arms drew back and an avalanche of hand grenades sped on their mission
of death. The execution was terrific.

In vain the German officers attempted to hold their men to the work in
hand. Teuton ranks lost formation, and, as the Americans advanced with
the bayonet, the enemy broke and fled.

The German surprise had failed; it had been on the other hand.

As the Germans retreated, the Americans pursued. A body of troops, led
by Hal, came, upon an isolated group of the enemy.

"Surrender!" cried Hal.

The Germans needed no second offer. Their guns went to the ground at
the lad's words, and they raised their hands in the air. They were
made prisoners and sent to the rear. There was one officer among them
-- a captain.

At the command from the French general, pursuit of the enemy was
abandoned, much to the disgust of the American troops, who were for
pursuing the Germans clear to their trenches, and beyond, if possible.
Hal and Chester, however, realized the wisdom of the French commander's
order, for there was a possibility, should the French and Americans
advance too close, of their being set upon by overwhelming numbers from
the German trenches, or of their being caught by batteries of
rapid-firers, which most likely would have meant extermination.

As the French and Americans moved back toward their trenches -- the
engagement had consumed only it few minutes -- Hal and Chester saw a