The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-05-12

At these points the soldiers following turn or
from the road, take to the fields other roads
until they are past By this means the Germans,
knowing what is coming, are making desperate
efforts stop the onrush of troops by Smelling the
roads. The gigantic shotgun charges of their
shrapnel break over the heads of the soldiers,
while many torn to bits by the conclusion
shells crashing into the road among them. The
soldiers then take roundabout courses. Most OF
them are getting through
Past the last town. where the road terminates
because it has been blown into nothing, it soon
comes impossible for the soldiers march along
masses. They scatter over the ground their way
onward. The terrific bombardment of their own
side continues without Ietup. Also German shells
fall over all the land here and it Is question Of
which of the soldiers will get through. From be-
hind such numbers of troops that there seems
to be end to them.
With legion ahead and endless number be-
hind enter the ditch and continue way,
in single file for there is not enough room for
two to walk abreast. AS we proceed the trenches
get deeper and deeper and soon heads are below
the surface of the ground.
Casualties are lessened now. Shells continue to
burst about. even in greater numbers than in the
land have left. But the most of the shells tear
up columns Of earth about, but above US.
Because the bitches travelling in
row few shells explode there and now for the most
part the caught only by the debris, that in
some places partly buries them.
There seems to be no end to the trenches that
branch off, continue to separate until they enter
region of trench network. The detachment I
with receives orders which of the boyaux (the
munication trenches) to take proceed Now
move forward slowly, frequently crouch under
the fall of the dirt stones and things and cringe
against the allpenetrating tear, the mighty explo
sions of the shells and the shrieks OF others
passing overhead.
AS approach the first line the confusion of
of the batteries pounding away behind lessons
in sharpness, takes more Of roar. regular
working as though Of some gigantic machine, grows
Lass
grip the senses.
One sees nothing except occasionally when he
opens his eyes for brief period to see the direc-
tion the geysers of spouting ground about them
and out above In front. Eyes closed and head low
cred, he feels his way, the same as the before
him and the one behind him.
Suddenly bumps into the man in front and
comes to a stop. As soon as one is able he opens
his eyes and sees everyone in front has come to a
halt. They the first line the man in front
shouts. Soldiers thickly crowd the trench in front
far he can see.
Other soldiers, still coming up also come to a
halt, filling up the trench in behind. One feels
himself to be part of a tightly damned mass Of
covering there in the trenches under the
spouting of the land about them, debris falling
all. They are standing by their rifles, fixing on
them their bayOnets, all carrying their full equip
ment-ready.
There is strange grimness among those stand
ing there. No one in the crowded mass Of men
tries to speak. The din seems more than a human
being is able to stand. One feels like jumping
the trenches and, regardless of anything, rushing
blindly Anything but the strain OF this he
thinks, action and more action He never before
thought he could be capable of much action
What is coming, let it happen quickly. he thinks
Head lowered and eyes closed, ones thoughts
pierce the masses of flying things that look like
clouds out there in front, picturing scene he
last knew this home, his and the people
he had grown up with, away of the other side
OF that. He wondered what has become of them
and he wonders whether he will ever know.
fhpy KAT mir aft mini Will
ones bewildered senses it seems though many
hours passing. No wounded being passed
along their way back. The younger men are
wondering why. They probably being taken
back in another trench reserved for them and for
messengers also
Then suddenly, possibly within the space OF only
few seconds there seems 70 be sudden quiet It
is the first cessation in a bOmbardment- of their
guns that has lasted almost 20 hours. 1t is COM
parative quiet, tranquil period TO the confused
senses OF the beings there; at other times some
might call it terrific racket For just now they