Part 23 (1/2)

”We can give a good account of ourselves in here, should we be attacked,”

Hal explained.

”Right,” Chester agreed. ”But do you antic.i.p.ate an attack?”

”I do,” replied Hal. ”As soon as the Germans we drove out report to the main body, a strong force probably will be sent against us.”

”And are we supposed to hold them off?”

”We are supposed to stick until ordered to fall back, I reckon,”

Hal replied.

”Well,” declared Chester, ”we are at the very opposite side of the town and can see them coming--if they do.”

They were attracted by a peculiar noise at the opposite side of the room in which they stood.

It was His Lords.h.i.+p, dead to the world, snoring, with wide-open mouth.

”The sergeant was right,” said Hal. ”His Lords.h.i.+p can sleep anywhere.”

Almost at this moment there came a warning from without.

”Germans approaching in force, sir,” cried the sergeant, poking his head in the door.

And at that moment there came a clattering of horses' hoofs, and a moment later a French officer entered the room.

”General Joffre orders you to fall back, sir!” he said.

CHAPTER XVII.

A FIGHT FOR A BED.

With a word to the sergeant to order an immediate retreat, Hal crossed the room and shook His Lords.h.i.+p roughly.

”Get up!” he shouted.

His Lords.h.i.+p opened one eye sleepily.

”What's that?” he demanded.

”Get up!” repeated Hal.

”Not on your life,” said His Lords.h.i.+p slowly, and closed his eyes again.

”Quick!” shouted Hal. ”We must retreat! A whole German regiment is about to attack us.”

”All right,” came the reply, and His Lords.h.i.+p did not take the trouble to open his eyes.