Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1916-10-28
CHAPTER xxF-Contlnued.

,apnenings in many Belgian villages
.ame to the British, for Courvoisier
vas only one of many hamlets that
had tragedies to relate. And the Brit
N we're powerless to aid those strick-
IN people.
Trench 27-the English trench which
s+reetman had indicated upon his map
IS being the keystone to the enemy's
sefense-lay in the first line of the
british. All unconscious of any spe-
,ial designs that the Germans might
have against their particular position,
fbe Tonmies stationed there proceed
"a TO nut things in shape for the gen.
oral action that was bound to come.
After completing their grim arrange
ments. there was little for them to do
for the time being, except rest. And
that they were glad enough to do,
after their herculean exertions of
those first days of the war. That there
was worse ahead of them they did not
doubt. But in the meantime there
was no reason why they should not
make themselves at home.
Il was night-the second night fol-
lowing that fatal day when the Ger
mans descended upon the Lion dor
and robbed Jeanne Christophe of her
father. In Trench q four soldiers
were playing poker under the shelter
of a bombproof hut that they had con-
structed by digging into side Of the
ditch. Dirty, unshaven, begrimed,
they were nevertheless enjoying to
the fun their well-earned respite. And
the Pickering light of the candle which
stood upon their rude table revealed
no fear upon the face of any OF them
At either end of the trench two men
stood guard, while close at hand a
periscope lay upon a makeshift bench,
ready for instant use in case the
watchers should detect any unusual
and suspicious movements in front of
them. Out there beneath the stars the
first outpost of the enemy had already
dug itself in. And in testimony of
their alertness the Germans continu-
ally played a searchlight upon the
British position. That prying shaft of
light was never still Now it swept
the top Of Trench q, now fiickered
upon a tree close by, and then
searched the intervening ground be-
tween the two lines in an effort to de-
tect some venturesome observer.
To the four privates in the bomb
proof shelter there came a momentary
interruption. in the shape of a lieu
tenant, who sauntered into their
trench from the left. This youthful
officer, whom they had already voted
"a bit Of albright" observed them
pleasantly.
Hello, boys!' he said.
They sprang up and saluted, muir
muring Good evening, STRIP
"How's the game" the lieutenant
inquired
Henry, there, is winning all our
cigarettes" one of the men said.
The young officer smiled. And then,
drawing a pencil and a postcard from
his pocket, he seated himself and pro-
ceeded to write a note to a young
woman in London. For Guy Falconer
had consistently kept his promise to
write Georgy every day.
The privates promptly resumed their
poker game.
raise it one cigarette" one of
them said And again Guy smiled
de was glad that his boys were en-
joying themselves.
30 engrOssed did Lieutenant Fal-
eoner become in his note to his lady
love that he did not notice when his
captain appeared, in the company of
civilian. Captain Montague paused
and turned to his guest.
Now Mr.. Brown" he said. you're
IN the first line of the English trenches
Trench 27-and l may say you're
the only American correspondent who
mas had this experience"
Charlie Brown looked about with
undisguised interest.
And I rather butted in" he re-
marked
Well as long as you stumbled in
side our lines. you might as well see
something if you give me your word
not to write anything"
mats a nice thing to say to a
newspaper man." Charlie retorted.
But l have your word ?"
spose so"' 1t cost Mr.. Brown
zone effort 70 promise that. He saw
me makinss of a bully scoop before
MIN And he hated to forego such a
wonderful opportunity.
The closer you are to the front. the
Jess YOU know of what's happening"
captain Montague resumed. except
"a your own very small square of
very large checkerboard. But.
'eeonically, yoE are under fire."
Am II" Ny. Brown was surprised
At mat Somehow, l don't feel anv
oaTerent," he said.
iou would if you stuck your head
over that trench and they happened
- see i" the captain told him grimly.
"ell-believe me, I'm not going
~ said Charlie Arrest they un-
usually quiet tonight?"
les rather! But always before
Ue evenings over they give us a Bit
"t fireworks and 60 for some Of our
Zen win a lucky Shrapuel or two
'1 zee hey try to st our range in