eyed and trim, sprang out, greeting John with a welcome cry. 

"Up again, " he exclaimed, "and, as I see with these two eyes of mine, as well as ever! And you too, my brave Picard, here to meet me!"

He hastened away with a report, but came back to them in a few minutes. 

"Now, " he said, "We'll go and see my sister. "

John was not at all unwilling. 

They found her in one of the new houses of pine boards, and the faithfuland stalwart Suzanne was with her. It was the plainest of plain places, inhabited by at least twenty other Red Cross nurses, and John stood onone side until the first greeting of brother and sister was over. ThenLannes, by a word and a gesture, included him in what was practically afamily group, although he was conscious that the stalwart Suzanne waswatching him with a wary eye. 

"Julie and Suzanne, " said Lannes, "are going tomorrow with other nursesto the little town of Ménouville, where also many wounded lie. They areless well supplied with doctors and nurses than we are here. Dr. Delormegoes also with a small detachment as escort. I have asked that you, Monsieur Jean the Scott, be sent with them. Our brave Picard goes too. Ménouville is about eight miles from here, and it's not much out of theway to the front. So you will not be kept long from your Strangers, John. "

"I go willingly, " said John, "and I'm glad, Philip, that you've seen fitto consider me worth while as a part of the escort. "

He spoke quietly, but his glance wandered to Julie Lannes. It may havebeen a chance, but hers turned toward him at the same time, and theeyes, the blue and the gray, met. Again the girl's brilliant colordeepened a little, and she looked quickly away. Only the watchful andgrim Suzanne saw. 

"Do you have to go away at once, Philip?" asked Julie. 

"In one hour, my sister. There is not much rest for the _Arrow_ and methese days, but they are such days as happen perhaps only once in athousand years, and one must do his best to be worthy. I'm notpreaching, little sister, don't think that, but I must answer to everycall. "

The twilight had spread from east to west. The heavy shadows in the eastpromised a dark night, but out of the shadows, as always, came thatsullen mutter of the ruthless guns. Julie shivered a little, and glancedat the dim sky. 

"Must you go up there in the cold dark?" she said. "It's like leavingthe world. It's dangerous enough in the day, but you have a bright skythen. In the night it's terrible!"

"Don't you fear for me, little sister, " said Lannes. "Why, I like thenight for some reasons. You can slip by your enemies in the dark, and ifyou're flying low the cannon don't have half the chance at you. Besides, I've the air over these regions all mapped and graded now. I know allthe roads and paths, the meeting places of the clouds, points suitablefor ambush, aerial fields, meadows and forests. Oh, it's home up there!Don't you worry, and do you write, too, to Madame, my mother, in Paris, that I'm perfectly safe. "

Lannes kissed her and went away abruptly. John was sure that an attemptto hide emotion caused his brusque departure. 

"Believe everything he tells you, Mademoiselle Julie, " he said. "I'vecome to the conclusion that nothing can ever trap your brother. Besidescourage and skill he has luck. The stars always shine for him. "

"They're not shining tonight, " said Picard, looking up at the dusky sky. 

"But I believe, Mr. Scott, that you are right, " said Julie. 

"He'll certainly come to us at Ménouville tomorrow night, " said John, speaking in English--all the conversation hitherto had been in French, "and I think we'll have a pleasant ride through the forest in themorning, Miss Lannes. You'll let me call you Miss Lannes, once or twice, in my language, won't you? I like to hear the sound of it. "

"I've no objection, Mr. Scott, " she replied also in English. She did notblush, but looked directly at him with bright eyes. John was consciousof something cool and strong. She was very young, she was French, andshe had lived a sheltered life, but he realized once more that humanbeings are the same everywhere and that war, the leveler, had brokendown all barriers. 

"I've not heard who is to be our commander, Miss Lannes, " he continuedin English, "but I'll be here early in the morning. May I wish you happydreams and a pleasant awakening, as they say at home?"

"But you have two homes now, France and America. "

"That's so, and I'm beginning to love one as much as the other. Anyway, to the re-seeing, Miss Lannes, which I believe is equivalent to _aurevoir_. "

He made a very fine bow, one that would have done credit to a trainedold courtier, and withdrew. The fierce and watchful eyes of Suzannefollowed him. 

John was up at dawn, as strong and well as he had ever been in his life. As he was putting on his uniform an orderly arrived with a note fromLieutenant Hector Legaré, telling him to report at once for duty with aparty that was going to Ménouville. 

The start was made quickly. John found that the women with surgicalsupplies were traveling in carts. The soldiers, about twenty in number, walked. John and the doctor walked with them. All the automobiles werein use carrying troops to the front, but the carts were strong andcomfortable and John did not mind. It ought to be a pleasant trip. 

CHAPTER XIII

THE MIDDLE AGES

The little party moved away without attracting notice. In a time of suchprodigious movement the going or coming of a few individuals was amatter of no concern. The hood that Julie Lannes had drawn over her hairand face, and her plain brown dress might have been those of a nun. Shetoo passed before unseeing eyes. 

Lieutenant Legaré was a neutral person, arousing no interest in John whowalked by the side of the gigantic Picard, the stalwart Suzanne being inone of the carts beside Julie. The faint throbbing of the guns, now adistinct part of nature, came to them from a line many miles away, butJohn took no notice of it. He had returned to the world among pleasantpeople, and this was one of the finest mornings in early autumn that hehad ever seen. 

The country was much more heavily forested than usual. At points, thewoods turned into what John would almost have called a real forest. Thenthey could not see very far ahead or to either side, but the road wasgood and the carts moved forward, though not at a pace too great for thewalkers. 

Picard carried a rifle over his shoulders, and John had secured anautomatic. All the soldiers were well armed. John felt a singularlightness of heart, and, despite the forbidding glare of Suzanne, whowas in the last cart, he spoke to Julie. 

"It's too fine a morning for battle, " he said in English. "Let's pretendthat we're a company of troubadours, minnesingers, jongleurs, acrobatsand what not, going from one great castle to another. "

"I suppose Antoine there is the chief acrobat?"

"He might do a flip-flap, but if he did the earth would shake. "

"Then you are the chief troubadour. Where is your harp or viol, SirKnight of the Tuneful Road?"

"I'm merely imagining character, not action. I haven't a harp or a viol, and if I had them I couldn't play on either. "

"Do you think it right to talk In English to the strange young American, Mademoiselle? Would Madame your mother approve?" said Suzanne in afierce whisper. 

"It is sometimes necessary in war, Suzanne, to talk where one would notdo so in peace, " replied Julie gravely, and then she said to John againin English:

"We cannot carry out the pretense, Mr. Scott. The tuneful or merry folkof the Middle Ages did not travel with arms. They had no enemies, andthey were welcome everywhere. Nor did they travel as we do to theaccompaniment of war. The sound of the guns grows louder. "

"So it does, " said John, bending an ear--he had forgotten that a battlewas raging somewhere, "but we're behind the French lines and it cannottouch us. "

"It was a wonderful victory. Our soldiers are the bravest in the worldare they not, Mr. Scott?"

John smiled. They were still talking English. He liked to hear herpiquant pronunciation of it, and he surmised too that the bravest ofhearts beat in the bosom of this young girl whom war had suddenly made awoman. How could the sister of such a man as Lannes be otherwise thanbrave? The sober brown dress, and the hood equally sober, failed to hideher youthful beauty. The strands of hair escaping from the hood showedpure gold in the sunshine, and in the same sunshine the blue of her eyesseemed deeper than ever. 

John was often impressed by the weakness of generalities, and one ofthem was the fact that so many of the French were so fair, and so manyof the English so dark. He did not remember the origin of the Lannesfamily, but he was sure that through her mother's line, at least, shemust be largely of Norman blood. 

"What are you thinking of so gravely, Mr. Scott?" she asked, still inEnglish, to the deep dissatisfaction of Suzanne, who never relaxed hergrim glare. 

"I don't know. Perhaps it was the contrast of our peaceful journey towhat is going on twelve or fifteen miles away. "

"It is beautiful here!" she said. 

Truly it was. The road, smooth and white, ran along the slopes of hills, crested with open forest, yet fresh and green. Below them were fields ofchequered brown and green. Four or five clear brooks flowed down theslopes, and the sheen of a little river showed in the distance. Threesmall villages were in sight, and, clean white smoke rising from theirchimneys, blended harmoniously into the blue of the skies. It remindedJohn of pictures by the great French landscape painters. It was all sobeautiful and peaceful, nor was the impression marred by the distantmutter of the guns which he had forgotten again. 

