“There they are, flattened out along the ground, and against that small rise just like so many cats waiting to pounce on a robin. And, Jack, see what a distance they’ve gained, will you?” “I’d like to predict that the terrible German drive has reached its limit in this direction,” said the Western boy, confidently. “They’re shooting as fast as they can, too, what at I’m not able to say, for all the smoke. Somewhere beyond there the enemy lies, and I’m afraid some of those fellows we can see stretched out on the ground will never take part in another battle.” “But there’s no sign of them retreating, you notice, Amos. They’re going to stick like leeches. I reckon in this war German stubbornness is matched evenly against Scotch persistence, and English bulldog holding on. What the end of it all will be I can’t see.” Amos moved uneasily. “We oughtn’t to have any great trouble getting down from here, I should think,” he mentioned, significantly. Of course Jack understood the hint. It would be with only an effort that he could tear himself away from that wonderful spectacle of modern man, at war with his neighbors, and bringing every ingenious device known to latter-day invention into the conflict. Left to his own devices and he might have clung to that elevated watch tower for hours, impressing on his memory the strange pictures that were changed with each passing minute. But he had to consider the wishes of his companion, and also remember that he had given his promise. “No trouble about that, Amos,” he agreed. “Watch your step when descending.” “Then you’re ready to come along, Jack?” “I said I would, so lead the way,” returned the other. Amos waited no longer. Perhaps he entertained a little fear that Jack might change his mind if he lingered, because of some new and astounding phase of the furious, long-drawn-out battle taking place. Accordingly, he started down the ladder by means of which they had reached the cupola on top of the deserted mansion. Jack waited only to cast one last look along that front to the north, as if desirous of impressing the picture upon his mind forever. He had always possessed a faculty for mental photography which had been cultivated to the limit, and which had served him well in times past. “I’m coming after you, Amos!” he called out, cheerily, as he started down the ladder. Amos had meanwhile reached the upper floor of the house. Mechanically he stepped over some of the broken furniture and fragments of shattered wall to make for the stairway leading below. At the head of this he paused to wait for Jack, who had just then called out that he was on the way. So they came together again. Amos pointed to what seemed to be the remains of a cradle. “The people who lived here had children, that’s sure,” remarked Jack. “I’ve seen toys lying around, and other things besides.” “What happened to them, do you suppose?” asked tender-hearted Amos.