The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1917-12-14

nam was QlleQ I'd the Drlm WllH
disgust and loathing. Nor was
this disgust and loathing entire
ly 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-
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 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 It had remain
ed for a Whit Of poison gus and
squirt Of liquid fire to BET 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
f1endish despite the fact that 1t was
hours after midnight, but ha 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. BE
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 a quarter Of mile they silent
ly wound their way along 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
q 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 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-
age and ability. It 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 50 many men
like you + would sometimes become
filled with fear and sadness. Now
for the reason I sent for you. You
will remember the trenches which run
through Theirs woods, do you not?"
slightly, colonel. 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 q wry face.
eyes, colonel. But they surprised
US most unfairly. 1t 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 it
! has become important that we regain
it. You will follow my reasoning. If
the enemy has deserted the ditch we
wish to know H., while If he has not,
: it Is equally important that we should
| know, since we must be advised before
t hand what we may expect when we
make our advance-whether resistance
or unopposed occupancy. Therefore,
we are compelled to send someone as
scout to ascertain the conditions"
"And because Of the darkness and
| treetops the airnen are useless"
Exactly. Therefore, you will crawl
: upon your stomach to the wood, going
! alone the better to escape observation.
By working your way fiat upon the
ground and instantly becoming still
should their lights fall upon you, you
may be mistaken by them for what you
are likely to become--one Of the dead
men of which you will pass many, If
you are lucky. Should you return with
this information, we'll and good; If not,
we will be compelled to adopt other
means to secure our information. You
had best plan to arrive there by the
first light Of day that you may be able