meant to many there certain death gradually the earnest tones of the officer's voice died into the distance, while before their eyes flashed visions of far familiar hills and prairies fresh with rain, of rivers singing through forests green in a Canadian June, of loved faces—and then the deep voice of their leader brought them back overseas to a trench in the mud of the Flemish lowlands.
"Men," he was saying, "I want volunteers to go out and get that sentry-post. This is the job of A Company. If we get them without a racket, the —d Battalion will see the sunrise from the German's first line. If we make a mess of it, dawn will find most of us out there stiff in the mud. I want single men, for it's desperate work."
For an instant the men stood motionless, silent, as the officer waited, then the tall figure of Private Lecroix pushed forward from the rear and saluted.
"I weel get dem trench, seer," said the Cree, his eyes glittering with excitement, for he knew now that he had not ground the edge of that second knife in vain.
Then another and another followed the Cree, and passing down the trench, repeating his call. Booth soon had the pick of the company. From these, six were chosen.
"Lecroix," said the officer, "you've been out there and know the ground. You are in command of this party and will arrange the details at once."
The general attack was to start at one o'clock, so the six men on whose success depended the lives of hundreds of their comrades made their preparations.
