n on the gun and
he intended to turn off the roadway at the first sign that the Germans
were ready to give up the chase.

Along the road ran a fringe of trees, sparse in some places and thicker
in others. It was Chester's plan to wheel the gun in among the trees at
the proper moment and open on the foe when they came back.

And the plan was to be put in execution sooner than the lad had
hoped for.

Chester saw the Germans slow down. Then they turned and came toward him.
The lad could not make out at once the cause of their sudden decision to
retreat, but it came to him a moment later with the sound of heavy rifle
firing. Apparently, French infantry had advanced to the support of the
cavalry and the Germans were not strong enough in numbers to contest
effectively.

Immediately, Chester swung the horses to the right in among the trees,
which, fortunately, happened to be dense at this particular point.

"Guess we'll give 'em a little surprise," said Chester, with a grin.

Dismounting, he motioned the men to unhitch the horses, which was done.
Then the gun was whirled into position where it commanded the roadway.

"We're ready for them," said Chester, quietly.

The Germans drew on apace. Suddenly a thought struck Chester.

"Great Scott!" he exclaimed. "I can't shoot them down in cold blood, I'll
have to give them a chance. Here!" he motioned to one of his men and the
latter approached. "Take this gun," the lad commanded. "I'm going to give
these fellows a chance to surrender. If they refuse I'll duck back here
and you let them have it. I'll keep out of range, but don't turn this gun
until I get back. Understand?"

The man signified that he did.

Chester walked some distance back to where the road curved a bit. He was
out of the direct line of fire, but still in such position to make his
demand for the surrender of the Germans without allowing them to pass the
sweep of the rapid-firer.

With the Germans still some distance down the road, Chester stepped
directly into the highway and raised a hand.

The leading Germans pulled up and an officer demanded:

"What's the matter?"

"Surrender!" exclaimed Chester, "or you shall all be killed."

The German officer gave a great laugh.

"Hear the boy talk," he exclaimed. "He asks us to surrender when we have
just chased all the French back to their own lines."

There was a roar of laughter from the troop.

"Surrender!" called Chester again.

Again there was a l