Clair W. Hayes

“ Hal once more jumped aboard the locomotive, unheeding Chester’s cry of wonder, released the brakes, and threw the throttle wide open. Then he dropped sprawling to the ground, while the engine dashed madly down the track.
Hal was not badly hurt and was quickly on his feet.
“What’s the matter?” asked Chester in alarm.
“Matter is that the Germans are coming this way,” answered Hal. “Come, let’s get away from here while we have a chance. We may be able to escape in the darkness.” ”

“ For Hal, spinning on his heel, swept the revolver from her outstretched hand, and with a quick leap seized it himself.
“Now, madam,” he said calmly. “I shall give you just thirty seconds to get away from here. If you have not put a considerable distance between us by the time the thirty seconds have expired, I shall be forced to use this weapon, much as I should dislike to shoot a lady. I am on important business and it brooks of no delay. Neither shall one life stand in the way.” ”

“ Then also from the rear there came the sound of firing. The rapid-firers on the train had been unloosed, and their leaden messengers were spelling death in the ranks of the Germans, of whom the train was now in the middle.
Chester poked his head out the window of the cab, only to withdraw it quickly, as a bullet struck a quarter of an inch from his ear. But in that one brief glance he had taken in the situation. ”

“ For, if we failed, I am sure they would shoot us without compunction.”
“There is no doubt of that,” said Chester. “Von Kluck would do it anyhow, if he didn’t fear the heavy hand of the Kaiser. By the way, what do you think of the Kaiser, anyhow?”
“Well,” said Hal slowly, “I believe, in the first place, that he takes himself too seriously. I believe that he considers himself the chosen instrument of Heaven to put down the Slavs, to say nothing of the French and English. He has the mistaken idea that he is a man of destiny.” ”

“ The English, under the command of Sir John French, the chief stumbling block in the path of the Germans as they advanced on Paris, were proving their mettle every day. Despite their numerical inferiority to the enemy, they stood bravely to their herculean task, until now the whole world realized that they were the real fighting strength of the allied army.
Each day found the Germans farther and farther from the walls of Paris. Each day found the Allies pressing the foe more closely. The great battle line, stretching out for more than 200 miles, was in constant contact with the enemy. ”

“ Slowly Chester crawled away. Reaching the opposite end of the cave, he cautiously poked his head out and looked around. In the dim light he could see no one. But he was afraid to call out to Hal—his voice might be overheard—so he took his tedious way back to where he had left his friend.
“All O. K.,” he whispered.
“Good,” said Hal. “Let’s get out of here, then.”
[Pg 108]
They crawled back along the dark passageway as rapidly as the darkness and the condition of the ground would permit, but before leaving their place of refuge, Chester thought it advisable to peep out once more. ”

“ The dead strewed the battlefield, and as Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson made their way toward the rear, they were forced to climb over the dead and wounded, many with shattered limbs and maimed for life. ”

“ The battle was raging fiercely. On all sides men were dropping singly, in pairs, in tens and in hundreds. Since early morning, when an advance guard of Germans had approached the British line, the struggle had continued without a minute’s breathing space.
Gradually giving way before the English attacks, the German troops fell back mile after mile, the English, in the section of the field where the fighting had been going on, pursuing them closely. Unmindful of their support on either side, the British still pressed forward, until now they were far beyond either flank. ”

“ The German advance through Belgium into France, up to this time, had been steady, although the Allies had contested every foot of the ground. Day after day and night after night the hard pressed British troops, to which Hal and Chester were attached, had borne the brunt of the fighting. But for the heroism of these comparatively few English, slightly more than one hundred thousand men, the Germans probably would have marched to the very gates of Paris. ”

“ The first column of men was literally annihilated, Captain Anderson himself going to the ground with a severe wound in his chest. Not one of the troopers reached the automobile.
Seeing what had happened to the first column, Hal and Chester were more wary. They approached from two directions, and, before the machine-gun could be turned upon them, were at hand grips with the enemy.
A squad of men hurled themselves upon the German gunners, and this weapon spoke no more. Then the British advanced upon the aviators, who stood near to guard their machines. ”

