if we can, and if not we must retreat slowly, keeping behind whatever
cover offers."

A faint cheer went up from the handful who were left, and they turned
determinedly to face their foes. They did not waste their fire. As the
Germans came again into view, the British rifles cracked. Their
marksmanship was superb, and rather than face this deadly fire the
enemy halted.

Then began a game of hide and seek, with death the penalty for all who
were seen. The firing was only at intervals now. Wherever a German arm
or leg showed itself, a British rifle sounded and a German was
accounted for.

For almost half an hour the game continued; and it was kept up until
darkness fell. Fearing that it was the intent of the British to lure them
into the hands of a strong force, the Germans did not attempt a charge,
but contented themselves with trying to pick off their foes as they
flitted from one tree to another.

But if the Germans had suffered, so had the English. Of the little troop
of fifty, there now remained, besides Hal and Chester, but ten men. The
two boys seemed to bear charmed lives, for neither had been struck once.
They had exposed themselves to all dangers as well as had the troopers,
but fortunately no German bullets had reached them.

And still the few English fought on. Now that darkness had fallen and two
more men had dropped, Hal ordered those who were left to make a last dash
for life. He sprang from behind the tree which had sheltered him, and
Chester and the few remaining troopers joined him. Then they turned and