Wounded men also lay
upon the ground.
Hal now decided that the battle had lasted long enough. With a cry to his
men he dashed suddenly forward, the troopers following close behind.
Chester, at his end of the field, perceiving this movement, also led his
handful of men forward.
Some fell, as they dashed into the very face of the German fire, but the
bulk of the British reached their goal, where, outnumbering the Germans
now, they soon disposed of them. When all were down but a mere handful, a
German lieutenant, the sole surviving officer, threw down his revolver
and raised his hands in token of surrender.
Hal drew a great breath of pure relief and advanced. He was within ten
feet of the German officer, when the latter suddenly sprang forward. His
sword again leaped forth, and he made a furious thrust at the lad.
Although surprised at this attack, Hal was not caught completely off his
guard. With a single movement his own sword leaped from its scabbard and
parried the thrust of the German officer.
Chester took a sudden step forward to interfere, but Hal, perceiving his
friend's move out of the corner of his eye, cried out:
"Stand back, Chester.
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