Stepping back out of the way, they were allowed to remain there for a few minutes just to observe how the weighty matter of directing a dozen armies could be managed through one chief brain. It was an experience that few others could ever say they had passed through. Dozens of those talented and “nervy” newspaper correspondents would have given all they possessed for the privilege of being in that house for just ten minutes or so; it would make them famous for life. But money could not purchase such a favor; influence never gained it; and only personal service at the risk of their lives had allowed Thad and his three chums the inestimable privilege of shaking hands with General Joffre in the midst of his work.
Presently, when he thought they had stayed long enough to be fully compensated for all they had endured, the officer whispered to Thad that it was time they retired. So he led the way outside the house.
Of course all of the boys expected that he would now tell them they were at liberty to enter the car and go their way. Thad indeed had it in his mind to ask how best they had better depart; for if it could be avoided he certainly did not want to pass through that battered section of the road again. Even though the bombardment had ceased, the condition of the roadbed must be such that travel could hardly be a delight.
To the surprise of Thad, and the delight of voracious Giraffe, who it seemed could never get his fill of such things as watching the developments of a battle, the officer made them a proposition.
“General Joffre would do some little thing to show how he appreciates what you have accomplished this day, young Messieurs,” he started to say; “and in the belief that perhaps you might like to see through glasses what a battle of today looks like he has bidden me conduct you to a point of observation near by, where we are watching the ebb and flow of the fighting. Would it please you to accept?”
Of course Giraffe was the first to give an affirmative answer, though Allan came along close on his heels; and Thad also added his voice in favor of the proposal. No one noticed that Bumpus fell silent. There was a great struggle going on in the mind of the stout boy. He had as much curiosity as the next one; but those terrible happenings seemed to almost freeze the blood in his veins.
He plucked at Thad’s coat sleeve, and the other turning found that Bumpus had a look of genuine pain on his again whitened face.
“Oh! I just couldn’t stand it all over again, Thad,” he commenced saying; “somehow it affects me down in the pit of my stomach, and I seem to have a queer gone feeling I can’t describe. Let me stay here in the car, please, Thad; and don’t think me a miserable coward, will you, for backing out this way?”
Thad gripped his hand.
“Sure, I won’t, Bumpus!” he declared with vehemence; “I know better than to think that. You’ve seen enough of this awful thing. I don’t blame you, either, and I’m in something of the same fix myself; but Giraffe must see it through; and besides, it is a terrible temptation, because we are looking at history being made. Stay by the car then, Bumpus. It shows your good sense, that’s what.”