m him with a sudden powerful move
and again advanced on Hal. But now the lad was ready for him and his
sword met the sword of the German officer neatly.

In vain the German officer sought to break down Hal's guard. Hal foiled
him at every turn. The German was furiously angry, but Hal was smiling
easily. The lad realized that he probably owed his life to the German's
anger, for at the first touch of swords the lad had realized that the
German was clearly his master. Therefore, the lad jeered at the officer
as he fought.

Hal became more certain of the outcome of the duel as it continued, for
with every thrust and parry the German became more and more angry because
he could not overcome this boy. Perspiration rolled down his face and he
panted with rage.

"I'll get you!" he cried.

"Oh, not for some time yet," Hal grinned back at him.

The German swore.

"Now! Now!" said Hal. "That's no way for a nice German officer to do.
What would the emperor say?"

The duel was interrupted at this point by a sudden cry from the
farmhouse.

"Never mind him, Lieutenant! Back into the house quickly!"

It was the voice of Captain Leroux and the tone told Hal how urgent was
the call. Taking a quick step forward, he caused the German officer to
retreat a few paces. Then Hal lowered his sword, and calling to his men
to follow him, dashed toward the front of the house.

Behind, the German officer broke into a torrent of abuse and would have
continued it had not a French soldier, who cared nothing for the
etiquette of duelling, put an end to him with a rifle bullet.

To the half score of men who had thrown down their arms, Hal cried:

"Back to your own lines quickly or you shall be shot down! No," pausing
and levelling his revolver as one of the Germans sought to stoop and pick
up his discarded rifle, "never mind the gun. Another move like that and
you'll all be shot down. Move, now!"

The Germans wasted no further time and made for the shelter of their own
lines at top speed.

And their own lines were advancing rapidly to meet them.

"Quick, men!" cried Hal. "Into the house!"

They had now reached the front door again and Hal stood to one side that
his men might enter first.

Above, the fire of the defenders had broken out afresh, but the Germans
rushed forward in spite of it. Bullets hummed close about Hal's head as
he stood beside the doorway, but none struck him; and at last all the men
were inside.

Hal went in aft