“Cease firing!” Frank shouted.

Silence reigned after the noise of the battle.

“Take charge of those men, Mr. Hetherton,” said Frank quietly, “but be careful how you approach.  I don’t trust ’em.  I’ll keep ’em covered.”

Lieutenant Hetherton ordered his men to make prisoners of the Germans.

There came a sudden interruption.

The three Germans who had been in the cabin, as though by a prearranged plan, suddenly dashed back into the little building and flung to the door before they could be stopped.

“Never mind,” said Frank, “remove the others, Mr. Hetherton.  We’ll attend to the men inside later.”

From the window of the cabin there came a sharp crack.  A bullet zipped by Frank’s ear, but the lad did not flinch.  He moved his position and saw the German prisoners marched to the rear.

“Now,” he said, “we’ll have to get those fellows inside.  First, however, we’ll give them a chance.”

He raised his voice in a shout.

“What do you want?” came the response from the cabin.

“You are outnumbered ten to one,” said Frank.  “Come out and surrender.  We don’t want to kill you.”

“Come and take us,” was the sneering response.

“Don’t be fools,” called Frank.  “We’re sure to get you.”

“Well, I’ll get you first,” came a sharp cry.

Frank stepped back and none too quickly, for a bullet passed through the space where his head had been a moment before.

“If you must have it, all right,” the lad muttered.  He turned to his men.  “I want ten volunteers to go with me,” he said quietly.

Every man stepped forward.

Frank smiled.

“Sorry I can’t use you all, men,” he said.  “But ten will be enough.  Gregory, step forward.”

A sailor a short distance away did so.

“Now, Gregory,” said Frank, “you pick nine more men and bring them here.”

This was the work of only a moment, and the men surrounded Frank.  For a moment the lad surveyed the cabin.  They were now out of the line of fire from the window on that side and consequently safe.  It would be possible, Frank knew, to tire the Germans out, but he had no mind for such slow methods.  He addressed his men.

“Two of you,” he said, “break in the door with your rifle butts.  We’ll cover you from either side.”

Two men stepped forward and the others stationed themselves on either side of the stout door.  Frank called to Lieutenant Hetherton.

“Guard all the windows,” he shouted.  “Don’t let them get away.”

The door began to tremble under the blows of the two sailors.  Directly there was a crash as it fell inward.

Now, although this had been no part of Frank’s plans, the minute the door crashed in, the two sailors reversed their rifles and sprang over the threshold.

“Crack!  Crack!  Crack!  Crack!  Crack!”