Hal did not reply, but the reason was clear. The three Americans, for such the figures proved to be, did not fire for fear of arousing greater resentment among the Germans. They were perfectly cool, and it was plain they would shoot if it became necessary.
As Chester came closer he realized what stayed the fingers of the American officers. Nevertheless, he produced his own revolvers before dashing into the crowd. Hal followed suit.
"Don't shoot unless you have to, Chester," the latter warned.
The crowd gave ground as Hal and Chester, bringing football tactics into play, bore down on them; and soon the lads were beside the officers in the center of the circle.
"Well, there are five of us now," said one of the officers, "but you would have shown better judgment, Major, had you gone for reinforcements rather than coming to our aid."
"I didn't stop to think of that," Hal confessed. "But you are right, sir."
"Never mind," said another. "We can fight our way out of here if it becomes necessary."
"But we don't want to use force," said the first speaker. "It would be much more wise to overawe them with a show of force."
"It's no time to talk about that now," said the other. "But come, I'm in favor of getting out of here."
"And I," agreed the third man. "See, the crowd is increasing."