"I'm going along, Chester," said Hal quietly.
"All right," said Chester. "Come on. The rest of you cover us with your revolvers. Tell you what. Fire a couple of shots over their heads. That will give us time to make a break. Then bar the door behind us."
He waited for no reply, but darted directly toward the crowd of Germans, both revolvers levelled directly into their midst. Hal, keeping close beside his chum, did likewise.
"Crack! Crack! Crack!"
The three American officers left behind had followed out Chester's injunction and fired over the heads of the crowd. Instantly confusion swept the mob.
It was the moment for which Chester had hoped. Into the crowd he dashed, reversing his revolver and striking right and left. Hal was right beside him, his own arms flying about like flails.
And almost before they knew it, so sudden had been their actions, they burst clear of the crowd.
"Now run!" shouted Hal.
Chester needed no urging. The lads sped over the ground, while from behind came cries of anger. Balked of their prey, about half of the Germans nevertheless gave chase. The other half, as though by prearrangement, remained to guard the Americans who had sought shelter in the house.
But Hal and Chester were too fleet of foot for their pursuers. They outdistanced them easily. The rest was simple.