"However, Major Wells, as I was explaining to you-----" Here recourse was again had to the maps, which the officers of the staff had brought along.
Before dark supper was served at division headquarters in this dug-out reached through the cellar of a ruined house.
"If it were not that I expect an attack tonight, and must be at my post, it would give me delight to go with you and show you our trenches," said the division commander at parting.
Private Berger had been summoned to lead the party through the intricate system of communication trenches to the front.

Berger, who was a short, squat fellow with a sallow face and uneasy black eyes, took his seat beside the soldier chauffeur.
For only a little more than a mile the Americans proceeded in the car, which then halted, and all hands stepped out into the dark night.
"From here on we must walk," announced Captain Ribaut.

"Berger, be sure that you take us by the most direct route.

Do not take us into the Hun trenches to-night." "I know the way excellently, my captain," Berger replied briefly.
For some distance they walked over open country, made dangerous, however, by the presence of gaping shell-holes.

Runners, soldiers and others passed them going to or from the trenches.