Almost simultaneously with the sound of the gun the heavy explosive missile reached its mark.
There was another resounding crash as the missile exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber and other debris flew high in the air and descended in a shower.
The sniping from the first house ceased, for the simple reason that there was no first house any longer. It had been destroyed.
"I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I don't like this wanton destruction of property. It reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. If those fellows in the other houses are wise they'll cease firing now."
But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. Snipers in the other houses continued as active as before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had befallen their comrades.
"Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered.
Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the guns were wheeled into position. This time, however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He determined to give the enemy a lesson they would not forget.
Accordingly, two houses were covered at once.
"Boom! Boom!"
"Crash! Crash!"