The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1915-01-29


only help TO END the slaughter!" She
held out her hand convulsively I'm
parting as il she would leave the rest
with him.
Il think IL will" he said soberly.
Il think IL win prove that you have
done a great service" he repeated as
he caught both her hands. which were
cold from her ordeal His own were
warm with the strong beating OF his
heart stirred by the promise OF what
he had Just heard. But he did not
prolong the grasp. He was as eager
to be away TO his work an she to be
alone. Il think II viii. You will know
In the morning." he added
His steps were sturdier than ever
In the power OF Ave against three as
he started back to the house When
he reached the veranda. Bouchard. the
saturnine chief OF intelligence. ap-
peared In the doorway OF the dining
room; or. rather. reappeared, for he
had been standing there throughout
the interview OF Westerling and Marta.
whose heads were just visible. above
the terrace wall. to his hawk eyes.
"A little promenade in the open and
my mind made up" said Westerling.
| clapping Bouchard on the shoulder.
Something about an attack to-
night?" asked Bouchard.
you guess right Cali the others"
Five minutes later he was seated
at the head OF the dining room table
with his chiefs around him waiting for
their chairman TO speak. He asked
some categorical questions almost per-
functorily. and the answer to each
was. "Ready!" with. in some instances.
qualiication-the qualification made
by regimental and brigade command
ers that, though they could take the
| position in front of them. the cost
would be heavy. Yes, all were willing
and ready for the first general assault
OF the war. but they wanted to state
the costs as matter OF professional
| self-defense.
Westerling could pose when II
served his purpose. Now he rose and,
| going to one OF the wall maps, indi-
Gated point with his forefinger.
IF we get that we have the most
vital position, haven't we?"
Some uttered a word OF assent;
some only nodded. A glance or two
of curiosity was exchanged Why
should the chief OF STAFF ask so ele-
mentary question? Westerling was
not unconscious of the glances or OF
their meaning. They gave dramatic
value TO his next remark.
I'VE are going TO mass for our main
attack In front at Bordirl"
But" exclaimed four or five off,
GERS at once. that is the heart OF
the position! That is"
Il believe II is weak--that II will
fall, and tonight"
You have information, then. infor-
nation that have not?" asked Bou-
chard
mo more than YOU" replied Wester-
ling. Not as much IL you have any
thing new"
"Nothing!" admitted Bouchard wryly.
He lowered his head under Wester-
ling's penetrating look in the con-
sciousness OF failure.
Il am going on a conviction--on
putting two and two together!" Wes-
terling announced. Il am going on my
experience as a soldier. as a chief OF
staff. II ! am wrong, | take the re-
sponsibility. IL am right, Bordir will
be ours before morning. II is settled"
IF you are right, then" exclaimed
Turcas-"well, then it's genius or"
He did not finish the sentence. He
had been about to say coincidence;
while Westerling knew that If he were
right all the rising skeptlcism in GER
tain quarters, owing to the delay in
his program, would be silenced. His
prestige would be unassailable.