Then it was that His Lordship, the lanky Englishman who had afforded so much amusement to the others, came to life. Up to this time he had been marching along with hanging head, apparently in nowise concerned in what was taking place.
He ran lightly up the steps of the nearest house, and, putting his shoulder to the door, broke it in with ease. Immediately he disappeared within.
Into this house Hal and Chester also went, and instructed their men to occupy the adjoining buildings.
"We can give a good account of ourselves in here, should we be attacked,"
Hal explained.
"Right," Chester agreed. "But do you anticipate an attack?"
"I do," replied Hal. "As soon as the Germans we drove out report to the main body, a strong force probably will be sent against us."
"And are we supposed to hold them off?"
"We are supposed to stick until ordered to fall back, I reckon,"
Hal replied.
"Well," declared Chester, "we are at the very opposite side of the town and can see them coming—if they do."
They were attracted by a peculiar noise at the opposite side of the room in which they stood.