The Army boys had no idea where the road led to. It might be to the American lines or to the German lines. But they knew that certain death was behind them and possible life in front of them, and they ran as though their feet had wings.
But swift as they were, the horses were of course swifter, and before long they knew that their pursuers were gaining.
"Throw away your rifles," panted Frank. "We'll still have our knives and grenades."
They threw the heavy rifles aside, and, relieved of their weight, they bounded ahead with renewed speed.
For a short time their desperate efforts held their pursuers even, but soon the gap again began to close.
At a turn of the road they halted, gasping for breath.
"Give them the grenades," ordered Frank, getting his own ready. "They won't be expecting them and it may upset them. Throw yours at the same time I do mine."
They waited until the horsemen were within fifty feet. Then four stalwart arms hurled the grenades against the front ranks.
There was a tremendous explosion as the shells all seemed to go off at the same instant, and the first rank of horsemen went down in a heap.
Those behind drew their beasts back on their haunches so as not to override their fellows, and in that moment another volley came among them with deadly effect.