The German force, now depleted, turned east and made off at full speed, with the Allies in hot pursuit.
Then the sky clouded over and the finish of the fight was lost to the eager watchers below. But they had seen enough to know that the raiders had been beaten back and that victory rested with the Allies and they were jubilant at the result.
"The Huns went back quicker than they came," gloated Tom.
"Right-o!" cried Bart, gleefully. "They came to shear and they went back shorn."
"The Kaiser, he has lost his sheep
And doesn't know where to find them,
Leave them alone and they'll come home
With our planes close behind them."
So parodied Billy.
"I hope Dick comes out of it all right," said Frank, a little soberly.
"Trust that boy," said Tom, confidently. "I don't imagine anyone needs to worry about him. If he can't take care of himself, nobody can."
But the Germans, though beaten in that skirmish, were far from being discouraged, and the boys were to learn that very night with what a persistent foe they had to deal.
It had been a hard and exciting day and now, after a steaming hot supper, they were scattered about the old mill in comfort and utter relaxation.