The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1917-12-25

ham was filled TO the brim with |
disgust and loathing. Nor was
this disgust and loathing entire
~ without reason. Months of wallow-
Ing like a pig in the mud of trenches
does not sweeten the soul, and when
II is combined with endless duties in
the cold fall rains of shell-swept re-
gion that is akin to the borders of
Inferno, the nerves become ragged.
Hence had come about the curdling of
the milk of human kindness which had
previously existed within him.
Nor had few little midnight sur
prise parties over the top In which II 3
bayonet had been the principal piece
de resistance tended to decrease these
sensations. Even being bowled 20
feet by the conclusion Of a shell had
not cheered him. But II had remain
ed for whiH Of poison gas and
squirt Of liquid FIRE to set and solidify
his mind to its present condition.
Alive, dead, or as yet unborn. Ser
geant LyDdham was Of the fixed opin-
ion that he did not like the Boches.
And the last "a hours had been
particularly obnoxious from the fact
that they had been entirely sleepless.
The horizon was still lurid with can
non flashes and the uproar remained
hcndish despite the fact that 1t was
hours after midnight, but he was &C.
cust0med to such things, and knew
that once asleep, they would not trOu-
BILE him. Also, for all he knew, he
might dream Of something pleasant. He
! was free now for Q few hours within
his blankets, and was In the act Of
removing his boots when his captain
thrust his head within and motioned
for him to come forth. Knowing that
something both new and disagreeable
confronted him, he arose and stepped
out as commanded.
For q quarter Of q mile they silent
road until the dim lights Of a partially
Shell-ruined house appeared before
them. Into this they entered, and the
sergeant, casting his eyes about, saw
the colonel Of his regiment sitting at
table. Saluting he stood Mt atten-
ton.
Sergeant Lyndham," said the colo
mel thoughtfully. "A few months ago
when you accompanied one Of our air
men over the line and destroyed a
plant Of the enemy, you did very
brave and skillful thing. For that
act you were made a sergeant. To-
night we must have another duty per-
formed, and I have selected you be-
cause Of my confidence In your cour-
hge and ability. 1t Is very likely that
you. will not return, yet war demands
Its sacrifices. Without knowing. more
of this new duty do you volunteer to
try and accomplish itf' 1t was plain
enough now that there would be nc
rest or sleep for him again this night
and the sergeant's disgust and loath'
ing mounted accordingly. Yet he man
aged to swallow them. %.
Eyes, SIR" he grunted. The colonel
nodded. 1 lr.
"You are brave and willing soldier
sergeant. Were It not for the fact that
the regiment contains 90 many meI
like you I would sometimes become
filled with fear and sadness. Now
for the reason sent for you. You
will remember the trenches which ruI
through Theirs woods, do you notT
"Shghtly, colonel. helped cap
ture them from the Boches at the poin,
Of the bayoaet."
"And In turn were driven from
them by the same amiable gentlemen
Lyndham made q wry face. r.
Eyes, colonel. But they surprised
rs most unfairly. 1t vas ell very ais
gushing ind made me. loathe them" '
II have no dosbt. But how listen
We have, reason TO believe that the!
have evacuated the position, while Il
has become important that we regain
, II. You will follow my reasoning. i
the enemy has deserted the ditch W.
wish to know II, while II he has not
It is equally important that we should
know, since we must be advised before
hand what we may expect when W,
makeour characterization reslstanc,
or uhopposed occupancy. Therefore
we are compelled to send someone a
scout to ascertain the conditions.
"And because Of the darkness AM
treetops the airmen are useless::"
Exactly. Therefore, you will craw
, upon your stomach to the wood. gOinl
alone the better to escape observation
BY working your way fiat upon tn
ground and instantly becoming still
/ should their lights fall upon you. 70,
3 may be mistaken BY them for what 20,
are likely, to become-one Of the dea,
, men Of which You win pass many.
you are lucky. Should you return wit
; this information, well and good; II no,
we win be compelled to adopt othe
, means to secure our information. 70
had best plan to arrive there by tn
: first light of day that you may be abb
, 70 observe conditions. II you and IN
trenches empty, you will have to ru
for il coming back. We will be watch
!, Ing and II we see you returning, eve
} though you may not succeed In reach
Ing our Ines. we win understand ths