Even in the darkness these Allied officers exchanged salutes smartly.

Then, gripping his automatic tightly, and realizing that he was now "on his own," as the British Tommies put it, he disappeared into the nearest traverse.
Prescott did not hurry.

He had nothing to expect from his own little prowl, and his purpose in going alone had been to develop his knowledge of this new kind of soldier's work.
Sixty or seventy yards Dick had progressed when, in a traverse, he thought he heard low voices ahead.
"The enemy, if any one!" he thought, with a start, halting quickly.
Straining his ears, he listened.

Undoubtedly there were voices somewhere ahead, though he could distinguish no word that was spoken.
"As I haven't seen an enemy yet, I'm going to do so if I can," the young captain instantly resolved.
Stepping to the end of the traverse, he peered around the jog.
That next length of trench appeared to be deserted, yet certainly the voices sounded nearer.
"I've got to have that look!" Dick told himself, exulting in the chance.
Softly he strode forward, then halted all in a flash.

And no wonder! For he found himself standing close to the entrance to a frontline dug-out that sloped down into the earth.