Great holes were cut in the German columns, and men and horses
were mowed down like chaff.
And still the Germans came on.
Suddenly a fierce rifle fire broke out all along the Belgian front, even
as the rapid-firers continued to belch forth their messengers of death.
Men reeled and fell in masses. The Germans wavered, halted, then
retreated. A great shout went up from the Belgian lines.
Under the support of their own field batteries, the Germans reformed for
a second charge. As before, the defenders waited until they were close,
then poured in a deadly fire. The Germans staggered, then sprang forward.
A second volley greeted them, and a second time the Germans wavered,
halted and retreated. A third time they charged, with the same result.
All this time a long-range artillery duel was in progress, whatever
advantage there was resting with the Belgians. Shot and shell poured into
the oncoming solid ranks of the German infantry, cutting great gaps in
their ranks; but these quickly filled up again, and the Germans continued
their steady advance.
All this Hal and Chester saw, and more. For they could see, to the left,
the successful advance of the enemy, as it moved upon the town of Liege.
In vain the Belgians charged upon the advancing line and poured in shot
and shell. The Germans came on. To the right the Germans also were
pushing slowly, but surely, forward.
"It is terrible! terrible!" said Chester, with a shudder, as he watched
men fall right and left.
Pages:
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135