Yet he felt with the certainty of conviction that the
eye and the brain of one man were achieving a marvel. In some mysterious
manner the French defense had become an offense. The Republican troops
were now attacking and the Imperial troops were seeking to hold fast.
He seemed to comprehend it all in an instant, and a mighty joy surged
over him. De Rougemont saw his glistening eye and he asked curiously:
"What is it that you are feeling so strongly, Mr. Scott?"
"The thrill of the advance! The unknown plan, whatever it is, is
working! Your nation is about to be saved! I feel it! I know it!"
De Rougemont gazed at him, and then the light leaped into his own eyes.
"A prophet! A prophet!" he cried. "Inspired youth speaks!"
A great crisis may call into being a great impulse, and de Rougemont's
words were at once accepted as truth by all the young aides. Words of
fire, words vital with life had gone forth, predicting their triumph,
and as they rode among the troops carrying orders they communicated
their burning zeal to the men who were already eager for closer battle.
The storm of missiles from the cannon was increasing rapidly. John now
distinctly saw the huge German masses, not advancing but standing firm
to receive the French attack, their front a vast line of belching guns.
He knew that they would soon be within the area of rifle fire and he
knew with equal truth that it would take the valor of immense numbers,
wielded by the supreme skill of leaders to drive back the Germans.
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