We are holding our own,
Bobby. What's that, Sergeant?"
"The Commanding Officer, sirr," announced Sergeant Carfrae, "has just
passed up that we are to keep a sharp look-out to our left. They've
commenced for to bomb the English regiment now."
"Golly, both flanks! This is getting a trifle steep," remarked
Wagstaffe.
Detonations could now be distinctly heard upon the left.
"If they succeed in getting round behind us," said Wagstaffe in a low
voice to Bobby, "we shall have to fall back a bit, into line with the
rest of the advance. Only a few hundred yards, but it means a lot to
_us_!"
"It hasn't happened yet," said Bobby stoutly.
Captain Wagstaffe knew better. His more experienced eye and ear had
detected the fact that the position of the regiment upon the left was
already turned. But he said nothing.
Presently the tall figure of the Colonel was seen, advancing in
leisurely fashion along the trench, stopping here and there to
exchange a word with a private or a sergeant.
"The regiment on the left may have to fall back, men," he was saying.
"We, of course, will stand fast, and cover their retirement."
This most characteristic announcement was received with a
matter-of-fact "Varra good, sir," from its recipients, and the Colonel
passed on to where the two officers were standing.
"Hallo, Wagstaffe," he said; "good-morning! We shall get some very
pretty shooting presently.
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