Julie and Suzanne, her menacing shadow, dismounted from the wagonpresently and walked with John and Picard. Lieutenant Legaré was stirredenough from his customary phlegm to offer some gallant words, but war, the great leveler, had not quite leveled all barriers, so far as he wasconcerned, and, after her polite reply, he returned to his martialduties. John had become the friend of the Lannes family through hisassociation with Philip in dangerous service, and his position wasrecognized. 

The road ascended and the forest became deeper. No houses were now insight. As the morning advanced it had grown warmer under a brilliantsun, but it was pleasant here in the shade. Julie still walked, showingno sign of a wish for the cart again. John noticed that she was verystrong, or at least very enduring. Suddenly he felt a great obligationto take care of her for the sake of Lannes. The sister of hiscomrade-in-arms was a precious trust in his hands, and he must notfail. 

The wind shifted and blew toward the east, no longer bringing the soundof guns. Instead they heard a bird now and then, chattering or singingin a tree. The illusion of the Middle Ages returned to John. They were apeaceful troupe, going upon a peaceful errand. 

"Don't tell me there isn't a castle at Ménouville, " he said. "I knowthere is, although I've never been there, and I never heard of the placebefore. When we arrive the drawbridge will be down and the portcullisup. All the men-at-arms will have burnished their armor brightly andwill wait respectfully in parallel rows to welcome us as we passbetween. His Grace, the Duke of Light Heart, in a suit of red velvetwill be standing on the steps, and Her Graciousness, the Duchess, in ared brocade dress, with her hair powdered and very high on her head, will be by his side to greet our merry troupe. Behind them will be allthe ducal children, and the knights and squires and pages, and ladies. Ithink they will all be very glad to see us, because in these Middle Agesof ours, life, even in a great ducal castle, is somewhat lonely. Visitors are too rare, and there is not the variety of interest thateven the poor will have in a later time. "

"You make believe well, Mr. Scott, " she said. 

"There is inspiration, " he said, glancing at her. "We are here in thedeeps of an ancient wood, and perhaps the stories and legends of theseold lands move the Americans more than they do the people who live here. We're the children of Europe and when we look back to the land of ourfathers we often see it through a kind of glorified mist. "

"The wind is shifting again, " she said. "I hear the cannon once more. "

"So do I, and I hear something else too! Was that the sound of hoofs?"

John turned in sudden alarm to Legaré, who heard also and stiffened atonce to attention. They were not alone on the road. The rapid beat ofhoofs came, and around a corner galloped a mass of Uhlans, helmets andlances glittering. Picard with a shout of warning fired his rifle intothe thick of them. Legaré snatched out his revolver and fired also. 

But they had no chance. The little detachment was ridden down in aninstant. Legaré and half of the men died gallantly. The rest were taken. Picard had been brought to his knees by a tremendous blow from the buttof a lance, and John, who had instinctively sprung before Julie, wasoverpowered. Suzanne, who endeavored to reach a weapon, fought like atigress, but two Uhlans finally subdued her. 

It was so swift and sudden that it scarcely seemed real to John, butthere were the dead bodies lying ghastly in the road, and there stoodJulie, as pale as death, but not trembling. The leader of the Uhlanspushed his helmet back a little from his forehead, and looked down atJohn, who had been disarmed but who stood erect and defiant. 

"It is odd, Mr. Scott, " said Captain von Boehlen, "how often thefortunes of this war have caused us to meet. "

"It is, and sometimes fortune favors one, sometimes the other. You'rein favor now. "

Von Boehlen looked steadily at his prisoner. John thought that thestrength and heaviness of the jaw were even more pronounced than when hehad first seen the Prussian in Dresden. The face was tanned deeply, andface and figure alike seemed the embodiment of strength. One mightdislike him, but one could not despise him. John even found it in hisheart to respect him, as he returned the steady gaze of the blue eyeswith a look equally as firm. 

"I hope, " said John, "that you will send back Mademoiselle Lannes andthe nurses with her to her people. I take it that you're not making warupon women. "

Von Boehlen gave Julie a quick glance of curiosity and admiration. Butthe eyes flashed for only a moment and then were expressionless. 

"I know of one Lannes, " he said, "Philip Lannes, the aviator, a namethat fame has brought to us Germans. "

"I am his sister, " said Julie. 

"I can wish, Mademoiselle Lannes, " said von Boehlen, politely in French, "that we had captured your brother instead of his sister. "

"But as I said, you will send them back to their own people? You don'tmake war upon women?" repeated John. 

"No, we do not make war upon women. We are making war upon Frenchmen, and I do not hesitate to say in the presence of Mademoiselle Lannes thatthis war is made upon very brave Frenchmen. Yet we cannot send theladies back. The presence of our cavalry here within the French linesmust not be known to our enemies. Moreover, I obey the orders ofanother, and I am compelled to hold them as prisoners--for a while atleast. "

Von Boehlen's tone was not lacking in the least in courtesy. It was morethan respectful when he spoke directly to Julie Lannes, and John'sfeeling of repugnance to him underwent a further abatement--he was acreation of his conditions, and he believed in his teachings. 

"You will at least keep us all as prisoners together?" said John. 

"I know of no reason to the contrary, " replied von Boehlen briefly. Thenhe acted with the decision that characterized all the German officerswhom John had seen. The women and the prisoners were put in the carts. Dismounted Uhlans took the place of the drivers and the littleprocession with an escort of about fifty cavalry turned from the roadinto the woods, von Boehlen and the rest, about five hundred in number, rode on down the road. 

John was in the last cart with Julie, Suzanne and Picard, and his soulwas full of bitter chagrin. He had just been taking mental resolutionsto protect, no matter what came, Philip Lannes' sister, and, within ahalf hour, both she and he were prisoners. But when he saw the face ofAntoine Picard he knew that one, at least, in the cart was suffering asmuch as he. The gigantic peasant was the only one whose arms were bound, and perhaps it was as well. His face expressed the most ferocious angerand hate, and now and then he pulled hard upon his bonds. John could seethat they were cutting into the flesh. He remembered also that Picardwas not in uniform. He was in German eyes only a _franc tireur_, subjectto instant execution, and he wondered why von Boehlen had delayed. 

"Save your strength, Antoine, " he whispered soothingly. "We'll need itlater. I've been a prisoner before and I escaped. What's been done oncecan be done again. In such a huge and confused war as this there'salways a good chance. "

"Ah, you're right, Monsieur, " said Antoine, and he ceased to struggle. 

Julie had heard the whisper, and she looked at John confidently. She wasthe youngest of all the women in the carts, but she was the coolest. 

"They cannot do anything with us but hold us a few days, " she said. 

John was silent, turning away his somber face. He did not like thiscarrying away of the women as captives, and to him the women wereembodied in Julie. They were following a little path through the woods, the German drivers and German guards seeming to know well the way. John, calculating the course by the sun, was sure that they were now goingdirectly toward the German army and that they would pass unobservedbeyond the French outposts. The path was leading into a narrow gorge andthe banks and trees would hide them from all observation. He wasconfirmed in his opinion by the action of their guards. The leader rodebeside the carts and said in very good French that any one making theleast outcry would be shot instantly. No exception would be made in thecase of a woman. 

John knew that the threat would be kept. Julie Lannes paled a little, and the faithful Suzanne by her side was darkly menacing, but theyshowed no other emotion. 

"Don't risk anything, " said John in the lowest of whispers. "It would beuseless. "

Julie nodded. The carts moved on down the gorge, their wheels and thehoofs of the horses making but little noise on the soft turf. The crashof the guns was now distinctly louder and far ahead they saw wisps ofsmoke floating above the trees. John was sure that the German batterieswere there, but he was equally sure that even had he glasses he couldnot have seen them. They would certainly be masked in some adroitfashion. 

The roaring also grew on their right and left. That must be the Frenchcannon, and soon they would be beyond the French lines. His bitternessincreased. Nothing could be more galling than to be carried in thismanner through one's own forces and into the camp of the enemy. Andthere was Julie, sitting quiet and pale, apparently without fear. 

