Almost immediately the orderly called out:
"Speaking, Herr Hauptmann!"
Von Waldhofer picked up the receiver.
"What is happening?"
"The bombardment is continuing," came the reply. "Much damage is being done to the trenches. Some sectors are almost obliterated. My wire has already been cut twice."
"No infantry attack?"
"Not yet. This is evidently preparatory."
"Keep me informed," said von Waldhofer, and put down the receiver. He turned to Eberstein. "Well, we shall soon see."
"There will be nothing," replied the lieutenant with his contemptuous laugh. "I should like to bet on it. If there were a patent way of breaking down trench lines, it would not be the Englanders who invented it. It would be we Germans!—--"
"Hush!" said von Waldhofer. "Listen!"