“Shure,” replied our ever disputing Quinn, “and it may mane a doctor’s saw,” and then seeing by his wounded comrade’s face that his remark was cutting deeper than he intended, added more softly, “a pretty Red Cross nurse and a vacation. An’ I almost wish it was meself that was in your place.”
Our lieutenant was more severely wounded than was at first thought and we learned that it was the opinion of the surgeons that it would be a long time, if ever, before he was able to resume his duties with the company.
Here let me, unwillingly, record the fact that Muddy did not prove to be a hero. When the racket began, he tucked his tail between his legs and with a whine and an apologetic look at me over his shoulder, scampered off in a most unheroic manner.
“This means promotion to some one,” said our men, when it was known that our first lieutenant, Reese, was not likely to resume duty on account of the severity of his wounds.
In spite of hardships and battle, to which, however, we were becoming reconciled, we professed ourselves enthusiastically ready for another “bout” with the Boches, and didn’t care who knew it!
I was very proud, for my friend Jonathan gained the good opinion of his officers and men, by his soldierly coolness and courage.
“Say,” said Sutherland confidentially, “them German chaps don’t take a back seat in fighting, I guess.”
“It is no use to dispute the fact that they are brave men,” I answered.
“Aw!” said Pat, “of course, or they wouldn’t be holdin’ on here in France by their teeth like so many divils. An’ I haven’t a doubt that ould Satan himsilf is a brave one too.”
Thus ended our first real fight in France, the memory of which gave us courage for the fighting before us. One of the results was seen a few weeks after, when First Sergeant Nickerson was promoted to be second lieutenant of my company, in place of Lieutenant Reese, who was mustered out of the service with honors on account of wounds. I was also promoted to be a second sergeant, and no one but myself knew how undeserved was my advancement; though there came a time soon when I thought I deserved it better.