"Yes, but they're not shell-proof. They have to be deeper in the ground than this to be safe from high explosive shells."
The two young soldiers continued along the trench. Many of the dug-outs, similar to that they had just left, were in ruins. Jacques was correct when he said they were not proof against the big shells. Most of them were destroyed, the logs splintered to kindling-wood and strewn far and wide over the ground.
"Where does this lead, do you suppose?" demanded Leon suddenly.
"Let's follow it and see," exclaimed Jacques readily.
A blind alley ran off from the main trench and it was this that the two boys were following. There was a narrow doorway at the end of the alley and through this they advanced.
"Another dug-out, I suppose," said Jacques.
"Looks like a real one," exclaimed Leon. "Whew!" he whistled in amazement as he descended the stairs and stepped out into the underground room.
"Say," said Jacques warmly, "some general must have lived here."
"I should think as much," agreed Leon. "Just look around you; rugs on the floor, pictures and mirrors on the wall."
"And a wonderful stove; let's make some tea," cried Jacques eagerly.