The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1940-12-06
by Rupert Grayson

be the dangerous one. AS the en-
envy could not fire at them without
risk of destroying all their ammu-
nitions, they could do little when
it was light enough to see-espe-
cially as there were several boxes
of cartridges in the arsenal which
fitted the old-fashioned. but effec-
tive, Remington rifles with which
the defenders, were equipped, Sc
that their ammunition was practi-
cally unlimited.
But during the darkness the
danger of the place being rushed
was considerable.
What Gun haG hoped to find was
some magnesium or other flares.
Break up. these cases, Tommy,
and take particular care OF those
with nails in EN-"
Then came Corals voice:
Il think they're coming out of
the Factory-but it's almost i'm
possible to see properly now"
Collect all the wood" said Gun
to Tommy, and proceeded to explain
his plan, which was simple, but
sounded as though it would be eff
fective.
A few minutes later ana the last
Of the moon had gone and it was
dark.
Come on, Tommy" said Gun
you work to the left, I'll do the
same to the right. Use your torch
as little as possible"
They crept out, distributed their
pieces of wood all along the front
OF the arsenal, and about sixty
yards away, placing the thin pieces
of wood down in such a manner
that If trodden upon they would
break and the sound would act as
warning.
The wood that had nails In was
placed carefully with the points OF
the nails upward. The men about
the Factory habitually wore rub
ber-soled shoes, and on this occa-
sion they would be certain to wear
them, to avoid noise.
In a very short time they had
distributed their wood, and so far
had heard no sign Of the enemy
They then retired on the arsenal
stepped over the breastwork, anc
crouched behind It, their rifles ir
their hands and pile Of cartridges
between them.
It was nervous work waiting
there, in the pitch darkness. Con
versation, even in whispers. was
impossible, owing to the necessity
Of keeping their ears strained fol
any sound which might herald the
approach of the enemy.
There were stars overhead, ye
the darkness seemed, after a while
to be enwrapping them like {
shroud.
They crouched behind thei
breastwork, Coral In the middle
Gun on the left. and Tommy OF
the right.
Presently Gun heard the rattl'
Of a rifle being moved slightly be
side him, and then a slim, rattle
hot hand found his own and clunl
there.
A voice whispered in his ear
do you mind. Gun? This wait
ing, I mean"
"Waitings always a long an,
trying business" Gun whispers
back.
Trying. Good Lord, I'm scare,
stiff"
IL wouldn't worry too rluch. IT.
be quick when 1t comes
"Oh, I'm not worried abou
THAT! It's only that I'm scare
OF the dark
People talk about "the darkes
hour before the dawn" Gun, flash
ing bis torch on to his wrist watcf
decided that that hom had com,
Certainly it could not be niue
darker.
BY this time their nerves wer
on edge. Coral was depressing a
inclination to scream only by shee
will-power, and her feelings wer'
in some way, communicated
Gun. The silence was as bad a
the darkness.
And then. without warning, ther
came something for them to hea
A sharp cracking sound. Someor
had stepped on their wood.
Followed almost instantly
sharp cry OF pain. and then
curse:
Lord The grounds full I
spikes"
Coral instantly fred at u
sound. then pulled the trigg'
, again and again.
Guns hand went TO his mouth
l - .1~tktrr OUT In