"It certainly does," Hal agreed, "but you never can tell, you know."
"True enough. It's as likely as not that one of us may fall yet before the war ends."
"I guess not," Hal said. "We've gone through four years of it now. I've begun to believe we bear charmed lives."
"It does seem so, but it only takes one bullet, in the proper place, to settle that argument."
"That's right enough," Hal admitted, "but I've a feeling that we shall both live to spend many pleasant days in the United States."
"Oh, I'm not thinking of getting killed," Chester declared. "I'm just remarking on what is possible."
"Anything is possible at this age of the world," said Hal sententiously.
The lads now had come within sight of Major Lawrence's detachment. Bullets were flying thick and fast among the American troops, who had sought the shelter of long lines of funk holes, until recently in possession of the enemy. Chester delivered his message at once.
"Well," said Major Lawrence, "I guess we'll be about here when the war ends. Believe me, I am not going to order an advance when I know the war's about over, and I don't think the enemy will."
"They seem bent on doing all the mischief they can while they have a chance, Major," said Hal.