sped as rapidly as the darkness would permit in the direction of their
own lines.

Now that the fire of the English had ceased entirely, the Germans halted,
puzzled. It was impossible for their officers to tell whether the enemy
had all been killed, or whether the silence heralded the approach of a
larger force. Their indecision undoubtedly saved the lives of Hal and
Chester and the eight troopers, for had the Germans advanced they would
have experienced little difficulty in killing or capturing them.

Silently but swiftly the ten forms dashed through the woods, and when at
length they once more emerged into the open country they were completely
exhausted.

"Well, I guess we are safe, what is left of us, at any rate," said
Chester as they halted to take a much needed rest. "It's terrible to
think of those poor fellows we left behind."

"It is, indeed," replied Hal; "but I don't think they would complain. The
British soldier is not that kind."

"You are right," agreed Chester. "And each accounted for more than one of
his country's foes before he went down. Were you hit, Hal?"

"No. Were you?"

"No. But come, we had better be pushing on again."

With the loss of their comrades still preying upon their minds, the
little troop continued on its way; and while they are hurrying onward we