“Alive and kicking,” replied Hal briefly. “Give me a gun or something.”
“You’d better——” Chester began.
But Hal stooped quickly, picked up a fallen German’s rifle and sprang forward. Chester darted after him.
Bowers, meanwhile, also had come to his senses and was endeavoring to get to his feet. A company of marines, moving rapidly forward, encircled him, steadied him and he also was given a rifle. The marines, closely followed by regular army troops, continued the pursuit.
Hal turned to Chester as they ran ahead, trying to catch up with the first-line troops, who by this time were some distance ahead.
“In the nick of time again, old man,” he gasped.
“I was afraid I wouldn’t be,” was Chester’s reply.
Ahead, the American advance suddenly slowed down. The reason was soon clear. German reinforcements had been rushed hurriedly forward, and the enemy was making a stand. But the Yankee halt was only momentary.
“Forward!” came the command.