Immediately confusion reigned among the enemy. Taken completely by surprise, as Chester had intended they should be, the Germans lost all signs of formation. Before they could recover their scattered wits and turn upon their new foes, or even seek new shelter, the British had poured in a second volley.
But the German officers, displaying great skill and bravery, soon had their men under control, and turned upon the little party of British in the rear.
Chester perceived what was about to happen and cried out to his men:
"They are going to rush us! Pick 'em off as they come!"
The Germans, at a command, sprang forward, and the British fired full in their faces.
The Germans reeled, and for a moment it seemed they would seek shelter once more; but they rallied and came on.
But, as they came, a volley was poured into them from the rear. Hal's men, on the opposite side of the road, had advanced quickly, and again the Germans had been surprised.
Caught thus between two fires, and unable to tell the number of their foe, the Germans were at a great disadvantage. Nevertheless, outnumbering the British as they did, they fought bravely, jumping quickly behind the nearest trees, determined to sell their lives as dearly as possible.
When Hal heard the first sounds of firing, and realized that Chester and his men had come into position and opened on the enemy, he quickly ordered his men forward. He himself stopped for a moment to seek out Stubbs, for fear that the little American might be left behind and fall into the hands of the enemy.
"Quick, Stubbs!" he cried. "Get up, man, and come on!"