Someone raises and carries me with strong, careful arms. The sensation is good. Then some burning liquid scorches my mouth and throat, and instantly causes me to open my eyes. Close to my face, a voice asks:
"How do you feel now?"
"It is nothing at all," I say weakly. "Fatigue! no sleep … nothing to eat. Been fighting all night. It is all right!"
I am lying in a trench covered with muddy straw. Near me is a lieutenant and several men. It is the former who just spoke to me and who presses whiskey upon me from his flask.
I look at the collar of his coat and see the number of the regiment I have been seeking.
"Ah! So I have found you," I cried. "Is the whole regiment here?"
The abruptness of my question takes him back for a moment.
"Yes, that is so! Didn't you know?"
"I should say I didn't, seeing that I have zig-zagged all over the countryside for you and Colonel G——. We hadn't the slightest idea where to find you at the advance post and for hours we, unsupported, have been at grips with more Germans than you could count in a week.
"You are wanted very badly indeed over there. Do you know where he is—Colonel G——?"