The Caldwell watchman. (Columbia, La.) 1885-1946, 1915-02-19

only help to end the slaughter!" She
held out her hand convulsively IN
parting as II she would leave the rest
with him.
II think it WILL" he said soberly.
II think it will prove that you have
done q great service" he repeated as
he caught both her hands, which we're
cold from her ordeal. His own we're
warm with the strong beating Of his
heart stirred by the promise OF what
be had just heard. But he did not
prolong tho grasp. He was as eager
to be away to his work as she to be
alone. II think 1t will. You will
In the morning." he added.
His steps were sturdier than ever
In the power Of five against three 80
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 ne
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 Westerlins
clapping Bouchard on the shoulder.
Something about an attack to-
night% asked Bouchard.
You guess right. Call the Others"
Five minutes later he was seated
at the head Of the dinins-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.
a qualification-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 a matter Of professional
self.defense.
Westerling could pose when it
served bis purpose. Now he rose and.
going to one of the wall maps, indi.
Gated a point with his foreflnger.
III we get that we have the most
vital position, haven't WEI"
Some uttered q word Of assent;
some only nodded. A glance or two
of curiosity was exchanged. Why
should the chief Of staff ask 20 ele-
mentary q 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 Bordir!"
But" exclaimed four or five OH.
GERS at once. that is the heart Of
the position! That is"
Il believe 1t 10 weak-that 1t will
fall, and tonight"
you have information, then, infor.
NATION that l have mott" asked Bou.
chard.
mo more than you," replied Wester-
ling. mot az much II you have any.
sasa ase AM zam..,sa Bosasss,s1 Nv:
He lowered his head under Wester-
ling's penetrating look In the con-
sci0usness Of failure.
Il am going on q conviction-on
putting two and two together!" Wes.
terling announced. Il am going on my
experience as soldier. as chief OF
staff. II am wrong, l take the re.
sponsibility. II am right, Bordir will
be ours before morning. It is settled"
IT 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 II he were
right all the rising skepticism in Ger.
tain quarters. owing to the delay in
his program. would be silenced. His
prestige would be unassailable.