Therefore, Commander Adams instructed Frank to secure the landward side, at the same time instructing Commander Hastings to attack the fortified zone. Commander Adams knew that he was taking a long chance by thus dividing his forces, but in no other manner, it seemed to him, could the success of the expedition be assured.
Frank led his men forward promptly. Apparently the Germans had not realized the full strength of the British attack on the Mole, for no effort had been made to get reinforcements to the men there from shore. Consequently, Frank's work was not so hard as that set for Commander Hastings.
The few Germans who were guarding the landward side of the Mole fired one volley at Frank's party, then turned and took to their heels.
"By George! Pretty soft!" said Frank.
He led his men to the positions recently vacated by the enemy, and then sat down to await further instructions from Commander Adams.
Commander Hastings, on the other hand, had hard work in taking the fortified positions from the foe. Nevertheless he succeeded, due to the heroic efforts of his men. Commander Adams surveyed the field carefully.
"Well," he told himself, "I guess we've done the best we can. We'll stick here till we get the signal to withdraw."