From the opposing lines a star shell rose and exploded, casting a greenish radiance over the barren stretch of No Man's Land that separated the hostile forces.
"Fritz isn't asleep," muttered Frank.
"He's right on the job with his fireworks," agreed Bart.
"Maybe he has his suspicions that we're going to give him a little surprise party," remarked Billy, "and that's his way of telling us that he's ready to welcome us with open arms."
"Fix bayonets!" came the command from the officer in charge, and there was a faint clink as the order was obeyed.
"It won't be long now," murmured Tom. "But why don't the guns open up?"
"They always do before it's time to charge," commented Billy, as he shifted his position a little. "I suppose they will now almost any minute."
"I don't think there'll be any gun fire this time before we go over the top," ventured Frank.
"What do you mean?" asked Bart in surprise, as he turned his head toward his chum.
"Do you know anything?" queried Tom.