“So!” exclaimed the German captain.
He stepped close to the lads, his revolver ready in his right hand for instant use.
“Oh!” he said, “you are the new arrivals, eh? Well, you shall see how we treat such as you!”
He reversed his revolver suddenly and brought the butt down on Chester’s injured head. The lad dropped to the ground.
With a cry Hal sprang forward and before the German captain could protect himself Hal’s right fist sent him staggering back.
Cries of joy arose from the prisoners and for a moment it seemed that the struggle of a few moments before would be renewed.
But the German soldiers sprang forward and the prisoners became quiet again. Two men rushed forward and threw their arms about Hal, rendering him powerless. A third raised his rifle and brought the stock down on Hal’s head with a crash. The lad toppled over.
When he again became conscious of what was going on about him, he still lay on the hard and damp ground. Above him stood a grinning guard. Hal felt a pain in his head and passed a hand over the spot. When he withdrew it, it was covered with blood.
“Get up!” commanded the German guard.
Hal realized the necessity of immediate compliance and staggered to his feet.