."

3:21. "Boston talking--23 reports that the barrage called for in their
sector was because the enemy had advanced within two hundred yards of
his first position. Evidently they wanted to start something, but the
barrage nipped them and they fell back fast."

"Perfect," says the French Major.

3:25. "Boston talking--two green and two red rockets were sent up by the
enemy from behind Richecourt."

"Hell with 'em, now," the Colonel remarks.

3:28. "Boston talking--all O. K. in Z-2. Still waiting to hear from
Michel."

"I rather wish they had developed their counter attack," says the
Colonel. "I have a reserve that would certainly give them an awful
wallop."

3:30. "Boston talking--more gas in Bois des Seicheprey."

3:33. "Boston talking--white stars reported from Richecourt."

"They must be on their way back by this time," says the Colonel, looking
at his watch.

3:37. "Boston talking,--enemy now shelling on the north edge of the
town. A little gas."

3:40. "Boston talking--X-1 reports some enemy long range retaliation on
our right.

"They'd better come back the other way," says the Colonel.

"That was the intention, sir," the lieutenant reported from across the
room.

3:42. "Boston talking--signalman with the party reports everything O.
K."

"We don't know yet whether they have had any losses or got any
prisoners," the Colonel remarks. "But the mechanism seems to have
functioned just as well as it did in the last raid. We didn't get a
prisoner that time, but I sorter feel that the boys will bring back a
couple with them to-night."

3:49. "Boston talking--G-9 reports some of the raiding party has
returned and passed that point."

"Came back pretty quick, don't you think so, Major?" said the Colonel
with some pride. "Must have returned over the top."

It is 3:55 when we hear fast footsteps on the stone stairs leading down
to the dugout entrance. There is a sharp rap on the door followed by the
Colonel's command, "Come in."

A medium height private of stocky build, with shoulders heaving from
laboured breathing and face wet with sweat, enters. He removes his
helmet, revealing disordered blonde hair. He faces the Colonel and
salutes.

"Sir, Sergeant Ransom reports with message from Liaison officer. All
groups reached the objectives. No enemy encountered on the right, but a
party on the left is believed to be returning with prisoners. We blew up
their dugouts and left their front line in flames.