Part 19 (2/2)
Their own company, therefore, they found somewhat removed from the danger zone.
”Of course, it's better to be in the trenches, where there is a chance of action,” Chester said, ”but when a fellow needs sleep, as I do, I guess it's just as well that we're back here.”
”Right you are, Chester,” said Stubbs, ”and if you have no objections I'll bunk along with you boys.”
”Help yourself, Stubbs,” laughed Chester. ”Guess we can make room for you.”
”It's daylight yet,” said Stubbs, ”but I'm going to bed just the same.
Lead the way, Chester.”
Chester needed no urging, for he could scarcely keep his eyes open.
McKenzie hunted his own quarters, and soon was fast asleep.
Hal and Chester also soon were in slumberland, and Stubbs' loud snoring proclaimed that the little man's troubles were over for the moment at least.
CHAPTER XV
THE EVE OF BATTLE
”Good news, Chester.”
”That so? What is it?”
Hal glanced about him. There was no one near. ”Little work for us to do,” he said quietly.
”What kind of work?”
Hal did not reply directly to this question.
”How's your side?” he demanded.
”All right. Why?”
”Wound hurt you much?”
”No. Hardly know it's there. But what's all this about, anyhow?”
”Well,” said Hal, ”there is about to be a battle.”
”That so? Good. How do you know?”
”General Pers.h.i.+ng just told me. That's why I want to know how your side is. We've orders to report to General Haig in person.”
”Oh,” said Chester, somewhat disappointed, ”I thought you meant the American troops were going to get into action.”
”Well, they may get into action, too. I don't know. But this, to my mind, is the biggest undertaking since the Somme.”
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