It was then that there came a loud and sudden burst of firing from down the valley, from the direction of the forest. All three sprang to their feet.
Braid, from the parapet, called loudly, and they hastened to his side.
"Look there!" he cried.
Turning their eyes in the direction indicated, they beheld a man running as if for life towards the forest. In pursuit, some distance in his rear, came a large party of Germans, shouting so loudly that their voices were audible even at that great distance, and firing their rifles as they ran.
"Who is it?" cried Harry.
"I cannot say," said the guide. "He is too far away."
The firing continued until long after nightfall. It rolled through the forest like a wave. It was not until ten o'clock that the night was still.
The four defenders gathered at the door of the hut.
"You think it wiser to go?" said Harry
Fernando bowed his head.