He reckoned that they rode at least three miles in the gorge. Then theycame into a shallow stream about twenty feet wide that would have beencalled a creek at home. Its banks were fairly high, lined on one side bya hedge and on the other by willows. Instead of following the path anyfurther the Germans turned into the bed of the stream and drove down ittwo or three miles. The roar of the artillery from both armies was nowvery great, and the earth shook. Once John caught the shadow of a hugeshell passing high over their heads. 

All the prisoners knew that they were well beyond hope of rescue for thepresent. The French line was far behind them and they were within theGerman zone. It was better to be resigned, until they saw cause forhope. 

When they came to a low point in the eastern bank of the stream thecarts turned out, reached a narrow road between lines of poplars andcontinued their journey eastward. In the fields on either side John sawdetachments of German infantry, skirmishers probably, as they had notyet reached the line of cannon. 

"Officer, " said John to the German leader, "couldn't you unbind the armsof my friend in the cart here? Ropes around one's wrists for a long timeare painful, and since we're within your lines he has no chance ofescape now. "

The officer looked at Picard and shrugged his shoulders. 

"Giants are strong, " he said. 

"But a little bullet can lay low the greatest of them. "

"That is so. "

He leaned from his horse, inserted the point of his sword betweenPicard's wrists and deftly cut the rope without breaking the skin. Picard clenched and unclenched his hands and drew several mighty breathsof relief. But he was a peasant of fine manners and he did not forgetthem. Turning to the officer, he said:

"I did not think I'd ever thank a German for anything, but I owe yougratitude. It's unnatural and painful to remain trussed up like a fowlgoing to market. "

The officer gave Picard a glance of pity and rode to the head of thecolumn, which turned off at a sharp angle toward the north. The greatroar and crash now came from the south and John inferred that they wouldsoon pass beyond the zone of fire. But for a long time the thunder ofthe battle was undiminished. 

"Do you know this country at all?" John asked Picard. 

The giant shook his head. 

"I was never here before, sir, " he said, "and I never thought I shouldcome into any part of France in this fashion. Ah, Mademoiselle Julie, how can I ever tell the tale of this to your mother?"

"No harm will come to me, Antoine, " said Julie. "I shall be back inParis before long. Suzanne and you are with me--and Mr. Scott. "

Suzanne again frowned darkly, but John gave Julie a grateful glance. Wisdom, however, told him to say nothing. The officer in command cameback to the cart and said, pointing ahead:

"Behold your destination! The large house on the hill. It is theheadquarters of a person of importance, and you will find quarters therealso. I trust that the ladies will hold no ill will against me. I'vedone only what my orders have compelled me to do. "

"We do not, sir, " said Julie. 

The officer bowed low and rode back to the head of the column. He was agallant man and John liked him. But his attention was directed now tothe house, an old French château standing among oaks. The German flagflew over it and sentinels rode back and forth on the lawn. Johnremembered the officer's words that a "person of importance" was makinghis headquarters there. It must be one of the five German armycommanders, at least. 

He looked long at the château. It was much such a place as that in whichCarstairs, Wharton and he had once found refuge, and from the roof ofwhich Wharton had worked the wireless with so much effect. But houses ofthis type were numerous throughout Western Europe. 

It was only two stories in height, large, with long low windows, and thelawn was more like a park in size. It as now the scene of abundant life, although, as John knew instinctively, not the life of those to whom itbelonged. A number of young officers sat on the grass reading, and atthe edge of the grounds stood a group of horses with their riders lyingon the ground near them. Not far away were a score of high poweredautomobiles, several of which were armored. John also saw beyond them abattery of eight field guns, idle now and with their gunners asleepbeside them. He had no doubt that other troops in thousands were not faraway and that, in truth, they were in the very thick of the German army. 

The château and its grounds were enclosed by a high iron fence and thelittle procession of carts stopped at the great central gate. A groupof officers who had been sitting on the grass, reading a newspaper, cameforward to meet them and John, to his amazement and delight, recognizedthe young prince, von Arnheim. It was impossible for him to regard vonArnheim as other than a friend, and springing impulsively from the carthe said:

"I had to leave you for a while. It had become irksome to be a prisoner, but you see I've come back. "

Von Arnheim stared, then recognition came. 

"Ah, it's Scott, the American! I speak truth when I say that I'm sorryto see you here. "

"I'm sorry to come, " said John, "but I'd rather be your prisoner thananybody else's, and I wish to ask your courtesy and kindness for theyoung lady, sitting in the rear of the cart, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of that great French aviator of whom everybody has heard. "

"I'll do what I can, but you're mistaken in assuming that I'm in commandhere. There's a higher personage--but pardon me, I must speak to thelieutenant. "

The officer in charge was saluting, obviously anxious to make his reportand have done with an unpleasant duty. Von Arnheim gave him rapiddirections in German and then asked Julie and the two Picards todismount from the cart, while the others were carried through the gateand down a drive toward some distant out-buildings. 

John saw von Arnheim's eyes gleam a little, when he noticed the beautyof young Julie, but the Prussian was a man of heart and manner. Helifted his helmet, and bowed with the greatest courtesy, saying:

"It's an unhappy chance for you, but not for us, that has made you ourprisoner, Mademoiselle Lannes. In this château you must consideryourself a guest, and not a captive. It would not become us to treatotherwise the sister of one so famous as your brother. "

John noticed that he paid her no direct compliment. It was indirect, coming through her brother, and he liked von Arnheim better than ever, because the young captive was, in truth, very beautiful. The brown dressand the sober hood could not hide it as she stood there, the warm redlight from the setting sun glancing across her rosy face and thetendrils of golden hair that fell from beneath the hood. She wasbeautiful beyond compare, John repeated to himself, but scarcely morethan a child, and she had come into strange places. The stalwart Suzannealso took note, and she moved a little nearer, while her grim lookdeepened. 

"We will give you the best hospitality the house affords, " continued vonArnheim. "It's scarcely equipped for ladies, although the former ownersleft--"

He paused and reddened. John knew his embarrassment was due to the factthat the house to which he was inviting Julie belonged to one of her owncountrymen. But she did not seem to notice it. The manner and appearanceof von Arnheim inspired confidence. 

"We'll be put with the other prisoners, of course, " said Johntentatively. 

"I don't know, " replied von Arnheim. "That rests with my superior, whomyou shall soon see. "

They were walking along the gravel toward a heavy bronze door, that toldlittle of what the house contained. Officers and soldiers saluted theyoung prince as he passed. John saw discipline and attention everywhere. The German note was discipline and obedience, obedience and discipline. A nation, with wonderful powers of thinking, it was a nation that ceasedto think when the call of the drill sergeant came. Discipline andobedience had made it terrible and unparalleled in war, to a certainpoint, but beyond that point the nations that did think in spite oftheir sergeants, could summon up reserves of strength and courage whichthe powers of the trained militarists could not create. At least Johnthought so. 

The long windows of the house threw back the last rays of the settingsun, and it was twilight when von Arnheim and his four captives enteredthe château. A large man, middle-aged, heavy and bearded, wearing theuniform of a German general rose, and a staff of several officers rosewith him. It was Auersperg, the medieval prince, and John's heart wastroubled. 

Von Arnheim saluted, bowing deeply. He stood not only in the presence ofhis general, but of royalty also. It was something in the German blood, even in one so brave and of such high rank as von Arnheim himself, thatcompelled humility, and John, like the fierce democrat he was, did notlike it at all. The belief was too firmly imbedded in his mind ever tobe removed that men like Auersperg and the mad power for which theystood had set the torch to Europe. 

"Captain von Boehlen took some prisoners, Your Highness, " said vonArnheim, "and as he was compelled to continue on his expedition he hassent them here under the escort of Lieutenant Puttkamer. The young ladyis Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of the aviator, of whom we allknow, the woman and the peasant are her servants, and the young man, whom we have seen before, is an American, John Scott in the Frenchservice. "

He spoke in French, with intention, John thought, and the heavy-liddedeyes of Auersperg dwelt an instant on the fresh and beautiful face ofJulie. And that momentary glance was wholly medieval. John saw it andunderstood it. A rage against Auersperg that would never die flamed upin his heart. He already hated everything for which the man stood. Auersperg's glance passed on, and slowly measured the gigantic figure ofPicard. Then he smiled in a slow and ugly fashion. 

