German bayonets thrust viciously down into the trench, while French bayonets reached up to dispute them.
Dick had backed away from the fire step.

His back against the further wall he was using his automatic pistol to the best advantage.
The first German to leap into the trench landed almost at the feet of Captain Greg Holmes, who had crouched to receive him.
Rising, in one of his best old-time football tackles, Greg threw the Hun backward with fearful force, then sat on his chest.
"You're my prisoner!" Holmes shouted at the prostrate.

"Try to rise if you dare!" So hot had been the reception of the first wave that those of the Germans who did not manage to leap down into the trenches, recoiled in dismay.
Then the second wave of raiders came up, only to find that the French had recovered their second wind.

Great as the odds were the French held their own, thrusting, shooting and clubbing with rifle butts.
From his position on his prisoner Greg fired coolly as often as he could do so without endangering a French comrade.

He longed to rush in closer, but did not intend to let his prisoner get away.