“Come on! This is getting too hot for us!” cried Jack, as he scrambled to his feet, followed by Tom. “There'll be a barrage here in a minute.”
This seemed about to happen, for machine guns were spitting fire and death all along that section of the German front, and the American and French forces were replying. A general engagement might be precipitated at any moment.
The American lieutenant tried to rally his men, but it was a hopeless task. The Germans had overpowered them. Tom and Jack started to run back toward their own lines, having made sure, however, of putting beyond the power to fight any more the two Germans who had attacked them.
“Come on!” cried Tom. “We've got to have reinforcements to tackle this bunch!”
“I guess so!” agreed Jack.
They turned, not to retreat, but to better their positions, when they both ran full into a body of men that seemed to spring up from the very ground in the sudden darkness that followed an unusually bright burst of star shells.
“What is it? Who are they? What's the matter?” cried Tom.
“Give it up!” answered Jack. “Who are you?” he asked.
Instantly a guttural German voice cried:
“Ah! The American swine! We have them!”