would have drawn back but for the fact that their
officers, farther back, urged them on with cries and imprecations.

Again there was a concerted rush for the door.

The pile of prostrate German forms served as a shield for the defenders
and behind this barrier of bodies the men took their posts and poured a
withering fire into the ranks of the attackers. This deadly fire was more
than the Germans could face, and in spite of the frantic efforts of their
officers, they drew off.

"I didn't think they could make it," shouted Captain Leroux. "Good
work, men!"

A cheer went up from the defenders. But the men knew the calibre of these
German veterans and they realized that the attack had not been given up.
They knew that the Germans, with their superior numbers, would not desist
and that eventually they must be overwhelmed.

"Two hours!" Captain Leroux had said.

Hardly a quarter of that time had flown and in it had been crowded
desperate work that well would have been enough for the day. The men were
tired, but they were not willing to admit it. Each had told himself that
he would die at his post rather than surrender.

There came a lull in the fighting.

To the war-seasoned veterans of France this lull told a story of its own.
It presaged a new and more violent attempt on the part of the Germans to
force the farmhouse. Captain Leroux knew it. So did Hal and Chester, and
at their various stations they gave quick commands to their men.

Taking care not to expose himself too much, he gazed from the window. His
action did not even bring a shot. This increased the lad's suspicions.

"Trying to draw us out," he muttered. "Want us to think they have given
up the attempt. Never mind, Mr. German, you are not shrewd enough."

The defenders waited patiently; and presently the Germans again advanced
to the attack, even as Hal and Chester had known they would.

Forward came the Teuton horde in a charge. From a distance of perhaps 500
yards, they dashed across the open at full speed, apparently bent upon
overawing the defenders by the very appearance of such numbers.

But the French did not quail. The weight of numbers meant nothing to
them. It was not the first time they had stood firmly against
overwhelming odds, and there was not a man in the farmhouse who did not
fully expect to survive the present battle and be ready to face
overwhelming odds again. Each man knew well enough that before the
fighting was over it was te