The lad signalled to his men, who had already hitched up the horses, and these now advanced.
"What!" exclaimed the German officer, when he had taken a glance at
Chester's "army," "are these all the men you had when you attacked us?"
"They seemed to be enough," said Chester, with a smile.
"No wonder we haven't beaten you a long while ago," the German officer mumbled to himself. "When five men and one a boy perform a feat like this, I begin to have my doubts as to the outcome of this war."
"Well," said Chester, "I don't have any such doubts. But come, now; forward march."
Slowly the German troopers marched ahead, Chester and his machine gun bringing up the rear.
And in this manner they came directly upon the French cavalry and infantry advancing in pursuit of the Germans.
Great were the exclamations among the French troops when it was found that five men and a young officer had made such an important capture, to say nothing of the terrible execution inflicted upon the enemy with their own rapid-fire gun. The French officers were loud in the praises of Chester's gallantry.
And with the troop of French cavalry Chester found Hal and Captain
Leroux.
"By Jove! I'm glad to see you, Chester," said Hal, advancing with outstretched hand. "I was afraid we wouldn't get back in time."