bore down on the enemy from three directions. Here and there a rider
dropped to the ground as a German bullet found its mark; but in spite of
these losses and the withering German fire, the rest dashed on.

Right up to the muzzles of the German rifles the British charged, and
leaning over their horses did terrible havoc among the enemy with
downward sweeps of their heavy swords. They rode their horses right in
among them, the hoofs of the chargers trampling the foe to death. Some
sprang to their feet and darted toward the rear, only to encounter the
British troopers who had ridden around behind them.

The engagement was short and decisive. Soon the majority of the Germans
lay dead upon the ground, and at a cry of "Surrender!" from Chester, the
rest now threw down their arms.

But the British had not escaped without great loss. Exposed to the fire
of the enemy as they had charged upon the solid triple line of rifles,
many had fallen. Less than half the original troop now remained, and of
these at least half were wounded, though none seriously.

During the fight the flames that had enveloped the barn had gained great
headway and were now raging fiercely. Hal looked quickly about for some
sign of the man whom he knew had been within. He believed that the man
must have come forth, when he was aware that assistance was at hand, for
he realized that to remain in the burning structure would have probably
meant death.

But in the troop he saw no sign of a stranger; nor had Chester nor any of
the men seen anyone leave the barn.