reat storm dies
down, only to begin again with greater fury. The enemy's left wing, which
was nearest the fort in which the boys had taken refuge, could be seen
forming for a charge, while from the fort a rain of lead continued to
fall upon them. Although men were falling on every hand, the Germans
formed without the least confusion.

Then came the order for the charge. From five different points the enemy
hurled itself forward upon the fort; nor did the hail of lead stop them.
Closer and closer they approached, the five sections of cavalry drawing
nearer together as they did so, so that when they were within striking
distance they were almost in solid formation. In their rear the infantry,
supported by field guns, already had formed for an advance.

The Uhlans must be driven back at all hazards, and an order rang out from
the Belgian commander.

There sallied forth a body of Belgian cavalry and the few French that
remained of the French Lancers who had borne the brunt of the fighting in
the battle in which Hal and Chester had distinguished themselves. In the
center of these Hal and Chester recognized Captain Derevaux, his sword
flashing aloft.

"He is a grand soldier!" whispered Hal to Chester softly. "A brave man,
indeed. France may well be proud of him!"

"There can be none better," answered Chester. "May he come through the
battle safely!"

Now the Belgians and French charged, and the fighting was hand-to-hand,
while over the struggling horsemen the guns from the fort poured death
into the ranks of the advancing German infantry.

The cavalry of the two armies had met so close to the fort that, with a
glass he picked up, Hal could distinguish the faces of the combatants.
And again, so close was the fighting that the guns of the fort could not
be brought to bear on the German cavalry for fear of killing friend as
well as foe; but they continued to deal death to the infantry.

Looking through his glass, Hal sought out the form of Captain Derevaux.
Finally he espied him, right where the fighting was fiercest and men
dropped fastest.

Hither and thither rode the gallant young Frenchman, striking,
thrusting, parrying, now raising his revolver for a snap shot, the while
urging his men on.

"If he gets out alive it will be a miracle!" cried Hal, passing the glass
to Chester.

Chester put the glass to his eyes and looked toward the field of battle.

"By Jove!" he muttered. "He is magnificent!"

At that momen