Conversation, carried on in subdued tones for some time, at length ceased altogether, though no one had yielded to the inclination to sleep. There seemed to be a curious feeling of unrest, of tense anticipation, which affected all of the Red Cross men and prevented their eyes from closing for more than a few moments at a time.
Don Hale found himself mechanically studying the scene about him. The glow of light from the lamp which stood by the side of the sous chef spread far enough out to reveal the businesslike appearance of the bureau. Numerous bulletins hung on the walls. Some included a list of the members of the section, the squads to which they belonged and the order of the driver's turns. Then, giving a certain military atmosphere to the place, rules and regulations to be observed by "La Section Sanitaire Automobile Americaine" were posted up, as well as documents from the "Médicin divisionnaire" and other officers. But, somehow, the wandering glances of the aviator's son nearly always returned to the bent-over figure of Watts and the telephone close beside him. A spot of light on the instrument that gleamed and sparkled like a star of the first magnitude seemed to have a peculiar, almost annoying fascination for him. Whichever way he moved his head its assertive sparkle caught him in the eye.
"I was almost sure we'd get a call before this," he exclaimed at length.
"Oh, I don't know," returned Watts. "Wendell anticipated that there might be some big doings to-night, and he has six cars stationed at Montaurennes. I hope they will be able to handle all the work."
Chase seemed to give a sigh of relief.
"The storm will soon be here," he declared. "The thunder is steadily growing louder."
"And the artillery, as though to rival its efforts, is pounding away more vigorously than ever," came from a partly-recumbent and shadowy figure in a far corner of the room.
The voice belonged to Dunstan.
"Well, we can't help it," grunted Weymouth.
He eased himself off the bench and after yawning several times began pacing forth and back. The others, weary, with blinking eyes, yet unable to sleep, evidently coming to the conclusion that any sort of action was preferable to remaining still, got up and joined him.