Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1914-11-18

! thar knoll half a lifetime He looked
at his watch and il was five o'clock
For seven hours they had held on.
The Grays' trench was complete the
breadth OF the slope; more reserves
were coming up. The brigade com
mander Of the Grays was going to
make sure that tho next charge sue
ceeded.
At last Deliarme's glance toward
regimental headquarters showed the
flag that was the signal for with
drawal. Could he accomplish It? The
first lieutenant, with a shattered arm.
had gone on litter The old ser
geant was dead. victim of the colo
NAL wars. Used to lighting savage en-
emies. he had been too eager in ex-
posing himself to civilized foe He
had been shot through the throat
Men Of the first section" Dellarme
called. you viii slip out OF line with
the greatest care not to let the enemy
know that you are going."
"Going-go CAREFUL Men OF
the first section goingi" the parched
Threats repeated in thrilling whisper.
Those who remain keep increasing
their fret" called Dellarme again.
Cover the whole breadth Of the
trench"
Every fourth man wormed himself
backward on his stomach until he was
below the skyline. when his stiffened
limbs brought him to his feet and he
started on a dead run down into the
valley and toward a cut behind an
other knoll across the road from the
Galland house The others followed at
intervals.
Once across road and up three Sc
race. behind breastwork OF sand
bags, the company rested. Most of
them had fallen asleep on the ground
after finishing their rations. logs of
men in animal exhaustion. Some OF
those awake were too weary to give
to each other more than nod and
smile. They had witnessed too much
horror that day to talk about it. But
Stransky foraged
Marta. coming out on the veranda,
saw him.
You are tiredl You are hungry,"
she said with urgent gentleness.
Come in"
He followed her into the house and
dropped on leather chair before a
shining table in a room paneled with
oak, wondering at her and at himself
No woman OF Marta's world had ever
spoken in that way TO him. But it
was good to sit down. Then a maid
with sad. winsome face and tender
eyes brought him wine and bread and
cold meat and jam. He gulped down
a glassful OF wine; he ate with great
mouthfuIs in the ravenous call of
healthy, exhausted tissues, while the
maid stood by to cut more bread.
When it comes to eating after fight
ing"
He looked up when the first pangs
of hunger were assuaged. Enormous.
broadshouldered. physical, his cheeks
flushed with wine. his eyes opened
wide and brilliant with the fire that
was in his nature-eyes that spoke the
red business of anarchy and war
Say. but you're pretty"
Springing up, he caught her hand
and made to kiss her in the brashness
of impulse Minna struck him a sting
ing blow in the face. He received it
as mastiff would receive a bite from
pup. and she stood her ground, her
eyes challenging his fearlessly
so you are like that" he said
thoughtfully. at was a good one. and
you meant ii. too"
Decidedly" she answered. There's
more where that came front"
Then little Clarissa Eileen entered
and pressed against her mothers
skirts. subjecting Stransky to child
hoods scrutiny He waved a finger
at her and grinned and drew his eyes
together in a squint at the bridge OF
his nose. making a funny face that
brought laugh.
"Your child?" stransky asked Minns
Yes"
Where's her father? Away fight
ing?"
Il don't know where he ISL
Obi" he mused WAS that blow
for him at the same time as for me?"
he pursued thougbtfully.
Yes, for all OF YOUR kind"
"M.m-mI" came from between his
lips as he rose Would you mind hold.
ing out your hand?" he asked with
| gentleness singularly out OF keeping
with his rough aspect.
Why" abe demanded
I've never studied any books of Ell
| quette of Iolite society, and | am
poor sort at making speeches. anyhow.
But want to kiss good woman
hand by way of apology. | never
kissed one in my life. but I'm getting
lot OF new experiences today. win
YOU"
She held out her hand at arms
length and flushed slightly as he
pressed his lips to il
You certainly do cut thick slices, :"
he said smiling. And you certainly