man lay dead in the German camp. There was a hoarse German cry of
command, and a hail of bullets followed the fugitives into the woods. No
man fell, though two groaned, and one dropped his rifle. The darkness
made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible.

Not pausing to return the fire of the enemy, the fugitives stumbled on
through the woods. Another and another volley came from the pursuing
Germans, but they were firing at random now, and the fact that Hal and
Chester had led the way well to the right augured well for their chance
of safety.

But as the darkness made accurate shooting by the Germans impossible, so
it made speed by the fugitives impossible also. They stumbled along as
well as they could, now and then tripping over a fallen limb or tumbling
into a hole. Tired and almost exhausted, they at length emerged into the
open, and broke into a weary run.

"We have got to get under cover of some kind before they reach the edge
of the woods, or we are gone goslings," panted Hal.

Suddenly, in the darkness, they came upon another clump of trees, and as
they stumbled into their shelter another volley rang out. One man
groaned and stumbled. A comrade lent a supporting hand and dragged him
into the woods.

"We'll stop here a moment and pick off a few of 'em," said Hal grimly.

The Germans were now advancing across the open space. Lying upon the
ground, the nine opened fire. They aimed carefully and not a shot was
wasted, and so rapid was their fire that the Germans halted.