"Stick together, fellows," murmured Frank. "Get your rifles ready. We can't miss at this distance. When I say the word, give them a volley and make a break for the road. It's our only chance, for they'd surely round us up in these bushes." "We're with you, boy," replied Bart, and the little party crouched lower with their fingers on trigger. Frank waited until the nearest horsemen were not more than ten feet away. Then he sprang to his feet with a shout. "Fire!" he cried, and a stream of flame leaped from the bushes. Two of the riders threw up their hands and pitched from their saddles. A third seized with his left hand the rein that dropped from his right. There was a moment of confusion, and Frank and his comrades took instant advantage of it. With a rush they reached the road and tore down it for dear life, while behind them thundered the Uhlans in hot pursuit! CHAPTER XVII THE BROKEN BRIDGE The Army boys had no idea where the road led to. It might be to the American lines or to the German lines. But they knew that certain death was behind them and possible life in front of them, and they ran as though their feet had wings. But swift as they were, the horses were of course swifter, and before long they knew that their pursuers were gaining. "Throw away your rifles," panted Frank. "We'll still have our knives and grenades." They threw the heavy rifles aside, and, relieved of their weight, they bounded ahead with renewed speed. For a short time their desperate efforts held their pursuers even, but soon the gap again began to close. At a turn of the road they halted, gasping for breath. "Give them the grenades," ordered Frank, getting his own ready. "They won't be expecting them and it may upset them. Throw yours at the same time I do mine." They waited until the horsemen were within fifty feet. Then four stalwart arms hurled the grenades against the front ranks. There was a tremendous explosion as the shells all seemed to go off at the same instant, and the first rank of horsemen went down in a heap. Those behind drew their beasts back on their haunches so as not to override their fellows, and in that moment another volley came among them with deadly effect. Without waiting any longer, the boys renewed their flight. They knew that the Germans would be mad with rage at their check by so small a force, and they were not foolish enough to believe for a moment that the chase would be abandoned. But a new exultation was in their hearts as they ran. They might be killed, but they would at least have sold their lives dearly. There would be little that the Uhlans would have to boast of in their story of that night's work. Their breath came in short gasps and their laboring lungs felt as though they were ready to burst. Frank, a little in the van, reached out a warning hand and they slowed up.