“ Before the aim of these few British troopers, accounted among the best marksmen in the world, the Teuton cavalry went down in heaps.
There was a perceptible slackening in the speed of the approaching horsemen. Then, as the English [Pg 5] continued their work, firing with machine-like precision and deadly accuracy, the Germans came to a halt.
“What are they stopping for?” cried Chester. “There are enough of them to overwhelm us!”
“I believe they fear a trap,” replied Hal. “They are afraid we are trying to ambush them with a larger force. We must keep up the delusion if we expect to get away.” ”

“ As each German rounded the turn in the bridge his rifle cracked, and continued to crack until he fell. Men inside the barricade also were beginning to fall fast now, and the reserve lines were being drawn upon more rapidly each minute.
Hal and Chester, crouching down, directed the defense. In spite of the fearful havoc wrought by the British fire, the Germans came on. The bridge was piled high with dead and wounded, but the enemy did not hesitate. ”

“ General Von Kluck, who had been looking silently at the two lads, turned to the officer.
“You know these prisoners?” he questioned.
“Well, I know one of them,” was the reply. “That is, I thought I did once. It seems that I was mistaken.”
“Explain yourself.”
“This,” said the German, pointing to Hal, “is the young man to whom I told you I delivered the dispatches intended for you. He represented himself to me as Captain Dersam, of your staff. Later we found Captain Dersam gagged and bound on the banks of the Marne. Therefore, this officer must be a traitor.” ”

“ The spot where they had alighted was in the midst of a clump of trees, and quickly the lads drew their bicycles in among them, hiding them from sight of the road. Then Hal turned, and, with Chester close behind him, dashed back in the direction from which they had come, taking care to keep well within the shelter of the trees.
And now Chester made out the object of his friend’s wild dash. It was a farmhouse, setting well back from the road. Chester had not detected it as they sped by, but Hal’s keen eyes had singled it out as a possible refuge. ”

“ It was indeed a sad word to the ears of the two young American lads. As Hal said, they had had trouble enough getting out of Berlin at the outbreak of the war, and had almost been forced back to the German capital once before. To be prisoners of war in Berlin certainly would be an inglorious finish to their military careers.
“I would rather go to any one other spot on the map,” Chester told his chum. “Berlin! Can you imagine being cooped up there and never even knowing what is going on?” ”

“ General Tromp started back.
“Why, sir,” he explained, “I have word that a large force of the enemy is approaching to give battle. I am advancing to meet him.”
“Order a halt,” said General Joffre abruptly.
“But, but——” began General Tromp in some confusion.
“Order a halt, sir!” commanded General Joffre sternly. “Or,” as he saw that General Tromp still hesitated, “shall I do it myself?”
General Tromp turned and gave the command to one of his staff, who immediately dashed away. A moment and a bugle rang out, and the great army came to a pause. ”

“ The boys heard him descend the stairs, and a few moments later the sound of his voice:
“There is no one up there.”
Both lads drew a breath of relief. A moment more and a slamming door gave evidence that the Germans had departed.
“I was afraid he would locate the trap-door,” said Hal to Chester, after they had gone.
“Same here,” replied Chester. “But I wasn’t going to let them take me without a fight. Only one man could get up here at a time, and we could certainly dispose of him.” ”

“ He waited until the German got well within the cave, then raised his automatic and quickly fired twice.
The sound of the explosion was so great that even Chester himself was frightened. This was the shot that Hal had heard as he grappled with his opponent.
Fearing a trap, Chester did not move for several moments, keeping his revolver aimed steadily. But then, as there was no sound from the German, Chester slowly moved forward.
His outstretched hand touched a soft object, and his exploring fingers sought out the German’s face.
“He’ll do no more fighting,” was Chester’s only comment. ”

“ Suddenly the car nearest the lads on the left swerved, and almost bumped into them; in fact, would have done so, but for Hal’s promptness in turning slightly to the right. The driver of the car had been struck by a German bullet and killed.
The driverless machine, swerving suddenly to the left, leaped forward ahead of the others, turned suddenly to the right again, and plunged straight toward the dense masses of Germans, the British inside still shooting as calmly as though they stood on firm ground, although it was plainly evident to them that the wild car was carrying them to certain death. ”

