In the dimness of the little woods in which they stood, the boys, at first, could not see the man who had accosted them.
At a word from Hal the little party came to a halt.
“Who goes there?” came the question from the darkness.
“Friends!” replied Hal in German, which he spoke like a native.
“Advance!” came the reply, and the shadow of a German soldier, with his rifle raised, ready to fire, suddenly appeared before them.
It was too dark for the German soldier to make out their uniforms until the English were upon him. Then he started back with a cry.
“English!” he exclaimed in surprise.
His amazement, slight though it was, proved his undoing. For as he staggered back Hal sprang forward, and the butt of his upraised rifle fell with stunning force upon the German’s head. The soldier dropped to the ground with a slight moan.
“We’ll have to get away from here quick!” exclaimed Chester. “Come on, men, follow us!”
Silently the little party, bearing off slightly to the right, went forward. Suddenly Chester stopped and clutched Hal by the arm.