"Boston talking." The room grows quiet again as the Adjutant takes the message.
"2:36. Y-1 reports O. K."
"Everything fine and dandy," the Colonel observes, smiling.
"Boston talking." There is a pause.
"2:39. G-7 reports sending up three red rockets east of A-19. The operator thinks it's a signal for outposts to withdraw and also for counter barrage."
"Too late," snaps the Colonel. "There's a reception committee in Hades waiting for 'em right now."
At 2:40 the dugout door opens and in walks Doc Comfort from the Red Cross First Aid Station across the road.
"Certainly is a pretty sight, Colonel. Fritzies' front door is lit up like a cathedral at high mass."
At 2:41. "A very good beginning," remarks a short, fat French Major who sits beside the Colonel. He represents the French army corps.
2:43. "Boston talking,—Lieutenant Kernan reports everything quiet in his sector."