Just behind him was one of his own infantrymen, Prescott coming third and carrying his automatic pistol ready for instant use.
Counting the number of trench sections and traverses through which they passed Dick estimated that they moved east fully two hundred yards.

In all that distance they did not encounter a German soldier.
"The Huns who sent up the flares," De Verne paused to whisper to Dick, "must have been the last of the enemy in these trenches.
It made them appear to be on guard, and vigilantly so, and right after sending up the flares they withdrew to lines at the rear.
It is, I suspect, an old trick of theirs when they wish to leave the front to rest or feed.

I shall so report it." At last the lieutenant halted his men.

He had penetrated as far as he deemed necessary.
"We will go back and pick up the sergeant," he said.

"But first I shall send a man down one of the communication trenches to learn if the enemy are numerous in the second-line trenches." "How long will that take ?" Dick whispered.
"At least ten minutes." "Then may I try to penetrate a little further east along this line ?" "Why not ?" "I will try to be back soon," Dick promised.