The roll of the hostile artillery ceased as though controlled by a single volition, remained silent for a few seconds and then, with one thunder-surge of sound, recommenced.
"The barrage has lifted!" cried von Waldhofer. He raised his voice to be heard by the Oberfeldwebel who waited megaphone in hand, his legs visible halfway down the dug-out steps. "All ready, sergeant-major?"
"All ready, Herr Hauptmann," replied the tranquil voice of the N.C.O.
The telephone bell rang again in the dug-out.
"Message from observation officer!" proclaimed the orderly.
Von Waldhofer snatched up the instrument.
"Yes?"
"Barrage!"
"Fire!" shouted von Waldhofer to the Oberfeldwebel.