Whole squadrons of cavalry were ordered from their horses and also sprang into the German trenches. Reinforcements were hurried up. The Germans also rushed up supports; but they had delayed too long.
The Germans broke and fled for safety to the second line trenches.
Immediately the French turned the field pieces captured with the German trenches upon the fleeing enemy and mowed them down in great numbers. Others of the French troops fell to work consolidating the newly won trenches. The big German guns opened again; but by this time the French were pretty well secured against this arm of fire.
More French reinforcements were rushed up to hold the captured trenches. Batteries of field guns braved the German shell fire and dashed across the open to the captured trenches. Immediately these guns were brought into position, they opened upon the German second line of defense.
From their posts of vantage, mounted upon slight elevations, and from behind trees and other secure places, the great French guns protected the advance of the cavalry and infantry.
Hal and Chester, who had stood close to General Petain during most of this battling, had watched the conflict with the greatest interest.
"Look at them fall!" exclaimed Chester, as through his glasses, he witnessed the last desperate attack of the French.
"It's a terrible sight," agreed Hal, "and yet there will be many more just as terrible before this war is won."
"Indeed there will," agreed Chester.
"Lieutenant Crawford! Lieutenant Paine!"