And on they rushed, some falling, destined never to see the final glory of the American arms, others staggering along, exhausted or wounded, but never slacking while they had life to move.
And finally, after a desperate struggle, the triumphant cry that Jimmy had raised was shouted all along the line:
"We're smashing through! We're smashing through!"
And, indeed, the German line was smashed at this particular sector. They were fleeing now--the Huns. Throwing aside their guns and equipment, there was a mad struggle to get away--anywhere for safety.
Back the Germans were pushed. They were in desperation, many of them. They feared the American guns, they feared the American infantry, and they feared the "_Teufel Hunds_"--the "devil dogs"--of Marines. And the fear was translated into flight.
"Cease firing!" came the whistled order, and it was with thankful hearts that Jimmy and his three Brothers dropped down on the shell-scarred earth, too exhausted to longer hold their guns or even to stack them. It had been a battle to the death, and death had been the portion of many.
Almost before the panting breath of the tired soldiers had been throttled down to normal came the order:
It was expected, but it was none too welcome. Nevertheless, they all knew the necessity of doing as they were told. At any moment the Germans might bring up reserves and make a counter-attack. This must be guarded against.
And so the weary Sammies had to scratch holes in the ground, like veritable animals, to obtain shelter. Still no one murmured. They knew their very lives might depend on this rude shelter.
But as night settled down it began to be evident that the Boche had had enough. He was not going to make a counter-attack--at least not until his scattered forces were collected.
And then came a rest period, when such food as was available was eaten. It was not much--merely the emergency rations, but the soldiers were glad enough to eat them. They had advanced so far that it was impossible to bring up the kitchens in time.
"Where are you going, Jimmy?" asked Roger, as, after the hasty meal, he saw the young sergeant get up and move about.
"I'm going to see if I can get any word of Franz," was the answer. "You say he was with you fellows until just before you met me."