"Magnifique," says the French Major.
3:04. "Boston talking. X-10 reports gas in Bois des Seicheprey."
3:05. "Boston talking. Hello, yes, nothing coming in here to amount to anything. Just had a gas warning but none arrived yet."
3:07. "Boston talking,——Yes, all right" (turning to Colonel), "operator just received message from storming party 'so far so good.'"
"Not so bad for thirty-seven minutes after opening of the operation," remarks the Colonel.
"What is 'so far so good'?" inquires the French Major, whose knowledge of English did not extend to idioms. Some one explained.
3:09. "Boston talking—Watson reports all quiet around 23 now."
"Guess that barrage changed their minds," remarks the Colonel.
With gas mask at alert, I walked out for a breath of fresh air. The atmosphere in a crowded dugout is stifling. From guns still roaring in the rear and from in front came the trampling sound of shells arriving on German positions. The first hints of dawn were in the sky. I returned in time to note the hour and hear:
3:18. "Boston talking—O-P reports enemy dropping line of shells from B-4 to B-8."