For some time now there had been no sign of the enemy, and Hal and Chester, with a small squad, had been sent toward the enemy’s line to reconnoiter. It was while on this reconnaissance that they had been attacked by the Germans in force.
Slowly the two lads and the eight men, all that was left of the fifty who had gone forth, continued their retreat. They had gone forth on horses; they were returning afoot. Their mounts were in the hands of the enemy. From the rear, in the darkness, still came the sounds of firing.
“Evidently they have not given up the pursuit,” said Hal.
“No; and they are probably mounted. Let’s turn off into this little woods,” replied Chester.
They did so, and followed by the remaining eight troopers continued on their way.
As they came to the edge of the woods, Hal, who was slightly in advance, stopped suddenly, and raised a warning hand. The little party halted.
“What’s the matter?” asked Chester in a whisper.
“Germans!” replied Hal briefly.
Chester approached closer and peered over his friend’s shoulder. Less than three hundred yards ahead he could dimly make out moving forms.