"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. Into these the German guns now poured their fire. The defenders were ready for the first attack by infantry, which it was realized would come soon.
And it came even sooner than was expected.