Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy's line to
reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been
attacked by the Germans in force.

Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty who
had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on horses;
they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of the enemy.
From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of firing.

"Evidently they have not given up the pursuit," said Hal.

"No; and they are probably mounted. Let's turn off into this little
woods," replied Chester.

They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on
their way.

As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in advance,
stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party halted.

"What's the matter?" asked Chester in a whisper.

"Germans!" replied Hal briefly.

Chester approached closer and peered over his friend's shoulder. Less
than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.

"Perhaps they are not Germans," said Chester hopefully. "How did they
manage to get behind us?"