ance of fierce
snowstorms and the breaking up of the terrific cold, a decisive battle
might be fought.

This was the situation up to date, when Hal and Chester, with the troop
of cavalry, set out on a reconnaissance of the enemy's position on the
first day of January, 1915.

CHAPTER III.

A SKIRMISH.

Surprised at the sudden fusillade, Hal and Chester drew taut the reins
with their left hands, pulling their horses back on their haunches, while
with their right hands they drew their revolvers. Behind them the troop
came to an abrupt stop.

From the protection of the sand dunes then came a second volley, more
deadly than the first, and four more British cavalrymen hit the ground.

Hal and Chester were inactive no longer.

"Forward!" cried Hal, and, setting spurs to his horse, he dashed forward,
closely followed by Chester and his men.

As the British charged, the small body of Germans--only slightly larger
than the British force--broke from their places of concealment and fled.
The British rode rapidly after them with loud cries.

Before the enemy could scatter sufficiently to make good their escape,
the British horsemen were upon them. Some turned to fight, and were shot
down with revolver bullets, while others, who ran, were cut down by the
heavy cavalry swords of the English.

To the right a score of Germans, in a body, turned to fight it out.
Toward these dashed Hal and Chester, followed by twenty men. Hal, as he
rode, emptied his automatic at this little body of the enemy and
Chester did likewise. Then, their weapons empty, they were upon them
with drawn swords.

A German revolver bullet struck Hal's horse and the animal fell; but by a
quick leap Hal avoided being pinned under it, and hurled himself upon the
enemy afoot. Quickly Chester checked his horse and springing to the
ground dashed to his chum's side. The men behind them also dismounted and
prepared to give battle afoot.

The two lads hurled themselves at the enemy without stopping to think.
Hal's sword struck up the weapon of a German officer, and before the
latter could recover his poise, the lad had run him through. Chester
disposed of a second officer equally as rapidly.

From pursuit of the others, the rest of the troop had now returned and
completely surrounded the little band of Germans. Hal lowered his sword,
and, stepping back a pace, called upon the enemy to surrender.

"Never!" came the reply, followed by the German battle-