"Two hours!" Captain Leroux had said.
Hardly a quarter of that time had flown and in it had been crowded
desperate work that well would have been enough for the day. The men were
tired, but they were not willing to admit it. Each had told himself that
he would die at his post rather than surrender.
There came a lull in the fighting.
To the war-seasoned veterans of France this lull told a story of its own.
It presaged a new and more violent attempt on the part of the Germans to
force the farmhouse. Captain Leroux knew it. So did Hal and Chester, and
at their various stations they gave quick commands to their men.
Taking care not to expose himself too much, he gazed from the window. His
action did not even bring a shot. This increased the lad's suspicions.
"Trying to draw us out," he muttered. "Want us to think they have given
up the attempt. Never mind, Mr. German, you are not shrewd enough."
The defenders waited patiently; and presently the Germans again advanced
to the attack, even as Hal and Chester had known they would.
Forward came the Teuton horde in a charge. From a distance of perhaps 500
yards, they dashed across the open at full speed, apparently bent upon
overawing the defenders by the very appearance of such numbers.
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