And their own lines were advancing rapidly to meet them.
"Quick, men!" cried Hal. "Into the house!"
They had now reached the front door again and Hal stood to one side that
his men might enter first.
Above, the fire of the defenders had broken out afresh, but the Germans
rushed forward in spite of it. Bullets hummed close about Hal's head as
he stood beside the doorway, but none struck him; and at last all the men
were inside.
Hal went in after them.
From without came a cry of rage as the advancing Germans realized that,
for the moment, at least, they had been deprived of their prey.
"Guard the door there, men!" shouted Hal. "Get back and to one side out
of the line of fire. Save your bullets until they cross the threshold,
then shoot them down."
The men moved into position. Hal glanced quickly around to make sure
that all was in readiness and at that moment Captain Leroux descended
the stairs.
"Good work, Mr. Paine," he said quietly. "If I live, I shall report this
piece of work. I will take command here now. Return to your post above."
Hal saluted and did as commanded.
Hardly had he reached position above when he heard Captain Leroux below
give the command:
"Fire!"
CHAPTER XV
LEFT BEHIND
The Germans had drawn off again.
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