Their stay in the rest camp was made pleasant by the ministrations of the Y. M. C. A. and the Knights of Columbus representatives. The chums and their comrades spent much time in the different huts, where they were entertained and could get hot chocolate, candy or chewing gum—rations not then issued by the army commissary.
“If it wasn’t for these organizations war would be a whole lot worse than it is,” declared Jerry, as they came from a Y. M. C. A. meeting and moving-picture show one evening.
“And don’t forget the Salvation Army!” chimed in Bob. “The fried holes those lassies turn out 134 are the best I ever ate—not excepting those mother used to make.”
“Yes, those doughnuts fill a big void, even if they have a hole in the middle,” agreed Ned.
But all good things—even Salvation Army doughnuts—come to an end some time, and so did the rest period of the three friends. Back to the trenches they went, to find out that what Ned had predicted was about to happen. An attack of considerable magnitude was in preparation, and it was to be as much of a surprise to the Germans as possible.
“It’s going to be over the top all right,” declared Jerry, when, one evening, they received their final instructions. The attack, preceded by a brief artillery preparation, was to take place at dawn, the “zero hour” selected.
It was believed, and was proved true as after events showed, that by considerably shortening the artillery fire, the Germans would be unprepared. They were used to the big guns bombarding them for a day or more at a stretch before the infantry came over. This was to be a change.
The night before the attack was a nervous one. Yet those not on duty managed to get some sleep. For many it would be their last.
Then came the general awakening, and the moving of the men along the trenches to the posts assigned to them. Each squad of men was in 135 charge of an officer, commissioned or noncommissioned, and in Jerry’s squad were Ned and Bob.
“Go over the top with a rush when you get the signal, which will be three whistles after the barrage has ceased,” were the instructions, and Ned, Bob, and Jerry, with their comrades, prepared to do this.