On the twenty-second of February, 1916, an automobile sped northward along the French battle line that for almost two years had held back the armies of the German emperor, strive as they would to win their way farther into the heart of France. For months the opposing forces had battled to a draw from the North Sea to the boundary of Switzerland, until now, as the day waned - it was almost six o'clock - the hands of time drew closer and closer to the hour that was to mark the opening of the most bitter and destructive battle of the war, up to this time. It was the eve of the battle of Verdun.