At the same moment, the first of the marine reinforcements poured into the streets of the village.
But Chateau Thierry had not yet been entirely cleared of the enemy. From the windows of many houses German snipers, singly and in groups, picked off the Americans from these shelters. Hal, glancing from the window, was able to see better than was Chester below the points where lay the greatest danger to the marines.
“Bowers!” he called.
The sergeant stepped forward.
“See that house across the street?” asked Hal, pointing.
“Yes sir!”
“Good! You take five men and clean up the Germans there. I’ll take the other five and drive out the enemy stationed in the house next to it.”
“Very good, sir.”
Bowers turned and called five marines by name. The men gathered around him and the sergeant led the way from the house. Hal, with his five marines, sallied forth after the others.
On the street, the force divided, Sergeant Bowers and his men dashed up the steps of the first house, burst open the door and disappeared within. Hal led his men next door.