A regular series of detonations now shook the ground and jets of dust flew about the old hill. After the first furious discharge the firing abruptly ceased, to prepare a brief breathing space for a second discharge. This was a change in Major Tireson’s original policy. He had given the original order to have one bombardment and then to cease firing, but the order had been changed and two distinct shellings had been ordered. After a minute of silence the second period of firing began, and this time it was more scattered and not so furious. The cavalry unit waited quietly.
“In just about five minutes we’ll be on the march,” thought Jim, calming his restless black horse.
At that moment the telephone box at his feet emitted a buzzing sound. Somebody was calling for him, and with a frown Jim swung down from the horse.
“Now how in the world am I going to hear anything with that firing going on?” he grumbled. “And I wonder who can be calling me? I’m not supposed to receive any message now. Whoever it is certainly wants me in a hurry, judging by the way he is buzzing.”
9. Under Fire
Jim picked up the receiver of the telephone and spoke into it, holding the earpiece pressed close to his head. “Hello,” he shouted above the din of the artillery fire. “Cavalry unit, Lieutenant Mercer speaking.”
Somewhat faintly the answer came to him over the wire. “Mercer, this is Stillman calling. What in the world is happening? Why did they resume their firing?”
“That’s all right, Stillman,” returned Jim, thinking the new officer did not fully understand. “That was the major’s orders, two bombardments, and after that you are to call me and tell me when to join the infantry.”
“But don’t you understand, man?” called Stillman, frantically. “I sent a man over the hill when the fire stopped!”
“What!” roared Jim.