"Ah, a peasant in civilian's dress, captured fighting our brave armies!Our orders are very strict upon that point. Von Arnheim, take this_franc tireur_ behind the château and have him shot at once. "

He too had spoken in French, and doubtless with intention also. Johnfelt a thrill of horror, but Julie Lannes, turning white, sprang beforePicard:

"No! No!" she cried to Auersperg. "You cannot do such a thing! He is nota soldier! They would not take him because he is too old! He is mymother's servant! It would be barbarous to have him shot!"

Auersperg looked again at Julie, and smiled, but it was the slow, coldsmile of a master. 

"You beg very prettily, Mademoiselle, " he said. 

She flushed, but stood firm. 

"It would be murder, " she said. "You cannot do it!"

"You know little of war. This man is a _franc tireur_, a civilian incivilian's garb, fighting against us. It is our law that all such whoare caught be shot immediately. "

"Your Highness, " said von Arnheim, "I have reason to think that thelady's story is correct. This man's daughter is her maid, and he isobviously a servant of her house. "

Auersperg turned his slow, heavy look upon the young Prussian, but Johnnoticed that von Arnheim met it without flinching, although Picard hadreally fired upon the Germans. He surmised that von Arnheim was fully ashigh-born as Auersperg, and perhaps more so. John knew that these thingscounted for a lot in Germany, however ridiculous they might seem to ademocratic people. Nevertheless Auersperg spoke with irony:

"Your heart is overworking, von Arnheim, " he said "Sometimes I fear thatit is too soft for a Prussian. Our Emperor and our Fatherland demandthat we shall turn hearts of steel to our enemies, and never spare them. But it may be, my brave Wilhelm, that your sympathy is less for thishulking peasant and more for the fair face of the lady whom he serves. "

John saw Julie's face flush a deep red, and his hand stole down to hisbelt, but no weapon was there. Von Arnheim's face reddened also, but hestood at attention before his superior officer and replied with dignity:

"I admire Mademoiselle Lannes, although I have known her only tenminutes, but I think, Your Highness, that my admiration is warranted, and also that it is not lacking in respect. "

"Good for you, von Arnheim, " said John, under his breath. But themedieval mind of Auersperg was not disturbed. The slow, cruel smilepassed across his face again. 

"You are brave my Wilhelm, " he said, "but I am confirmed in my opinionthat some of our princely houses have become tainted. The harm that wasdone when Napoleon smashed his way through Europe has never been undone. The touch of the democracy was defilement, and it does not pass. Do youthink our ancestors would have wasted so much time over a miserableFrench peasant?"

This was a long speech, much too long for the circumstances, Johnthought, but von Arnheim still standing stiffly at attention, merelysaid:

"Your Highness I ask this man's life of you. He is not a _franc tireur_in the real sense. "

"Since you make it a personal matter, my brave young Wilhelm, I yield. Let him be held a prisoner, but no more requests of the same kind. Thisis positively the last time I shall yield to such a weakness. "

"Thank you, Your Highness, " said von Arnheim. Julie gave him oneflashing look of gratitude and stepped away from Picard, who had stood, his arms folded across his chest, refusing to utter a single word formercy. "This indeed, " thought John "is a man. " Suzanne was near, and nowboth he and his daughter turned away relaxing in no wise their looks ofgrim resolution. "Here also is a woman as well as a man, " thought John. 

"I hope, Your Highness, that I may assign Mademoiselle Lannes and hermaid to one of the upper rooms, " said von Arnheim in tones respectful, but very firm. "Here also is another man, " thought John. 

"You may, " said Auersperg shortly, "but let the peasant be sent to thestables, where the other prisoners are kept. "

Two soldiers were called and they took Picard away. Julie and Suzannefollowed von Arnheim to a stairway, and John was left alone withmedievalism. The man wore no armor, but when only they two stood in theroom his feeling that he was back in the Middle Ages was overpowering. Here was the baron, and here was he, untitled and unknown. 

Auersperg glanced at Julie, disappearing up the stairway, and thenglanced back at John. Over his heavy face passed the same slow cruelsmile that set all John's nerves to jumping. 

"Why have you, an American, come so far to fight against us?" he asked. 

"I didn't come for that purpose. I was here, visiting, and I was caughtin the whirl of the war, an accident, perhaps. But my sympathies arewholly with France. I fight in her ranks from choice. "

Auersperg laughed unpleasantly. 

"A republic!" he said. "Millions of the ignorant, led by demagogues!Bah! The Hohenzollerns will scatter them like chaff!"

"I can't positively say that I saw any Hohenzollern, but I did see theirarmies turned back from Paris by those ignorant people, led by theirdemagogues. I'm not even sure of the name of the French general who didit, but God gave him a better brain for war, though he may have beenborn a peasant for all I know, than he did to your Kaiser, or any king, prince, grand duke or duke in all the German armies!"

John had been tried beyond endurance and he knew that he had spoken withimpulsive passion, but he knew also that he had spoken with truth. Theface of Auersperg darkened. The medieval baron, full of power, withoutresponsibility, believing implicitly in what he chose to call his order, but which was merely the chance of birth, was here. And while the MiddleAges in reality had passed, war could hide many a dark tale. John wasunable to read the intent in the cruel eyes, but they heard thefootsteps of von Arnheim on the stairs, and the clenched hand that hadbeen raised fell back by Auersperg's side. Nevertheless medievalism didnot relax its gaze. 

"What to you is this girl who seems to have charmed von Arnheim?" heasked. 

"Her brother has become my best friend. She has charmed me as she hascharmed von Arnheim, and as she charms all others whom she meets. And Iam pleased to tell Your Highness that the spell she casts is not aloneher beauty, but even more her pure soul. "

Auersperg laughed in an ugly fashion. 

"Youth! Youth!" he exclaimed. "I see that the spell is upon you, evenmore than it is upon von Arnheim. But dismiss her from your thoughts. You go a prisoner into Germany, and it's not likely that you'll ever seeher again. "

Young Scott felt a sinking of the heart, but he was not one to show it. 

"Prisoners may escape, " he said boldly, "and what has been done once canalways be done again. "

"We shall see that it does not happen a second time in your case. VonArnheim will dispose of you for the night, and even if you shouldsucceed in stealing from the château there is around it a ring of Germansentinels through which you could not possibly break. "

Some strange kink appeared suddenly in John's brain--he was never ableto account for it afterward, though Auersperg's manner rasped himterribly. 

"I mean to escape, " he said, "and I wager you two to one that I do. "

Auersperg sat down and laughed, laughed in a way that made John's faceturn red. Then he beckoned to von Arnheim. 

"Take him away, " he said. "He is characteristic of his frivolousdemocracy, frivolous and perhaps amusing, but it is a time for seriousnot trifling things. "

John was glad enough to go with von Arnheim, who was silent anddepressed. Yet the thought came to him once more that there were princesand princes. Von Arnheim led the way to a small bare room under theroof. John saw that there were soldiers in the upper halls as well asthe lower, and he was sorry that he had made such a boast to Auersperg. As he now saw it his chance of escape glimmered into nothing. 

"You should not have spoken so to His Highness, " said von Arnheim. "Icould not help but hear. He is our commander here, and it is not well toinfuriate one who holds all power over you?"

"I am but human, " replied John. 

"And being human, you should have had complete control over yourself atsuch a time. "

"I admit it, " said John, taking the rebuke in the right spirit. 

"You're to spend the night here. I've been able to secure this muchlenity for you, but it's for one night only. Tomorrow you go with theother prisoners in the stables. Your door will be locked, but even ifyou should succeed in forcing it don't try to escape. The halls swarmwith sentinels, and you would be shot instantly. I'll have food sent toyou presently. "

He spoke brusquely but kindly. When he went out John heard a huge keyrumbling in the lock. 

CHAPTER XIV

A PROMISE KEPT

The room in which John was confined contained only a bed, a chair and atable. It was lighted by a single window, from which he could seenumerous soldiers below. He also heard the distant mutter of the cannon, which seemed now to have become a part of nature. There were periods ofexcitement or of mental detachment, when he did not notice it, but itwas always there. Now the soldiers in the grounds were moving butlittle, and the air pulsed with the thud of the great guns. 

He recalled again his promise, or rather threat, to Auersperg that hewould escape. Instinctively he went to the narrow but tall window andglanced at the heavens. Then he knew that impulse had made him look forLannes and the _Arrow_, and he laughed at his own folly. Even if Lannesknew where they were he could not slip prisoners out of a house, surrounded by watchful German troops. 

