caused no more
than a mere rumble of the ground, and a faintly-felt concussion of the
now tottery building.

"Missed us that time," declared Roger. "But they're getting our
range."

"No, they didn't fire at us," declared Franz. "If they had they would
have hit us, for undoubtedly the gunners know the effect of that first
shot. The Huns aren't shooting at us purposely."

"Do you mean that shell came from a German battery?" asked Bob.

"It did," affirmed Franz. "I saw the puff of smoke from a battery on
the hill where the Germans are grouped. Then I knew they were firing
in our direction. But of course I couldn't see the shell, and I didn't
know where it would land. But I didn't want to take a chance. That
either went over or fell short. But there's no question, now, as to
where the firing is coming from--it's from the German lines."

"Then there's no chance for us," said Roger, gloomily.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that," declared Franz. "They don't know we're
here, and they evidently aren't firing directly at this mill. They may
be using it to get the range, and that's why they dropped the first
shell here. But we still have a chance."

"I don't see it!" declared Bob. "We can't get out--surrounded as we
are by the enemy, and if we stay here another chance shell may wreck
the place."

"Better as we noathing do, maybe; eh?" suggested the Polish lad.

"I guess you've struck it," assented Jimmy. "There isn't very much we
can do. We might take a chance and sneak out, but I think very likely,
the Germans are well supplied with glasses. They are, most certainly,
watching this mill, if for no other reason than that it's so
conspicuous. If we run out they'll be sure to spot us, and it would
mean capture sure."

"Then what do you, advise, Blazes!" asked Roger.

"That we see if there's a chance of getting down in the cellar and
staying there. Some of these old mills had very thick foundation
walls. I don't know just how long this one will stand up if many more
such shells as the first one came over, but we can try it. In fact, it
seems to be our only chance."

"All right--to the cellar!" cried Bob. "And don't forget to take with
us what food and water we can. Maybe we'll be held there some time.
If there's a big battle it may last several days, though if our boys
drive back the Huns we'll take the opportunity to slip out and join
our friends."

"That's right," agreed Jimmy. "Just think, fellows, what's happening
to us n