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 from him with a sudden powerful move and again advanced on Hal.  But now the lad was ready for him and his sword met the sword of the German officer neatly.

In vain the German officer sought to break down Hal’s guard.  Hal foiled him at every turn.  The German was furiously angry, but Hal was smiling easily.  The lad realized that he probably owed his life to the German’s anger, for at the first touch of swords the lad had realized that the German was clearly his master.  Therefore, the lad jeered at the officer as he fought.

Hal became more certain of the outcome of the duel as it continued, for with every thrust and parry the German became more and more angry because he could not overcome this boy.  Perspiration rolled down his face and he panted with rage.

“I’ll get you!” he cried.

“Oh, not for some time yet,” Hal grinned back at him.