In dense masses the French hurled themselves against the German trenches;
and in great masses they were hurled back again--those of them who did
not lie upon the ground. Time after time the French charged what appeared
to be impregnable trenches. Then, on their fifth effort, they reached
their goal and surged into the trenches.
Immediately all was confusion there. An unguarded moment meant a man's
death. Struggling as they were, it was, at times, almost impossible to
tell friend from foe. But the troops distinguished somehow, and for what
seemed ages they battled there, hand-to-hand.
German reinforcements rushed up in a valiant effort to save the day.
General Petain threw out supports for his own infantry. All these surged
into the trenches and added their quota to the terrible din.
Several times the German cavalry charged, their riders dismounting when
they reached the struggling mass of humanity and plunging into the fray
with sabres and revolvers. But each time they were beaten off.
Gradually the French cleared the trenches. The Germans gave slowly at
first; then more swiftly. The French pursued them with loud cries. The
enemy broke and fled.
Pages:
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248