"I wonder what that means," thought Bob, as he found his way towards the spot where the Colonel was. A minute later his heart was beating high with joy and excitement. He was informed that he was appointed to a post of responsibility, which might be of importance. A number of men were to be placed under his command, and great events might be taking place in a few hours.
"I shall know definitely soon," Colonel Sapsworth said, when he had given him some general directions. "Meanwhile you know what to do."
He had scarcely spoken, when a man came to the a tent and asked for admission; a second later he had entered, bearing a despatch.
Colonel Sapsworth read it hastily.
"By God!" he muttered under his breath; "but I expected it!"
It was a despatch sent from the General of the Division telling him that an attack on his forces would possibly be made that day—that men in the Flying Corps had been able to see the general movements of the enemy, and had brought the news that before long great masses of men would be upon them.
A few minutes later everything was in order. The officers had each received his instructions, and were on the qui vive.
It was only half an hour past daylight, and the dewdrops were still glistening on the grass and shining on the tree-tops. It seemed as if some occult influences were at work, and that the men were conscious of the fact that the atmosphere was laden with tragedy, for instead of laughter and merry jest, a strange silence prevailed.
Only one sound broke the great stillness which had fallen on the camp.
It was the sound of a body of men singing:
"O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home."