The advance guard of the Forty-second was now a few miles to the north of Maisoncelle, which had been captured late in the evening. General Rhodes determined upon a bold stroke. He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside Chester, in the general’s quarters. "Major Paine!" he called. Hal approached and saluted. "My compliments to Colonel English," continued General Rhodes, "and order him to assume command of the First, Second, Third and Tenth regiments and make a detour toward Pouilly. Inform him that I will make a greater show of force to the south, and have him close in on the enemy from the east. I am informed that the German positions there have been weakened. We may catch the enemy in a trap. That is all." Hal saluted, swung on his heel and departed hastily. Outside, he sprang into a small army automobile, which was among a number of other cars standing idle pending necessity of use by dispatch bearers, and soon was speeding through the darkness. Half an hour later he was received by Colonel English, who heard his orders in silence. "Inform the general that I shall move at once," said the colonel. Hal saluted and returned to headquarters. Already, without waiting to hear the result of Hal’s mission, General Rhodes had given orders for a more rapid advance all along the line. The clear notes of many bugles sounded from various parts of the field. Regimental commanders gave necessary instructions to their subordinates and the advance of the American forces gained in momentum. Half an hour later Hal found himself on the road again bearing instructions to Colonel English. He overtook the colonel two miles from where he had found him last. The colonel was riding along in the midst of his men, in a large army automobile. He motioned Hal to a seat beside him. "I am instructed to go with you, sir," said Hal, "and carry back word of any imminent danger." "Very well," said the colonel. "Make yourself at home." From time to time Colonel English summoned aides whom he dispatched to other parts of the field with instructions. Suddenly he turned to Hal. "It strikes me," he said, "that the general is risking a whole lot on this move. If the enemy is in greater strength at Pouilly than we suppose, our position will be critical." "I would imagine that the general’s information is authentic," returned Hal. "Otherwise he would not have ordered you to Pouilly." "You are probably right," said Colonel English; "but at the same time I have a feeling that all is not well." Hal shrugged his shoulders, a movement that was not discernable to Colonel English in the darkness. "Well," the lad said, "we’ll let the boches know we are there at all events." "Right," agreed Colonel English.