He turned to Captain Anderson. "Are the Germans contemplating any new
move in the north that you know of?" he asked.

"They are not, sir," was the reply. "I can say that positively. I heard
plans while I was in the hospital. The German forces in the west have
been drawn upon somewhat heavily to reënforce their troops in the eastern
theater of war."

"Do you believe that a new offensive would drive them back?"

"That's a hard question, sir. They are strongly intrenched all along the
line, and I should say that unless the offensive were to be pushed to the
limit, with some object in view besides merely advancing a mile or two,
it would be a needless sacrifice."

General French looked Captain Anderson full in the eye.

"That, sir," he said gravely, "is my idea exactly, which is the reason we
have not assumed the offensive long before this. I have been censured for
my policy more than once; but I would not sacrifice lives needlessly, and
would wait until Lord Kitchener has furnished me with sufficient men
before ordering a concerted advance."

Captain Anderson did not reply to this statement, for he knew that no
answer was expected. He was, nevertheless, honored by the general's
confidence, and pleased to know that his ideas found favor with his
commander.

"You gentlemen had all better get a little rest," said General French.