The Boy Allies at Verdun Part 17

The men were awake in an instant and rushed to their positions. Out of the first confusion order came promptly as officers issued sharp commands. Officers and men had the same thought. The heavy bombardment presaged a new German a.s.sault.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hal nodded his understanding and turned again to the window.

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

Some rushed upstairs, under the direction of the single officer with them and others descended into the bas.e.m.e.nt.

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

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

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

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

The officer glanced at them keenly.

"Officers, I perceive," he said. "Your names, please?"

The boys gave them.

"Good," said the Frenchman. "Lieutenant Paine, you shall take charge of the second floor. Lieutenant Crawford, you will command in the bas.e.m.e.nt.

I have orders to hold this position, come what may."

"Very good, sir."

The two boys saluted.

"To your posts, then!"

Hal dashed upstairs and Chester descended quickly below.

Hal gazed quickly about the front room upstairs as he entered it.

There were three windows. It was the only room facing east. There were two other rooms on the floor, and Hal quickly posted men at the windows of each.

In the bas.e.m.e.nt Chester found that the only two windows fronted east. He had not much to guard. He gazed upon the men under his command and quickly selected five.

"The rest of you go upstairs," he commanded. "Six of us will be enough here. The hard fighting will be done above, if it is done at all."

The five men selected nodded their approval of the boys' understanding of the situation. They could see he was young in years, but from the way in which he issued orders they realized that he was old in experience.

A moment later the French officer in command came downstairs. He approached Chester.

"In the excitement," he said, "I forgot to tell you my name. I am Captain Leroux. I came down to see if you are all ready."

"All ready, sir," said Chester, saluting.

"Good!" The officer took his departure.

On the first floor he attended to several important details in the matter of placing his men to best advantage and then ascended to where Hal was in command. He gave his name to the latter and commended the manner in which Hal had stationed his men.

"Very good, Lieutenant Paine," he said. "I see that I may depend upon you."

"And upon my friend below, sir," replied Hal; "and upon the men with me here."

The soldiers gave a cheer at these words and Hal knew that they would fight to the last.

Captain Leroux peered from the window.

"Not in sight yet," he muttered. He turned again to Hal. "Two hours, Lieutenant," he said.

"We'll hold 'em, sir," was Hal's quiet response. "We'll hold them if it can be done."

"My instructions," returned the captain, "are that they must be held."

"Very well, sir. Then they shall be held."

Hal saluted and turned to the window.

And now there hove into sight in the early morning light countless numbers of German infantrymen at a charge. They had discovered the fact that the French held the farmhouse, and although their officers had no means of ascertaining the French strength at that point, they realized that it must be won before there could be a general advance. So they ordered the charge.

"Here they come, sir," said Hal, quietly.

Captain Leroux dashed down the stairs without making reply.

"Let them come close, men," ordered Hal, "and when I give the word let them have it for all you're worth. Make every shot count."

His words were greeted with a cheer. Each man was in position. Each man's finger was on the trigger. A moment of silence and then Hal ordered:

"Fire!"