There still being no response, the sentry advanced toward a line of bushes.
He stepped through, peering beyond.
Almost without sound four C Company men leaped at the sentry, clutching him by the throat and bearing him to the ground.
The captured sentry was able to make only a low gurgling sound in his throat. His rifle was snatched away from him. Working at professional speed, the sentry was gagged and bound, then tossed upon the ground once more, while a C Company man sat upon him.
"Now, take the word back, Daly," ordered the non-commissioned officer in command of the captors.
The sentry did not offer to struggle. It was as though he feared physical punishment would be inflicted upon him if he dared attempt to make trouble.
Little did the exultant C Company men dream that this solitary sentry was the only man on guard duty for B Company. The fact was that this sentry had been posted with explicit instructions to allow himself to be captured without making any outcry or firing his rifle.
Three minutes later the ground about the captured sentry appeared to be covered with dimly defined figures of advancing men—soldiers in full field equipment.
It was C Company, advancing by column of twos, with Captain Freeman and Lieutenant Ray at the head, and Lieutenant Greg Holmes, alertly watchful of the line, at the rear.
Into the ravine C Company advanced, moving with barely a sound. It was Freeman's intention to reform his men once they were through the ravine and advance, yelling and firing, upon a surprised camp.