Half a dozen guards he had laid low when a German bullet crashed into his body and brought him to the ground. His fall seemed to dishearten the other prisoners, who seem to have looked upon him as a leader. Their resistance grew feebler and they gave ground.
The German guards by this time had succeeded in getting together and now they covered the prisoners with a score of rifles.
“Fire!” came a command.
In the huddled mass of prisoners, five men tumbled over. Two others groaned and others cursed.
There was no second volley.
Realizing that he had the mutiny under control, the German officer in command withheld another fire. The prisoners scattered as the guards advanced. Hal and Chester were left standing alone to face the Germans.
Both lads by this time had realized the utter foolishness of further resistance and now quietly awaited whatever was to come. The German officer turned to his men.
“Who started this?” he demanded. “Show me the leader of this plot!”
The man whom Chester had attacked, and who was still on his feet, stepped forward and saluted.
“Those two Americans, sir,” he said, pointing to Hal and Chester.