Part 2 (1/2)

Hal put the question up to Captain O'Neill. The captain hesitated.

”My friend and I will go,” said Hal. ”We've been in this fighting game too long to take unnecessary chances, sir, but I don't like to see the man get into trouble when we can save him.”

”Very well,” said the captain; ”you have my permission, but don't go too close.”

”I'd like another man, sir.”

”Take your choice.”

Hal glanced at the men, and called:

”McKenzie.”

A soldier stepped forward. This man, at one time, had been a top sergeant in the British army. He had served through the Boer war in South Africa. Hal had met him at the Fort Niagara training camp a few months before, and, while the man had failed to obtain a commission there, Hal had been able to have him enlisted in the regular army.

”Will you go with us, McKenzie?” asked the lad. McKenzie saluted.

”Glad to, sir,” he replied.

”Good! Then come on,” said Hal. ”We are wasting time here.”

Hal led the way at a rapid trot. He feared that Briggs had already approached too close to the German trenches, and the distance was so short that there was little likelihood of overtaking the man before he reached the trenches. The only salvation was, so far as Hal could see, that Briggs might have stopped before he reached the trenches.

As the three pushed forward, there came a sudden explosion ahead, followed closely by a second blast. The three redoubled their speed, and, a moment later, came in sight of the German trenches.

A strange sight met their eyes.

There, upon the top of the German parapet, stood Briggs. His right arm was raised and in it the lads could see a bomb. Apparently the explosions a moment before had come from the same source.

As the three looked on, Briggs sent another bomb hurling down into the German lines. There was a third blast.

”Great Scott!” cried Chester. ”How can he get away with that? Why don't they shoot him?”

”They're trying,” said Hal. ”You can hear the bullets. They are flying over his head!” The lad raised his voice in a shout: ”Briggs!

Come down here!”

Briggs glanced down. Hal, Chester, and McKenzie had approached close now, and Briggs made out their features as he gazed down.

”One moment, sir,” he said, ”and I'll be with you.”

Deliberately he drew back his arm again, and, a moment later his last bomb was hurled into the foe. As the explosion resounded from the German trenches, Briggs leaped down lightly, approached Hal and Chester, and saluted.

”I'm ready now, sir,” he said.

”Then run!” cried Hal.

The four suited the action to the word, and dashed back toward the American trenches. From behind a volley a rifle fire crackled after them.

”Anybody hit?” cried Hal, as they dashed along.