Hal followed suit, for the two bodies that had tumbled through space were nothing less than German soldiers who had failed to see the opening above.
They were taken by surprise when two forms leaped on them below, but they put up a fight.
"Tap 'em over the head with your gun!" shouted Chester.
He had drawn his revolver as he leaped forward and now suited the action to the word. The German toppled over with a groan.
Hal, however, had not drawn his weapon, and was now locked in the arms of the second German, as they rolled over and over in the bottom of the pit. Weakened by his recent experience he was getting the worst of it.
Chester took in the situation at a glance and leaped forward. At the moment Hal was on top and the German stared up at Chester. Seeing a second foe he raised a loud cry for help.
This was what Chester had been afraid of. He didn't want any more Germans down there if he could help it.
"Turn him over, Hal!" he cried. "Let me get a whack at him with my gun."
By a desperate effort Hal obeyed and the German rolled on top of him. One more loud cry he gave and then Chester silenced him with a sharp blow of his revolver butt.
Chester stepped back with an exclamation of relief and Hal dragged himself from beneath his now unconscious adversary.