That moment was enough for the success of Captain Anderson’s strategy. At the point of the bayonet the British burst through the German line, dealing out death on every hand as they did so. A moment and the Germans rallied, but it was too late.
The British were now through the barrier of steel, and had taken refuge behind a little ridge. And now the reason for the captain’s sudden charge became apparent.
Directly ahead was a large house, and for this refuge the British dashed madly. The first man to reach the door tried the knob. The door was locked. From behind came the plod of the heavy German feet and the sharp crack of rifles.
There was not a moment to lose. With a swift blow of his rifle butt, the British soldier smashed in the door, and into this opening the troops poured. A second squad had dashed around to the rear of the house and performed a similar operation. In less time than it takes to tell it injured and uninjured alike were in the house. The ground outside, however, was strewn with their companions.
Quickly every window in the house was manned, the doors barred. And the British stood silently awaiting the approach of the enemy, which they knew would come in a very few minutes.
“If it were not for the artillery we could hold this place indefinitely,” said Captain Anderson.
“Yes,” agreed Chester; “or, if we can manage to hold out till night, we may be able to get away.”
“It is possible, too,” said Hal, “that our absence will be noticed and aid sent to us.”
“I’m not banking much on that,” replied Captain Anderson, “for, if we are missed, our loss probably will be put down to the fortunes of war. It is hardly possible General French would know we are cooped up in this house.”