The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1916-12-29
CHAPTER xxl-continued.
ID

That was the worst part Of 1t all
the waiting. Heart-rending reports of
happenings in many Belgian villages
came to the British, for COurvoisier
was only one of many hamlets that
had tragedies to relate. And the Brit
lsh were powerless to aid those strick-
en- people.
= Trench 27-the English trench which
Streetman had indicated upon his map
as being the keystone to the enemy's
defense-lay in the first line Of the
British. All unconscious of any spe-
eaal designs that the Germans might
have against their particular position,
the TOmmies stationed there proceed
ed to put things in shape for the gen.
eral 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
Z make themselves at home.
It 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 81 four soldiers
were playing poker under the shelter
of bombproof hut that they had con-
structed by digging into side of the
ditch. Dirty, unshaven, begrimed.
they were nevertheless enjoying to
the full their wel-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 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 aIertness 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 81, now flickered
upon 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 q momentary
interruption, in the shape of 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, boysv' he said.
They sprang up and saluted. muir
muring "Good evening, STRIP
''How's the gamer" the lieutenant
inquired.
Henry, there, is winning all our
cigarettes" one of the men said.
The young officer smiled. And them
drawing pencil and a postcard from
his pocket, he seated himself and pro-
seeded to write a note to young
woman in London. For Guy Falconer
had consistently kept his promise to
write Georgy every day.
n The privates promptly resumed their
poker game.
Il 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 iR 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.
snow, 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
has had this experience"
Charlie Brown looked about with
.undisguised interest.
"And l rather butted in," he re-
marked.
swell. as long as you stumbled in
side our lines. you might as we'll see
something, If you give me your word
not to write anything"
'-That's a nice thing to say to a
newspaper man." Charlie retorted.
"But l have your word?"
II ,s'pose SOL" 1t cost Mr.. Brown
some effort to promise that. He saw
the makings Of bully scoop before
him. And he hated to forego such
wonderful Opportunity.
1.-The closer you are to the front, the
less you know of what's happening"
Captain Montague resumed. except
ON your own very small square of a
very large checkerboard. But,
technically, you are under fire."
Am I?' Mr.. Brown was surprised
at that. Somehow, I don't feel any
\ different" he said.
lyon would If you stuck your head
over that trench and they happened
to see it," the captain told him grimly.