Fighting in France | Page 7

On the bottom lay many dead Germans.
Protruding from one side was the leg of some luckless infantryman
who had been buried alive by the explosion of a giant projectile.
"This way," urged Jacques as he turned from the main trench and
darted down a long passage-way.
"Careful, Jacques," warned Leon. "Don't go too fast."
"They're all dead in here," cried the young Frenchman exultantly. He
was taking an active part in ridding his country of the invaders and like
anyone in those circumstances he reveled in the task.
"Don't be so sure they're all dead," cried Earl. "You never can tell."
Scarcely had he spoken when they came face to face with three
Germans. With rifle grasped tightly in his hands Jacques was preparing
to run the first of them through when all three of them suddenly threw
up their hands. "Kameraden! Kameraden!" they cried eagerly.
"Don't touch them, Jacques," shouted Leon. "They're surrendering."
It was but the work of a moment to disarm the three Germans and they
were turned over to one of the French soldiers who was directed to lead
them back to his lines.
"That was easy enough," exclaimed Jacques triumphantly.
"Those fellows were dazed," cried Leon. "They didn't know what they
were doing."
"Who would?" demanded Earl. "If you'd been under that bombardment
for the last twenty-four hours the way they have been I guess you'd be
dazed yourself."
"Well, I hope they'll all be that way," said Jacques. "It won't take us
long in here if they are."

"How big is this place anyway?" said Earl. "We must be careful going
around corners and places like that. We can't see what is waiting for
us."
The three boys were by themselves now. They were many yards
underground and it was difficult for them to see their way distinctly.
They had just emerged into an underground room which was furnished
with a bedstead, washstand, table and chairs. The light was dim and the
three young soldiers could not make out their surroundings clearly.
Suddenly they heard a hoarse cry and the sound of a heavy blow.
Jacques, who was in the lead, fell to the ground with a groan.
CHAPTER IV
UNDERGROUND
"Look out, Leon!" cried Earl sharply. "Look out for that fellow."
Leon whirled swiftly in time to see a big-helmeted German with the
butt end of his rifle upraised preparing to strike. He ducked almost
without thinking and the blow fell harmlessly on the back of one of the
chairs in the little room. Before the gun could be raised again Earl
sprang upon their foe and grappled with him.
[Illustration: Leon whirled swiftly in time to see a big-helmeted
German with the butt end of his rifle upraised preparing to strike.]
He had his bayonet in his hands but somehow it did not occur to him to
use it. Like most Americans he preferred to fight with his fists, and
unconsciously he had discarded his rifle. With one hand he seized the
German by the throat and with the other he rained blow after blow upon
his great broad face.
The German however was a powerful man. He outweighed the young
American by at least thirty pounds and far outmatched him in strength.
With an oath he turned upon the plucky boy and a moment later held
him by the throat with both hands. Earl's breath was shut off short and
everything began to turn black before his eyes. He felt himself being

shaken as a terrier shakes a rat and consciousness began to slip away
from him. He decided that it was all over.
Suddenly the terrible strangle hold on his throat relaxed and with a
supreme effort he wrenched himself free and rose to his feet. There
stood Leon gazing down at the German lying on the floor of the little
subterranean apartment. One glance was enough to show Earl what had
taken place.
"You saved my life, Leon," he muttered weakly.
"Huh," snorted Leon. "I hated to stab him like that but it was the only
thing to do."
"He wouldn't have hesitated to fix us I guess," exclaimed Earl.
"Where's Jacques?"
"On the floor there."
"Is he dead?"
"I don't know. I haven't had a chance to look at him."
As they advanced towards their companion he moved slightly and tried
to get up.
"How do you feel, Jacques? Where did he hit you?" demanded Leon.
"He just grazed my head," murmured the young Frenchman weakly.
"Lucky for you," muttered Earl. "If he'd ever caught you squarely you'd
be dead now, sure enough."
"Let me see where you're hurt," exclaimed Leon bending over his
friend.
"It's not much of a wound," said Jacques. "He just stunned me; I'll be
all right in a minute."

"Bring some water and a towel