It was a critical position for the little group of Americans. The enemy at that special point outnumbered them, and military prudence would have dictated a retreat. But their fighting blood was up and their rifles still held several bullets each. They would at least empty these into the enemy ranks before they fell back. Then, too, there was the corporal, who had as yet given no sign of consciousness. The boys could not think of leaving him to be captured by the foe.
Moreover, the position was an important one, as was shown by the frantic eagerness of the Germans to regain it. All things considered, Frank determined to hold the ground to the death.
“They’ll have to pay dearly for this place if they get it,” he muttered between his clenched teeth as he disposed his little band to the best advantage. “Don’t waste your bullets, boys. Take aim and make every one of them tell.”
“Righto,” responded Tom, as cool as a cucumber, as he took careful aim and saw a German throw up his hands and fall. “There’s one less to bother about.”
The others followed his example, and their bullets did stern execution, so much so that the Germans had an impression that they were faced by a much larger detachment than was really there. They hesitated and sought shelter behind trees while their officers conferred.
“Heinie thinks he’s bitten off more than he can chew,” chuckled Billy, as the little squad took advantage of the respite to reload their rifles.
“I guess the whole German army has had that impression for some time,” laughed Tom.
“Don’t kid yourselves,” warned Frank. “This is only a breathing spell. This position may come high, but they have to have it, and you’ll see them coming on again in a minute.”
The words had scarcely fallen from his lips before the Germans appeared, with all their losses made up by the addition of new units, and came rushing toward them with an officer at their head, waving his revolver.
“Something new for Heinie,” muttered Frank, as his eye ran along the stock of his rifle. “The officers usually send their men forward while they themselves stay in the rear.”