"Turn in whenever you're ready," said the Frenchman.
"We must report to the general at midnight," was Hal's reply.
"What's up?"
"You've got me," said Hal. "Hope it's something good, though."
"Probably is, or he wouldn't want you at that hour."
"Well," said Stubbs at this point, "you boys can do what you please. I'm
going to get a little sleep."
"All right," said Chester. "If we shouldn't be around in the morning,
don't worry. We'll turn up sooner or later."
Stubbs nodded and made ready for bed.
At five minutes to twelve o'clock, Hal and Chester started for the
headquarters of General Petain.
"Here's where we get busy again, old man," said Chester.
CHAPTER IV
THE BATTLE OPENS
For forty-eight hours the greatest of modern artillery duels had raged
incessantly. German guns swept the French positions in all sections of
the Verdun region. Fortresses protecting the approach to the city of
Verdun had been shattered. The Germans had hurled two and three shells to
each one by the French.
But after the first day the French had entrenched themselves behind
their earth breastworks, hastily dug and thrown up, and now remained
secure.
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