Part 39 (1/2)

For close on three hours the bomb-fight went on. Little could be seen, for the struggle was all taking place upon the extreme right; but the sounds of conflict were plain enough. More bombs were pa.s.sed up, and yet more; men, some cruelly torn, were pa.s.sed down.

Then a signal-sergeant doubled up across country from somewhere in rear, paying out wire, and presently the word went forth that we were in touch with the Artillery. Directly after, sure enough, came the blessed sound and sight of British shrapnel bursting over our right front.

”That won't stop the present crowd,” said Wagstaffe, ”but it may prevent their reinforcements from coming up. We are holding our own, Bobby. What's that, Sergeant?”

”The Commanding Officer, sirr,” announced Sergeant Carfrae, ”has just pa.s.sed up that we are to keep a sharp look-out to our left. They've commenced for to bomb the English regiment now.”

”Golly, both flanks! This is getting a trifle steep,” remarked Wagstaffe.

Detonations could now be distinctly heard upon the left.

”If they succeed in getting round behind us,” said Wagstaffe in a low voice to Bobby, ”we shall have to fall back a bit, into line with the rest of the advance. Only a few hundred yards, but it means a lot to _us_!”

”It hasn't happened yet,” said Bobby stoutly.

Captain Wagstaffe knew better. His more experienced eye and ear had detected the fact that the position of the regiment upon the left was already turned. But he said nothing.

Presently the tall figure of the Colonel was seen, advancing in leisurely fas.h.i.+on along the trench, stopping here and there to exchange a word with a private or a sergeant.

”The regiment on the left may have to fall back, men,” he was saying.

”We, of course, will stand fast, and cover their retirement.”

This most characteristic announcement was received with a matter-of-fact ”Varra good, sir,” from its recipients, and the Colonel pa.s.sed on to where the two officers were standing.

”Hallo, Wagstaffe,” he said; ”good-morning! We shall get some very pretty shooting presently. The enemy are ma.s.sing on our left front, down behind those cottages. How are things going on our right?”

”They are holding their own, sir.”

”Good! Just tell Ayling to get his guns trained. But doubtless he has done so already. I must get back to the other flank.”

And back to the danger-spot our C.O. pa.s.sed--an upright, gallant figure, saying little, exhorting not at all, but instilling confidence and cheerfulness by his very presence.

Half-way along the trench he encountered Major Kemp.

”How are things on the left, sir?” was the Major's _sotto voce_ inquiry.

”Not too good. Our position is turned. We have been promised reinforcements, but I doubt if they can get up in time. Of course, when it comes to falling back, this regiment goes last.”

”Of course, sir.”

IV

_Highlanders! Four hundred yards! At the enemy advancing half-left, rapid fire_!

Twenty minutes had pa.s.sed. The regiment still stood immovable, though its left flank was now utterly exposed. All eyes and rifles were fixed upon the cl.u.s.ter of cottages. Through the gaps that lay between these could be discerned the advance of the German infantry--line upon line, moving towards the trench upon our left. The ground to our front was clear. Each time one of these lines pa.s.sed a gap the rifles rang out and Ayling's remaining machine-gun uttered joyous barks. Still the enemy advanced. His shrapnel was bursting overhead; bullets were whistling from nowhere, for the attack in force was now being pressed home in earnest.

The deserted trench upon our left ran right through the cottages, and this restricted our view. No hostile bombers could be seen; it was evident that they had done their bit and handed on the conduct of affairs to others. Behind the shelter of the cottages the infantry were making a safe detour, and were bound, unless something unexpected happened, to get round behind us.

”They'll be firing from our rear in a minute,” said Kemp between his teeth. ”Lochgair, order your platoon to face about and be ready to fire over the parados.”