The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1916-12-22
CHAPTER xxl-cOntInued.

came 10 lNt hIluNus TOT NbNl NlN'ANi't
was only one of many hamlets that
had tragedies To relate, Aud the Brit
ish were poworless 70 aid those strlck-
en- people,
Trench 27-the English trench which
Streetman hud indicated upon his map
as being the keystone 20 the enemy's
defense-lay IN the first line OF the
British An unconscious Of any spe-
cial designs that the Germans might
have against their particular position,
the Tommles stationed there proceed
ed 10 put things IN shape for the gen,
era action that was bound 10 come.
After completing their grim arrange
meats, there was little for them TO do
for the time being except rest. And
that they were glad enough to do,
after their hcrculean 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,
II was nlght-the second night fol-
lowing that fatal day when the Ger
mans descended upon the Lion dor
and robbed Jeanne Chrstophe OF her
father In Trench p four soldiers
We're playing poker under the shelter
OF a bombproof hut that they had con
structed by digging into a side OF the
ditch. Dirty, uushaven, begrimed,
they were nevertheless enjoying to
the full their wel-earned respite. And
the ilickering 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 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 I'm 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 27, now fllckered
upon a tree close by, and then
searched the intervening ground be-
tween the two lines in an effort to de-
tect some ventlresome observer
To the four privates in the bomb
proof shelter there came n 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, boysn' he said.
They sprang up and saluted muir
muring Good evening, sir"
"How's the gamer" 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 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.
u raise it one cigarette" one Of
them said. And again Guy smiled
He was glad that his boys were en-
joying themselves.
so engrossed did Lieutenant Fal-
coner become in his note to his lady
love that he did not notice when his
rcaptain 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 ! may say you're
the only American correspondent who
has had this experience"
Charlie Brown looked about with
undisguised interest.
"And l 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"
That's nice thing to say to a
newspaper man." Charlie retOrted.
"But have your word?'
81 s'pose sou 1t cost Mr., Brown
some effort to promise that. He saw
the makings Of a bully scoop before
him. And he hated to forego such a
wonderful opportunity.
THE closer you are to the front. the
less you know Of what's happening, u
Captain Montague resumed, except
on your own very small square Of a
very large checkerboard. But
technically, you are pnder fire"
Am II" Mr. Brown was surprised
at that. Somehow, I don't feel any
different" he said.
You would if yjr stuck your head
over that trench ard they happened
10 see it." the captain told him grimly
''Well-believe ne, I'm not going
TO-" said Charlie. aren't they IN
usually quiet tonight?"
Yes. rather! But always before
the evenings over they give us a bit
of fireworks and go for some of Oul
men with a lucky shrapnel or two
You see, they try to get our range il
the daytime, and then at night they
shoot at the same range"
Charlie Brown and his escort haC
not talked long before Guy Falconel
came out of mis- abstraction. He raised
his head all AZ once and looked inquir
5ngly at the civilian. Then be jumped
up and approached Charlie with out
stretched hand.
II thought J recognized that voice.
no exclaimed "Do you remember lne
r,A..tsa ns.,tro ~