Still another outburst of rifles. Flat on my stomach on the water-sodden grass I look upon a second fire the reflection of whose ruddy glow seems to be carved out of the night's opacity—that must be the Vauxmarie farm burning.
Behind us a voice unexpectedly rings out:
"Ohé! Trenches there? Is there anyone of the —th here."
I reply: "Present."
"An officer?"
"I am Lieutenant. Who is asking?"
"It is I, Lieutenant."
A man presents himself to me and tells me he has been sent by Captain C——.
"Come quickly … quickly, with every man you can find. The flag is near here among the trees and the Captain is afraid that unless he has assistance he will not be able to save it."
We set out instantly following the orderly.