“Why is this?” inquired the O. C.
“There's the answer, sir,” said the officer coolly.
There was a long drawn whine which rapidly grew into a shriek and an H. E. shell dropped fair in the road, a short distance in front.
“Oh, I see, you have some of these birds down in this country, too.”
“Yes, sir, this is their breeding ground,” said the young lieutenant.
Once more came the long whining shriek and the terrific blast of the H. E., this time closer.
“I would not delay, sir, if I were you,” said the young chap coolly, pulling out his cigarette case. “They get rather ugly at times.”
“What about you?” inquired the O. C. moving off.
“Part of my job, sir,” replied the youth, saluting.
“Well, good luck, boy,” said the O. C., trotting to the head of the column.