"Not in sight yet," he muttered. He turned again to Hal. "Two hours,
Lieutenant," he said.
"We'll hold 'em, sir," was Hal's quiet response. "We'll hold them if it
can be done."
"My instructions," returned the captain, "are that they must be held."
"Very well, sir. Then they shall be held."
Hal saluted and turned to the window.
And now there hove into sight in the early morning light countless
numbers of German infantrymen at a charge. They had discovered the fact
that the French held the farmhouse, and although their officers had no
means of ascertaining the French strength at that point, they realized
that it must be won before there could be a general advance. So they
ordered the charge.
"Here they come, sir," said Hal, quietly.
Captain Leroux dashed down the stairs without making reply.
"Let them come close, men," ordered Hal, "and when I give the word let
them have it for all you're worth. Make every shot count."
His words were greeted with a cheer. Each man was in position. Each man's
finger was on the trigger. A moment of silence and then Hal ordered:
"Fire!"
CHAPTER XIII
THE FIGHT
The front of the farmhouse broke into a sheet of flame.
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