“Seven will do,” said the C.O. “But what have you done to yourself? I’ve never seen you look so smart. Is that a new tunic?”
“Well, sir,” said MacTaggart with a grin, “I thought I might as well get killed like a gentleman.”
“You are a gruesome young devil,” said the Adjutant. “Are you coming to tea at Headquarters?”
“Well, as a matter of fact we’ve got a previous invitation coupled with a salmon from A Coy,” replied the graceless youth, “and unless you’ve anything better. . . .”
“Oh, get along,” said the C.O. “Have you got a watch yet?”
“No, sir, I’m borrowing David Sutherland’s.” And the raiding party dispersed each to a dug-out to feed at other people’s expense.
During tea the fear which had possessed the two officers left them, and a pleasant tranquillity based on the reflexion that it couldn’t be helped took its place; but the sensation of unreality was very strong as they sat in the dug-out with their friends just as they had done a hundred times; only now they were going over the top in two hours’ time. At last at seven they girded on their weapons, and stumbled up the dug-out steps.
