"I pray God," were his solemn words to Mr.Wilson, "that you will not be too late!" One propitious event had taken place at the same time as the opening of the great German offensive.

Mr.Newton D.Baker, the American Secretary of War, had left quietly for France in late February, 1918, and had reached the Western Front in time to obtain a first-hand sight of the great March drive.

No visit in history has ever been better timed, and no event could have better played into Page's hands.

He had been urging Washington to send all available forces to France at the earliest possible date; he knew, as probably few other men knew, the extent to which the Allies were depending upon American troops to give the final blow to Germany; and the arrival of Secretary Baker at the scene of action gave him the opportunity to make a personal appeal.

Page immediately communicated with the Secretary and persuaded him to come at once to London for a consultation with British military and political leaders.