In that case-well, Tom, Jack and the others did not like to think
about it.
But the brilliance of the star shells died away, and once more there
was darkness. The lieutenant cautiously raised his head and in a
whisper commanded:
"Forward! Is every one all right?"
"My mouth's full of mud and water--otherwise I'm all right," said
some one.
"Silence!" commanded the officer.
Once more he led them forward. They reached the first German wire,
and instantly the cutters were at work. Though the men tried to
make no noise, it was an impossibility. The wire would send forth
metallic janglings and tangs as it was cut. But an opening was
made, and the patrol party filed through. And then, almost
immediately, something happened.
There was another burst of star shells, but before the Americans had
an opportunity to throw themselves on their faces, they saw that
they were confronted by a large body of Germans who had come forward
as silently as themselves, and, doubtless, on the same sort of
errand.
"At 'em, boys! At 'em!" cried the lieutenant. "The Stars and
Stripes! At 'em!"
Instantly pandemonium broke loose. In the glaring light of the star
shells the two forces rushed forward. There was a burst of pistol
fire, and then the fight went on in the darkness.
"Where are you, Tom?"' yelled Jack, as he flung a grenade full at a
big, burly German who was rushing at him with uplifted gun.
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