"All my men for to-night are veterans at the game.

Captain Prescott, do you wish to try your hand as a bomber tonight ?" "I am more expert, Lieutenant, with an automatic pistol." "Very good, then; you may stick to that weapon," agreed the lieutenant.
"The sergeant and three men will carry their rifles; the other three men will serve as bombers.

You observe that our faces and hands are blackened, as white faces betray one in No Man's Land.
We will now help you to black up." There followed some quick instructions, to all of which Dick listened attentively, for to him it was a new game.
"We have little gates cut through our own barbed wire," De Verne whispered in explanation.

"Do not be in a hurry, Captain, when you leave the trench.

Especially, take pains that you do not catch your clothing on any of the barbed wire as we crawl through." A few more whispered directions.