"The rest of you go upstairs," he commanded. "Six of us will be enough
here. The hard fighting will be done above, if it is done at all."
The five men selected nodded their approval of the boys' understanding of
the situation. They could see he was young in years, but from the way in
which he issued orders they realized that he was old in experience.
A moment later the French officer in command came downstairs. He
approached Chester.
"In the excitement," he said, "I forgot to tell you my name. I am Captain
Leroux. I came down to see if you are all ready."
"All ready, sir," said Chester, saluting.
"Good!" The officer took his departure.
On the first floor he attended to several important details in the matter
of placing his men to best advantage and then ascended to where Hal was
in command. He gave his name to the latter and commended the manner in
which Hal had stationed his men.
"Very good, Lieutenant Paine," he said. "I see that I may depend
upon you."
"And upon my friend below, sir," replied Hal; "and upon the men
with me here."
The soldiers gave a cheer at these words and Hal knew that they would
fight to the last.
Captain Leroux peered from the window.
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