“That will teach the Heinies a lesson,” remarked Phil grimly. “I hope some of our shells reach their batteries and put them out of commission.”
“I guess we all hope that, Phil,” returned Dave.
The bombardment from both sides increased in intensity as the day advanced. And it must be admitted that all of the engineers worked under a tremendous nervous strain, not knowing at what instant a shell might explode among them, causing much destruction.
“No use in talking, Dave, we are taking our lives in our hands here, in spite of the protection of the rocks and trees,” remarked Roger.
He had scarcely uttered the words when a shell came over the trees in front of them, to hit the rocks a short distance to their left. It exploded with tremendous force, scattering pieces of shrapnel, bits of wood, loose stones, and chunks of dirt in all directions.
Dave was hit in the chin by a small stone, and a stick of wood caught him directly across the stomach, doubling him up for the time being. Roger and some of the others were also struck, while Ben received a shower of dirt in his eyes which almost blinded him.
“Great Cæsar!” exclaimed Phil, after the excitement attending the explosion had somewhat subsided. “That’s getting almost too close for comfort.”
“Anybody seriously injured?” questioned the young sergeant, as he wiped a little blood from his chin and put his hand down on his stomach, which felt sore from the blow.
“I’ve got about a pound of dirt in my eyes,” answered Ben, as he started to wipe his optics with a corner of his handkerchief.
No one had been seriously injured, for which all were thankful, but there were numerous small cuts and bruises, and the engineers retired closer to the shelter of the rocks to catch their breath and attend to their hurts.