Chagrined at the thought of being captured by a single boy, the soldiers attempted a show of resistance. Their opinions underwent a swift change as Jimmie, seeing their intentions, fired into the ground at their feet. He was advancing, keeping the soldiers well covered.
"Take their rifles, boys," Jimmie directed. "Lay 'em away!"
Raging at this sudden reversal of affairs, the soldiers could do nothing else than meekly permit their arms to be removed.
"Now, then," went on Jimmie, "where did you put our comrade?"
"He went through the trenches with our superior," answered one.
"Where is he now?" asked Jimmie, keeping his automatic ready.
Characteristic shrugs of the shoulders was the only reply.
At that instant the boys heard a terrific screaming in the air, followed by the boom of a distant cannon. Instantly they felt the shock of a bursting shell of large proportions.
"Look, look!" cried Francois, using the French language. "It is one of those dreadful shells. Look at the awful black smoke!"