There was another resounding crash as the missile exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber and other debris flew high in the air and descended in a shower. The sniping from the first house ceased, for the simple reason that there was no first house any longer. It had been destroyed. "I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I don’t like this wanton destruction of property. It reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. If those fellows in the other houses are wise they’ll cease firing now." But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. Snipers in the other houses continued as active as before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had befallen their comrades. "Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered. Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the guns were wheeled into position. This time, however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He determined to give the enemy a lesson they would not forget. Accordingly, two houses were covered at once. "Boom! Boom!" "Crash! Crash!" So closely together that they sounded almost as one were the detonations of the guns and the effect as they found their marks. Again there was a shower of debris. Without waiting to see what effect this destruction would have upon the Germans who occupied the houses, Hal ordered the guns turned on other homes. Again the big guns spoke, and again the mass of bricks, mortar and wood descended and covered the streets. "I guess that will do ’em," muttered Hal, as he waited for the smoke to clear away. The lad was right. No longer did the snipers fire from the windows and the American troops, which had temporarily sought shelter in doorways and around corners, poured out again, their advance, thanks to Hal and his men, thus being made more simple. A few moments later Colonel Johnson came up to Hal. "You did a good job, Major," he said quietly. "I guess we’ll have no more trouble with them." "Then the town is ours?" asked Hal eagerly. "It is indeed," replied Colonel Johnson. "Then I’ll have to leave you, sir," said Hal. "Colonel English ordered me to report to him immediately after daylight." *CHAPTER X* *THE ADVANCE CONTINUES* Hal found Colonel English just beyond the town, receiving the reports of his subordinates. He greeted Hal with a nod, and asked: "What is the latest news, Major?" "The town is ours, sir," replied Hal quietly. "Colonel Johnson has just informed me of the fact." Colonel English got to his feet. "Good," he exclaimed. "I was certain Colonel Johnson was the man for the job. Now if you will wait half an hour, Major, until I have talked with Colonel Johnson, I will ask you to carry my report back to General Rhodes." "Very well, sir," replied Hal.