New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-19
The Modern Version
An English account of the Knu. His Bravery Under F"e and MS
Dread Of Telling about
Bu Lieutenant I. MacClmc Of the British Army

CIT OF her teens tnat bto"Ehs ""i''' ~"
occasions in Venice. when she was uhy
tabv. But the poem is out Of date now Inc
courageous manner has changed 20 cum
olotely. The thing the young frenchman oiu
vos fne hut for the modern young soldier
there is 100 much melodrama ABOUT the .as
ord of tho poem. a shade TOO much about the
"soldi.r's pride" idea The messenger snould
simpIv have died without a word after the
Fmpeyor asked. "You're wounded" II would
have beer clear enough proof that he was
killed. without talking about it. That is the
knut's notion of the poem, but he has sense
oe drama himself-though he thinks himself
50 dramatically undramatic. And your knut,
too. knows how TO die
On the Firing Line
Take the case of one particular knut, typi-
cal Of the species. When he came 70 town on
weekend leave, his appearance was immacu-
late. His field boots shone like brown patent
leather his breeches were nearer lavender
than khaki and were strapped with deilcaIe
shade of yellow chamois. His tunic hted
Ike a glove. He was going poodle taxing,
he would have said, and by that he meant
he was paying calls. In the firing line, except
for his well shaved chin and neatly orusned
hair. one would not have thought him the
came boy His clothes were worn ana frayeu
end soiled, but their cut was unmistaHable'
Tis company commander came TO him one
day and said that information was required
regarding the formation OF the German
trenches opposite would he take some men
and have look?
Ike bird, old thing" replied the sub,
and went straight away TO arrange with MS
sergeant When they had fixed up the
scheme in detail, they explained it TO the
men. The men sat round and sucked tneir
teeth. as Is the habit Of the British soldier
They took the deepest interest IN the de-
tails. and chuckled over some OF the inner
points. When the final instructions had been
issued they sauntered of 10 get ready and
have a rest Hes blinkin' little wonder,
they said, and they meant their officer
The little party crawled over the top OF the
trench that night into the darkness. Ihey
patiently made their way through the enemy
wire. which had been cut by the artillery
Next moment they were among the Boches
bombing them in their dug-outs, and stab
hing them in the trench. Verey Lights shot
I'D in the German support trenches, and the
sub. had a chance TO see all he wanted. His
brain registered Impressions like piece OF
wax and in a little lie gave the word to re-
tire. lie StOOd Dy WHl4e MS HcH N"N ~
10 the level of No Mans Land, and ne saw
that all were present before he followed up
Machine gun and rife Ere had opened on
them. and when ne got back to the British
trench he shot a question at his sergeant.
where is little Smith ?"
Think he COPIED il coming back, Sir
He turned and was just able 10 make out
dark heap lying in No Mans Land. Without
n moments hesitation he was back by the
side of his man. He lifted the SOLDIER
clean lift that showed the steely strength
of his slim body. As he staggered over tnt
uneven ground something slapped him witt
4 peinful singing. on the left shoulder blade
and he knew he was hit.
Lock after Smith," he muttered as ne Sic
his burden down the parapet Of the trench
ard. following after made his way to The
comranv commanders dug-out. White faced
in the candle light, he gave his report
wonderful effort of memory
"A piece of paper, old thing" he said, anc
made rapid sketch Of the enemy trench A
nc drew the last line, something red drppeC
from his mouth and splashed on the white
paper. The commander sprang up.
Good Cod" he shouted You're HIT"
Don't worry old thing" whispered th'
knut. 81 we giv'n you-th'-most-'portan
things. $ all rip and his voice taile'
off as his body ssgged and fell over the table