The Mena weekly star., 1918-06-20
CHAPTER xxlv.
The Firing Squad.

The Firing Squad.
 A few days later had orders to re- port back to divisional headquarters. about thirty kilos behind the line. I reported to the A. P. M. (assistant pro- vest mHTsiaij. lie told me to report to billet No. 7s for quarters and ra- tons.
 It was about eight o'clock at night and was tired and soon fell asleep in the straw of the billet. It was a mis- erable night outside. cold. and drlzzly rain was falling.
 About two In the morning I was awakened by some one shaking me by the shoulder. Opening my eyes saw . regimental sergeant major bending over me. He had lighted lantern in his right hand. I started to ask him what was the matter. when he put his finger to his lips for silence and whis- pered:
 "Get on your equipment. and. with out any noise, come with me-"
 This greatly mystified me, but I obeyed his order.
 Outside of the billet, asked him what was up but he shut me up with:
 Don't ask questions. it's against or ders. I don't know myself"
 It was raining like the mischief.
 We splashed along a muddy road for about fifteen minutes, finally stopping at the entrance of what must have been an old barn. In the darkness, I could hear pigs grunting. as if they had just been disturbed. In front of the door stood an officer in a mack (mackintosh). The R. S. Nj. went up to him, whispered something. and then left. This officer called to me, asked my name. number and regiment, at the same time, in the light of a lantern he WIS noining. masring a siGsatiol iii Ii little book.
 When he had finished writing, he whispered:
 "Go into that billet and wait orders. and no talking. Understand?"
 l stumbled into the barn and sat on the floor in the darkness. l could see no one, but could hear men breathing and moving; they seemed nervous and restless. know I was.
 During my wait. three other men entered. Then the officer poked his head in the door and ordered:
 Fall in. outside the billet. in single rank"
 We fell in. standing at ease. Then he commanded:
 "SquadyShuni Numberi"
 There were twelve of us.
 .Right--Turni Left--wheeii Quick --Marchi" And away we went. The rain wes trickling down my back and I was shivering from the cold.
 With the officer leading, we must have marched over an hour, blowing through the mud and occasionally stumbling Into shell hole in the road, when suddenly the officer made a lefr wheel. and we found ourselves in sort of enclosed courtyard.
 The dawn was breaking and the rain had ceased.
 In front of us were four stacks of rifles. three to stack.
 The officer brought us to attention and gave the order to unpile arms. We each took rife. Giving us stand at easesv in nervous and shaky voice. he informed: " aesa
 "Men. you are here on very solemn duty. You have been selected as firing squad for the execution of . sol- dier. who, having been found guilty of grievous crime against king and country. has been regularly and duly tried and sentenced to be shot at 8 :28 a. m. this date. This sentence has been by the reviewing authority and ordered carried out. It is our duty, 10 carry on with the sentence of the court.
 There are twelve rifles, one of which contains a blank cartridge, the other eleven containing ball cartridges. Every man is expected to do his duty and fire to kill Take your orders from me. Squad 'Shunf"
 We came to attention. Then he left. My heart was. of lead and my knees Shock.
 HitCt stuhdinS at uIthbu0 TUT what seemed week. though in reality It could not have been over Ave min utes we heard low whispering in our rear and footsteps on the stone flag ging of the courtyard. Our officer reappeared and In a low, but firm voice, ordered: "About-Turni We turned about. In the gray light of dawn, few yards in front of me, I could make out brick wall Against this wall was dark form with white square pinned on It's breast. We were supposed to aim at this square To the right of the form noticed u white spot | ,n the wall. This would be my target. Ready Aiml Fire F The dark form sank into huddied heap. My bullet sped on its way, and lit the whitish spot on the wall; | ,ould see the splInters fly. Some one