There was only one thing that worried Hal--one thing that he felt
possibly might bring disaster following his surprise attack. He knew that
the Germans who had recently retreated from before the farmhouse would
understand his plan the minute he led his men from the farmhouse. This
would mean another grand assault. The question in Hal's mind was whether
he could get his men back inside the house before the main force of the
enemy could advance and cut him off.

But he was depending upon the French still within the house to hold the
foe off until he could get back.

As the French dashed suddenly around the house, there came a wild cry
from the distant German lines to the east. The ruse had been discovered
and Hal realized that the bulk of the enemy would be upon them before
long. Therefore, he knew he must hurry.

"Quick!" he cried to his men.

The latter needed no urging.

Swiftly they dashed around the house in either direction and fell upon
the Germans, who had sought shelter at the far side, with their bayonets.
The enemy, taken completely by surprise, uttered cries of consternation
and sought to retreat; for their officers had no means of telling the
numbers of these new foes.

But the French pressed them closely. Although the Germans were taken at a
great disadvantage because of the suddenness of the attack, they,
nevertheless fought bravely.

No quarter was asked.

For safety's sake the enemy pressed close to the French, engaging them
hand-to-hand. In this was their only hope of success, for every time a
man strayed from the struggling mass, a keen-eyed French soldier above
dropped him with a rifle bullet.

But the struggle could have only one end. Bewildered by the sudden
appearance of the French, the Germans never gained time to recover
themselves. The French pushed the fighting; and soon it was all over.

There remained now only half a score of Germans standing.

"Surrender!" called Hal.

With the exception of one, the men threw down their weapons. The
exception was a German officer, who evidently had been in command. He
sprang toward Hal with a cry and thrust with his sword.

The move had been so unexpected that the lad was caught completely off
his guard and the sword must have pierced him had it not been for the
quickness of a French soldier who stood near. Without taking thought to
his own danger, this man sprang forward and grappled with the German.

The latter hurled the French soldier fro