The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1917-12-14

ham was filed to the brim with
disgust and loathing. Nor was
this disgust and loathing entire
~ without reason. Months of wallow-
Ing like pig in the mud of trenches
does not sweeten the soul, and when
it is combined with endless duties in
the cold fall rains of shell-swept re-
gfon 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 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 cheered him. But ii had remain
ed for a Whit of poison gas and a
squirt of liquid fire to set and solidify
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 "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
fiendish despite the fact that it was
hours after midnight. but he was ac-
customed 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 a few hours within
his blankets, and was in the act Of
removing his boots when his captain
thrust his head within and motioned
something both new and diSagreeable
confronted him, he arose and stepped
out as commanded.
For a quarter of mile they silent
ly wound their way along a 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. Saluting he stood at 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 a very
brave and skillful thing. For that
| act you were made a sergeant. To-
night we must have another duty per-
formed, and 1 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
its sacrifices. Without knowing more
of this new duty do you volunteer to
try and accomplish it?" 1t was plain
enough now that there would be no
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.
you are brave and willing soldier,
sergeant. Were it not for the fact that
the regiment contains so many men
like you l would sometimes become
filled with fear and sadness. Now
for the reason / sent for you. You
will remember the trenches which run
through Theirs woods, do you not r
slightly, colonel. l helped cap.
ture them from the Boches at the point
of the bayOnet."
And in turn were driven from
them by the same amiable gentlemen
Lyndham made wry face.
"Yes, colonel. But they surprised
US most unfairly. II was all very dis
gushing and made me loathe them"
II have no doubt. But now listen
We have reason to believe that they
have evacuated the position, while il
has become important that We regain
1t. You will follow my reasoning. II
the enemy has deserted the ditch we
wish to know it, while if he has not
1t is equally important that we should
II know, since we must be advised before,
hand what we may expect when we
make our advance-whether resistance
or unopposed occupancy. Therefore
we are compelled TO send someone a:
scout to ascertain the conditions.
/ And because of the darkness ant
III bhC OcClcSSE
Exactly. Therefore, you will craw
= upon your stomach TO the wood. goin!
alone the better 10 escape observation
4 By working your way fiat upon tn,
ground and instantly becoming still
D. should their lights fall upon you, yol
lie may be mistaken by them for what you
+ are likely TO become-one of the deaC
men of which you will pass many, i
N you are lucky. Should you return will
IT this information, well and good; If not
n. We will be compelled to adopt othe
" means to secure our information. Yol
/. had best plan to arrive there by tn
u first light of day that you may be abb
Id to observe conditions. If you find tn
it trenches empty, you win have TO rul
for 1t coming back. We will be watch
d. ing and if we. see you returning, evel
- though you may not succeed In reach