“ I certainly don’t believe there is a spy on this side of the river.”
“Nor I; however, if he is in that water we can spot him with a searchlight. Turn yours on.”
Hearing the words, Hal took a long breath and sank from sight. It was well that he did so promptly, for a brilliant shaft of light flashed across the water, making it as bright as day. The German swept it back and forth across the water. He could see no one.
“I told you so,” he said. “There is no one out there. Come, let’s get away from here.” ”

“ Hal broke suddenly into the conversation.
“Can you point the approximate whereabouts of this park of machines out to us?” he asked.
“Easily, sir.”
“What’s your idea?” asked Captain Anderson.
“Simply this,” said Hal. “I believe that by a dash we can get through the Germans. They will not expect it, and, if they did, would not expect us to go forward. Consequently, the guard in front is not likely to be vigilant. We have enough men here to make a successful raid on these machines and destroy them.” ”

“ Hardly more than 50,000 men.”
The Kaiser growled something, unintelligible to Hal, into his mustache. Then he spoke aloud:
“If the British were aware of that,” he said, “by a quick advance they would place us at a tremendous disadvantage.”
“So they would, sire,” agreed General Von Kluck. “But it must be seen that they do not anticipate our plan.”
“In that event,” came the Emperor’s reply, “it will be necessary for that part of your force which is left to make a show of strength at the same moment the mass of your command is withdrawn.” ”

“ The lieutenant sat down heavily.
“Well, you are the limit,” he said. “You are always in a scrape of some kind. I suppose it’s up to me to prevent the duel.”
“No chance,” said Hal briefly.
“No,” agreed Chester, “and it’s up to you to make the third party on our side. I suppose the other crowd will bring a surgeon.”
“Do you know what will happen if you are found out?” demanded the lieutenant.
“No,” said Hal.
“Well, it probably will mean strict confinement, at least. The regulations in regard to dueling are very stringent.”
“I can’t help that,” said Hal. “I can’t back out now.” ”

“ Hal warned Chester. “When they fail to overtake us they are sure to return. When we hear them coming we’ll climb up a tree, or hunt a hole, or something. But we might as well go ahead as far as we can.”
“That seems the best way to me,” Chester agreed.
They continued their journey for perhaps an hour without hearing a sound of the Germans, and then, suddenly, they were made aware of the presence of the enemy.
Chester’s cap seemed suddenly to jump from his head. Both lads heard the hum of a bullet and the crack of a rifle. Immediately they both dropped to the ground. ”

“ There was a long silence, which was finally broken by Chester.
“There is but one way I can think of,” he said.
“What is that?” demanded Hal.
“Well, suppose we make a dash out of this end, shooting as we go. Those guarding the other end will naturally think we are trying to escape, and will come to the aid of their companions. Then we can run back into the cave, crawl through as rapidly as possible and make a run for it out the other end.” ”

“ Under the leveled rifles of a strong German guard, they stepped to the ground, and, after being divided into squads at the direction of the German officer in command, were marched away.
Hal, Chester and Marquis were among the last to leave the train. As the dog tumbled out after them, there was an exclamation from a German officer.
“What have we here?” he demanded, approaching the boys. “A dog, eh? Well, we haven’t time to fool with dogs,” and he leveled his pistol at Marquis. ”

“ When Hal, Chester and Lieutenant Anderson had donned the German uniforms, Hal called three of the British troopers to him.
“You men,” he said, “will leave all your weapons here, except your revolvers, which you will hide in your clothes. Then you will accompany us, afoot, apparently as prisoners.” ”

“ The wound dressed, the surgeon offered Hal his hand.
“You are a gallant youngster,” he said, “and I am proud to know you. Many a man in your place would have killed his opponent. Your coolness is a thing to be admired.”
[Pg 56]
Hal shook hands with the surgeon, and the latter then took himself off.
Lieutenant Anderson approached Hal and grasped him by both arms.
“You are all right,” he said, emphasizing each word. “I was afraid it was all up with you.”
“And so was I,” said Chester. “But, if you had fallen unfairly, I would have killed him myself.” ”

“ Leaning heavily on Hal’s arm, Chester turned his eyes toward the river bank, which now was lined with British troops, who were firing steadily at forms disappearing on the opposite side of the stream. The approach of the English in force had caused the Germans to beat a rapid retreat. From the opposite shore, however, still came puffs of smoke, and bullets continued to fall among the English troops, and here and there men fell to the ground. ”