Swiftly they dashed around the house in either direction and fell upon
the Germans, who had sought shelter at the far side, with their bayonets.
The enemy, taken completely by surprise, uttered cries of consternation
and sought to retreat; for their officers had no means of telling the
numbers of these new foes.
But the French pressed them closely. Although the Germans were taken at a
great disadvantage because of the suddenness of the attack, they,
nevertheless fought bravely.
No quarter was asked.
For safety's sake the enemy pressed close to the French, engaging them
hand-to-hand. In this was their only hope of success, for every time a
man strayed from the struggling mass, a keen-eyed French soldier above
dropped him with a rifle bullet.
But the struggle could have only one end. Bewildered by the sudden
appearance of the French, the Germans never gained time to recover
themselves. The French pushed the fighting; and soon it was all over.
There remained now only half a score of Germans standing.
"Surrender!" called Hal.
With the exception of one, the men threw down their weapons. The
exception was a German officer, who evidently had been in command.
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