The duel was interrupted at this point by a sudden cry from the farmhouse.
"Never mind him, Lieutenant! Back into the house quickly!"
It was the voice of Captain Leroux and the tone told Hal how urgent was the call. Taking a quick step forward, he caused the German officer to retreat a few paces. Then Hal lowered his sword, and calling to his men to follow him, dashed toward the front of the house.
Behind, the German officer broke into a torrent of abuse and would have continued it had not a French soldier, who cared nothing for the etiquette of duelling, put an end to him with a rifle bullet.
To the half score of men who had thrown down their arms, Hal cried:
"Back to your own lines quickly or you shall be shot down! No," pausing and levelling his revolver as one of the Germans sought to stoop and pick up his discarded rifle, "never mind the gun. Another move like that and you'll all be shot down. Move, now!"
The Germans wasted no further time and made for the shelter of their own lines at top speed.
And their own lines were advancing rapidly to meet them.
"Quick, men!" cried Hal. "Into the house!"
They had now reached the front door again and Hal stood to one side that his men might enter first.