“Steady, now, major,” said Barry. “I'm going to take a walk to the end of that trench, just in case one of the boys should be there. Don't say no. It must be done and done carefully.”
“All right, Barry,” said the major, suddenly yielding. “Better take the sergeant with you. He knows the way, and I guess he's all right now.”
The major and Captain Neil followed the party up the stairs and out into the trench. It was a beautiful starry night, and all was quiet now along the front.
“I don't like it,” said the major, as he and Captain Neil stood together watching the party away. “I feel queer about it, Neil. I tell you I wish I hadn't let him go, but he is so darned stubborn about what he thinks is his duty.”
“By Jove! Major, he always bucks me up somehow,” said Captain Neil.
“Bucks us all up,” said the major, and he turned to take up again the heavy burden of responsibility so suddenly and so terribly laid upon him. The relief had been completed, and the last N. C. O. had just reported “all clear.” The Headquarters Company, now reduced to a poor half dozen, were standing ready to move, when the telephone rang.
“Yes, doctor,” said the major, answering it. “Oh, my God! My God! Not that, doctor! Oh, God help us all! I'll be right down. It's the Pilot, Neil,” he said, turning to his friend. “Just take charge, will you please. I must run.”
Breathless he arrived at the R. A. P.
“Any chance, doctor?” he asked of the M. O. who was standing awaiting him at the door.
“Not the very least, major, and he only has a few minutes. He wants you.”