"Why, you chump, doesn't that fighting going on there mean anything to you?"
"Do you mean that you believe the troop that just passed us are French?"
"Yes; French, Belgians, or English, I don't know which. But, anyhow, they are friends. Hurrah!"
"Hurrah!" repeated Chester, throwing his cap in the air with delight.
Suddenly the beat of the feet of many horses was heard and the sound of firing became more audible. Several riderless horses broke into the woods, followed by the cavalry.
"Grab one of those horses, Chester!" cried Hal, as he jumped forward and seized the bridle of the one nearest him. Chester followed suit, and both lads were soon in the saddle.
At that moment a large body of horsemen broke through the woods from the direction in which they had so recently gone, retiring slowly, turning every now and then to fire.
"It's a retreat!" cried Chester. "They have been driven back! Let us get away from here or we shall be shot down!"
But, even as they turned to flee, a mounted officer laid his hand upon the bridle of Hal's horse.
"Who are you?" he demanded in French. "What do you here?"