He heard the heavy key turning in the lock, and a silent soldier broughthim food, which he put upon the table. The man remained beside the dooruntil John had eaten his supper, when he took the dishes and withdrew. He had not spoken a word while he was in the room, but as he was passingout John said:

"Good-bye, Pickelbaube! Let's have no ill feeling between you and me. "

The German--honest peasant that he was--grinned and nodded. He could notunderstand the English words, but he gathered from John's tone that theywere friendly, and he responded at once. But when he closed the doorbehind him John heard the heavy key turning in the lock again. He knewthere was little natural hostility between the people of differentnations. It was instilled into them from above. 

Food brought back new strength and new courage. He took his place againat the window which was narrow and high, cut through a deep wall. Theillusion of the Middle Ages, which Auersperg had created so completely, returned. This was the dungeon in a castle and he was a prisoner doomedto death by its lord. Some dismounted Uhlans who were walking across thegrounds with their long lances over their shoulders gave another touchto this return of the past, as the first rays of the moonlight glitteredon helmet and lance-head. 

He was not sleepy at all, and staying by the window he kept a strangewatch. He saw white flares appear often on a long line in the west. Heknew it was the flashing of the searchlights, and he surmised that whathe saw was meant for signals. The fighting would go on under steadylight continued long, and that it would continue admitted of no doubt. He could hear the mutter of the guns, ceaseless like the flowing of ariver. 

He saw the battery drive out of the grounds, then turn into the roadbefore the château and disappear. He concluded that the cannon wereneeded at some weak point where the Franco-British army was pressinghard. 

Then a company of hussars came from the forest and rode quietly into thegrounds, where they dismounted. John saw that many, obviously thewounded, were helped from their horses. In battle, he concluded, and notso far off. Perhaps not more than two or three miles. Rifle-fire, withthe wind blowing the wrong way, would not be heard that distance. 

The hussars, leading their horses, disappeared in a wood behind thehouse, and they were followed presently by a long train of automobiles, moving rather slowly. The moonlight was very bright now and John sawthat they were filled with wounded who stirred but little and who madeno outcry. The line of motors turned into the place and they toodisappeared behind the château, following the hussars. 

Two aeroplanes alighted on the grass and their drivers entered thehouse. Bearers of dispatches, John felt sure, and while he watched hesaw both return, spring into their machines and fly away. Theirdeparture caused him to search the heavens once more, and he knew thathe was looking for Lannes, who could not come. 

Now von Arnheim passed down the graveled walk that led to the greatcentral gate, but, half way, turned from it and began to talk to somesentinels who stood on the grass. He was certainly a fine fellow, tall, well built, and yet free from the German stoutness of figure. He wore aclose uniform of blue-gray which fitted him admirably, and the moonlightfell in a flood on his handsome, ruddy face. 

"I hope you won't be killed, " murmured John. "If there is any Frenchshell or shrapnel that is labeled specially for a prince and that musthave a prince, I pray it will take Auersperg in place of von Arnheim. "

It was a serious prayer and he felt that it was without a trace ofwickedness or sacrilege. Evidently von Arnheim was giving orders ofimportance, as two of the men, to whom he was talking, hurried tohorses, mounted and galloped down the road. Then the young prince walkedslowly back to the house and John could see that he was very thoughtful. He passed his hand in a troubled way two or three times across hisforehead. Perhaps the medieval prince inside was putting upon the modernprince outside labors that he was far from liking. 

John's unformed plan of escape included Julie Lannes. He could not goaway without her. If he did he could never face Lannes again, and whatwas more, he could never face himself. It was in reality this thoughtthat made his resolve to escape seem so difficult. It had been lurkingcontinuously in the back of his head. To go away without Julie wasimpossible. Under ordinary circumstances her situation as a prisonerwould not be alarming. Germans regarded women with respect. They haddone so from the earliest times, as he had learned from the painfulstudy of Tacitus. Von Arnheim had received a deep impression fromJulie's beauty and grace. John could tell it by his looks, but thoselooks were honest. They came from the eyes and heart of one who could dono wrong. But the other! The man of the Middle Ages, the older prince. He was different. War re-created ancient passions and gave to themopportunities. No, he could not think of leaving without Julie!

He kept his place at the tall, narrow window, and the night was steadilygrowing brighter. A full, silver moon was swinging high in the heavens. The stars were out in myriads in that sky of dusky, infinite blue, anddanced regardless of the tiny planet, Earth, shaken by battle. From thehills came the relentless groaning which he knew was the sound of theguns, fighting one another under the searchlights. 

Then he heard the clatter of hoofs, and another company of Uhlans rodeup to the château. Their leader dismounted and entered the great gate. John recognized von Boehlen, who had taken off his helmet to let thecool air blow upon his close-cropped head. He stood on the graveled walkfor a few minutes directly in a flood of silver rays, every featureshowing clearly. He had been arrogant and domineering, but John likedhim far better than Auersperg. His cruelty would be the cruelty ofbattle, and there might be a streak of sentimentalism hidden under thestiff and harsh German manner, like a vein of gold in rock. As vonBoehlen resumed his approach to the house he passed from John's range ofvision, and then the prisoner watched the horizon for anything that hemight see. Twice he beheld the far flare of searchlights, but nobodyelse came to the château, and the night darkened somewhat. No rattle ofarms or stamp of hoofs came from the hussars in the grounds, and hejudged that all but the sentinels slept. Nor was there any sound ofmovement in the house, and in the peaceful silence he at last began tofeel sleepy. The problems of his position were too great for him tosolve--at least for the present--and lying down on the cot he was fastasleep before he knew it. 

Youth does not always sleep soundly, and the tension of John's nervescontinued long after he lapsed into unconsciousness. That, perhaps, wasthe reason why he awoke at once when the heavy key began to turn againin the lock. He sat up on the cot--he had not undressed--and his handinstinctively slipped to his belt, where there was no weapon. 

The key was certainly turning in the lock, and then the door wasopening! A shadow appeared in the space between door and wall, andJohn's first feeling was of apprehension. An atmosphere of suspicion hadbeen created about him and he considered his life in much more dangerthere than it had been when he was first a prisoner. 

The door closed again quickly and softly, but somebody was inside theroom, somebody who had a light, feline step, and John felt the pricklingof the hair at the back of his neck. He longed for a weapon, somethingbetter than only his two hands, but he was reassured when the intruder, speaking French, called in a whisper:

"Are you awake, Mr. Scott?"

It was surely not the voice and words of one who had come to do murder, and John felt a thrill of recognition. 

"Weber!" he exclaimed. 

"Yes, it's Weber, Mr. Scott. "

"How under the sun did you get here, Weber?"

"By pretending to be a German. I'm an Alsatian, you know, and it's notdifficult. I'm doing work for France. It's terribly dangerous. My lifeis on the turn of a hair every moment, but I'm willing to take the risk. I did not know you were here until late tonight, when I came to thechâteau to see if I could discover anything further about the numbersand movements of the enemy. You must get away now. I think I can helpyou to escape. "

There was a tone in Weber's voice that aroused John's curiosity. 

"It's good of you, Weber, " he said, "to take such a risk for me, but whyis it so urgent that I escape tonight?"

"I've learned since I came to the château that the Prince of Auerspergis much inflamed against you. Perhaps you spoke to him in a way thatgave offense to his dignity. Ah, sir, the members of these ancient royalhouses, those of the old type, consider themselves above and beyond theother people of the earth. In Germany you cannot offend them withoutrisk, and it may be, too, that you stand in his way in regard tosomething that he very much desires!"

Although Weber spoke in a whisper his voice was full of energy andearnestness. His words sank with the weight of truth into John's heart. 

"Can you really help me to escape?" he asked. 

"I think so. I'm sure of it. The guards in the house are relaxed at thislate hour, and they would seem needless anyhow with so many sentinelsoutside. "

"But, Weber, Julie Lannes, the sister of Philip Lannes, is here aprisoner also. She was taken when I was. She is a Red Cross nurse, andalthough the Germans would not harm a woman, I do not like to leave herin this château. Your Prince of Auersperg does not seem to belong to ourlater age. "

"Perhaps not. He holds strongly for the old order, but the young vonArnheim is here also. His is a devoted German heart, but his German eyeshave looked with admiration, nay more, upon a French face. He willprotect that beautiful young Mademoiselle Julie with his life againstanybody, against his senior in military rank, the Prince of Auersperghimself. Sir, you must come! If you wish to help Philip Lannes' sisteryou can be of more help to her living than dead. If you linger here yousurely disappear from men tomorrow!"

