would have pierced him, however, Chester dropped flat on the ground and
seized one of the man's legs. The German dropped his bayonet and crashed
to the ground. Chester sprang up quickly and jumped to one side to escape
the point of the bayonet in the hands of the second trooper.

Chester thrust with his sword, but the effort was futile. The point of
the lad's sword fell short. Again the lad was at a disadvantage and the
German grinned as he stepped forward to end the combat. His bayonet was
pointed straight at the lad's breast and it seemed as though nothing but
a miracle could save the boy.

But the miracle happened. Suddenly the German dropped his bayonet with a
crash and threw up both arms. He spun on his heel and then fell to the
ground without an outcry. A stray bullet had done what Chester had been
unable to accomplish, and for the moment the lad was safe.

The second trooper now returned to the attack and engaged Chester
fiercely. All this time the French were gradually being forced back, and
of a sudden Chester found himself the center of a mass of German troops.

But the lad had no mind to give up. Throwing caution to the winds, he now
struck out swiftly and sharply with his sword. Once or twice the thrusts
went home. Chester felt a sting in his left shoulder. The bayonet of a
German trooper had pricked him slightly. Chester whirled about and seized
the bayonet with his left hand. A powerful wrench and it was wrested from
the hands of the German soldier, who had been caught off his guard.

Without taking time to reverse the weapon, Chester hurled it in the faces
of the foe who pressed in about him. It struck one man squarely on the
forehead and he toppled over with a groan.