to get there," he added soberly. "Boys, it's a desperate chance we're
taking, but a machine-gun nest there may hold up the advance. Maybe it
is holding it up. We've got to clean out the red mill!"

"We're with you!" cried Jimmy and the others.

And, as he spoke and the others cheered their assents, there came
another burst of fierce fire from the machine-guns hidden in the old
red mill. But there was too much elevation and the bullets, this time,
flew harmlessly over the backs of the Yanks.

"Now for it!" cried the lieutenant. "They may have to put in a fresh
belt of cartridges, or the guns may have heated or jammed. We'll take
a chance. We'll make three lines of five each. I'll lead one, and
there'll be six in that. Blaise, you take four men, and Simpson, you
take four. We'll spread out--fan shape--and don't stand upright--run
crouching. Now, Blaise and Simpson, pick your men, and give me the
word when you're ready."

Of course Jimmy picked his four Brothers, and they crawled up behind
him, ready for the word. Sergeant Simpson, a brave but somewhat
reckless lad, had four of his own choosing, and there were five who
crawled over to line up behind the lieutenant.

"All ready?" asked the officer. "Ready," answered Jimmy, and the other
leader gave a like reply.

"Then come on, and may we all live to get there!" cried the gallant
officer.