The men were awake in an instant and rushed to their positions. Out of
the first confusion order came promptly as officers issued sharp
commands. Officers and men had the same thought. The heavy bombardment
presaged a new German assault.
Hal and Chester had sprung from the floor at the sound of the first
salvo. Rushing from the farmhouse, they watched the troops form and move
forward. The defenders of the first line trenches already were engaged by
the German infantry when Hal and Chester reached the open, and
reinforcements were being rushed forward as rapidly as possible.
Unassigned for the moment, Hal and Chester were undecided as to what to
do. Chester settled the matter.
"We'll stay here," he decided. "There is no need of our going forward. We
will only be in the way now. If we are needed, of course, it will be
different."
Hal agreed with his chum and the two remained where they were.
The terrible thunder of the great guns ceased now and there broke out the
crash of rifle fire. This told Hal and Chester that the German infantry
was charging the trenches.
And this was indeed the case. In great waves of humanity the German
assault poured on.
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