"Advance!" came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with his
rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.

It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms until
the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.

"English!" he exclaimed in surprise.

His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he
staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle
fell with stunning force upon the German's head. The soldier dropped to
the ground with a slight moan.

"We'll have to get away from here quick!" exclaimed Chester. "Come on,
men, follow us!"

Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went
forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.

"Great Scott!" he whispered. "Look! We are right in the middle of them!"

It was true. Ahead of them, in a long line running in each direction, the
boys could see figures sprawled on the ground. It was a German force
sleeping. There was not the sign of a light, a tent, or a hut. Here and
there the boys could make out the dim form of a sentry flitting about.

"We have certainly got into a mess," whispered Hal.

"We have that," replied Chester. "Shall we make another detour?"