"How do you know these things, Weber?"

"I have been in the house three or four hours and there is talk amongthe soldiers. I pray you, don't hesitate longer!"

"How can you find a way?"

"Wait a minute. "

He slipped back to the door, opened it and looked into the hall. 

"The path is clear, " he said, when he returned. "There is no sentinelnear your door, and I've found a way leading out of the château at theback. Most of these old houses have crooked, disused passages. "

"But suppose we succeed in reaching the outside, Weber, what then? Theplace is surrounded by an army. "

"A way is there, too. One man in the darkness can pass through amultitude. We can't delay, because another chance may not come!"

John was overborne. Weber was half pulling him toward the door. Moreover, there was much sense in what the Alsatian said. It was acommonplace that he could be of more service to Julie alive than dead, and the man's insistence deciding him, he crept with the Alsatian intothe hall. They stood a few minutes in the dark, listening, but no soundcame. Evidently the house slept well. 

"This way, Mr. Scott, " whispered Weber, and he led toward the rear ofthe house. Turning the corner of the hall he opened a small door in thewall, which John would have passed even in the daylight withoutnoticing. 

"Put a hand on my coat and follow me, " said Weber. 

John obeyed without hesitation, and they ascended a half dozen stepsalong a passage so narrow that his shoulders touched the walls. It wasvery dark there, but at the top they entered a room into which somemoonlight came, enough for John to see barrels, boxes and bags heaped onthe floor. 

"A storeroom, " said Weber. "The French are thrifty. The owner of thishouse had splendor below, and he has kept provision for it above, almostconcealed by the narrowness of the door and stair. But we'll find abroader stair on the other side, and then we'll descend through thekitchen and beyond. "

"This looks promising. You're a clever man, Weber, and my debt to you istoo big for me. "

"Don't think about it. Be careful and don't make any noise. Here's theother stair. You'd better hold to my coat again. "

They stole softly down the stair, crossed an unused room, went downanother narrow, unused passage, and then, when Weber opened a door, Johnfelt the cool air of the night blowing upon his face. When the attemptat escape began, he had not been so enthusiastic, because he was leavingJulie behind, but with every step his eagerness grew and the free windbrought with it a sort of intoxication. He did not doubt now that hewould make good his flight. Weber, that fast friend of his, was awonderful man. He worked miracles. Everything came out as he predictedit would, and he would work more miracles. 

"Where are we now?" asked John. 

"This door is by the side of the kitchens. A little to the left is anextensive conservatory, nearly all the glass of which has been shatteredby a shell, but that fact makes it all the more useful as a path forus. If we reach it unobserved we can creep through the mass of flowersand shrubbery to a large fishpond which lies just beyond it. You're agood swimmer, as I know--and you can swim along its edge until you reachthe shrubbery on the other side. Then you ought to find an opening bywhich you can reach the French army. "

"And you, Weber?"

"I? Oh, I must stay here. The Prince of Auersperg is a man of greatimportance. He is high in the confidence of the Kaiser. Besides hisroyal rank he commands one of the German armies. If I am to secureprecious information for France it must be done in this house. "

"Come away with me, Weber. You've risked enough already. They'll catchyou and you know the fate of spies. I feel like a criminal or cowardabandoning you to so much danger, after all that you've done for me. "

"Thank you for your good words, Mr. Scott, but it's impossible for me togo. Keep in the shadow of the wall, and a dozen steps will take you tothe conservatory. "

John wrung the Alsatian's hand, stepped out, and pressed himself againstthe side of the house. The breeze still blew upon his face, revivifyingand intoxicating. The lazy, feathery clouds were yet drifting before themoon and stars. 

He saw to his right the gleam of a bayonet as a sentinel walked back andforth and he saw another to his left. His heart beat high with hope. Hewas merely a mote in infinite night, and surely they could not see him. 

He walked swiftly along in the shadow of the house, and then sprang intothe conservatory, where he crouched between two tall rose bushes. Hewaited there a little while, breathing hard, but he had not beenobserved. From his rosy shelter he could still see the sentinels oneither side, walking up and down, undisturbed. Around him was afrightful litter. The shell, the history of which he would never know, had struck fairly in the center of the place, and it must have burst ina thousand fragments. Scarcely a pane of glass had been left unbroken, and the great pots, containing rare fruits and flowers, were mingledmostly in shattered heaps. It was a pitiable wreck, and it stirred John, although he had seen so many things so much worse. 

He walked a little distance in a stooping position, and then stood upamong some shrubs, tall enough to hide him. He noticed a slight dampnessin the air, and he saw, too, that the feathery clouds were growingdarker. The faint quiver in the air brought with it, as always, therumble of the guns, but he believed that it was not a blended sound. There was real thunder on the horizon, where the French lay, and then hesaw a distant flash, not white like that of a searchlight, but likeyellow lightning. Rain, a storm perhaps, must be at hand. He had readthat nearly all the great battles in the civil war in his own countryhad been followed at once by violent storms of thunder, lightning andrain. Then why not here, where immense artillery combats never ceased?

Near the end of the conservatory he paused and looked back at the house. Every window was dark. There must be light inside, but shutters wereclosed. His heart throbbed with intense gratitude to Weber. Without himescape would have been impossible. He would make his way to the French. He would find Lannes and together in some way they would rescue Julie, Julie so young and so beautiful, held in the castle of the medievalbaron. In the lowering shadows the house became a castle and Auersperghad always been of the Middle Ages. 

The wind freshened and a few drops of rain struck his face. He stoodboldly erect now, unafraid of observation, and picked a way through themass of broken glass and overturned shrubbery toward the end of theconservatory, seeing beyond it a gleam of water which must be the bigfishpond. 

He turned to the left and reached the edge of the pond just as fourfigures stepped from the dusk, their raised rifles pointing at him. Theshock was so great that, driven by some unknown but saving impulse, hethrew himself forward into the water just as the soldiers fired. Heheard the four rifles roaring together. Then he swam below water to thefar edge of the pond and came up under the shelter of its circlingshrubbery, raising above its surface only enough of his face for breath. 

As his eyes cleared he saw the four soldiers standing at the far edge ofthe pond, looking at the water. Doubtless they were waiting for hisbody to reappear, as his action, half fall, half spring, and the roaringof the rifles had been so close together that they seemed a blendedmovement. 

He was trembling all over from intense nervous exertion and excitement, but his mind steadied enough for him to observe the soldiers. Undoubtedly they were talking together, as he saw them making thegestures of men who speak, but, even had he heard them, he could nothave understood their German. They were watching for his body, and as itdid not reappear they might make the circle of the pond looking for it. He intended, in such an event, to leap out and run, but the elementswere intereceding in his favor. Thunder now preponderated greatly inthat rumble on the western horizon, and a blaze of yellow lightningplayed across the surface of the pond. It was followed by a rush of rainand the soldiers turned back toward the house, evidently sure that theyhad not missed. 

John drew himself out of the water and climbed up the bank. His kneesgave way under him and he sank to the ground. Excitement and emotion hadbeen so violent that he was robbed of strength, but the condition lastedonly a minute or two. Then he rose and began to pick a way. 

The rain was driving hard, and it had grown so dark that one could notsee far. But he felt that the German sentinels now would seek a littleshelter from the wrath of the skies, and keeping in the shelter of ahedge he passed by the stables, where many of the hussars and Uhlansslept, through an orchard, the far side of which was packed withautomobiles, and thence into a wood, where he believed at last that hewas safe. 

He stopped here a little while in the lee of a great oak to protecthimself from the driving rain, and he noticed then that it was but apassing shower, sent, it seemed then to him, as a providential aid. Thepart of the rumble that was real thunder was dying. The yellow flare ofthe lightning stopped and the rain swept off to the east. The moon andstars were coming out again. 

John tried to see the château, but it was hidden from him by trees. Theywould miss him there, and then they would know that it was he whom thesoldiers had fired upon at the edge of the pond. All of them wouldbelieve that he was dead, and he remembered suddenly that Julie, who wasthere among them, would believe it, too. Would she grieve? Or would hemerely be one of the human beings passing through her life, fleeting andforgotten, like the shower that had just gone? It was true that he hadescaped, but he might be killed in some battle before she was rescuedfrom Auersperg--if she was rescued. 

