"It is one of the German officers!" cried the girl. "He has returned for
something."
It was apparent that the officer had seen the two boys. He turned from
the window, and the lads saw him making violent gestures to someone in
the distance. A moment later two soldiers joined him, and the trio turned
toward the door.
There came a loud knock, followed by the sound of footsteps in the hall,
as one of the servants went to open the door.
"Do not open the door, Bento!" called the girl.
The footsteps halted.
"Open that door at once!" came a voice of command from outside.
Again came the sound of footsteps, as the servant, evidently frightened,
moved toward the door.
"Bento! Do as I command you! Do not open the door!" cried the girl again,
and the servant stopped.
"Break down the door!" came the command from outside.
"What shall we do?" cried the girl, clasping her hands nervously.
"Fight!" was Hal's brief reply.
His eyes roved about the room. His gaze fell upon a pair of old dueling
swords hung upon the wall. Stepping on a chair, he took them down, and
passed one to Chester.
At that instant there came the sound of a crash, as the door gave way,
followed by a command from the officer:
"Follow me!"
Edna and the two boys retreated to the far end of the room, as the three
Germans rushed through the door.
"Surrender!" cried the officer.
"Come and take us!" replied Hal, his lips set grimly.
The officer covered the lads with his two pistols.
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