Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-12-18


ly without reason. Months of wallow.
Ing like pig in the mud of trenches
does not sweeten the soul. and when
il Is combined with endless duties in
the cold fall rains of n shellswept 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 srr-
prise parties over the top in which the
bayOnet had been the principal piece
de resistance tended to decrease these
sensations. Even being bowled 20
feet by the conclusion of shell had
not cleered him. But it had remain
cd for Whit of poison gas and
squirt of liquid fire to set and soiidify
his mind to its present condition.
Alive. dead. or as yet unborn Ser
geant Lyndham was of the fixed opin-
ion that he did not like the Boches.
And the last ~ hours had been
particularly obnoxious from the fact
TINT they had been entirely rlorplc rs.
The horizon was still Mrid Vita can
ntn flashes and the uproar remained
fendish despite the fact that ii was
hours after midnight, but he was ac-
customed 10 such things, and knew
that once asleep. they would not trou'
ble him. Also, for all he Knew, he
might dream of something pleasant. He
was free now for a few hours within
his blankets. and was in the act OF
removing his boots when his captain
thrust his head within and motioncd
for him to come forth. Knowing that
something both new and disagreeablc
confronted him. he arose and stepped
out as commanded.
For a quarter of a mile they silent
ly wound their way along Il muddy
road until the dim lights of 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. Saluing he stood at atteu
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 Il
plant of the enemy, YOU did Il very
brave and Skillful thing. For that
act you were made II sergeant. To.
night we must have another duty per-
formed, and | have selected YOU be-
cause of my confidence in your cour
age and ability. 1t IS very likely that
you will not return, yet war demands
It's sacrifices. Without knowing more
OF this new duty do YOU volunteer to
try.and accomplish IT," Ii was plain
enough now that there would be no
rest or sleep for him again this night
and the sergeunts disgust and loath-
ing mounted accordingly. Yet he man
aged to swallow them.
ayes, sir" he srunted. The colonel
nodded.
you are a brave and willing soldier.
sergeant. Were 1t not for the fact that
the regiment contains so many men
like you | would sometimes become
filled with fear and sadness. Now
Tor the reason sent for you. You
will remember the trenches which run
through Theirs woods, do YOU notf'
slightly, colonel helped cap
ture them from the Bochcs at the point
of the bayonet."
A"And in turn were driven from
them by the same amable gentlemen"
Lyndhnm made Il WHY face.
f"Yes, colonel. But they surprised
us most unfairly. 1t was all very dis
gushing and made me loathe them"
Il have no doubt. But now listen.
We hive reason to believe that they
h,Ee evacuated the position, while it
has become important that we regain
1t. You will follow my reasoning. If
the enemy has deserted the ditch we
wish to know it, while If he has not
1t IL equally important that we should
know. since we must he advised before
hand what we may expect when we
make our advance---whether resistance
or~unopposed occupancy. Therefore
we are compelled lo send someone ~