Out sprang Hal and Chester and behind them the German envoys. While Hal darted around to examine the nature of the machine’s injuries, Chester and the Germans drew their revolvers. At the distance, however, as Chester well knew, revolvers were of no avail against the rifles in the hands of the mutinous Germans. But from behind, loyal troops were closing in on the latter. It appeared for the moment that the mutineers must yield in the face of this overwhelming force against them. Several threw down their rifles and raised their arms in token of surrender. The others, however, as they retreated before their erstwhile friends, drew even closer to the crippled airplanes. One of the German envoys gave a sudden cry as a rifle bullet grazed his left arm. The mutineers had now come within range of the revolvers of the little party gathered about the fallen airplane, and the latter opened fire. Confusion ensued in the ranks of the mutineers. "Give ’em another," cried Chester, forgetful for the moment that his companions were Germans. Nevertheless, his words were understood, and a second volley of revolver bullets checked the approach of the enemies. "How’s the machine, Hal?" shouted Chester. "I’ll have her fixed in a jiffy," was Hal’s reply, as he tinkered with the engine. "Nothing serious." From all sides of the German camp, troops, attracted by the sounds of firing, rushed toward the scene of conflict. The mutineers, heavily outnumbered, nevertheless fought on doggedly. They must have realized that death would be the penalty should they be captured, and it seemed to be their intention of bringing down as many of their former companions as possible before being killed themselves. The attack from the rear and either flank had become so severe that the mutineers were forced to abandon their efforts to shoot down the German envoys. Their ranks were sadly depleted now, but those who were left showed no signs of surrender. And at last there remained but half a dozen. "Surrender!" cried a German officer, and ordered his men to withhold their fire. The mutineers’ reply was a volley that laid the officer low. But the shot that struck the officer did not kill. With difficulty the man raised himself on his elbow and gave a command to his men. "Kill them!" he said quietly. Three more volleys flared forth in rapid succession, and when the smoke had cleared away there was no mutineer left standing. Chester breathed a sigh of relief. "Safe again," he muttered. This outbreak of German troops had an unpleasant effect on the German envoys. "It is time we had peace, no matter at what price," mumbled one to himself. "Our people are on the verge of open revolt. Those men professed to be loyal servants of the emperor. It just goes to show the temper of the masses. Mutiny is in the hearts of the armies. Soon they would take matters in their own hands."