"Now, we'll see how business is," he said, and led the way directly toward the trenches.
In the midst of the German soldiers, the lads did a thriving business, and, although they did not know it, the reason was because they were offering their wares at a much lower price than had been customary.
The soldiers joked with them and resorted to flattery in an attempt to cause them to reduce the price of the apples even more. The lads, talking in shrill, wheedling tones, joked back, and made quite a hit with the men in the trenches.
At last, having disposed of all their apples, and having come to a place somewhat more secluded than the rest, the lads sat down to wait. As they looked around, they observed that for some reason this short section had not been dug to fit in with the rest of the trenches. As a result they were out of sight of either side.
Becoming conscious of voices from beyond the little wall of earth to the right, the lads became silent and listened.
"Then everything is in readiness for the grand advance?" asked a voice.
"Yes," replied a second.
"And where will the assault be made?"
"At Soissons. The French are secure in their belief that a concerted attack will not be made for some time—at least not until the Kaiser, who, as you know has been very ill, returns to the front."
"I thought that myself."