Verdun I had never seen, and the impression that it makes, even in a few hours, is profound.

In March, 1916, I well remember at Havre, at Boulogne, at St.Omer, how intent and absorbed a watch was kept along our front over the news from Verdun.

It came in hourly, and the officers in the hotels, French and English, passed it to each other without much speech, with a shrug, or a look of anxiety, or a smile, as the case might be.

When we arrived on March 6th at the Visitors' Chateau at G.H.Q .-- then, of course, at St.Omer--our first question was: "Verdun ?" "All right," was the quick reply.

"We have offered help, but they have refused it." No--France, heroic France, trod that wine-press alone; she beat back her cruel foe alone; and, at Verdun, she triumphed alone.