But for a moment only. Then they leaped forward ready to encounter the unseen foe. Under the command of their officers they formed coolly enough, and volley after volley was fired into the woods. But Jack and his 400 British sailors were not to be stayed. Right in among the Germans they plunged, shooting, cutting and slashing. The Germans at this end of the town were gradually being forced back--back upon their comrades who already were retreating before the rapid-firers of Frank's command at the other end of the town. Caught between two fires, they nevertheless fought bravely, pouring in volley for volley. Suddenly the British under Jack ceased firing altogether and rushed upon the foe with cutlasses and clubbed rifles. The shock of this attack was too much for the Germans, and with the fierce hail of bullets from Frank's end of the field, there was but one thing for them to do. The officer in command raised a handkerchief on the point of his sword. Jack could barely make it out in the half-light. At the same moment the officer commanding the Germans opposing Frank's small force cried out: "We surrender!" Instantly the sound of firing ceased, and the German officer walked up to Frank and delivered his sword. At precisely the same moment, the other German officer, who it turned out was in command of the town, presented his sword to Jack. Jack gallantly passed the weapon back to him, saying: "Keep it, sir. I could not deprive so brave a man of his sword. However, I must ask you to accompany me back to my ship." The German signified his assent, and Jack called out to Frank whom he could now see approaching with his prisoner: "Are you hurt, Frank?" "No," came the reply, "are you?" Jack made haste to reply in the negative. The boys decided that Frank should stay with the sailors left to guard the town, and that Jack should escort the German commander to the Cumberland. Accordingly the two took their seats in one of the little boats, and were rowed back down the stream. Frank, after giving the necessary orders to guard the town and fort, established himself in the commander's quarters, where he awaited some word from Captain Marcus. CHAPTER IX THE BOYS MAKE AN ENEMY Jack with his prisoner returned aboard the Cumberland, where the lad turned the German commander over to Captain Marcus. "Shall I go back to the town, sir?" he asked, as the commander signified that he might leave the cabin. "If you like," was the reply. "Have you any commands regarding the prisoners, sir? Or as to the manner of guarding the place against attack?" "Yes; you may present my respects to Mr. Chadwick, and tell him that you two are in joint authority until morning, when I shall do myself the pleasure of paying you a visit. You will take whatever precautions necessary to guard against an attack from any of the enemy who may move against you from Boak." "Very well, sir," replied Jack, saluting.