CHAPTER XIX.
A "GUEST" IN PRISON CAMP In the terrific din of the barrage-fire the men of the first German wave came on like so many silent specters.
They did not run forward, but moved at a fast walk.

It was necessary that they save their breath to use in the hand-to-hand struggle that must follow.
Suddenly a French bomb left the trench, striking the ground just in advance of the oncoming Germans.

The pink flash of the explosion lighted the set faces of three or four men of the enemy, one of whom went to earth as a fragment from the bomb struck him.
Then bombs fell fast, all along the line.

Prescott, singling out an enemy while the flash lasted, let drive at him with a shot from his automatic.
Though several of the Huns fell, the advancing line continued unhesitatingly.

The last few steps, past what was left of the barbed wire, the Germans hurled themselves at greater speed.
Then invaders and defenders clashed.