gure of a
stranger; a slender, wasted body, dark stains upon it in the moonlight.
It wore some kind of curious headgear. The man stared. The light was
reflected from the sharp points of long thorns. A cloth was fastened
about the loins. The figure stood very straight in the desecrated Holy
of Holies. A light seemed to come from its face. Its eyes looked at the
man with great pity. Slowly the figure raised its arms. Slowly the arms
extended themselves; there were blood-stains in the palms of the hands.
"It is He," whispered the priest. "His sorrow was greater than mine.
Lord, I believe."
He knew nothing more save that a great peace had suddenly stolen around
him.
VIII
The Broken Hearted
"ONE OF THE SOLDIERS WITH A SPEAR PIERCED HIS SIDE"
VIII
The Broken Hearted
"I'll get that man if I die for it," said the soldier. "He's found the
one position in the lines from which he can fire into our trenches."
"It's easier said than done," remarked his comrade, "and the minute you
cross that spot you come within his range. He'll put a bullet through
you before you can level a rifle or press a trigger."
"I'll not go that way," said the man.
"What is your plan?"
"You know that salient yonder on the right? I'm going out of the trench
there."
"When?"
"Now. I'll wrap myself in white. That little run of coppice will cover
me until I get within a few feet of him, then I'll have to chance it."
"Wish I could help you, old man. I'd like to get that man. He's shot six
of the best fellows in the company and--"
"You can help me by making a diversion to attract his attention. Keep
him looking at that alley."
A few moments later the soldier shrouded in white crept out of the
trench and noiselessly rolled down the slope to the bushes. The snow was
deep on the ground. There was no touch of color about the soldier. He
even thrust his rifle under the linen in which he had wrapped himself.
Outside the shelter of the trenches the wind blew with terrific force.
It was terribly cold. He had discarded his overcoat for freedom of
motion. Only his indomitable resolution kept him alive. He locked his
jaws together to keep his teeth from chattering. The ice-covered snow
under his bare hands almost blistered the flesh as he crept along.
He intended to use the bayonet. If he shot the man he was stalking alarm
would be given and he would be riddled with bullets before he got back.
He was willing to gi
|