These thoughts were hateful, and turning into the road by which they hadcome to the château he ran down it. He ran because he wanted motion, because he wished to reach the French army as quickly as he could, andhelp Lannes organize for the rescue of Julie. 

He ran a long distance, because his excitement waned slowly, and becausethe severe exercise made the blood course rapidly through his veins, counteracting the effects of his cold and wetting. When he began to feelweary he turned out of the road, knowing that it was safer in thefields. He had the curious belief or impression now that the blackshower was all arranged for his benefit. Providence was merely makingthings even. The soldiers had been brought upon him when the chanceswere a hundred to one against him, and then the shower had been sent tocover him, when the chances were a hundred to one against that, too. 

He saw far to the south a sudden faint radiance and he knew that it wasthe last of the lightning. The little feathery clouds, which looked sofriendly and pleasant against the blue of the sky, came back and themoaning on the western horizon toward which he was traveling was whollythat of the guns. 

He heard a noise over his head, a mixture of a whistle and a scream, andhe knew that a shell was passing high. He walked on, and heard another. But they could not be firing at him. He was still that mere mote in theinfinite darkness, but, looking back for the bursting of the shells, hesaw a blaze leap up near the point from which he had come. 

A cold shiver seized him. The range was that of the château, and Juliewas there. The French gunners could have no knowledge that their ownpeople were prisoners in the building, and if one of those huge shellsburst in it, ruin and destruction would follow. The conservatory hadbeen a silent witness of what flying metal could do. He stopped, appalled. He had been wrong to leave without Julie, and yet he couldhave done nothing else. It was impossible to foresee a shelling of thechâteau by the French themselves. 

The screaming and whistling came again, but he did not see anyexplosion near the château. One could not tell much from such a swiftand passing sound, but he concluded that it was a German shell replying. He had seen a German battery near the house and it would not remainquiet under bombardment. 

He had no doubt that the French gunners, having got the range, wouldkeep it. Somebody, perhaps an aeroplane or an officer with flags in atree, was signaling. It was horrible, this murderous mechanism by whichmen fired at targets miles away, targets which they could not see, butwhich they hit nevertheless. Every pulse beating hard, John shook hisfist at the invisible German guns and the invisible French guns alike. 

Then he recovered himself with an angry shake and began to run again. Heknew now that he must go forward and secure a French force for rescue. But no matter how much he urged himself on, a great power was pulling athim, and it was Julie Lannes, a prisoner of the Germans in the château. Often he stopped and looked back, always in the same direction. Twicemore he saw shells burst in the neighborhood of the house, and then hisheart would beat hard, but after brief hesitation he would always pursuehis course once more toward the French army. 

He did not know the time, but he believed it to be well past midnight. He had his watch, but his immersion in the fish pond had caused it tostop. Still, the feel of the air made him believe that he was in themorning hours. Shells continued to pass over his head, and now theycame from many points. He had seen or heard so much firing in the lasteight or ten days that the world, he felt, must be turned into a hugeammunition factory to feed all the guns. He laughed to himself at hisown grim joke. He was overstrained and he began to see everythingthrough a red mist. 

His clothing was drying fast, but his throat was very hot fromexcitement and exertion. He came to a little brook, and kneeling down, drank greedily. Then he bathed his face and felt stronger and better. His nerves also grew steadier. There was not so much luminous mist inthe atmosphere. Ahead of him the crash of the guns was much louder, andhe knew that he had already come a long distance. It seemed that thepassing of the storm had renewed the activity of the gunners. The mutterhad become rolling thunder, and both to north and south the searchlightsflared repeatedly. 

He heard the beat of hoofs, and he hoped that they were French cavalryon patrol, but they proved to be German Hussars, Bavarians he judged bythe light blue uniforms, and they were coming from the direction of theFrench lines. They had been scouting there, he had no doubt, but theypassed in a few moments, and, leaving his hedge, he resumed his ownrapid flight, continually hoping that he would meet some French force, scouting also. 

But he was doomed to a long trial of patience. Twice he saw Germans andhid until they had gone by. They seemed to be scouting in the nightalmost to the mouths of the French guns, and he admired their energyalthough it stood in the way of his own plans. He came to a secondbrook, drank again, and then took a short cut through a small wood. Hehad marked the reports of guns from a hill about two miles in front ofhim, and he was sure that a French battery must be posted there. Hereckoned that he could reach it in a half hour, if he exerted himself. 

Half way through the wood and human figures rose up all about him. Strong hands seized his arms and an electric torch flashed in his face. 

"Who are you?" came the fierce question in French. 

But it was not necessary for John to answer. The man who held the torchwas short, but very muscular and strong, his face cut in the antiquemold, his eyes penetrating and eager. It was Bougainville and John gavea gasp of joy. Then he straightened up and saluted:

"Colonel Bougainville, " he said, "I see that you know me! I have justescaped from the enemy for the second time. There is a house in thatdirection, and it is occupied by the Prince of Auersperg, one of theGerman generals. "

He pointed where the château lay, and Bougainville uttered a shout:

"Ah!"

"He holds there a prisoner, Mademoiselle Julie Lannes, the sister of thegreat Philip Lannes, the aviator; and other Frenchwomen. "

"Ah!" said Bougainville again. 

"You will help rescue them, will you not?"

Bougainville smiled slightly. 

"An army can't turn aside for the rescue of women, " he replied, "but ithappens that this brigade, under General Vaugirard is marching forwardnow to find, if possible, an opening between the German armies, andyou're the very man to lead it. "

John's heart bounded with joy. He would be again with the general whomhe admired and trusted, and he would certainly guide the brigadestraight to the château. 

"Is General Vaugirard near?" he asked. 

"Just over the brow of this hill, down there where the dim light isvisible among the trees. "

"Then take me to him at once. "

CHAPTER XV

THE RESCUE

Escorted by Bougainville, John went down a little slope to a point whereseveral officers stood talking earnestly. The central figure was that ofa huge man who puffed out his cheeks as he spoke, and whose words andmovements were alive with energy. Even had he seen but a dim outline, John would have recognized him with no difficulty as General Vaugirard, and beside him stood de Rougemont. 

Bougainville saluted and said;

"The American, John Scott, sir. He has just escaped from the enemy andhe brings important information. "

Vaugirard puffed out his great cheeks and whistled with satisfaction. 

"Ah, my young Yankee!" he said. "They cannot hold you!"

"No, my general, " replied John, "I've come back again to fight forFrance. "

General Vaugirard looked at him keenly. 

"You're exhausted, " he said. "You've been under tremendous pressure. "

"But I can guide you. I want neither sleep nor rest. "

"You need both, as I can see with these two old eyes of mine. Sleep youcan't have now, but rest is yours. You go with me in my automobile, which this war has trained to climb mountains, jump rivers, and crashthrough forests. The motor has become a wonderful weapon of battle. "

"May I ask one question, General?" said John. 

"A dozen. "

"Do you know where the aviator, Philip Lannes, is? His sister is held aprisoner by a German general in a château toward which we will march, and doubtless he would wish to go at once to her rescue. "

"He is not here, but his friend, Caumartin, is only a half-mile away. I'll send a man at once with a message to him to find Lannes, who willsurely follow us, if he can be found. And now, my brave young Yankee, here is my machine. Into it, and we'll lead the way. "

John sprang into the automobile, and sank down upon the cushions. He hada vast sense of ease and luxury. He had not known until then, the extentof his mental and physical overstrain, but de Rougemont, who was also inthe machine, observed it and gave him a drink from a flask, whichrevived him greatly. 

Then the automobile turned into the road and moved forward at a slowgait, puffing gently like a monster trying to hold in his breath. Fromthe wood and the fields came the tread of many thousand men, marchingto the night attack. Behind their own automobile rose the hum ofmotors, bearing troops also, and dragging cannon. 

John felt that he was going back in state, riding by the side of ageneral and at the head of an army. He found both pride and exultationin it. Sleep was far from his eyes. How could one think of sleep at sucha moment? But youth, the restorer, was bringing fresh strength to histired muscles and he was never more alert. 

