This to Hal was one of the worst moments of the battle, for tankers fit as closely into tanks as snails in their shells. It was with an effort that Hal and Bowers crawled past each other, for there were several painful moments when two bodies occupied the space that was a tight fit for one. But they managed it.
Bowers waggled the tank out into the open and headed for the nest of annoying gunners, and Hal will always have respect for these gunners.
In spite of their failure against the tank, the Prussians died with their hands on their guns. Others ran away and the tank was checked in its progress, while Hal poured volley after volley at the fleeing foes.
Suddenly Hal was arrested by a shout from Bowers.
“Hey! What’s that?” cried the marine.
Looking a trifle to the left, Hal saw four Germans wearing Red Cross uniforms, carrying something on a litter.
“That’s a mighty funny-looking stretcher,” said Bowers. “Have a shot at it.”
“Not a chance,” replied Hal. “They’re Red Cross workers.”
“That’s a funny-looking litter,” said Bowers, unconvinced. “Take my advice and shoot.”
Then, suddenly, without further words, Hal turned his gun on the four men, in spite of their Red Cross uniforms, and fired.