RESERVES WAITING UNDER 203 METRE HILL.
'But Irman—Irman reports—and he knows what he is saying—he reports that the hill is in the enemy's hands, and it is essential for us to take steps to get the men away, to save our reserve, to, to——'
'I repeat, there is no particular danger; I have already taken the necessary steps,' said Smirnoff.
'But Irman, who commands that front, reports steps must be taken. The enemy will break through; he'll force the line, and there'll be a street massacre,' said Stössel and Fock together.
'They cannot break through the line of forts and intermediate works,' answered Smirnoff.
'Oh yes, they can. You must retrench—cut off Tea Valley—and thus prevent a possible dash through.'
'I have already said that to you,' said Fock to Stössel, 'and I urge it being done. It is absolutely necessary to retrench, to cut off into compartments.'
'I quite agree—I quite agree,' echoed Nickitin.
Fock turned to Stössel.