volunteered to hold the bridge at Meaux against the whole German army, if
necessary.

It was still dark, and it was a quiet little band that advanced through
the British lines to take up their positions at the extreme front. A long
range artillery duel was still in progress in spite of the darkness, but
little damage was being done by either side.

Having retreated beyond Meaux, the Germans had unlimbered their artillery
again and the British were replying. The little band of English, with Hal
and Chester in lead, advanced to the edge of the bridge described by
General French, and there took up their positions.

The bridge was very narrow, hardly wide enough for five men to walk
abreast. On the British end the approach curved, making it impossible for
one coming from the other direction to see what was at the other end. It
was indeed a strategic point for defense. The river was high and thus
precluded any attempt to ford it.

All night long the little band of men lay at the bridge, ready for battle
on a moment's notice. All night long the shells of both the Germans and
British flew screaming overhead; but none dropped near them.

With the first faint glow of the approaching day the little band of
British were awake. At Hal's suggestion they cut down trees, and
dragged them to the end of the bridge, forming a barricade. Behind this
they lay down.

It was almost noon before the man stationed to watch the approach to the
bridge dropped quickly over the barricade and reported: