"But why?" he muttered to himself.

The answer was not long coming.

From the barn, through a crack between the boards, issued a cloud of
smoke, and even above the yells of the dancing Germans Hal made out the
report of a revolver. One of the Germans stopped his antics and toppled
to the ground to rise no more.

"Great Scott!" cried Hal aloud. "They are burning him up!"

Jerking his horse about, he dashed back to his men and again placed
himself at their head. Chester ranged himself alongside.

In a few brief words Hal explained what he had seen, and then cried
to his men:

"Forward! Charge!"

At a gallop the British covered the distance to the clearing, and then
dashed toward the enemy as fast as their horses could go. As the sound of
galloping hoofs was borne to the ears of the enemy, they stopped their
dancing about the barn and fell into line to beat back the British.

The first line threw themselves to the ground. The second line fell to
their knees, their rifles pointing over their prostrate comrades, while
above them protruded the weapons of the third line, standing erect.

At a shouted word of command from Hal the British cavalry scattered, and