"
And, as it transpired, Chester was right.
At four o'clock in the afternoon the French had established
themselves firmly in the German second line trenches, although at
great cost. Dense masses of reinforcements were immediately rushed
forward. To Hal and Chester this signified that there was still to be
another effort that day.
And at five o'clock in the evening the effort was made.
Under a sun that beat down with terrific force, despite the lateness of
the hour, the French infantry again advanced to the attack. Flushed with
two victories earlier in the day, they went forward confidently and with
eagerness and enthusiasm. Cheers broke out along the whole line as they
advanced. Farther back, a band--many bands--played "The Marseillaise."
The German troops, twice driven back before the victorious French,
nevertheless stood firm in their trenches. They had learned a dear lesson
at the hands of their enemy this day; and while they realized fully that
they were getting the worst of the battle, they still stuck bravely to
their task.
Terrible as it was, it was an awe-inspiring sight that Hal and Chester,
far back with General Petain and staff, witnessed through their glasses
that late afternoon.
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