Seemed past our picket tossed

With wild hair streaming in his face—

“We’re lost—we’re lost—we’re lost.”

“Front, front—in God’s name—front!” he cried:

“Our ammunition’s gone!”

He turned a face of dazed dismay—

And through the night sped on!

“Men, follow me!” cried McIlrath,

Our acting Sergeant then;

And when he gave the word he knew