“Well the relief is going in and your men will soon be out.”
When Barry entered the Battalion Headquarters, he found only Major Bayne and Captain Neil, with a signaller and a couple of runners, completing the arrangements for the relief.
“You! Pilot!” exclaimed the major, as he gripped his hand. “Now what the devil brought you here?”
“Couldn't help it, major. Simply had to come. I have been trying to get you all day,” said Barry.
“Awfully glad to see you, old chap,” said Captain Neil, for the major was finding difficulty with his speech.
“How many left, major?” said Barry.
“Five officers and seventy men,” said the major in a husky voice. “My God, how those boys stuck.”
“I shall not be moved,” quoted Barry.
“That's it! That's it!” said the major. “Not the devil himself, let alone the Huns, could move them back from that wire. What is it, Sergeant Matthews?” he inquired of the sergeant who came in at that moment. “Have you completed your work?”
Sergeant Matthews was pale, panting and exhausted. “Yes, sir,” he said, “I think so. I didn't—I didn't—go quite the full length of the trench. The boys said there was no one up there.”