Nevertheless, the lad did his best, for common sense told him that it would be wise not to lag. Soon after eight o’clock, however, his arms ached so that it seemed impossible for him to work longer.
He staggered slightly as he drove his pick home.
This movement did not escape the keen eye of the nearest German guard, who immediately approached and stood watching the lad closely. Again Hal staggered and his pick fell short of its mark.
“Get to work there!” cried the guard sharply.
Hal tried his best, but it was no use. The pick fell from his tired hands.
The guard stepped quickly forward and struck the lad sharply across the face with his open left hand. Under the blow, Hal received new strength as his fighting spirit was aroused. He stepped toward the guard, an angry gleam in his eye and his fists clenched.
The German hastily moved back a couple of paces and half raised his rifle.
“Get to work!” he cried again.
The lad bethought himself of the Englishman’s advice, and stooping, recovered his pick. Again he attacked the wall of coal.
Chester’s strength, meantime, had also given out. Unlike Hal, however, Chester did not work on until he could no longer lift his pick. When he felt that he could no longer dig, he cast his pick away from him and sat down on the ground. Immediately a guard was at his side.