At one point they stopped while the general examined the dusky horizonthrough his glasses, and a company of men with faces not French marchedpast them. They were John's own Strangers, and despite the presence ofGeneral Vaugirard both Wharton and Carstairs reached up and shook hishand as they went by. 

"Welcome home, " said Wharton. 

"See you again in the morning, " said Carstairs. 

"God bless you both, " said John with some emotion. 

Captain Daniel Colton nodded to him. They were not effusive, these menof the Strangers, but their feelings were strong. When the automobile inits turn passed them again and resumed its place at the head of thecolumn, they seemed to take no notice. 

No more shells passed over John's head. He knew that General Vaugirardhad sent back word for the batteries to cease firing in that direction, but both to south and north of them the sullen thunder went on. Thenight remained light, adorned rather than obscured by the little whiteclouds floating against the sky. The only sound that John could hear wasthe great hum and murmur of a moving army, a sound in which the puffingof automobiles had introduced a new element. He wondered why they hadnot roused up German skirmishers, but perhaps those vigilant gentlemen, had grown weary at last. 

They reached the first brook, and, as they were crossing it, the riflefire expected so long began to crackle in front. Then the Frenchtrumpets shrilled, and the whole force marched rapidly, rifles and fieldguns opening in full volume. But the French had the advantage ofsurprise. Their infantry advanced at the double quick, a powerful forceof cavalry on their right flank galloped to the charge, andBougainville's Paris regiment and the Strangers swept over the field. 

A heavy fire met them, but the general's automobile kept in frontpuffing along the main road. General Vaugirard puffed with it, but nowand then he ceased his puffing to whistle. John knew that he was pleasedand that all was going well. The battle increased in volume, and theirwhole front blazed with fire. The dark was thinning away in the east anddawn was coming. 

"The château! The château!" cried John as a dark shape rose on thehorizon. Even as he looked a shell burst over it and it leaped intoflames. He cried aloud in fear, not for himself, but for those who werethere. But General Vaugirard was calmly examining the field and thehouse through powerful glasses. 

"They're pouring from the building, " he said, "and it's full time. Lookhow the fire gains! What a pity that we should destroy the home of somegood Frenchman in order to drive out the enemy. "

"Faster, sir! Faster! Ah, I pray you go faster!" exclaimed John, whoseheart was eaten up with anxiety as he saw the château roaring withflames. But he did not need the general's glasses now to see the peoplestream from it, and then rush for refuge from the fire of the French. The surprise had been so thorough that at this point the enemy was ableto offer little resistance, and, in a few moments more, the automobilereached the grounds surrounding the burning château. 

John, reckless of commands and of everything else, leaped out of themachine and ran forward. A gigantic man bearing a slender figure in hisarms emerged from the shrubbery. Behind him came a stalwart young woman, grim of face. John shouted with joy. It was Picard, carrying Julie, andthe woman who followed was the faithful Suzanne. 

Picard put Julie down. She stood erect, pale as death. But the colorflooded into her face when she saw John, and uttering a cry of joy sheran forward to meet him. She put her hands in his and said:

"I knew that you would save me!"

Time and place were extraordinary, and war, the great leveler, was oncemore at work. 

"The château was set on fire by shells, Monsieur Scott, " Picard said, "and when the enemy saw the French force appearing across the fieldsthey took to flight. That dog of a prince, the Auersperg, tried to carryoff Mademoiselle Julie in his automobile, but the young princeinterfered and while they were quarreling I seized her and took heraway. All the other women have escaped too. "

"Thank God, Picard, " exclaimed John, wringing the huge hand of thepeasant, who was at once a peasant and a prince too. 

"And look, " said Carstairs, who with Wharton had approached unnoticed. "An aeroplane comes like the flight of an eagle, and my guess is poor ifit is not our friend, the great Lannes. "

Caumartin in truth had found Philip, and he came like the lightning, circling and swooping until he touched the ground almost at Julie'sfeet. Brother and sister were united in a close embrace, and Lannesturned to John. 

"I have heard from Caumartin that it was you who brought the word. Wecan never repay you. "

"We'll wait and see, " said John. 

Her brother did not see Julie flush rosily, as she turned her face away. 

"And now, " said Lannes, "we go to Paris. My duties allow me enough timefor the flight. No, John, my friend, don't object. She's been up in the_Arrow_ with me before. Picard, you and Suzanne can come later. "

The thunder of the battle rolling toward the east still reached them, but Lannes quickly threw a coat around Julie, gave her a cap and hugeglasses to put on, and exclaimed:

"Now we go. "

"But I must first thank Mr. Scott himself for saving me, " she said. 

She put her hand, small and warm, in his, American fashion, and the twopalms met in a strong clasp. 

"Good-bye, Mr. Scott, " she said. 

"Good-bye, but not forever. I'm coming back to Paris. "

"And it's my hope, too, that it's not forever. "

She and her brother took their seats in the _Arrow_. Carstairs, Whartonand the others gave it a push, and it soared up into the fresh blue ofthe dawn. An ungloved hand, white and small, reached over the side andwaved farewell, a farewell which John felt was for him. 

To the east the battle still rolled, but John had forgotten itsexistence. Higher and higher rose the _Arrow_, flying toward Paris, until it diminished to a mere dot in the sky, and then was gone. 

THE END

BY JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER

_The Civil War Series_

In this series of stories Mr. Altsheler covers the principal battles ofthe Civil War. In four of the volumes Dick Mason, who fights for theNorth, is the leading character, and in the others, his cousin, HarryKenton, who joins the Confederate forces, takes the principal part. 

The Guns of Bull Run

Harry Kenton follows the lead of his father and joins the Southernforces. His cousin, Dick Mason, the hero, fights with the North. 

The Guns of Shiloh

Dick takes part in the battle of Mill Spring, is captured but escapes. The story gives a vivid account of the first defeat of the South. 

The Scouts of Stonewall

Harry and some friends become aides of Stonewall Jackson. They followhim through the campaign in the Valley of Virginia. 

The Sword of Antietam

After engaging in the Battle of Shiloh, Dick gets into three big fights. Antietam is the big battle described, with McClellan always in theforeground. 

The Star of Gettysburg

In this book Harry and his friends take part in the battles ofFredericksburg, The Wilderness and finally Gettysburg. General Lee is acentral figure. 

The Rock of Chickamauga

This volume deals with the crisis of the Union during the siege ofVicksburg and the Battle of Chickamauga. Dick takes an active part. 

The Shades of the Wilderness

The story opens with Lee's retreat after Gettysburg. Harry is sent toRichmond and becomes involved in a dangerous situation with a spy. 

The Tree of Appomattox

This description of the Battle of Appomattox has been written from theaccount of an eyewitness. Dick plays an important part. The volumecloses with the blue and the gray turning toward a new day. 

These Are Appleton BooksD. APPLETON AND COMPANY, New York

BY JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER

_The Texan Series_

Three stories telling of the Texan struggle for independence and theevents culminating in the capture of the erratic Santa Anna. 

The Texan Star

Ned Fulton, the hero, is a prisoner in the city of Mexico. He makes anexciting escape and sees the capture of San Antonio. 

The Texan Scouts

Ned Fulton and his friends are right in the midst of exciting eventsthat keep the reader continually on edge. The battle of the Alamo is theclimax of the story. 

The Texan Triumph

The duel of skill and courage between Ned and Urrea, his young Mexicanenemy, furnishes pages of excitement. The battle of San Jacinto, whichsecured Texan Independence, and the capture of Santa Anna by five Texansis vividly described. 

_The World War Series_

Mr. Altsheler, who was in Vienna the day war was declared on Servia, inMunich when war was declared against Russia, and in England when theBritish forces were mobilising, has given in three volumes theimpressions he gained at the places of action during the world crisis. 

The Guns of Europe

A young American, unable to reach home, enlists with the Allies where hesees active service from the beginning. The story closes with the fiercefighting which preceded the retreat of the Germans from Paris. 

The Forest of Swords

The hero finds himself in Paris with Phillip Lannes, his friend, and theGermans only fifteen miles away. Finally the enemy is turned back at theMarne, a battle in which John and Phillip are actively engaged. 

The Hosts of the Air

The pretty young sister of Phillip is seized by the enemy and carriedinto Austria. John resolves to get her back and his adventures make awonderfully exciting story. 

These Are Appleton BooksD. APPLETON AND COMPANY, New York